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]

For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

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KEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

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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=ACoAAAWcjXgBb3Jw6dX16PD9lRJSsxfgqVAqZLw

TIMESTAMPS:

(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

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