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 work-life balance can be a daunting task. Many professionals struggle to strike a balance between their personal and professional lives, often sacrificing one for the other. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) of US-based tech giant Cisco, has shared his unique approach to managing his work and personal 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 managed to find a way to balance his work and personal life by following two simple rules. 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 some personal time in the morning to spend with his family. Secondly, and more importantly, his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting she wants, without having to knock on the door.
This approach may seem unconventional, but it highlights Patel’s commitment to prioritizing his family life despite his demanding work schedule. By allowing his daughter to attend any meeting, Patel is making a conscious effort to involve his family in his work life and vice versa. This not only helps him stay connected with his loved ones but also sets a great example for his colleagues and the wider business community.
The importance of work-life balance cannot be overstated. With the rise of technology and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to disconnect from work-related tasks. This can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a range of other negative consequences. By prioritizing his family life and setting clear boundaries, Patel is demonstrating that it’s possible to achieve success in one’s career without sacrificing personal well-being.
Patel’s approach also challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a dedicated and committed employee. Often, professionals feel pressured to be constantly available and responsive to work demands, even outside of work hours. However, Patel’s example shows that it’s possible to be highly dedicated to one’s work without sacrificing personal time. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing family life, employees can actually become more productive and focused in their work.
Moreover, Patel’s approach has significant implications for the way businesses approach work-life balance. By allowing his daughter to attend meetings, Patel is sending a powerful message about the importance of family and personal life. This can help create a more supportive and inclusive work culture, where employees feel valued and respected as individuals, rather than just as workers.
In addition, Patel’s example highlights the need for businesses to rethink their approach to work-life balance. Rather than expecting employees to be constantly available and responsive, businesses can benefit from encouraging employees to prioritize their personal well-being. This can involve providing flexible working arrangements, offering parental leave, and promoting a culture of openness and support.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a powerful reminder that it’s possible to achieve success in one’s career without sacrificing personal well-being. By prioritizing his family life and setting clear boundaries, Patel is demonstrating that it’s possible to be highly dedicated to one’s work without becoming overwhelmed. As businesses and individuals, we can learn from Patel’s example and strive to create a more supportive and inclusive work culture that values personal well-being and family life.
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