Indian-origin CPO, who works 18 hrs/day, says ‘My daughter can come into any meeting’
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, achieving a balance between work and personal life can be a daunting task. With the constant pressure to meet deadlines, respond to emails, and attend meetings, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of work-related activities, leaving little time for family, friends, and personal well-being. However, US-based Cisco’s Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO), Jeetu Patel, has shared his unique approach to managing work-life balance, despite working 18 hours a day.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works an astonishing 18 hours a day, seven days a week. This grueling schedule would be overwhelming for most people, but Patel has implemented two simple yet effective rules to maintain a sense of balance in his 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 of uninterrupted time in the morning to focus on his personal well-being and family.
The second rule is even more remarkable. Patel has declared that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, at any time, without knocking on the door. This may seem like a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes about Patel’s priorities and values. By giving his daughter unrestricted access to his workspace, Patel is making a conscious effort to involve his family in his work life, rather than keeping them separate.
This approach may seem counterintuitive, especially in a culture where work and personal life are often seen as mutually exclusive. However, Patel’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that work and family are not competing interests, but rather complementary aspects of life. By embracing this mindset, Patel is able to stay connected with his family, even on the most demanding days.
Patel’s commitment to his family is evident in the way he speaks about his daughter. He wants her to feel welcome and included in his work life, rather than seeing it as a source of stress or conflict. This approach not only benefits his daughter but also sets a positive example for his colleagues and team members. By prioritizing family and personal well-being, Patel is creating a culture of empathy and understanding within his organization.
It’s worth noting that Patel’s approach may not be suitable or practical for everyone. Working 18 hours a day, seven days a week, is an extreme schedule that can be unsustainable and detrimental to one’s health in the long run. However, Patel’s commitment to his family and his willingness to challenge traditional notions of work-life balance are admirable and worth emulating.
In an era where burnout and stress are increasingly common, Patel’s story serves as a reminder that achieving balance in life is not about finding a perfect equilibrium between work and personal activities. Rather, it’s about being intentional and deliberate in our choices, and prioritizing what truly matters to us. By putting family and personal well-being at the forefront of our lives, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to work and life.
As we strive to navigate the complexities of modern life, Patel’s story offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a dedicated professional and a devoted family person. His willingness to challenge conventional norms and prioritize his family is a testament to the importance of living a values-driven life.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s story is a powerful reminder that achieving work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, it’s about finding what works for each of us, and being intentional about our choices. By prioritizing family, personal well-being, and empathy, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to work and life.
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