New Delhi: Shantanu Deshpande, the CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, entered the controversy with his ’18-hours work a day’ statement. In a recent LinkedIn post, he apologised for it. He added that his statement required more ‘nuance and context’. Shantanu faced a backlash for his comment and even his parents received messages like ‘Your son is a slave owner’.
In his last LinkedIn post, he stated, “To those who were hurt by my post – apologies for the same. I recognise the need for nuance and context. This interview last evening possibly captured my point of view better. If time permits, do watch it.” He also thanked his family and friends who were worrying about him.
The entrepreneur also called out people on social media for their nasty comments toward his parents and also wrote, “you won.” Sharing the post, he also attached an interview that explains his view better. In the interview, he said that 18 hours a day was just another way of saying ‘give your all’.
His previous post read, “When you are 22 and new in your job, throw yourself into it. Eat well and stay fit, but put in the 18-hour days for at least 4-5 years.” For this post, he was called out to spread toxic work culture. The post also said, “I see a LOT of youngsters who watch random content all over and convince themselves that ‘work life balance, spending time with family, rejuvenation bla bla’ is important. It is, but not that early. That early, worship your work. Whatever it is. The flex you build in the first 5 years of your career carries you for the rest of it.”
After his last post, the internet was still divided. Many people understood what he was trying to say, while others still called him out for the ‘toxicity’.
