Indian-origin CPO, who works 18 hrs/day, says ‘My daughter can come into any meeting’
In today’s fast-paced and demanding corporate world, achieving a perfect work-life balance is a challenge that many professionals struggle with. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, attend meetings, and respond to emails can be overwhelming, leaving little time for personal and family life. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product and Security Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to managing his work and personal life, despite working 18 hours a day.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, but has established two simple yet effective rules to maintain a balance between his professional and personal life. Firstly, he never takes a meeting before 9 am unless it’s with the CEO or the company’s board. This allows him to have some quiet time in the morning to focus on his personal well-being and spend time with his family. Secondly, and more remarkably, his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting she wants, without needing to knock on the door. This rule may seem unconventional, but it reflects Patel’s commitment to prioritizing his family and making them feel welcome and included in his work life.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is noteworthy, especially considering the demanding nature of his role as CPO at Cisco. As a senior executive, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s product and security strategy, which requires a significant amount of time and effort. However, by setting boundaries and prioritizing his personal life, Patel is able to manage his workload and maintain a sense of balance and well-being.
One of the key takeaways from Patel’s approach is the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal time. In today’s always-connected world, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of work-related tasks and responsibilities, leaving little time for personal and family life. However, by establishing clear boundaries and prioritizing personal time, professionals can maintain a sense of balance and well-being, even in demanding roles.
Another important aspect of Patel’s approach is the emphasis on family and making them feel included in his work life. By allowing his daughter to come into any meeting, Patel is sending a powerful message about the importance of family and the need to prioritize personal relationships. This approach not only helps to strengthen family bonds but also sets a positive example for other professionals who may struggle to balance their work and personal life.
Patel’s story also highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability in achieving work-life balance. As a senior executive, he could have easily chosen to work long hours without any boundaries or priorities, but instead, he has chosen to establish rules and routines that work for him and his family. This flexibility and adaptability are essential for professionals who want to maintain a sense of balance and well-being in their lives.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing personal and family life, even in demanding professional roles. By setting boundaries, prioritizing personal time, and making family feel included, professionals can maintain a sense of balance and well-being, even when working long hours. As we strive to achieve our own work-life balance, Patel’s story serves as a inspiring example of what is possible with the right mindset and approach.
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