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 daunting task. With the lines between personal and professional life becoming increasingly blurred, it’s not uncommon for executives to spend long hours at work, often at the expense of their family and personal well-being. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product and Experience Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to maintaining a balance between his demanding job and family life.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works an astonishing 18 hours a day, which is undoubtedly a challenging and demanding schedule. However, what’s interesting is that despite his hectic workload, he has established two simple yet effective rules to ensure that his family life is not compromised. 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 spend quality time with his family in the morning, which is essential for setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.
The second rule is even more remarkable. Patel has made it clear that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, without needing to knock on the door. This may seem like a small thing, but it’s a significant gesture that underscores the importance of family in his life. By making his daughter feel welcome and included, Patel is sending a powerful message about the value he places on his personal relationships. This approach not only helps to reduce the stress and pressure of his job but also fosters a sense of closeness and connection with his family.
It’s worth noting that Patel still works seven days a week, which is a significant commitment. However, by establishing these two rules, he is able to create a sense of balance and normalcy in his life. By prioritizing his family time in the morning and making his daughter feel included, he is able to recharge and refocus, which is essential for maintaining his productivity and performance at work.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a refreshing reminder that even in the most demanding jobs, it’s possible to prioritize family and personal well-being. In an era where burnout and stress are increasingly common, his example offers a valuable lesson in the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing what matters most. By making his family a part of his work life, Patel is able to create a sense of harmony and balance that is essential for his overall well-being.
It’s also worth noting that Patel’s approach is not just beneficial for him, but also for his daughter. By including her in his work life, he is teaching her valuable lessons about the importance of hard work, dedication, and family. This approach can help to foster a sense of responsibility and empathy in children, which is essential for their personal and professional development.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the most demanding jobs, it’s possible to prioritize family and personal well-being. By establishing simple yet effective rules, such as not taking meetings before 9 am and making his daughter feel included, Patel is able to create a sense of balance and normalcy in his life. His approach offers a valuable lesson in the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing what matters most, which is essential for maintaining productivity, performance, and overall well-being.
As we strive to achieve our own work-life balance, Patel’s example offers a inspiring reminder that it’s possible to succeed in our careers while also prioritizing our family and personal well-being. By following his lead and establishing our own rules and boundaries, we can create a more harmonious and balanced life that benefits both our personal and professional lives.
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