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. Many professionals struggle to manage their time effectively, often finding themselves working long hours and sacrificing their personal relationships and well-being. However, for US-based Cisco’s Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) Jeetu Patel, the key to maintaining a balance between work and personal life lies in setting clear boundaries and prioritizing family.
In a recent interview, Patel shared that he works an astonishing 18 hours a day, but he never takes a meeting before 9 am unless it’s with the CEO or the company’s board. This may seem like an unusual schedule, but Patel believes that this allows him to spend quality time with his family in the morning. He also emphasized that despite his demanding work schedule, he still works seven days a week, but he has established two important rules to maintain a balance between his work and personal life.
The first rule is that he never takes meetings before 9 am, unless absolutely necessary. This allows him to have a few hours of uninterrupted time with his family in the morning, which he believes is essential for his well-being and relationships. The second rule is 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 speaks volumes about Patel’s priorities and values.
By allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is making a statement about the importance of family and the need to prioritize personal relationships. In a world where work often takes over our lives, Patel’s approach is a refreshing reminder that family and personal time are essential for our happiness and well-being. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing his family, Patel is able to maintain a balance between his work and personal life, even with a demanding schedule.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is also a reflection of his Indian heritage and cultural values. In Indian culture, family is often at the center of life, and work is seen as a means to support and provide for one’s family. Patel’s emphasis on prioritizing his family and allowing his daughter to enter any meeting is a testament to these cultural values and the importance of maintaining strong family relationships.
Moreover, Patel’s approach to work-life balance can serve as a model for other professionals who struggle to manage their time effectively. In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work and neglect our personal relationships and well-being. However, Patel’s example shows that with clear boundaries and priorities, it’s possible to maintain a balance between work and personal life, even with a demanding schedule.
Patel’s story also highlights the importance of leadership and setting a positive example in the workplace. As a senior executive at Cisco, Patel’s approach to work-life balance can have a ripple effect on the company culture and encourage other employees to prioritize their personal relationships and well-being. By promoting a culture that values work-life balance and prioritizes family, companies can create a more positive and supportive work environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a refreshing reminder of the importance of prioritizing family and personal relationships in our busy lives. By setting clear boundaries and allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is making a statement about the value of family and the need to maintain a balance between work and personal life. His example can serve as a model for other professionals who struggle to manage their time effectively, and his leadership can help promote a positive and supportive company culture that values work-life balance.
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