In undergrad at East Carolina College, I stumbled throughout Cisco Stay.

Though I used to be a communications main excited by journalism and mass media, I used to be accustomed to the profitable alternatives within the Raleigh-Durham space at varied tech corporations and I needed to land an amazing job at considered one of them sometime. Cisco was the second firm I researched. The very first thing I noticed on the homepage was Cisco Stay. I used to be intrigued by the collaboration with the featured corporations that yr, footage of the varied attendees, and, as elementary as this may occasionally sound, the colours have been phenomenal. I had no clue what this occasion nor the corporate was about, however the touchdown web page was so inviting, I instantly knew I needed to be part of that world!

After I lastly joined Cisco as a Technical Consulting Engineer in CX, Cisco Stay was nonetheless high of thoughts. On the primary day when the chance arose to ask questions, my fast query was, “How do you qualify to attend Cisco Stay?” The reply I heard was unsatisfying which made me much more decided to search out my method to that convention.

I discovered my alternative after I got here throughout the Ladies of Cisco Govt Shadow Program, the place I noticed the sorts of executives whom I might shadow. I used to be VERY intentional in my utility video and particularly mentioned, “I need to shadow somebody who’s closely concerned in Cisco Stay and journey to the convention with their crew. If I can’t be paired with that exec, I’ll withdraw my utility and take a look at once more the following spherical.”

I turned the primary “shadow” of Heather Henderson Thomas, who had not too long ago develop into a director of occasion advertising and marketing, or as I might name her, “the Director of All Issues Cisco Stay!” Heather had beforehand participated within the WOC World Govt Shadow Program as a mentee herself, so she totally understood how this system might affect my profession and expertise at Cisco. Now that she was an govt, Heather assured me she was totally ready to meet the function as mentor and provides me an unforgettable expertise.

Oh, how she lived as much as that promise!

Throughout considered one of our bi-weekly check-ins within the early planning phases of Cisco Stay 2024, Heather requested what I in the end anticipated to get out of my mentorship along with her. I discovered a very long time in the past to be direct when answering questions. So, I mentioned, “I need to attend Cisco Stay!” Her response was, “You’ve received it. Cisco Stay! IN-PERSON it’s.” I used to be elated!

As a part of my duties whereas shadowing Heather, I participated in creating and activating the FanCave gamification challenge. This digital expertise allowed eventgoers to log in to their Cisco Stay app and take an interactive quiz that outlined their persona with names like “Posh Pet,” “Fearless Enjoyable Seeker,” or “Galactic Go-Getter.” Then, based mostly on their outcomes, they acquired suggestions for actions in Vegas, from beautiful culinary choices to adventurous actions to enjoyable rendezvous—there was one thing for everybody.

I initially anticipated to solely work with the crew through the convention, however Heather inspired me to immerse myself into the expertise as if I have been a visitor. With the yellow all-access “Occasion Workers” lanyard and badge she offered me, I obliged definitely! Amidst that, one other director of occasions, who I’d beforehand met a couple of yr in the past, gave me a day by day wristband to the unique IT Management hub area. My entry really was limitless!

The speaker periods I attended have been empowering and impactful. My favourite was the keynote session with Cisco’s CEO, Chuck Robbins, and Tom Brady. With my particular entry, I used to be allowed to reach early to shadow Heather’s crew as they ready to go reside. Assembly and watching the affiliate manufacturing crew work was tremendous cool. I even received an opportunity to meet up with my favourite Cisco TV colleague who allowed me to face along with her to watch some pre-show Govt Management Group interviews.

As the world full of excited eventgoers, I stood in entrance of the row the place each member of the ELT can be seated. Earlier than I knew it, they have been making their methods to their seats.

As I took a sip of espresso, I seemed as much as see Chuck Robbins standing lower than three ft away. Initially, I made a decision to not introduce myself, however the alternative was too excellent to withstand. There wasn’t a crowd round him, nor was he in dialog with anybody—he was simply there. I knew I’d remorse not profiting from this second, so I launched myself, we shared amusing, and captured the second. It was most undoubtedly the icing on the cake of all the expertise.

Exterior of the convention itself, the alternatives have been innumerable. My expertise as a “first-timer” was featured on the @WeAreCisco Instagram web page, and recording that was a lot enjoyable! I met so many nice individuals I’d solely ever spoken to via Webex, members of senior management, previous buddies and new colleagues alike, and took part in wonderful Inclusive Group actions and occasions. I even had the final word concert-goer expertise on the Cisco Stay Celebration, the place I acquired an unique wristband to the Champions Membership for excellent meals and the proper view of Elton John.

Heather described herself as “a rookie exec” within the WOC World Govt Shadow Program, however there was nothing “rookie” about this expertise AT ALL. My expectations of Cisco Stay have been surpassed, and so was my expertise as a mentee.

Alternatives like these are simply one of many many the reason why Cisco is a good place to work. Whether or not it’s via mentorship applications, modern initiatives, or unimaginable occasions like Cisco Stay, Cisco is a spot the place you may develop, be taught, and obtain your final targets. They could grow to be higher than you ever imagined.

We’re attaining targets and making progress to energy an inclusive future for all. Discover out extra in our 2024 Objective Report.

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