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. The demands of a high-pressure job can often leave individuals with little time for their personal lives, leading to burnout and stress. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) of 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 staggering amount of time spent on the job. However, he has established two simple rules that help him maintain a balance between his professional and personal life. 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 in the morning to himself, which he can use to focus on his personal well-being or spend time with his family.
The second rule that Patel follows is even more interesting. He has made it clear that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, at any time. This means that she doesn’t have to knock on the door or wait for permission to enter the room, even if Patel is in the middle of a critical discussion. This approach may seem unconventional, but it highlights the importance that Patel places on his family life and his desire to be present for his daughter, even when he is at work.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is not just about setting boundaries, but also about being intentional with his time. By not taking meetings before 9 am, he is able to create space for himself and his family, which is essential for his well-being. Similarly, by allowing his daughter to come into any meeting, he is showing her that she is important and valued, and that his work is not more important than his family.
It’s worth noting that Patel’s approach may not work for everyone, and that’s okay. Every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, his story highlights the importance of being intentional with our time and setting boundaries that work for us. By prioritizing our personal lives and making time for the people and things that matter most to us, we can achieve a better balance between our work and personal lives.
In addition, Patel’s story also highlights the importance of companies being supportive of their employees’ work-life balance. By allowing Patel to set his own schedule and prioritize his family, Cisco is demonstrating its commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment. This approach can have numerous benefits, including increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved job satisfaction.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s story is a reminder that achieving a work-life balance is possible, even in the most demanding jobs. By setting boundaries, being intentional with our time, and prioritizing our personal lives, we can create a better balance between our work and personal lives. As Patel’s story shows, it’s not about working less, but about working smarter and being present for the people and things that matter most to us.
Read the full story here: https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/indianorigin-cisco-executive-works-18-hour-days-but-follows-2-rules-for-work-life-balance-101764571098621-amp.html
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