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-ranking executives. However, US-based Cisco’s Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO), Jeetu Patel, has shared his unique approach to managing his professional and personal life. Despite working 18 hours a day, Patel has set two simple yet effective rules to ensure he spends quality time with his family, particularly his daughter.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, which is a staggering amount of time. However, he has established two non-negotiable rules to maintain a balance between his work and personal 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 of uninterrupted time in the morning, which he can use to focus on his family or personal activities.
The second rule is even more remarkable. Patel has made it clear that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, without knocking on the door. This may seem like a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes about his commitment to prioritizing family time. By allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is sending a strong message that his family is essential to him, and he will not compromise on spending time with them.
This approach is particularly noteworthy, given the demanding nature of Patel’s job. As the CPO of a leading technology company, he is responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products, which requires a tremendous amount of time and effort. However, by setting these two rules, Patel is able to carve out space for his personal life, even in the midst of a chaotic work schedule.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a refreshing change from the typical corporate culture, where employees are often expected to prioritize work above all else. By prioritizing family time and setting boundaries, Patel is not only improving his own well-being but also setting a positive example for his colleagues and employees.
In fact, research has shown that employees who have a better work-life balance are more productive, have higher job satisfaction, and are less likely to experience burnout. By allowing his daughter to come into any meeting, Patel is also teaching her the importance of family and the value of spending time together.
Moreover, Patel’s rules can be applied to anyone, regardless of their profession or position. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing personal time, individuals can achieve a better balance between their work and personal life. This, in turn, can lead to improved mental and physical health, stronger relationships, and increased job satisfaction.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a testament to the fact that even the busiest executives can prioritize their personal lives. By setting simple yet effective rules, Patel is able to manage his 18-hour workdays while still spending quality time with his family. His approach is a reminder that achieving a balance between work and personal life is not impossible, and that with a little creativity and commitment, anyone can prioritize their well-being and relationships.
As we strive to achieve our own work-life balance, we can learn from Patel’s example. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing family time, and being intentional about how we spend our time, we can improve our overall well-being and achieve greater success in all areas of our lives.
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