Virtual Talent Expo Inspiration

I’m feeling particularly inspired, - and wanted to take a moment to share my learning moment. This week, Cisco is hosting a virtual Talent Expo designed for everyone in Cisco’s African American community. It gives leaders like me an opportunity to become proximate, share career stories and make connections. As a marketing executive, there’s never been a more important time for me to listen and learn from our diverse talent – and see what more I can do to support those who are interested in a similar career path to mine.

We were fortunate to welcome Carla Harris, Vice Chairman of Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, as a keynote speaker to kickoff yesterday’s event. Together with Cisco’s Chief People Officer Fran Katsoudas, they shared their views on sponsorship vs mentorship, and performance vs relationship currency. This was a big aha moment for me personally – so insightful and true!  

Carla shared during her keynote that: “It takes a much smaller investment in your professional environment to build these relationships than it does in your personal life.” Yet, so many don’t know how to get started. 

As leaders, we must create mentorship programs to individuals across all levels to support their career development. Within my own leadership team, we want to provide even more opportunities for different perspectives to be heard in more deliberate ways. And as a sponsor, we need to get a comprehensive view of the individuals in these programs and promote their success when the time comes. 

Carla closed her keynote with a quote I love: “Success doesn’t just happen; it has to be intentional.” She’s so right.

I’d love to hear from my colleagues about the mentorship programs you’re currently involved with. What’s been your experience? Do you have any recommendations on how we can take this to the next level? 

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