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, especially for high-level executives who often find themselves working long hours. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to managing his work-life balance, despite working 18 hours a day.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, but he has set two simple rules for himself to ensure that his personal life does not suffer. 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, which is essential for his well-being. Secondly, and more interestingly, his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting she wants, without needing to knock on the door. This rule may seem unconventional, but it highlights Patel’s commitment to prioritizing family time, even in the midst of a busy schedule.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is noteworthy, given the demanding nature of his role. As the CPO of a leading technology company like Cisco, he is responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products, which requires a significant amount of time and effort. However, by setting boundaries and prioritizing his personal life, Patel is able to maintain his energy and focus, even after working long hours.
The fact that Patel’s daughter is allowed to come into any meeting she wants is a significant aspect of his approach to work-life balance. In today’s corporate culture, it is not uncommon for executives to be completely absorbed in their work, often at the expense of their personal relationships. By involving his daughter in his work life, Patel is not only spending quality time with her but also teaching her valuable lessons about the importance of hard work and dedication.
Moreover, Patel’s approach can also serve as a lesson for other working parents, who often struggle to balance their professional and personal responsibilities. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing family time, parents can ensure that they are present for their children, even when they are busy with work. This can help to strengthen family bonds and create a sense of stability and security, which is essential for children’s emotional and psychological well-being.
It is also worth noting that Patel’s approach to work-life balance is not just beneficial for his personal life but also for his professional life. By taking breaks and spending time with his family, Patel is able to recharge and come back to work with renewed energy and focus. This can help him to be more productive and effective in his role, which is essential for driving business success.
In addition, Patel’s story highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the modern workplace. With the rise of remote work and digital communication, it is no longer necessary for employees to be physically present in the office to be productive. By embracing flexibility and allowing employees to work from home or attend meetings remotely, companies can help to promote work-life balance and improve overall well-being.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a valuable lesson for anyone looking to manage their professional and personal responsibilities effectively. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing family time, and embracing flexibility, individuals can achieve a better balance between their work and personal life, even in demanding roles. As a high-level executive, Patel’s commitment to his personal life is a testament to the importance of prioritizing well-being and relationships in today’s fast-paced corporate world.
Read the full story at: 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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