News

Billionaire Lord Sugar slams remote during “virtual” BBC interview

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

Ahron Young

Lord Alan Sugar has made headlines for his strong opposition to remote work, even though he himself was participating in a remote interview with the BBC.

Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, many work experts find merit in some of his arguments.

Sugar’s anti-remote-work views gained attention when he shared them from a remote location, sparking a viral response on TikTok.

Sugar expressed his reservations about remote work, emphasizing that “you don’t learn sitting at home in your pajamas.”

He went on to state that he believes remote work is detrimental to morale and learning, asserting, “I know I learn from being with other people in an office.”

Business sentiment

While Lord Sugar’s stance may be more provocative than most, his sentiments are not uncommon, particularly among older and more established business figures.

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin has described working remotely as a “grave mistake,” suggesting that it could make it easier for employers to dismiss employees due to a lack of personal familiarity.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon referred to remote work as an “aberration,” while JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon suggested that remote workers at his bank should consider working elsewhere.

Tesla’s Elon Musk went even further, claiming that remote employees are merely pretending to work.

Skill based

Nonetheless, there is some validity to the argument that in-person work can be crucial for early-career professionals.

Many tasks and skills are better acquired through direct interaction with managers, and numerous employees admit to being more productive when working in the office.

The balance of pros and cons often leads to the conclusion that a hybrid work arrangement, led by employees’ preferences, is the most effective approach. This is why rigid return-to-office mandates, with no flexibility, are generally met with resistance.

Remote interview

However, Lord Sugar’s critique has been met with accusations of hypocrisy due to his remote participation in the BBC interview.

Critics have pointed out the contradiction in his stance, as he criticized remote work while embracing the freedom and flexibility it offers him to work from different countries and time zones. A representative for Sugar explained that he participated remotely because he was “out of the country.”

Responses on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok highlighted the perceived inconsistency in Sugar’s comments.

Some users questioned whether he could set such terms for his own employees, given his stance, while others pointed out that owning multiple offices in London might indicate bias.

News

OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

Published

14 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.

The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.

The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.

Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.

This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.

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News

Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Published

14 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.

The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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News

Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Published

14 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.

Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.

Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.

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