The Three-Day Entrepreneur: The Best Problem-Solving Leaders Work Less

Challenging the Five-Day Grind: A Fresh Take on Leadership and Productivity

I've always believed that true innovation in business comes from thinking differently about how we work, and this piece nails that idea perfectly. It dives into the rise of fractional executives—seasoned leaders who deliver big impact in just a few days a week—showing how the old-school five-day, full-time model is more suited to machines than to creative minds. Drawing from real-world trends like AI's growth and the shift in work habits post-pandemic, the author highlights how companies are turning to these part-time experts to avoid costly errors without breaking the bank.

What really stands out is the 10% principle: the notion that your highest-value contributions—those game-changing decisions and insights—often squeeze into just 10% of your week, about four hours in a standard schedule. I love the examples here, from leaders weaving in golf rounds or morning walks to spark breakthroughs, to the story of a sales exec who rediscovered fun through simple tweaks like hitting the driving range. It's a reminder that protecting space for diffuse thinking, rather than grinding through endless hours, combats decision fatigue and boosts real results.

The advice to audit your tasks, delegate the drudgery, and build your schedule around what energizes you feels spot-on for anyone juggling high-stakes roles. This isn't about slacking; it's about working smarter, more humanely, in a way that sustains long-term success.

If you're feeling the burnout from a packed calendar, dive into the full article—it's a catalyst for rethinking your own routine and unlocking that elusive freedom.