In a viral LinkedIn post, Torrey Leonard, co-founder and CEO of AI startup Thoughtly, shared a photo of his fellow co-founder Casey Mackrell, engrossed in work on his laptop at his own wedding. The image shows Mackrell in his wedding attire, completing a pull request—a task in software development—while the celebrations went on.
Leonard explained that the company had just secured a new client with a critical two-week deadline, coinciding with Mackrell’s wedding day. Despite the unusual timing, Mackrell took a moment during his big day to meet this deadline. “Congrats Casey—now please, go take some time off,” Leonard quipped in his post.
Viral Post Triggers Debate Over Work-Life Balance
While the post was meant to highlight dedication, it sparked a broader conversation about the pressures of startup culture. Many social media users criticized the incident, arguing that glorifying such behaviour promotes an unhealthy work-life balance.
One user commented, “Pushing people to sacrifice their private life and mental health is not the flex you think it is.” Another added, “This is nothing to brag about. This man is on his laptop, working at his own wedding and you’re congratulating him? Completely tone-deaf.”
A Cautionary Tale for Startup Culture?
The post triggered discussions around startup culture, where blurred boundaries between work and personal life are often seen as a badge of honour. The incident serves as a reminder that it’s crucial to log off and enjoy personal milestones, even amidst the demanding startup grind.