In a world where founders are constantly told to strive for work-life balance, Jay Fajardo, CEO of Proudcloud and co-founder of Launchgarage, takes a different view.
“I’m not sure I’ve balanced the roles to be honest,” he told Financial Adviser PH. “I just switch modes multiple times throughout the day as required at any given time.”
For Jay, the reality of wearing many hats—startup builder, mentor, investor, technologist, and individual—has never been about perfect equilibrium. Instead, it’s about rhythm and fluidity, recognizing that different responsibilities call for his attention at different times. Rather than chasing a fixed schedule or ideal division of labor, he leans into a dynamic flow that allows him to shift gears with intention.
This mindset has helped Jay stay productive across the multiple roles he plays in the Philippine startup ecosystem. But it’s not just about task switching—it’s about being mentally and emotionally present in each role. “Switching modes” means knowing when to zoom in as a founder solving a product issue, and when to zoom out as an investor guiding a team through growth challenges.
To support this adaptive approach, Jay swears by one non-negotiable ritual that helps him stay grounded: his morning routine.
“Prayer and meditation in the morning aligns myself and helps establish how I would handle the needs of the day,” he shares. “Starting the day with gratitude grounds oneself and is useful in checking your ego.”
In the fast-moving world of startups—where success is often measured in milestones, valuations, and speed—Jay’s approach is refreshingly centered on mindfulness and intention. By anchoring his day with reflection, he builds the emotional clarity and resilience needed to navigate constant change.
Jay’s evolved understanding of success also plays a role in how he approaches productivity. Unlike the traditional definitions of success that emphasize titles or monetary outcomes, Jay measures impact in more human terms. “I measure success in seeing people using products that I’ve built,” he says. “This tells me that I’ve been able to make something that matters and delivers value.”
That people-first mindset filters into the companies he helps build and mentor. For Jay, success isn’t just about launching startups—it’s about building things that matter, that solve real problems, and improve everyday experiences.
It’s also why he encourages founders to rethink the idea of balance. Instead of feeling defeated by the impossibility of perfectly managing everything, Jay invites leaders to embrace flexibility and trust in their ability to adapt. His productivity isn’t defined by strict schedules or hacks—it’s driven by self-awareness, mental agility, and the ability to stay aligned with purpose.
In a high-pressure environment where burnout is common and expectations are sky-high, Jay Fajardo offers a more sustainable path: lead with rhythm, stay grounded in gratitude, and measure success by real-world impact.
Balance may be a myth—but for this startup CEO, meaningful work and mindful leadership are well within reach.
