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, especially for high-ranking executives who often find themselves working long hours. However, US-based Cisco’s Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) Jeetu Patel has shared his unique approach to balancing work and personal life, despite working 18 hours a day. In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he has set two simple rules for himself to maintain a healthy balance between his professional and personal life.
Patel, who works seven days a week, stated that 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 some personal time in the morning, which he can use to spend with his family or focus on his personal well-being. This simple yet effective rule helps him to prioritize his personal life and ensure that he has some time to himself before diving into his busy work schedule.
The second rule that Patel follows is even more remarkable. He has made it clear that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, without needing to knock on the door. This rule may seem unconventional, but it highlights Patel’s commitment to prioritizing his family life, even in the midst of his demanding work schedule. By allowing his daughter to attend meetings, Patel is sending a strong message about the importance of family and the need to balance work and personal life.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is inspiring, especially considering the long hours he works. His ability to prioritize his personal life and set boundaries around his work schedule is a testament to his discipline and commitment to his family. In an era where work-life balance is increasingly becoming a challenge, Patel’s rules offer a refreshing perspective on how to manage the demands of a high-pressure job while still nurturing personal relationships.
It’s worth noting that Patel’s rules are not just about personal convenience; they also reflect his values as a leader. By prioritizing his family life and setting boundaries around his work schedule, Patel is demonstrating his commitment to his personal well-being and his relationships. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on his work, as a happy and fulfilled leader is more likely to be productive, creative, and effective in their role.
Patel’s story also highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability in achieving work-life balance. As a senior executive, Patel could easily have used his position to justify long hours and a demanding work schedule. Instead, he has chosen to set boundaries and prioritize his personal life, even if it means being unconventional. This approach requires a high degree of self-awareness, discipline, and communication, but it can pay off in the long run, both personally and professionally.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance offers valuable lessons for professionals at all levels. By setting simple yet effective rules, prioritizing personal time, and being committed to family life, Patel has demonstrated that it’s possible to achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life, even in the most demanding roles. As we strive to manage our own work-life balance, Patel’s story serves as a reminder that with discipline, flexibility, and a clear sense of priorities, we can achieve our goals and nurture our personal relationships, even in the midst of a busy and demanding work schedule.
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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