Cisco is greater than the place I work — it’s the language I communicate, the DNA I carry.
Since becoming a member of in 2015, my profession has unfolded inside Cisco’s ecosystem. I started in channel gross sales and advanced by means of a number of roles. Even once I stepped away for a 12 months to discover the shopper facet with one in all Cisco’s companions, it by no means felt like a goodbye, only a short-term detour.
That journey introduced me again in 2022. Whereas attending a convention, I reconnected with Cisco and found a brand new alternative within the Safety group. It was a daring shift getting into the position of Cybersecurity Gross sales Specialist, and because the solely lady on this place in Saudi Arabia, it felt like uncharted territory.
At first, I hesitated. Cybersecurity appeared like an intimidating house I assumed was reserved for coders and technical consultants. However as soon as I stepped in, I found that this notion was a fable. Sure, the educational curve was steep, however removed from unimaginable. I rapidly realized that whereas certifications like CISSP will be useful, they’re not necessary to begin. What mattered extra was curiosity, braveness, and a willingness to study. I’ve at all times believed that in the event you really set your thoughts to one thing, you can obtain it.
Folks study in another way. For me, real-world expertise at all times trumps idea. Whereas I explored supplies and books, together with the CISSP information, what really helped me develop was being within the discipline: observing, listening, becoming a member of conferences, and studying by means of lively engagement. 
I used to be lucky to be surrounded by mentors, particularly a colleague who later grew to become my supervisor. His steering, together with the help of my staff, gave me the boldness and basis to thrive. I additionally practiced buyer simulations, which sharpened each my technical acumen and storytelling expertise.
Simply as I used to be gaining confidence on this new position, life threw an surprising problem my manner: a breast most cancers prognosis. It was a surprising second, however early detection made all of the distinction. I took six months off for therapy and surgical procedure. These months have been tough, however they modified me perpetually.
Coming again to work was a milestone, not only a return to my job, however a rebirth. I felt stronger, extra resilient, and extra empowered. I noticed I didn’t must know the whole lot, I wanted to know methods to ask, collaborate, and talk. I leaned into the strengths that made me distinctive: my communication expertise, my background as an English trainer, my expertise throughout Cisco’s enterprise. These grew to become my superpowers. 
I additionally discovered that in cybersecurity gross sales, solely about 20% of the work is only technical. The remaining 80% is about folks constructing belief, navigating complexity, and translating worth. Once I embraced that mindset, I started to actually add worth each to the staff and to our clients.
Better of all, I returned with a brand new appreciation for the place I belonged, and who I had turn into. My journey at Cisco has taken me by means of many roles and experiences, and every one has helped me develop. As we speak, I’ve come full circle, again in channel gross sales, now as a Companion Account Supervisor, with a renewed sense of function.
Cisco is an organization that invests deeply in its folks. I not too long ago accomplished the JUMP Management Program, centered on empowering ladies leaders throughout Europe, the Center East, and Africa. The expertise was not solely insightful, it was affirming. Listening to different ladies’s tales and exchanging views jogged my memory how helpful it’s to study from each other.
That’s what makes Cisco particular. It’s not only a office, it’s a group the place you possibly can stretch, evolve, and uncover who you actually are. I’m enthusiastic about this subsequent chapter, assured that Cisco will proceed to be the place the place I develop into one of the best model of myself.
Do you wish to uncover one of the best model of your self? Discover alternatives now.
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