Sunny Varkey, the Indian-born chairman of Dubai-based GEMS Education, has reignited the debate on work-life balance after making a bold statement: to achieve success, one must have the ability to work 24/7.
In a candid conversation with Emirati podcaster Anas Bukhash, Varkey opened up about his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming the head of one of the largest private education groups in the world. The billionaire reflected on how determination, discipline, and relentless passion shaped his path to success.
In one of the segments, when Bukhash asked if someone could truly be successful and still maintain work-life balance, Varkey admitted that achieving both is not easy. “One should definitely try to maintain a balance,” he said. However, he added a thought-provoking perspective - “If I work eight hours like everybody else, I won’t be successful,” he said.
“One must have the passion, and then you must have the ability to literally work 24/7” to achieve success, the billionaire stated.
Indian billionaire on work-life balance
Further, Varkey emphasized that his achievements were not accidental but the result of a lifestyle built on hard work and persistence. Sharing insights into his success mantra, he explained that building a global business with purpose demands extraordinary commitment.
“I worked almost 24/7. Today, I work 24/7, literally. And the team works with me on the same level and same pace. It would be good if one could have a work-life balance, but it won’t be very easy. It’s just difficult,” he said.
“Somebody has to work hard to achieve things. Nobody gives you a free hand in today’s world, nobody.. You have to work hard, but sometimes it’s difficult to have a work-life balance,” the billionaire stated.
Sourcer: Hindustan Times
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
