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 daunting task. With the constant pressure to meet deadlines, attend meetings, and respond to emails, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of work and neglect personal life. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) of US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to maintaining a balance between his professional 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. However, he has set two simple yet effective rules to ensure that his work life does not encroach upon his 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 personal well-being and spend time with his family.
The second rule is even more interesting. Patel has declared that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, without knocking on the door. This may seem like a simple gesture, but it’s a powerful statement about the importance of family and personal relationships in his life. By allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is sending a clear message that his family is a priority, and he will not compromise on that.
This approach is particularly noteworthy, given the demanding nature of Patel’s job. As the CPO of Cisco, he is responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products, which requires a tremendous amount of time, effort, and energy. However, despite the demands of his job, Patel has chosen to prioritize his personal life and set boundaries to protect it.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a refreshing change from the traditional corporate culture, where employees are often expected to put their work above everything else. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing his personal life, Patel is showing that it’s possible to be successful in a high-pressure job without sacrificing one’s personal relationships and well-being.
Moreover, Patel’s decision to involve his daughter in his work life is also a great way to teach her about the importance of work and responsibility. By allowing her to attend meetings and observe him at work, Patel is giving her a unique opportunity to learn about the corporate world and develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
In addition, Patel’s approach can also help to break down the traditional barriers between work and personal life. By bringing his daughter into the workplace, he is showing that work and family are not mutually exclusive, but can be integrated in a way that benefits both. This approach can help to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, where employees feel comfortable bringing their personal lives into the workplace.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a powerful reminder that it’s possible to be successful in a high-pressure job without sacrificing one’s personal relationships and well-being. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing his personal life, and involving his daughter in his work life, Patel is showing that work and family can be integrated in a way that benefits both. His approach is a great inspiration to anyone who is struggling to balance their work and personal life, and a reminder that with a little creativity and commitment, it’s possible to achieve a perfect balance between the two.
About the Author
