7 examples of Google CFO Ruth Porat's incredible work ethic
Childbirth doesn't stand in the way of her work schedule.
Back problems are no problem for Porat.
During a meeting with management at Ziff Davis, The New York Times revealed that Porat threw her back out and was unable to stand up and move around the room. Her solution? She laid down on the boardroom table and continued to give her full presentation without missing a beat.
Breast cancer didn't stop her full-time work schedule.
In an interview with Big Think, Porat spoke about her fight with breast cancer. In 2001, Porat was working overseas when she moved home for treatment. She refused to slow down and said of her decision to keep working long banker hours: "For me, going to work meant that I was in control of my life."
She doesn't believe in "work-life balance."
Porat told Politico that she doesn't like the term "work-life balance" because it sets up men and women for failure.
She instead prefers to find a work-life "mix" that integrates her work and family into one entity. She explained to Politico that her three sons had been "integrated into Morgan Stanley throughout their lives."
Porat believes employees should find a mix that will shift depending on work and home needs, but that the two should never be fully isolated from each other.
She is always available to employees and clients.
By mixing her work and life into one giant collaboration, Porat has been known to be readily available to employees and clients at all times of the day and night.
Recently with Google she began offering "office hours" in which analysts and investors can speak with her in 15-20 minute sessions.
Former Porat employee Sarah P. Jones writes on her personal blog, "Her door is, incredibly, always open. Her ability to balance the personal with the professional is something every working dad and mom can learn from."
In her spare time she flips apartments in NYC with her husband.
"Downtime" isn't a familiar word. Even in her limited spare time, Porat and her husband, Anthony Paduano, a partner in the law firm Paduano & Weintraub, have been known to buy, renovate, and flip apartments in New York City.
She worked day and night in an attempt to save AIG, returning home only to shower.
In 2008, Porat was part of the team attempting to save AIG from closure. She told Politico that she was working day and night and would only return home to shower.
"On one of those nights where we were working through the night, I came home and my three boys left me a little note because they knew I'd at least come home and shower," she said.
She was also helping save Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac at the same time.
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