From Hollywood to Tech: Mind-Blowing Time Management Secrets with Stephen Puri

Ndapandula Lukas
May 30
3 min read

What if mastering your time had less to do with rigid schedules and more to do with designing your life around fulfillment? In an inspiring episode of Molo Molo African Tech Stories, Dr. P.K. sat down with Stephen Puri—an Academy Award-winning producer and tech entrepreneur—to explore the art and science of time management in an ever-evolving world. From the high-stakes world of movie studios to the deeply personal mission of building meaningful tech, Stephen shares transformational insights that challenge conventional productivity advice.

Meet Stephen Puri

Stephen Puri's career is anything but linear. He started as a child coding alongside his software engineer mother, studied at USC, and ended up at the intersection of entertainment and engineering during the digital transformation of film. He contributed to blockbuster films like Independence Day, eventually earning an Academy Award for visual effects. His path then led him to high-ranking roles at DreamWorks and Fox Studios, overseeing major franchises like Die Hard and Wolverine.

But Stephen's true pivot came when he left Hollywood in search of deeper impact. Today, he's the founder of Suka Company—a platform designed not just to help people work smarter, but to help them feel better while doing it.

Debunking the Productivity Myths

Stephen believes we’ve misunderstood time management.

“Time is invisible. That’s why we waste it so easily.”

Rather than obsessing over checklists, Stephen urges us to focus on healthy productivity—an approach that honors energy, mental wellness, and our deeper motivations. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters with clarity and confidence.

The Power of Time Boxing and Flow

Ever said “I’ll get to it later” and then scrambled last minute? You’re not alone. According to Stephen, many of us are already time-boxing—we just don’t realize it.

“Procrastinators time-box without calling it that. The pressure of a deadline becomes your box.”

By choosing in advance how much time you’ll spend on a task—and sticking to it—you can reduce stress and boost focus. Pair this with a concept called flow state, and you unlock serious creative energy.

Stephen references the work of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who described flow as a mental state where time disappears and performance peaks.

What Failure Taught Him

Not every venture of Stephen’s turned into gold. After selling one company for millions, he launched two others that flopped. Instead of hiding those chapters, he studied them.

“I wrote down my failures while the wounds were fresh. I still go back to those notes. They taught me how to build better.”

That reflection led to Suka Company—a platform not just for productivity, but for happiness. Tools that help you start easier, focus better, and feel more fulfilled.

Why This Matters

Stephen’s favorite story? A user who told him:

“At 3 PM, I can be playing with my kids—or still trying to finish my to-do list. The difference is whether I used Suka.”

For Stephen, that’s the real goal: creating space in people’s lives to be present—with family, with passions, with purpose.

Final Thoughts: Productivity That Feels Like Peace

Stephen Puri's life is proof that managing time isn’t about spreadsheets—it’s about intention. From film sets to flow states, he’s found that the best work happens when we align with what lights us up.

So here’s the takeaway: