Why Greylock's Glen Evans Says Your All-Nighter Culture Is Actually Anti-Growth

This segment examines the resurgence of "996" work culture (9 AM to 9 PM, six days weekly) among Silicon Valley's early-stage founders. Nolan analyzes the tension between demanding work schedules and talent attraction, drawing from Glen Evans' LinkedIn critique. He argues these intensive cultures suit certain life stages and career priorities, emphasizing that both high-intensity startups and work-life balance approaches can coexist as conscious trade-offs rather than moral imperatives.NOTE: Kelli is away this week spending time with family*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: [email protected] coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Support HR Heretics Sponsors:Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. ✍️ Go to https://planful.com/heretics to see how you can transform your HR strategy.Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/hereticsKEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/—Link to Glen’s LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/glenevans_startups-leadership-workculture-activity-7328919826930814976-pEy7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAWcjXgBb3Jw6dX16PD9lRJSsxfgqVAqZLwTIMESTAMPS:(00:13) Intro(00:31) 996 Culture Invades Silicon Valley(01:23) Greylock's Brutal Take(04:06) Does More Hours Equal More Productivity?(05:35) No Substitute For Time(07:18) My DoorDash Grind Days(08:30) Why I Can't Do It Anymore(10:06) Sponsors: Planful | Metaview(13:06) The 24-Year-Old Founders Story(14:15) "Don't Hire Me, I'm Too Old"(15:30) I Actually Miss Those Days(16:33) Life Is Trade-offs(16:55) The In-Person Only Founder(18:47) Humans Need Pain To Grow(19:12) Rule Breakers Build The Future(19:30) Appreciate Founder Honesty(19:53) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com