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 balance between work and personal life can be a daunting task. Many professionals struggle to juggle their responsibilities at the office with their personal and family commitments. However, for Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, work-life balance is not just a concept, but a way of life. Despite working 18 hours a day, Patel has set two simple yet effective rules to ensure that his personal life does not suffer.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, but 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. Patel’s second rule is even more interesting – his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, without knocking on the door. This rule may seem simple, but it speaks volumes about Patel’s commitment to his family and his desire to prioritize his personal life.
For many professionals, the idea of working 18 hours a day may seem unrealistic or even unhealthy. However, for Patel, it is a necessary part of his job. As the CPO at Cisco, Patel is responsible for overseeing the development and launch of the company’s products. This is a challenging and time-consuming task that requires Patel to be available and responsive at all times. Despite the demands of his job, Patel is determined to prioritize his personal life and make time for his family.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a refreshing change from the typical corporate culture, where work is often prioritized over personal life. Many professionals feel pressured to work long hours and be constantly available, without any regard for their personal well-being. This can lead to burnout, stress, and a range of other health problems. Patel’s approach, on the other hand, shows that it is possible to balance work and personal life, even in a demanding job.
One of the key takeaways from Patel’s approach is the importance of setting boundaries. By not taking meetings before 9 am, Patel is able to create a clear boundary between his work and personal life. This boundary allows him to have some personal time in the morning, which he can use to recharge and prepare for the day ahead. Similarly, by allowing his daughter to come into any meeting, Patel is able to prioritize his family and make time for them, even in the midst of a busy work schedule.
Another important aspect of Patel’s approach is his commitment to flexibility. As a CPO, Patel’s work schedule is often unpredictable and demanding. However, by being flexible and adaptable, Patel is able to balance his work and personal life. For example, if he has a meeting that runs late, Patel may choose to work from home the next day, so that he can spend more time with his family. This flexibility allows Patel to prioritize his personal life, while also meeting the demands of his job.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is also a great example of how companies can support their employees’ personal lives. By allowing his daughter to come into any meeting, Patel is able to prioritize his family and make time for them. This approach can be replicated in other companies, by creating family-friendly policies and a supportive work environment. For example, companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, to help employees balance their work and personal life.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a great example of how professionals can prioritize their personal life, even in demanding jobs. By setting boundaries, being flexible, and prioritizing family, Patel is able to balance his work and personal life, despite working 18 hours a day. His approach is a refreshing change from the typical corporate culture, and it shows that it is possible to achieve a balance between work and personal life. As professionals, we can all learn from Patel’s approach and strive to prioritize our personal lives, while also meeting the demands of our jobs.
About the Author
