In a recent LinkedIn post, Christine Carrillo challenges conventional notions of CEO leadership, arguing that working fewer hours can actually lead to greater company growth. Carrillo contends that the traditional mindset, which equates longer hours with commitment and stepping back with failure, is fundamentally flawed. She highlights a prevalent skepticism among CEOs about the possibility of achieving significant company growth while working only 20 hours a week, often labeling such claims as lucky, lying, or lazy.
Carrillo directly addresses this skepticism, stating:
Most CEOs don’t believe you can work 20 hours a week. And grow the company at the same time. Say that out loud and people assume you’re: Lucky. Lying. Lazy.
The core of Carrillo’s argument is that this perception stems from outdated leadership teachings. She points out that the emphasis on being the last to leave the office or the fear that stepping away will cause operations to falter are misconceptions. According to Carrillo, these beliefs are counterproductive and prevent leaders from adopting more effective, sustainable models.
Rethinking Commitment and Leadership Presence
Carrillo asserts that the definition of commitment and effective leadership needs a serious reevaluation. The idea that one must be constantly present and working exhaustive hours to demonstrate dedication is a myth she aims to debunk. Instead, she posits that true leadership involves building a team and systems that can function autonomously, allowing the CEO to step back without jeopardizing the company’s success.
She elaborates on this by saying:
You’re allowed to step back and watch it run. You’re allowed to have a team that doesn’t need you. You’re allowed to work less and grow more.
This perspective challenges the ingrained ‘hustle culture’ often associated with entrepreneurship and executive roles. Carrillo suggests that burnout is not a prerequisite for success and that a different, more efficient system is the key to achieving growth with reduced hours.
AI as an Enabler for Efficient Leadership
A significant aspect of Carrillo’s recent insights is the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in making this less-is-more leadership model accessible to all CEOs. She argues that AI technology has democratized the ability to lead efficiently, moving it beyond the realm of a select few who might have unique circumstances or perceived luck. AI, in her view, provides the tools and systems necessary for any CEO to implement a strategy of working less while achieving more.
Carrillo emphasizes the transformative potential of AI:
AI just made this possible for every CEO. Not just the lucky ones. Including you.
This suggests that the barrier to entry for this leadership style is no longer a matter of innate talent or circumstance, but rather the adoption of modern technological solutions. By leveraging AI, leaders can focus on strategic decision-making and oversight, rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day operational details that can be managed or optimized through technology.
The Newsletter and Community
Beyond the LinkedIn post, Carrillo promotes her weekly newsletter, which focuses on building large companies with small teams, eschewing ‘hustle porn’ and motivational platitudes for practical, often undiscussed, judgment calls. The fact that over 65,000 CEOs reportedly subscribe to her content indicates a strong resonance with her unconventional approach to leadership and business growth.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Christine Carrillo on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on June 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →