Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth and investor on Shark Tank India, has criticised traditional productivity frameworks, saying they were designed primarily by men, for men, and often ignore the unique biological rhythms of women.
In a recent LinkedIn post that has attracted widespread attention, Alagh explained that many popular routines, including the “5 AM Club” and rigid gym schedules, can be counterproductive for women. “The 5 AM club demands you wake up at dawn every single day. Daily gym consistency expects the same workout intensity regardless of how you feel. Ice baths and rigid morning routines ignore your body’s natural fluctuations,” she wrote.
Women’s 28-Day Biological Cycle Matters
Alagh highlighted that women’s bodies operate on a 28-day hormonal cycle, unlike men’s relatively stable daily patterns. This cycle influences energy, creativity, and focus throughout the month.
“One week we experience high energy and peak performance, making it the perfect time to tackle our biggest challenges. Another brings our creative peak, ideal for brainstorming and strategic thinking. And then one week, just getting through is brave enough,” she said.
“Forcing ourselves to hit the gym with the same intensity every day when our hormones signal rest isn’t discipline, it’s self-sabotage,” Alagh noted.
Aligning Work With Natural Energy Can Reduce Burnout
Alagh suggested a female-optimised approach that respects natural fluctuations while maintaining consistency. She recommended aligning tasks with energy levels:
- High-energy phases for tackling high-impact tasks
- Creative peaks for brainstorming and innovation
- Sharp-minded periods for detail-oriented work
- Introspective phases for strategic reflection
“Work doesn’t pause, and neither do we. By aligning our energy with our tasks where possible, we maximise output and minimise burnout. The results are more favourable — stronger performance, sustained focus, and a system that feels authentic to who we are,” she explained.
Rethinking Productivity Frameworks
Alagh concluded her post by encouraging women to reconsider traditional productivity models. “Girls, we don’t need to optimise for male patterns of success. We need frameworks that honour how we’re wired,” she wrote, inviting her network to share strategies that work best for them.
Her insights have sparked conversations on how workplace expectations and conventional success systems can be adapted to support women more effectively. Many experts say such approaches are crucial for sustaining performance and well-being in female-led businesses.
Muskaan Kapoor
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