I Don’t Get to Stare at My Wife Enough

As a CXO, I’ve grown used to a life measured in flights taken, hours in Mumbai traffic, and the constant hustle of deadlines and meetings. It’s a demanding journey—one I’ve enjoy and embraced fully. But every now and then, amidst the grind of a call for a 90-hour workweek, I’m struck by the quiet moments I miss, the ones that truly matter.

I don’t get to stare at my wife enough. Not just literally, but metaphorically too. Somewhere between early morning commutes and late-night emails, I miss the chance to pause and marvel at all she does—her strength, her resilience, her ability to hold our world together. She’s the anchor of our family, and yet, how often do I tell her that?

And then there are my daughters, 5 and 9. They’re at the age where everything is magical—every laugh, every question, every small achievement feels like a universe in itself. I see them growing up in what feels like fast-forward, and sometimes I worry about all the moments I might be missing. The bedtime stories I rush through, the school projects I promise to help with “later,” the tiny hands that won’t always reach for mine.

My mother, too, is aging gracefully—though time, as always, waits for no one. Every conversation with her, every smile, every shared memory feels more precious now. Her wisdom and quiet presence are a reminder of all that’s constant and good in life. Yet I wonder: am I giving her enough of my time?

This post isn’t a complaint; it’s a reflection. A realization that while the responsibilities of leadership are immense, the moments that truly fill our hearts are the simplest ones. The ones that don’t come with titles, deadlines, or KPIs.

As I sit in yet another traffic jam or prepare for yet another flight, I’m making a small promise to myself: to pause, to notice, and to cherish. To spend more time staring—at my wife, my daughters, my mother, and the life I’ve been so fortunate to build.

Because no professional milestone, no quarterly result, and no boardroom decision can ever replace the joy of being present with those who matter most.

To my fellow leaders and professionals: how are you balancing it all? Are we running so fast that we forget to slow down for the things that truly count?

Let’s hold ourselves accountable not just for what we achieve professionally, but for the time we make for the people we love.

#LeadershipReflections #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyFirst #CXOLife #90hourworkweek