Luciano de Vries’ Approach to Work-Life Balance
By Space Coast Daily // October 18, 2024
When you think of a high-powered entrepreneur, work-life balance probably isn’t the first thought to come to mind. But you obviously aren’t thinking about Luciano de Vries.
A multi-industry mogul known for his tireless work ethic, de Vries firmly believes the secret to happiness lies not in strictly separating work and leisure, but in artfully blending the two. His approach offers a fresh perspective on how modern business leaders can maintain productivity while still enjoying life’s pleasures, big and small.
De Vries’ philosophy stems from a simple realization: “If I go on a pure holiday, I am almost stressed out because of all the emails and WhatsApps there are on my phone.” Instead of fighting this reality, he’s embraced it, crafting a unique schedule that allows him to stay connected to his business interests while still reaping the benefits of time away.
“What I try to do now is just go more on holidays but then also work on holidays,” Luciano de Vries explains. This might sound counterintuitive to those who view vacations as a complete escape from the daily grind. However, for de Vries, this method allows him to take more frequent breaks without the anxiety of falling behind. “I prefer to go on more holidays and then just work a little bit, at least not get behind,” he says.
Luciano de Vries: ‘It Doesn’t Feel Like Work’
This blended arrangement reflects a broader trend in how modern entrepreneurs view work-life balance. In an age of constant connectivity, the lines between professional and personal time are increasingly blurred. De Vries acknowledges this reality while still prioritizing the need for rest and rejuvenation.
Crucially, de Vries emphasizes that this suits him because his endeavors don’t feel like a burden. “We actually still work what is 80 hours a week, but it doesn’t feel like work,” he notes. This passion for his business projects allows him to integrate work into his leisure time without feeling overwhelmed or resentful.
However, de Vries is also aware of the need for boundaries. He and his partners have made a conscious decision to keep weekends work-free or at least to make tasks optional during this time. “We now decided to have the weekends at least off so we can work. But if we don’t, it’s not a bad thing,” he explains. This flexibility allows for spontaneity and personal time while still maintaining the option to address urgent matters if needed.
De Vries’ take on work-life balance extends beyond just managing his own time. As a leader, he recognizes the importance of creating a culture that respects employees’ need for time to reenergize. While he may thrive on an 80-hour work week, he understands that this isn’t sustainable or desirable for everyone. His leadership style involves empowering team members to find their own equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life.
The Key to Luciano de Vries’ Approach
For those looking to emulate de Vries, the key lies in self-awareness and flexibility. Understanding your own work style, stress triggers, and what truly constitutes time off for you is crucial. It’s also important to leverage technology wisely, using it to stay connected when necessary without letting it dominate your leisure time.
De Vries’ practice may not be for everyone, but it offers valuable insights into how high-achieving entrepreneurs can master the demands of modern business while still enjoying life’s pleasures. By reframing the concept of work-life balance as a fluid, personalized process rather than a rigid separation, de Vries has found a way to sustain his passion for business while avoiding burnout.
With remote work and flexible schedules becoming more common, de Vries’ blend of work and leisure may become increasingly relevant. It challenges us to think beyond traditional notions of work-life balance and find solutions that genuinely satisfy our individual needs and lifestyles.
In the end, de Vries’ philosophy reminds us that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to achieving work-life balance. For Luciano de Vries, that means bringing a bit of business to the beach and finding joy in the blend.
