A leading investor has warned young entrepreneurs against glorifying hustle culture, saying that constantly overworking does not guarantee success. Kevin O'Leary said working excessively without proper rest can negatively affect performance, judgement and productivity.
In a recent Instagram video, Kevin O'Leary criticised the growing trend among startup founders of boasting about extremely long workdays.
The post was shared with the caption, "Young founders love to brag about working 18 hours a day. That's stupid. You need sleep, good food, and exercise if you want to make good decisions."
He questioned how working 18 hours a day could realistically be considered effective or sustainable.
O'Leary stressed that proper sleep, good nutrition and maintaining focus are essential for long-term success. He also pointed to evidence suggesting that important decisions should ideally be made earlier in the day, when energy levels are highest and the mind is fresh.
Health over hustle
Kevin O'Leary also rejected the notion that exhaustion reflects dedication or ambition. He said that if someone appears constantly tired or unhealthy, he would avoid investing in them.
According to him, extreme fatigue does not demonstrate strength, but instead turns a person into a liability.
Importance of basic habits
He further explained that lack of sleep and poor health can significantly reduce a person's ability to make decisions and execute plans effectively — qualities he considers crucial in entrepreneurs.
Rather than glorifying nonstop work, O'Leary emphasised the importance of maintaining basic habits such as eating well, exercising regularly and getting adequate rest, saying these are key to optimising performance and improving overall effectiveness in business.
