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Michael Dell advice to young professionals reflects his bold outlook: “Experiment, take risks, fail, find difficult problems, do something valuable, don’t be afraid, and be bold.”
Michael Dell emphasises the importance of humour and playfulness at work.
Michael Dell, the billionaire CEO of Dell Technologies, believes success isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter and enjoying the process along the way.
In a recent episode of In Good Company, Dell shared insights into his leadership style and personal philosophy, stressing the need to strike a balance between professional drive and personal well-being. “I realised long ago that there’s a point of diminishing returns to the hours worked in a day,” he said, challenging the relentless hustle
culture
often celebrated in the tech industry.
At 59, Dell exemplifies this mindset. His company generated $88 billion in revenue last year, yet he remains committed to a disciplined daily routine. He’s in bed by 8:30 or 9 pm, wakes before dawn to exercise, and stays focused on maintaining his health. “You won’t find me at the nightcap,” he quipped. “I’ll be asleep.”
Beyond routines, Dell emphasises the importance of humour and playfulness at work. “If you can’t laugh, joke around, play tricks on people, you’re doing it wrong,” he said. His advice to young professionals reflects his bold outlook: “Experiment, take risks, fail, find difficult problems, do something valuable, don’t be afraid, and be bold.”
Dell’s philosophy is a reminder that success lies in balancing work, play, and rest. For him, the journey matters as much as the results.
