The "Art" of Strategy
I first came across Cisco in 1997, while browsing the Red Herring magazine. On Sand Hill Road that publication was, at its time, as ubiquitous as a vest is today. It was perhaps what was inside the article that mattered most, a reference to the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, Michelangelo Volpi.
Mike, as he was known around Cisco, had more than just an artist-inspired name. He had defined a new model for corporate R&D. Twenty years later Cisco is a different company in a very different market. The heart of the role is however unchanged. Strategy is first and foremost about choice – what to do and what not to do, and why.
As I take on the role of Chief Strategy Officer, supporting Cisco’s Executive Leadership Team, I am inspired by our history and the path paved by Mike and the Strategy leaders that followed. Cisco’s products connected the unconnected during the Internet’s initial build-out – not a bad canvas on which to create the next work of art.
Past Chair, Board of Directors at Community and Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS)
6 年All the best in your new role
Partner at Index Ventures
6 年Thanks for the kind words. Although, I all candor, the things we accomplished in the 90s were all because of the great team we had in every dimension of the company - from Ed Kozel who taught me a lot of what I know, to John Chambers who gave us the freedom to take crazy risks and many other people (too many to list) that created an extraordinary environment. I’m flattered to be cited in such a nice way, but I don’t hold a candle to the artist I was named after and I simply stood on the shoulders of great leaders at Cisco. I wish the best to all the people who carry the Cisco name forward today.
Strategic Planning and M&A at Honeywell
6 年Congratulations, Anuj!? It was an honor and a privilege to work with you a few years ago at Cisco, and it's great to see you take the helm as CSO!
Sales Manager, Powernow
6 年Congrats, now what is next is to connect Things, Ciscos strategy should be about Internet of Things
CEO & Managing Partner @ Next47 | Global Venture Capital
6 年Will follow with interest the course you chart with Cisco leadership. All the very best!!