‘I’m not interested in building a culture that runs on 14-hour days’ – Simon Azzopardi

Becoming a parent is always a life-changing experience, and one that brings with it new commitments and new schedules.

For investor and tech entrepreneur Simon Azzopardi, it also reshaped his perspective on life and leadership.

Writing on LinkedIn, Mr Azzopardi shared the profound impact his growing family has had on his priorities, mindset, and approach to both business and personal growth.

“I’m not ‘interested’ in building a culture that runs on 14-hour days and pretends it’s noble or brave to do so,” he said, noting that five children, including an eight-month-old, have left him very little time to waste: “Like, genuinely, I have very little Simon time.”

For Mr Azzopardi, becoming a father to five children is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a transformative experience that influences how he leads his teams and makes decisions.

“Having a young family forces you to rethink your priorities,” he noted.

The tech entrepreneur acknowledged that while difficult moments and challenges are inevitable in building something meaningful, the enjoyment once found in these struggles has diminished – not just for him but for many.

Mr Azzopardi pointed out that most people actually dislike the hard grind and seek more from their professional lives. His insights emphasise a growing demand for meaningful work that offers clear purpose and the opportunity to collaborate with good colleagues.

He highlights the importance of creating space within the workplace for thoughtful reflection, relationship-building, and genuine connections.

Furthermore, Azzopardi stressed that employees want their time to be respected and valued.

“And they want to go home, or log off, and feel like they’ve accomplished something,” he added.

Mr Azzopardi’s message is crucial for the broader business community, especially in today’s fast-paced and often demanding environments. The ability to find balance between professional ambitions and personal commitments, is not only a survival skill but also a competitive advantage.

“High performance doesn’t come from constant grind or pressure. It comes from clarity, trust, and allowing people to rest without feeling guilt,” he said, acknowledging that maintaining this balance is a continuous challenge he must remain mindful of.

He candidly concluded: “Fundamentally, I want momentum, with people who still have a life at the end of the day. So I can go home and change nappies.”