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 challenge that many professionals face. With the constant pressure to meet deadlines, respond to emails, and attend meetings, it’s easy to get sucked into the vortex of work and neglect personal life. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product and Services Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to maintaining a balance between his demanding job and family life.
According to Patel, he works an astonishing 18 hours a day, which is a staggering amount of time by any standard. However, despite his grueling schedule, he has set two simple yet effective rules to ensure that his work and personal life do not collide. 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 work and set priorities for the day.
The second rule is even more interesting. Patel has declared 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 showcases his commitment to prioritizing family time. By allowing his daughter to enter his meetings, Patel is sending a powerful message that family is important and should not be neglected, even in the midst of a busy work schedule.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is refreshing, especially in an era where many professionals struggle to disconnect from work-related tasks outside of office hours. With the advancement of technology, it’s become easier to stay connected to work 24/7, which can lead to burnout and negatively impact personal relationships. By setting boundaries and prioritizing family time, Patel is demonstrating that it’s possible to be a dedicated professional without sacrificing personal life.
It’s also worth noting that Patel still works seven days a week, which is a significant amount of time. However, by setting aside dedicated time for his family and allowing his daughter to be a part of his work life, he is creating a sense of balance that works for him. This approach may not be suitable for everyone, but it highlights the importance of finding a system that works for each individual.
In an interview, Patel shared his thoughts on work-life balance, saying, “I still work seven days a week, but my daughter is allowed to come into any meeting…She doesn’t have to knock on the door.” This statement not only showcases his dedication to his family but also his willingness to challenge traditional norms of what it means to be a professional. By bringing his personal life into his work, Patel is humanizing the corporate world and setting an example for others to follow.
Patel’s story is also a testament to the changing attitudes towards work-life balance in the corporate world. With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, many companies are recognizing the importance of allowing employees to have more control over their work-life balance. By sharing his approach to work-life balance, Patel is contributing to a larger conversation about what it means to be a successful professional in today’s world.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a breath of fresh air in a world where professionals often struggle to disconnect from work. By setting boundaries, prioritizing family time, and challenging traditional norms, Patel is demonstrating that it’s possible to be a dedicated professional without sacrificing personal life. As we navigate the complexities of modern work life, Patel’s story serves as a reminder that finding a system that works for each individual is key to achieving a balance between work and personal life.
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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