In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where constant notifications from platforms like Slack and Teams can overwhelm users, establishing boundaries between work and personal life has become increasingly vital. Recently, Melanie Perkins, CEO of Canva, discussed her approach to disconnecting from work during an episode of Lenny’s Podcast, emphasizing the necessity of digital boundaries.
Perkins stated, “I don’t have email or Slack on my phone. When I shut my laptop, I actually tune out.” This approach reflects her commitment to maintaining a balance, allowing her to focus fully while working, and completely disengage during her off-hours. While she remains accessible for urgent matters via emergency calls, her method underscores the importance of digital boundaries in achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Having co-founded Canva in 2012 with Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams, Perkins has gained valuable insights into leadership and personal wellness over her decade-long career. “I’ve developed some healthy habits over the years,” she shared. “It’s crucial to differentiate between work time and personal time. When I’m working, I’m fully engaged; when I’m off, I’m fully disconnected.”
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Taking a step back to gain perspective is essential. Perkins noted, “Actually giving that mental space, I think, is really important.” This sentiment resonates beyond her personal experience, as other influential figures in the tech industry have also recognized the need for boundaries. For instance, Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, shared his efforts to curtail phone usage to foster independent thinking, despite being the leader of two major tech platforms.
Christian Sutherland-Wong, CEO of Glassdoor, prioritizes family time over digital distractions, choosing not to engage in texts or emails around his children. “I want to lead by not having digital products all around,” he remarked in 2024. Similarly, Hinge’s CEO, Justin McLeod, has opted to exclude email from his mobile device, claiming this has made him a more effective decision-maker and leader. Even media personalities like Aziz Ansari have adopted minimalistic approaches by using flip phones and avoiding email altogether.
However, not all founders embrace this trend; some continue to adhere to intense work schedules, commonly known as 996. Perkins observed, “I’ve spoken to many founders who struggle to find a balance. When you’re constantly working, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.” She emphasized that relentless effort does not guarantee meaningful progress, urging leaders to critically assess their priorities.
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### Hustle Verdict
Our take is that Melanie Perkins’ insights on digital boundaries are not just relevant but essential for professionals navigating today’s hyper-connected world. As more leaders adopt similar practices, we believe this movement can foster healthier workplace cultures and enhance overall productivity. The bottom line is that prioritizing mental well-being will likely shape future work environments, steering them towards more balanced and thoughtful approaches.
