The CEO of two successful startups at 46 years old shares his productivity "cheat code" that makes him "much more efficient."

Working two full-time jobs can be even more challenging than avoiding burnout with one.

Jyoti Bansal, 46, the founder and CEO of two successful software startups, Harness and Traceable, shared with TechCrunch in 2022 that Harness was valued at $3.7 billion and Traceable was valued at $500 million.

New businesses pose a high risk of burnout and mental health issues for startup founders due to their stressful jobs and uncertain success.

How does Bansal maintain his productivity and health while managing two fast-growing startups? It's because he has already achieved success with his first software startup, which he sold to Cisco for $3.7 billion in 2017.

Bansal, a co-founder and partner at VC firm Unusual Ventures, believes the key to running two businesses simultaneously is not multitasking, but rather focusing on one task at a time.

"Bansal says, "It's ironic that people assume, as CEO of two companies, I should excel at multitasking. In reality, my secret to success is minimizing multitasking.""

Instead of multitasking, try this: It's 'really helped me'

Bansal often got distracted while working as an entrepreneur with AppDynamics, frequently replying to emails and messages during meetings.

Focusing on one task at a time can lead to better decision-making and improved performance, according to research, which suggests that multitasking can slow you down.

Bansal discovered that he was more productive when he focused on one task for 30 minutes or an hour, rather than multitasking. He explains, "I realized that I'm much more productive by doing one thing at a time, not at any one moment."

Bansal employs time blocking, a technique that increases productivity and prevents burnout, by dividing his time between his two companies and focusing on one task or project at a time.

Bansal states that he is significantly more efficient, mindful, and present in the moment, which has greatly aided him.

Instead of attempting to accomplish two tasks simultaneously, Bansal can now devote 30 minutes to collaborating with engineers on technical issues he is passionate about. Afterward, he can spend the next 30 minutes with investors and board members at a higher business level. Additionally, he can engage in a customer conversation during this time period.

Time blocking is a technique used by high-profile leaders such as Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel and Goldman Sachs executive Shekhinah Bass to increase their efficiency and avoid becoming overwhelmed by their schedules and to-do lists.

Buechel can concentrate on Whole Foods Market's long-term goals and strategy instead of being bogged down in numerous meetings all day, as he stated in September.

Focus on maximizing impact—and delegate

Bansal prioritizes his 30-minute blocks by focusing on what he can accomplish with the greatest impact, rather than managing time.

Bansal frequently has employees from different companies vying for his attention on various issues or projects. To manage his schedule, Bansal considers where his expertise and strengths will be most valuable at any given time.

He says, "My framework is simple: If I don't spend time on something, will it move the needle positively or negatively?"

Bansal typically delegates tasks to another high-level employee to focus on more pressing or relevant responsibilities. Delegating can increase efficiency and productivity, according to leadership experts. Bansal emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with trusted individuals.

"The most crucial aspect is having the right individuals. Scaling a business involves having the right people, as he emphasizes. "We share the same mindset and can work together effectively," he remarks."

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