Jeetu Patel manages a high-pressure role at Cisco, regularly putting in long hours — starting as early as 6 a.m., often working into the night, and sometimes working 7 days a week. Even so, he insists on preserving balance by sticking to two non-negotiable personal rules. First: no meetings before 9 a.m. He reserves the early part of his day for deep work — planning, thinking, and tackling the biggest challenges while energy and clarity are high. Second: family always comes first. His daughter has the freedom to interrupt any meeting; he makes clear that no professional commitment stands above her needs.

Beyond work and family, Patel also prioritises health — committing to at least 20–30 minutes of exercise daily. He emphasizes consistency over perfection, understanding that with a demanding schedule, wellness is a long game, not a sprint. This approach reflects a realistic vision of work-life balance: one that accepts long hours but safeguards what matters most — clarity of mind, physical health, and human connection.

In that sense, Patel shows — for highly committed professionals — balance isn’t a perfect equation but a self-designed rhythm, where boundaries, priorities, and values stay intact even under relentless pressure.