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 balance between work and personal life can be a daunting task. With the constant pressure to meet deadlines and deliver results, many professionals often find themselves sacrificing their personal time and relationships. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) of US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to maintaining a balance between his demanding work schedule and family life.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works an astonishing 18 hours a day, seven days a week. This grueling schedule would be overwhelming for most people, but Patel has established two simple rules that help him prioritize his family and personal well-being. 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 family and personal activities.
The second rule is even more remarkable. Patel has made it clear that his daughter is always welcome to join him in any meeting, without needing to knock on the door or seek permission. This may seem unconventional, but it reflects Patel’s commitment to prioritizing his family and making them feel included and valued. By allowing his daughter to attend meetings, Patel is not only spending quality time with her but also teaching her valuable lessons about the corporate world and the importance of hard work.
It’s worth noting that Patel’s approach to work-life balance is not about sacrificing his professional responsibilities, but rather about being intentional with his time and priorities. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, he is able to manage his workload effectively while also nurturing his relationships with his family. This approach is a refreshing departure from the traditional notion that work and personal life must be kept separate, and that family time must be sacrificed for the sake of professional success.
Patel’s story is an inspiration to many professionals who struggle to balance their work and personal lives. In an era where technology has blurred the lines between work and personal time, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of constant connectivity and endless work demands. However, Patel’s example shows that it’s possible to achieve greatness in one’s career while also prioritizing family and personal well-being.
Moreover, Patel’s approach has significant implications for the way we think about work-life balance in the corporate world. By allowing his daughter to attend meetings, Patel is challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a professional and what constitutes “work time.” He is also highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the modern workplace, where employees are increasingly expected to be available 24/7.
As we strive to achieve greater balance and harmony in our own lives, Patel’s story offers valuable lessons and insights. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing family time, and being intentional with our time and energy, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to work and life. Whether we work 18 hours a day or 8 hours a day, we can all learn from Patel’s commitment to putting family first and making time for the people and things that truly matter.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s story is a powerful reminder that achieving work-life balance is not about sacrificing one aspect of our lives for the sake of another. Rather, it’s about being intentional, flexible, and creative in the way we approach our work and personal relationships. By following Patel’s example, we can create a more harmonious and sustainable approach to work and life, one that prioritizes family, well-being, and personal fulfillment.
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