I model my day off pro athletes. Here's what that means for my schedule, my team's, and my approach to 996 culture. (www.businessinsider.com)

Hardik Jagda, CEO of Proximity Works, shared his approach to building a successful tech company, drawing inspiration from professional athletes' daily routines. After launching Proximity Works in 2019, which focuses on scaling live sports streaming platforms with AI infrastructure, Jagda realized the importance of structuring his day for maximum effectiveness. He wakes up between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. to reserve time for strategic thinking and personal goal-setting before the demands of his role take over after 7 a.m. This early start allows him to tackle key company challenges and design efficient workflows, such as a rapid recruitment process for new engineers. Jagda's philosophy emphasizes quality of work over sheer volume, opposing Silicon Valley's "996 culture" that promotes long hours at the expense of a structured, balanced lifestyle. By prioritizing recovery and personal development throughout his six-day workweek, he fosters a culture of ownership among his 45-person global team while accommodating different work styles. His approach highlights the significance of optimizing daily routines for productivity and well-being in the tech industry, ultimately aiming to inspire others to consider the importance of balance in their professional lives.