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 strike a balance between their professional and personal responsibilities, 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 maintaining a work-life balance despite working 18 hours a day.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, which is a staggering amount of time dedicated to his professional responsibilities. However, he has established two simple rules that help him maintain a balance between his work and personal life. 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 some personal time in the morning, which is essential for his well-being and productivity.
The second rule is even more interesting and heartwarming. Patel has made it clear that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, and she doesn’t have to knock on the door. This rule may seem simple, but it speaks volumes about Patel’s priorities and values. By allowing his daughter to be a part of his work life, Patel is ensuring that he doesn’t miss out on precious time with his family, even when he’s busy with work.
This approach to work-life balance is not only unique but also admirable. In an era where many professionals struggle to disconnect from work-related tasks, Patel’s rules demonstrate that it’s possible to prioritize both work and family responsibilities. By setting boundaries and being intentional about his time, Patel is able to manage his workload and still have quality time with his loved ones.
Patel’s story is also a testament to the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the modern workplace. As a CPO at a leading technology company, Patel’s role is demanding and requires a significant amount of time and energy. However, by being flexible and open to new approaches, Patel is able to manage his workload and prioritize his personal life.
Moreover, Patel’s approach to work-life balance can serve as a inspiration to many professionals who struggle to manage their work and personal responsibilities. In an era where burnout and stress are becoming increasingly common, Patel’s story demonstrates that it’s possible to achieve a balance between work and personal life without sacrificing one’s well-being.
It’s also worth noting that Patel’s approach to work-life balance is not just about personal benefits, but also about professional benefits. By being more intentional about his time and priorities, Patel is able to be more focused and productive at work, which ultimately benefits his company and colleagues.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a unique and inspiring example of how professionals can prioritize both their work and personal responsibilities. By setting boundaries, being flexible, and being intentional about his time, Patel is able to manage his workload and still have quality time with his loved ones. His story serves as a reminder that achieving a balance between work and personal life is possible, even in demanding and fast-paced work environments.
As we reflect on Patel’s approach to work-life balance, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s circumstances and priorities are different. However, by being more intentional about our time and priorities, we can all strive to achieve a better balance between our work and personal responsibilities.
Ultimately, Patel’s story is a testament to the importance of prioritizing our well-being and relationships, even in the midst of demanding work schedules. By putting our families and personal lives first, we can become more focused, productive, and successful professionals, which ultimately benefits both ourselves and our organizations.
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