‘We don’t believe in work-life balance…’: Chinese entrepreneur’s blunt message to founder and CEO of Energy AI Labs draws attention online

A recent social media post by an Indian business leader has brought fresh attention to the ongoing global debate about work-life balance, sparking reactions from professionals and founders across industries.

In a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter), Shubham Mishra, founder and CEO of Energy AI Labs, shared a remark he received from a Chinese entrepreneur with whom he was discussing business culture differences between India and China. The Chinese partner, soon to become a distribution partner for Mishra’s technology product, gave a direct answer when asked about the biggest difference between Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs.

Instead of a philosophical explanation, he said simply that work-life balance is not something they focus on, adding that for them there are only “two things: work time or personal time.”The remark was described by Mishra as “simple, raw, and brutally practical” and has since triggered discussion online about differing cultural perspectives on work, personal life and productivity. In his post, Mishra contrasted this view with how many people in India and elsewhere talk about work-life balance as an ideal that should be pursued or debated.

Some social media users responded by suggesting that the idea of balance involves choosing what deserves full attention in any given moment.

Others noted that the Chinese approach reflects a focus on execution and speed rather than debate.The exchange comes at a time when work-life balance remains a polarising topic in India. Some industry leaders have argued that long hours and intense effort are necessary for building competitive companies, while others highlight the risks of burnout and mental health strain in a fast-paced professional environment.

What the Chinese entrepreneur said about work-life balance

According to Mishra’s social media post, the Chinese entrepreneur was asked about the main difference between Indian and Chinese entrepreneurial cultures. Instead of offering a long explanation, he said that his cultural approach does not centre around the concept of work-life balance. He explained that his belief was simple: there is either “work time” or “personal time”, with no focus on trying to balance both at once.Mishra found this perspective “brutally practical,” noting that while many people talk about balance and ideal work patterns, others focus on completing tasks clearly and efficiently. The Chinese entrepreneur’s answer emphasised clarity of purpose in whichever time was being used, either work or personal.

How social media reacted

The post sparked a range of responses on social media platforms. Some users agreed that the remark offered a straightforward approach to time management, with one commenter suggesting that balance is not about dividing time evenly, but rather about focusing attention where it matters most.

Others said the perspective was refreshing and worth considering in professional contexts.However, not all reactions were positive. Some users questioned whether dismissing work-life balance entirely is healthy, pointing out concerns about long work hours and stress. These varied reactions reflect a broader public conversation about how modern workers manage time and responsibilities.