Zoom CEO Eric Yuan on Work-Life Balance and AI’s Impact

⁤ ⁤ Updated June 13, 2025
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Eric Yuan, CEO of Zoom, acknowledges the blurred lines between work and life created partly ‍by his own company’s technology. ‌yuan says that achieving a true work-life⁣ balance is challenging, especially for leaders. He ‌has even given up hobbies to focus on ⁤his company,now valued at $20 billion.

Despite his dedication to Zoom, Yuan, a father of ‌three ⁢Gen Z ‍children, emphasizes the importance of family. ⁤”Whenever ther’s a ‌conflict,​ guess what? ⁢Family first,” Yuan said.

Yuan joins other prominent figures⁢ like former President Barack Obama and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman in suggesting that a perfect work-life balance may⁢ be⁢ unattainable for ⁤those ⁢striving for meaningful success. The Zoom CEO’s remarks come as companies⁢ grapple with​ return-to-office policies and the evolving nature of work.

Addressing the rise of AI,⁤ Yuan expresses both excitement and concern for younger⁢ generations ⁤entering the workforce.⁢ He⁢ advises ‍Gen Z to gradually prepare for an AI-dominant workplace by ‍learning about AI while focusing‌ on their studies and enjoying campus⁤ life.

Zoom’s own trajectory reflects the⁣ tech industry’s volatility.From a⁤ $9.2 billion valuation at‌ its IPO in⁢ April 2019, Zoom surged to a ⁢$160 billion market cap during the pandemic, fueled‌ by⁤ a massive increase in users. However, the shift back to⁣ in-person work‌ has since⁢ reduced its market cap⁣ to around $20⁤ billion.

“I tell our team, ‘Guys, you know, there’s ⁣no way to balance.​ Work is life,​ life is ⁢work,’”​ Yuan said.

What’s next

Looking ahead,Yuan envisions a future where ‍AI could revolutionize ⁣the workweek,perhaps leading to a two-day workweek.‌ He suggests ‍that digital agents or “twins” could handle many tasks, freeing up humans for other pursuits. Bill Gates has also expressed similar ideas about a⁤ reduced workweek due to AI advancements.