Hello, Cisco. Is that you?

On the back of the employee badge that was issued to me 20 years ago (I know, forever ago), there is a P.O. Box listed and I find myself wondering if it is even checked anymore. Where do lost Cisco badges go? If I sent my badge in, would it get returned to me? I have found out that this P.O. Box is no longer included on the back of the Cisco employee badge and came to the realization that much has changed in 20 years.

People often ask me why I have stayed with one company for so long. And though many things have changed over the years (like where lost badges go), one thing remains the same – Cisco’s culture and dedication to the health, well-being, and success of people around the world.

You matter and you are valued.

I think this feeling of being valued comes from the people-first philosophy that is ubiquitous in the company culture. Employee health and well-being is given priority with the knowledge and belief that those who do the work are just as important as the products and services we sell. Personal and professional ambitions are encouraged and nurtured by not only the company through their employee experience, but also by my colleagues and this continues to enrich my experience.

Differences make us stronger.

Cisco’s Conscious Culture initiative and their focus on equality and diversity – across ethnic, racial, cultural, economic and gender demographics – provides the freedom for all of us to explore and champion our similarities and differences. Cisco’s commitment to power and inclusive future for all aligns with the ways in which I hope to continue to make a difference in the world.

Together, we can change the world.

Social responsibility is also central to Cisco’s philosophy and is at the heart of my personal values. I want to continue to be part of an organization that looks at the world and says, “we can do better.” And it is not just lip service, we activate as a company with set goals in pursuit of a improving everyone’s circumstances.

At the end of the day, I stay because I feel as though I still have the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to a global effort to improve the world for everyone. I still feel - even after 20 years - that I am in the right place and with a company that supports my personal values and professional aspirations.

A special thank you to those I started my journey with many years ago - Mark Brillhart , Jie Xue , Mason Hu and Chalam Kalahasti .

Also, many thanks to those who continue to make my #cisco experience rewarding and fulfilling - Maria Martinez , Thimaya Subaiya , Adele Trombetta , Alistair Wildman , Alvio Barrios , Anisha Sivakumar , Buffy Ransom , Denzil Samuels , Jacqueline Guichelaar , John Wunder , Luca Barone , Nancy Darma and the CX Strategic Planning and Operations team.

Here’s to another 20 years!