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 balance between work and personal life is a daunting task, especially for high-level executives. The demands of a high-pressure job often leave little time for family and personal interests. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product and Services Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to managing his work-life balance, despite working 18 hours a day.
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 set two rules for himself to ensure that he doesn’t compromise on his personal life, particularly when it comes to his daughter. 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 some personal time in the morning, which he can use to spend with his family or pursue his personal interests.
The second rule is even more interesting. Patel has made it clear that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, and she doesn’t even need to knock on the door. This rule may seem unconventional, but it highlights Patel’s commitment to prioritizing his family life, even in the midst of a demanding job. By allowing his daughter to attend meetings, Patel is sending a strong message that family is important and should not be neglected, even in a high-pressure corporate environment.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is refreshing, especially in a world where many executives struggle to disconnect from work-related tasks outside of office hours. His rules may not be feasible for everyone, but they demonstrate that with a little creativity and commitment, it is possible to achieve a better balance between work and personal life.
One of the key takeaways from Patel’s approach is the importance of setting boundaries. By not taking meetings before 9 am, Patel is creating a clear distinction between his work and personal time. This boundary helps him to stay focused on his personal priorities in the morning, whether that’s spending time with his family, exercising, or pursuing a hobby.
Another important aspect of Patel’s approach is his willingness to involve his family in his work life. By allowing his daughter to attend meetings, Patel is showing that he values his family’s presence in his life, even in a professional setting. This approach can help to break down the traditional silos between work and personal life, creating a more integrated and balanced approach to living.
Of course, it’s worth noting that Patel’s job is highly demanding, and working 18 hours a day is not sustainable for everyone. However, his approach to work-life balance offers some valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve a better balance between their professional and personal responsibilities.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a fascinating example of how high-level executives can prioritize their personal lives, even in the midst of a demanding job. By setting clear boundaries and involving his family in his work life, Patel is able to achieve a better balance between his work and personal responsibilities. While his approach may not be feasible for everyone, it offers some valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve a more integrated and balanced approach to living.
As we strive to achieve our own work-life balance, we can learn from Patel’s example. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing our personal time, and involving our loved ones in our work life, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to our careers and personal lives.
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