Indian-origin CPO, who works 18 hrs/day, says ‘My daughter can come into any meeting’
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, achieving a perfect balance between work and personal life can be a daunting task. Many professionals struggle to set boundaries and prioritize their personal well-being, often leading to burnout and decreased productivity. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to managing his work-life balance, despite working an astonishing 18 hours a day.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he follows two simple yet effective rules to maintain his work-life balance. 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 a few hours of uninterrupted time in the morning to focus on his personal priorities. Secondly, and more remarkably, Patel has made it a point to always include his daughter in his work life. He has a simple yet powerful rule: “My daughter is allowed to come into any meeting…She doesn’t have to knock on the door.”
This approach may seem unconventional, but it highlights the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing one’s personal life, even in the most demanding of professions. By allowing his daughter to attend any meeting, Patel is not only spending quality time with her but also teaching her valuable lessons about the importance of work and responsibility. This approach also demonstrates Patel’s commitment to being a present and involved parent, despite his incredibly demanding work schedule.
Patel’s work ethic is undoubtedly impressive, with him working seven days a week and putting in 18-hour days. However, his ability to balance his work and personal life is a testament to his discipline and time management skills. By prioritizing his personal time and setting clear boundaries, Patel is able to maintain his energy and focus, even in the face of extreme demands.
It’s also worth noting that Patel’s approach to work-life balance is not just about personal benefits; it also has a positive impact on his professional life. By being a present and involved parent, Patel is able to model healthy behaviors and values to his team, which can lead to increased morale, productivity, and job satisfaction. Additionally, by prioritizing his personal time, Patel is able to recharge and come back to his work with renewed energy and focus, leading to better decision-making and performance.
Patel’s story serves as a powerful reminder that achieving work-life balance is not about sacrificing one aspect of our lives for the other; it’s about finding ways to integrate and harmonize our personal and professional priorities. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing our personal time, and being intentional about how we spend our time, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to our work and personal lives.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a powerful reminder that even in the most demanding of professions, it’s possible to prioritize our personal well-being and achieve a sense of balance and fulfillment. By following his two simple yet effective rules, we can learn to set boundaries, prioritize our personal time, and create a more sustainable approach to our work and personal lives.
As we strive to achieve our own work-life balance, we can draw inspiration from Patel’s example and remember that it’s not about working less or achieving some sort of mythical “balance”; it’s about being intentional about how we spend our time and prioritizing our personal well-being. By doing so, we can create a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to our work and personal lives, and achieve greater success and happiness in all areas of our lives.
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