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 who are expected to put in long hours to drive their companies forward. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product and Experience Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to balancing his professional and personal life. Despite working 18 hours a day, Patel has established two simple yet effective rules that allow him to prioritize his family and maintain a sense of normalcy in his life.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, which is a staggering amount of time by any standard. However, he has set two non-negotiable rules for himself that ensure he doesn’t compromise on his family time. 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 to spend with his family and get his day started on a positive note.
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 may seem like a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes about Patel’s commitment to prioritizing his family and being present for his loved ones. By allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is sending a powerful message that family is just as important as work, if not more so.
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 driving innovation and growth, which requires a tremendous amount of time and energy. However, by setting clear boundaries and prioritizing his family, Patel is able to maintain a sense of balance and normalcy in his life, even in the midst of chaos.
Patel’s approach also highlights the importance of being intentional and deliberate about how we spend our time. In today’s world, where technology has blurred the lines between work and personal life, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of constant connectivity and never-ending work demands. However, Patel’s rules demonstrate that it’s possible to set boundaries and prioritize what’s truly important, even in the face of overwhelming work demands.
Moreover, Patel’s commitment to his family is a powerful reminder of the importance of role modeling and leadership. As a high-ranking executive, Patel’s behavior and values set the tone for his team and organization. By prioritizing his family and being transparent about his values, Patel is sending a message to his team that work-life balance is important and that family is valued.
It’s also worth noting that Patel’s approach is not about sacrificing productivity or performance. Despite working 18 hours a day, Patel is still able to deliver high-quality results and drive growth for Cisco. This suggests that it’s possible to be highly productive and successful without sacrificing one’s personal life or values.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a powerful reminder that it’s possible to prioritize our personal lives and values, even in the face of demanding work demands. By setting clear boundaries and being intentional about how we spend our time, we can maintain a sense of balance and normalcy in our lives. As leaders and role models, we can also set the tone for our teams and organizations by prioritizing our families and being transparent about our values. Patel’s story is an inspiration to us all, and a reminder that with a little intentionality and discipline, we can achieve great things without sacrificing what truly matters.
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