Indian-origin CPO, who works 18 hrs/day, says ‘My daughter can come into any meeting’
In today’s fast-paced and demanding corporate world, achieving a perfect work-life balance is a challenge that many professionals struggle with. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, respond to emails, and attend meetings can leave little time for personal and family life. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to managing his work and personal life, despite working 18 hours a day.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, which is a demanding schedule by any standards. 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 a few hours of uninterrupted time in the morning to focus on his work and set priorities for the day.
The second rule is even more interesting and reflects Patel’s commitment to his family life. He 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 enter any meeting, Patel is sending a strong message that family is important and should not be compromised for work.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is refreshing and worth emulating. In an era where many professionals struggle to disconnect from work-related tasks, Patel’s rules provide a simple yet effective framework for managing work and personal life. By setting clear boundaries and priorities, individuals can achieve a better balance between their work and personal responsibilities.
One of the key takeaways from Patel’s approach is the importance of setting clear boundaries. By not taking meetings before 9 am, Patel is able to protect his morning time and focus on his work without distractions. This boundary-setting also helps him to prioritize his tasks and manage his time more effectively.
Another important aspect of Patel’s approach is his commitment to family life. By allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is sending a strong message that family is important and should not be compromised for work. This approach not only helps to strengthen family bonds but also sets a positive example for other professionals who may be struggling to balance their work and family responsibilities.
Patel’s story also highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability in achieving work-life balance. As a senior executive at a large corporation, Patel’s schedule is likely to be demanding and unpredictable. However, by setting clear boundaries and priorities, he is able to manage his time effectively and make time for his family.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a great example of how professionals can manage their work and personal life effectively, even in demanding roles. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing family life, and being flexible and adaptable, individuals can achieve a better balance between their work and personal responsibilities. Patel’s story is an inspiration to many, and his rules provide a simple yet effective framework for managing work and personal life.
As we strive to achieve a better balance between our work and personal life, we can learn from Patel’s approach and apply it to our own lives. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing family life, and being flexible and adaptable, we can manage our time more effectively and achieve a better balance between our work and personal responsibilities.
In the end, achieving a perfect work-life balance is a continuous process that requires effort, commitment, and dedication. However, by following Patel’s example and setting clear boundaries and priorities, we can take the first step towards achieving a better balance between our work and personal life.
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