From AI to Social Impact: Inside Cisco's Journey to Shape the Future
Neil C. Hughes
Technology Writer, Podcast Host, Producer of Tech Talks Daily and LinkedIn Top Voice. Always a student. Sometimes a teacher. Never an expert.
In the last edition of Digital Transformation Stories, I shared how SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, Vodafone Business, WWE, United Airlines, Steve Madden, and Lowe's Companie were putting some of the hottest technological innovations to work.
Despite the vast differences between these organizations and their audiences, they are all undergoing intensive transformation through technology. This week, I want to take a look under the hood at the tech that makes it all possible in a series of conversations with the leadership team at 思科 to explore their vision of how technology can effectively solve real-world problems, create tangible business value, and enable leaders to demonstrate a clear return on investment for every tech project.
Inside Cisco's Cyber Defense: Hypershield and AI Innovations
At Cisco Live, I sat down with Tom Gillis , Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco Security Business Group. Although Cisco is widely known as a networking company, our conversation dived into how Cisco is also enhancing its cyber security measures to support clients and enterprises globally.
During our discussion, Tom revealed some of the latest security innovations announced at Cisco Live, such as Cisco Hypershield. This revolutionary network security system aims to address the pressing issue of rapid vulnerability exploitation by providing a compensating control to safeguard applications while patches are being tested and applied. This solution highlights Cisco's unique capability to merge security with networking, which allows them to deliver unparalleled security solutions.
Tom also emphasized AI's significant role in managing cyberinfrastructure, especially in automating and optimizing traditionally cumbersome tasks, such as firewall rule management and continuous risk assessment.
Tom discussed the importance of integrated security platforms in the face of enterprise security's growing complexity. He explained how Cisco's collaboration with Microsoft is designed to provide seamless, secure access across devices and networks, enhancing the user experience and reducing alert fatigue for security teams.
The introduction of AI-powered assistants in security operations centers aims to elevate the efficiency of entry-level analysts, addressing the industry's skills gap. As Tom shared his vision for the future, he highlighted how emerging technologies like AI, digital twins, and advanced hardware acceleration converge to create transformative security solutions, positioning Cisco at the forefront of addressing modern cybersecurity challenges.
You can listen to our full conversation by clicking on the podcast player below.
From Hype to Reality: AI's Role in Modern Workplaces
Are you and your business truly leveraging the power of AI in your workplace? Or are we merely scratching the surface despite the hype we hear daily?
Aruna Ravichandran (she/her) , Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Customer Officer at 网迅 by 思科 , shared with me her insights into the evolving landscape of work and the pivotal role of AI in shaping our professional environments.
During our conversation, Aruna highlighted several ways AI revolutionizes customer experience and hybrid work environments. For instance, AI innovations in customer experience have significantly reduced call volume and improved efficiency by streamlining interactions between virtual and human agents.
AI summaries ensure that when a call is escalated, the agent already has all the necessary information, eliminating the need for customers to repeat themselves. On the hybrid work front, AI-powered remote device management allows IT administrators to troubleshoot and resolve issues without being physically present, vastly improving operational efficiency and minimizing downtime.
Furthermore, Aruna discussed how Webex by Cisco integrates AI to enhance user experiences and ensure seamless communication for remote and in-office employees. AI-driven features such as meeting summaries, natural language search capabilities, and advanced video framing technology create an inclusive environment where every participant, regardless of location, has an equal voice.
These innovations foster a more collaborative work culture and address critical issues like alert fatigue and agent turnover in contact centers—Aruna's insights concern AI's transformative potential as a crucial enabler of human connection and organizational growth.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it's clear that AI and sensible work policies are instrumental in shaping the future of our workplaces. Aruna's insights highlight the importance of embracing technology for innovation's sake and innovation's mental tool for solving real problems and enhancing human connection.
Innovating for Tomorrow: How Outshift by Cisco Delivers Next-Gen Solutions
Outshift is at the forefront of Cisco's innovation, especially in AI, cloud-native applications, and quantum technologies. In my conversation with Vijoy Pandey Senior Vice President Outshift by Cisco , we discussed the latest AI innovations advancing Cisco's product line and setting new benchmarks for customer experience and technological responsibility.
Vijoy explained that Outshift functions as Cisco's internal Y Combinator, focusing on building products that take Cisco into new markets. This innovative approach allows Outshift to operate like a startup, with capabilities spanning engineering, product development, marketing, customer success, and sales.
The mission of Outshift is to build what's next in emerging tech for Cisco, including significant strides in AI. One of the notable innovations discussed was Motific.ai, a product designed to help organizations navigate the journey from experimenting with AI to deploying it in production.
Motific addresses the four main challenges businesses face with AI:
Vijoy highlighted how Cisco integrates AI into its existing products to enhance capabilities and meet evolving customer needs. Cisco's approach to AI is categorized into improving productivity and enhancing products.
Beyond improving existing products, Cisco is also focused on developing new products that push the boundaries of AI. This includes the partnership with NVIDIA to build training and inferencing clusters for AI and initiatives like quantum networking and security. These advancements are part of Cisco's broader vision of leveraging AI to drive innovation in cloud-native applications, edge computing, and quantum technologies.
As our conversation wrapped up, it became clear that AI and responsible innovation are central to Cisco's strategy. Vijoy emphasized Cisco's commitment to responsible AI, ensuring ethical practices in development and balancing innovation with responsibility. Cisco's responsible AI framework, which has been in place since the rise of generative AI, is integrated into the development pipeline alongside security measures.
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Driving the Evolution of Networking
What's driving the evolution of networking today? How are industry leaders like Cisco shaping the future of data centers and connectivity?
Last month, I also enjoyed talking with Kevin Wollenweber , Senior Vice President and General Manager of 思科 Networking—data Center and Provider Connectivity. Kevin shared his insights on the latest trends and innovations transforming data centers and network infrastructure and what they mean for businesses worldwide.
Kevin emphasized the importance of digital experience assurance, which involves rethinking how networks are built and operated to handle the dramatic growth in bandwidth driven by AI and other emerging technologies. This shift necessitates a new approach to network management that leverages AI to provide better visibility and control over network operations.
In recent years, the networking landscape has undergone significant changes. Kevin noted that the industry is experiencing multiple transformations simultaneously. The rapid growth in bandwidth demand, coupled with the widespread adoption of AI, is driving the need for more advanced network infrastructures.
Cisco has introduced several innovations to address these challenges in its data center and provider connectivity portfolio. These include 400—and 800-gig routers and switches designed to handle increased bandwidth and capacity needs. Additionally, Cisco's Nexus Hyperfabric aims to simplify the deployment and management of data center fabrics, extending the reach of compute infrastructure to support AI workloads in collaboration with NVIDIA.
One of the most exciting developments Kevin discussed is the merger of Cisco's data center and routing teams. This integration aims to build the world's most advanced network by combining high-capacity switching infrastructure with the advanced functionality of routing systems.
By creating a consistent technology foundation across different network segments, Cisco can deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet its customers' evolving needs. Kevin also highlighted the importance of automation and AI in simplifying network management, particularly for service providers. Cisco's focus on digital experience assurance, powered by acquisitions like ThousandEyes, Excedian, and Splunk, provides customers with comprehensive visibility and control over their networks.
As we look ahead, Kevin emphasized the need for businesses to modernize their data centers and network infrastructures to keep pace with emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, and edge computing. These advancements create new opportunities and present significant power, space, cooling, and cost challenges. Looking to the future, Kevin sees continued evolution in data center technologies, driven by advancements in Ethernet and the growing demand for AI applications.
The Human Side of Technology: Harry Caldwell on Customer-Centric Innovation
My conversation with Harry Caldwell, the dynamic leader of Cisco's CX Americas organization, explored the human side of technology, highlighting how prioritizing CX can fuel innovation and business growth.
Harry's career journey has been a testament to his dedication to enabling people to perform at their best, whether they are employees, customers, or partners. He emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in his leadership approach, noting that DEI is not just a corporate mandate but a core value that drives business differentiation.
Harry told me how Cisco has established a DEI council within the CX Americas organization, aligning with Cisco's broader DEI priorities. This council focuses on hiring, developing, and fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to superior business outcomes.
Harry also discussed the Customer Hero Awards, which celebrate customers who drive significant advancements in their industries through innovative use of technology. This year's awards highlighted remarkable stories, such as Lowe's seamless transition of 25 business units to a consolidated SaaS platform, enhancing scalability and reliability.
Another inspiring example was Mass General Brigham's use of AI to improve patient care and accelerate medical research. These stories underscore the real-world impact of technology on diverse sectors, from home improvement to healthcare, showcasing how AI and other advanced technologies are solving critical problems and driving business success.
Reflecting on the essence of Cisco Live, Harry articulated that the event is not just about showcasing technological advancements but about the people and the collaborative spirit that drives innovation. He shared how Cisco works closely with customers to co-create solutions that address their unique challenges, emphasizing the importance of deep collaboration and a customer-first mindset.
Harry's insights remind us that technology's value lies in bringing people together, enhancing human intelligence, and delivering tangible benefits for businesses and society.
How Technology is Empowering One Billion Lives
Why should companies invest in social impact programs? This is one of the many compelling questions I asked Brian Tippens SVP and Chief Social Impact Officer at Cisco.
Together, we explored how integrating social impact strategies drives positive change and propels business outcomes forward. With over 30 years in technology companies like Intel, HP, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Brian brings experience and passion for purpose-driven work.
Brian discussed one of the most significant achievements: Cisco's goal to impact one billion lives by 2025 positively, a target they reached a year early in 2022. This initiative, set by CEO Chuck Robbins, leveraged Cisco's innovation and extensive ecosystem to drive social change. Through programs like the Cisco Networking Academy, which has trained tens of millions in IT and cybersecurity, and partnerships with hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Cisco has made a measurable impact on education, economic empowerment, and digital inclusion.
A standout example of Cisco's social impact is its response to global humanitarian crises. Whether providing connectivity to first responders during natural disasters or supporting refugees with essential services, Cisco's efforts go beyond philanthropy to address critical human needs. Additionally, their commitment to social justice, sparked by events in 2020, led to the creation of a comprehensive program with 12 pillars focused on internal diversity and external community support. This includes a $50 million venture fund for women and founders of color, demonstrating Cisco's dedication to fostering equity and inclusion.
Cisco's social impact programs are not just about doing good; they also drive business value. By aligning their initiatives with their core business strategy, Cisco enhances employee engagement, customer loyalty, and partner collaboration. For example, their Time to Give program, which offers employees up to 10 days for volunteering, boosts job satisfaction and retention. Similarly, their focus on sustainability and diversity resonates with customers who increasingly prefer to buy from socially responsible companies.
Brian emphasized that technology's true power lies in bringing people together and creating positive change. Cisco's efforts to connect the unconnected, support skills development, and promote social justice exemplify how businesses can leverage their resources for the greater good. By maintaining transparency and staying rooted in its core values, Cisco continues to lead by example in the tech industry.
The Future of Digital Transformation: Balancing Innovation with Social Responsibility
As I reflect on these illuminating conversations with Cisco's leadership, it's clear that technology's true power lies in its innovative capabilities and ability to solve real-world problems, foster human connection, and drive positive societal change.
From enhancing cybersecurity with AI to revolutionizing workplace dynamics, from reimagining networking infrastructure to positively impacting a billion lives, Cisco's multifaceted approach demonstrates how technology can be a force for good when guided by responsible and visionary leadership.
My key takeaway is that digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies—it's about leveraging these tools to create tangible value, enhance human potential, and address pressing global challenges.
As we stand at the cusp of a new era in technology, the question for every business leader and innovator becomes: How will you harness the power of AI, networking, and digital solutions to not only drive your business forward but also contribute to a more connected, secure, and equitable world?
The time to act is now. Adopt these technological advancements with a clear purpose so that you and your business can contribute to building a better future for all.