Bangladesh, Aug. 28 -- Sunny Varkey, the Indian-born billionaire and chairman of GEMS Education, has reignited a familiar debate about work-life balance with a blunt message that lasting success requires the ability to work around the clock.

In a recent interview with Emirati podcaster Anas Bukhash, Varkey traced his rise from modest beginnings to the helm of the Dubai-based education empire, describing discipline, determination and "relentless passion" as the forces that carried him forward.

But it was his response to a question about whether true success can coexist with work-life balance that drew attention, according to a report published by the Hindustan Times.

"One should definitely try to maintain a balance," he said.

"But if I...