Indian-origin CPO, who works 18 hrs/day, says ‘My daughter can come into any meeting’
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, achieving a perfect work-life balance is a daunting task, especially for high-level executives who often find themselves working long hours. However, US-based Cisco’s Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) Jeetu Patel has shared his unique approach to balancing his professional and personal life. Despite working 18 hours a day, Patel has set two rules for himself that ensure he prioritizes his family and well-being.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, which is a staggering amount of time dedicated to his job. However, he has established two non-negotiable rules that help him maintain a sense of balance in his life. Firstly, he never takes a meeting before 9 am unless it’s with the CEO or the company’s board. This rule allows him to have a few hours in the morning to himself, which he can use to relax, exercise, or spend time with his family.
The second rule is even more remarkable. Patel has declared that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting she wants, without needing to knock on the door. This rule may seem simple, but it speaks volumes about Patel’s priorities and values. By allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is sending a powerful message about the importance of family and the need to be present for loved ones, even in the midst of a busy work schedule.
This approach to work-life balance is particularly noteworthy, given the demanding nature of Patel’s job. As the CPO of a major technology company like Cisco, Patel is responsible for overseeing the development and strategy of the company’s products. This role requires a tremendous amount of time, effort, and energy, making it even more impressive that Patel has found ways to prioritize his personal life.
Patel’s rules also highlight the importance of setting boundaries and being intentional about how we use our time. By establishing clear guidelines for his work schedule and personal life, Patel is able to manage his time more effectively and avoid burnout. This approach can be applied to anyone’s life, regardless of their profession or position.
Moreover, Patel’s emphasis on family and personal time is a refreshing change from the typical corporate culture, which often prioritizes work above all else. By putting his daughter first and making time for her, Patel is showing that it’s possible to be a successful and dedicated professional without sacrificing one’s personal relationships or well-being.
It’s also worth noting that Patel’s approach to work-life balance is not about achieving a perfect balance between work and personal life. Rather, it’s about being intentional about how we use our time and prioritizing what matters most to us. By setting clear boundaries and rules, Patel is able to manage his time more effectively and make space for the things that bring him joy and fulfillment.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a powerful reminder that it’s possible to be a successful and dedicated professional without sacrificing our personal relationships or well-being. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing family and personal time, we can achieve a sense of balance and fulfillment in our lives, even in the midst of a demanding work schedule. As we strive to achieve our own work-life balance, we can learn from Patel’s example and establish our own rules and boundaries to prioritize what matters most to us.
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