Does work ethic matter in an AI world full of assistants and co-pilots? Here is Google‘s former CEO sharing insights in a video that has mysteriously disappeared from Stanford University’s YouTube channel(!).
In the video, Eric Schmidt shared a thought-provoking insight that got me thinking deeply about the evolving nature of work in high-tech environments.
He said: “Google decided that work-life balance and going home early and working from home was more important than winning. And the reason startups work is because the people work like hell.”
He highlighted a dinner conversation with Elon Musk, who had a flight at 10pm for a midnight meeting with his team at xAI.
This got me wondering: In a world increasingly driven by AI, does human work ethic still matter?
Schmidt’s answer is clear: Yes, more than ever.
In industries with powerful network effects—where speed and scale are everything—time is the ultimate currency. The tech giants and startups that dominate aren’t just leveraging technology; they’re leveraging every waking hour, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
But here’s the kicker: In the race to lead, work ethic becomes a differentiator.
It’s easy to assume that as AI automates more tasks, the human effort required will decrease. But the truth is, AI isn’t just replacing work—it’s amplifying the need for speed, creativity, and relentless drive.
So, here’s the question for all of us: Are we moving fast enough to stay relevant in a world where AI accelerates everything?
Work-life balance is crucial, but in certain contexts—especially where network effects are in play—the willingness to “work like hell” might still be the key to winning.
What are your thoughts on balancing the need for intense work ethic with the realities of life outside the office?
#Leadership #AI #WorkEthic #Innovation #Startups #TechIndustry
