Summary
The CEO of U.S. Polo Assn., J. Michael Prince, has set strict work-life boundaries for himself and his team. He leaves the office by 5:30 p.m., avoids texting employees after hours, and goes completely dark on long weekends. This is a big change from his earlier career, when he regularly worked 90-hour weeks and pulled all-nighters. Prince now believes working smarter, not harder, is the key to long-term success.
Main Impact
Prince runs a $2.7 billion global brand with 1,200 stores in 190 countries. Despite the 24/7 nature of the business, he makes a point to respect his team's personal time. He says he rarely sends emails or texts after the office closes unless there is a major emergency. This approach is rare for a CEO of such a large company, but Prince says it helps everyone stay healthy and focused.
Key Details
What Happened
In an interview with Fortune, Prince explained how he changed his work habits after years of overworking. He now wakes up around 5:15 a.m., works out for an hour, and has breakfast with his family. He leaves for the office later to avoid traffic and usually heads home by 5:30 p.m. to have dinner with his family. On long weekends, he gives his team Friday through Monday off and does not contact them.
Important Numbers and Facts
Prince used to work 90-hour weeks and pull all-nighters to get ahead. He says he "lost some years" from those bad habits. Now in his 50s, he believes a career is a marathon, not a sprint. He advises young professionals to work hard but also take care of themselves. Prince is not alone in this thinking. Netflix cofounder Marc Randolph kept a hard cutoff every Tuesday at 5 p.m. for over 30 years. Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel works out twice a day and uses all his vacation time. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon also takes all his annual leave and tells employees to work smart.
Background and Context
The average CEO works 62 hours a week, often including weekends and holidays. Many workers face constant demands from their bosses even when they are off duty. This can lead to burnout and health problems. Prince's story shows that even top executives can set boundaries and still run successful companies. His approach is part of a growing trend among leaders who want to promote better work-life balance for everyone.
Public or Industry Reaction
Prince's comments have been shared widely, especially after Netflix cofounder Marc Randolph's similar story went viral. Many workers appreciate seeing CEOs who practice what they preach. Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel even caps how many hours employees can work to make sure they take time off. These examples are helping to change the conversation about overwork in corporate culture.
What This Means Going Forward
Prince's approach shows that setting boundaries does not hurt business success. In fact, it may help leaders and their teams stay healthy and productive over the long term. More companies may start to follow this model, especially as younger workers demand better work-life balance. However, it is still rare for CEOs of large global brands to leave work at 5:30 p.m. and avoid weekend contact. Prince's example could inspire other leaders to rethink their own habits.
Final Take
Prince learned the hard way that working 90-hour weeks is not sustainable. Now he prioritizes family time, personal health, and respect for his team's off-hours. His message is simple: work hard, but also take care of yourself. It is a lesson that applies to everyone, not just CEOs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does U.S. Polo Assn. CEO J. Michael Prince stop working at 5:30 p.m.?
Prince says he learned from his earlier career that working 90-hour weeks and pulling all-nighters was not healthy. He now believes in working smarter, not harder, and wants to respect his team's personal time for family and rest.
What other CEOs have similar work-life boundaries?
Netflix cofounder Marc Randolph stopped work every Tuesday at 5 p.m. for over 30 years. Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel works out twice a day and uses all his vacation time. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon also takes all his annual leave and tells employees to work smart.
Does Prince ever contact his team after hours?
Only in case of a major emergency. Prince tells his team they can reach him anytime if something urgent comes up. Otherwise, he avoids sending emails or texts after the office closes and on weekends.
