Adar Poonawalla, the Chief Executive Officer of the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, has offered crucial advice to entrepreneurs: while hard work is essential, so is finding time to unwind and pace oneself. He delivered this message on January 21, 2025, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
"If you're an entrepreneur building your business, you absolutely should work hard, and do whatever it takes. But then you have to have time to unwind as well... you have to pace yourself."
Poonawalla's Stance on Work-Life Balance
Poonawalla’s remarks come amidst discussions among business leaders, including Narayana Murthy and SN Subrahmanyan, who have suggested 70-hour and 90-hour workweeks, respectively. Poonawalla, however, argues that while extreme hours might be necessary during acute crises, such as his own 16-hour days during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are not a sustainable long-term strategy. He likened relentless work without breaks to being a "hamster on a wheel," emphasizing that strategic and smart work holds more value than simply tallying hours at a desk.
He differentiates between the intense initial phase of building a new venture, where doing "whatever it takes" is common, and maintaining an established organization. Even for early-stage entrepreneurs, balancing dedication with personal downtime is vital to prevent burnout. Reinforcing the importance of personal time, Poonawalla famously joked on social media about the 90-hour workweek proposal, stating that even his wife "loves staring at him on Sundays," underscoring that life extends beyond the office.
Who is Adar Poonawalla?
Adar Poonawalla has led the Serum Institute of India since 2011, transforming it into a global leader in affordable and accessible vaccine production, exporting to over 170 countries. He played a pivotal role in the mass production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, notably Covishield, during the pandemic.
Beyond his pharmaceutical ventures, Poonawalla has diversified his interests. In 2024, he acquired a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for ₹1,000 crore, marking a significant entry into Indian cinema. In May 2026, he partnered with the Mittal family to acquire a stake in the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. Alongside his wife Natasha Poonawalla, he co-founded the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, dedicated to providing affordable healthcare, education, and clean water to underserved communities.