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 challenge that many professionals struggle with. With the constant pressure to meet deadlines, attend meetings, and be available 24/7, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of work and neglect personal and family life. However, US-based Cisco’s Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) Jeetu Patel has shared his unique approach to balancing work and personal life, despite working 18 hours a day.
In a recent statement, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, but has set two rules for himself to maintain a semblance of work-life balance. 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 focus on his personal and family life. Secondly, and more remarkably, Patel has declared that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting she wants, without needing to knock on the door. This rule is a testament to his commitment to prioritizing family time and being present for his loved ones, even in the midst of a hectic work schedule.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is both inspiring and thought-provoking. On one hand, it’s impressive that he is able to manage his time effectively enough to work 18 hours a day and still have time for his family. On the other hand, it raises questions about the sustainability and healthiness of such a demanding work schedule. Can working 18 hours a day, seven days a week, really be sustainable in the long term? Doesn’t it take a toll on one’s physical and mental health?
Despite these concerns, Patel’s rules for work-life balance offer valuable insights into the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal and family time. By not taking meetings before 9 am, Patel is able to create a buffer zone between his personal and work life, allowing him to transition into work mode gradually. This can help reduce stress and increase productivity throughout the day.
Moreover, by allowing his daughter to come into any meeting, Patel is sending a powerful message about the importance of family and personal relationships in the workplace. In an era where work-life balance is increasingly being recognized as a critical aspect of employee well-being, Patel’s approach is a welcome respite from the traditional norms of corporate culture. It suggests that even in the most demanding and fast-paced industries, there is room for flexibility, empathy, and understanding.
Patel’s story also highlights the challenges faced by working parents, particularly those in high-pressure executive roles. The demands of work can be all-consuming, leaving little time or energy for family and personal life. However, Patel’s example shows that with careful planning, prioritization, and boundary-setting, it is possible to balance work and family responsibilities, even in the most demanding of roles.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a high-achieving executive who is committed to prioritizing his family and personal life. While working 18 hours a day may not be sustainable or desirable for everyone, Patel’s rules for work-life balance offer valuable insights into the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing personal and family time, and being present for loved ones. As we strive to achieve our own work-life balance, Patel’s story serves as a reminder that even in the most demanding of roles, there is always room for flexibility, empathy, and understanding.
About the Author
