Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary Shifts Stance, Warns Against 'Hustle Culture' Glorification
For a generation of aspiring entrepreneurs, the pressure to grind relentlessly has become a rite of passage. Yet, one of television's most recognizable investors is now issuing a stark warning against romanticizing the burnout.
In a recent social media post, Shark Tank star and venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary challenged the core tenet of modern hustle culture, directly addressing Gen Z founders. "The worst advice I hear young founders talk about all the time is that they want to work 18 hours a day. How stupid is that?" O'Leary stated, arguing that such extremes are counterproductive to building a sustainable business.
His comments arrive as debates over work-life balance intensify, particularly in tech hubs. While China outlawed the grueling "996" schedule (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week), similar expectations have found new adherents elsewhere. Some Silicon Valley startups openly advertise 70-plus hour work weeks as a prerequisite for employment.
O'Leary's position marks a notable evolution for the investor, who has historically championed extreme work ethic. He now contends that foundational health practices are non-negotiable for peak performance. "This idea that you don't get any sleep, as if it's good for investors, is sheer stupidity," he said. "Eating well, getting sleep, and exercising are how you optimize."
The shift reflects a broader, if gradual, recalibration among business leaders. From CEOs mandating daily digital detoxes to scheduling deliberate unreachable retreats, there's growing acknowledgment of the costs of "toxic productivity." Research from institutions like Harvard Medical School links chronic overwork to heightened risks of stress, insomnia, and depression.
O'Leary's bottom line for founders is brutally pragmatic: "If you show up looking half-dead, I'm not investing. You're not a hero, you're a liability."
Reactions & Analysis:
Dr. Anya Sharma, Organizational Psychologist at Kellogg School: "O'Leary is highlighting what data has shown for years: sustainable output requires sustainable input. This isn't about coddling; it's about cognitive capital. Rested founders make better strategic decisions."
Marcus Chen, Serial Founder (Age 24): "It's easy for someone who's already made it to preach balance. When you're bootstrapping with limited runway, every waking hour counts. This advice feels disconnected from the visceral reality of early-stage survival."
Rebecca Torres, VC Partner at Greenpoint Ventures: "Finally, a voice of reason. We've passed on brilliant teams simply because they were on a fast track to burnout. A founder's ability to build a resilient culture starts with their own resilience."
Jordan P. (Commenter on TechCrunch): "This is pure hypocrisy. O'Leary built his fortune on the 'work 25 hours a day' ethos he now condemns. It's a PR-friendly pivot for the cameras, nothing more. The system he benefits from still rewards the grind."
This analysis expands on a report originally featured on Fortune.com.