Cisco Exec Juggles 18-Hour Days, Prioritizes Two Non-Negotiable Essentials

Cisco’s Chief Product Officer, Jeetu Patel, leads a demanding professional life that often entails working 18-hour days. His workweek is intense, starting early in the morning and extending late into the night. Despite this grueling schedule, Patel emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance by establishing non-negotiable priorities.

Cisco Exec Juggles 18-Hour Days

Patel’s work typically begins around 6 a.m., and he often finds himself working seven days a week. He insists on a strict rule: no meetings before 9 a.m., unless they are with CEO Chuck Robbins or the Cisco board. This time early in the morning allows him to prepare for the day’s challenges and focus on impactful tasks.

Prioritizing Essential Aspects of Life

• Quality Problems: Patel believes that selecting high-impact issues is crucial, stating, “Picking the highest quality problems that you want to spend your time solving is 90% of the battle.”
• Family First: His 14-year-old daughter is allowed unimpeded access to him during work hours, reflecting his commitment to family.
• Health Matters: Patel prioritizes his health above everything else, advocating for a balanced approach to work and personal well-being.

Adjusting to Life Changes

Patel acknowledges that balance is fluid. In 2023, he took time off to be with his mother during her hospital stay, highlighting that personal commitments can take precedence. “You have to create that system for yourself,” he advises, indicating that self-management is crucial to navigating work-life dynamics.

The Demand for Balance in the Tech Industry

While tech leaders like Patel often work continuously, the desire for work-life balance is increasingly prominent among employees. According to the Randstad 2025 Workmonitor report, 83% of respondents stated that work-life balance is a top consideration in job selection, overtaking pay for the first time in the study’s history. This finding shows a shift in priorities among younger workers.

Perspectives on Work-Life Balance

Francine Katsoudas, Cisco’s Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer, noted in 2021 that the lines between work and life have blurred, advocating for compassionate leadership. However, Patel remains skeptical about achieving a perfect balance, suggesting that quality of life does not always align with work-life expectations.