Most Cisconians can tell you exactly where they were the moment they heard (or read) the words, “Congratulations! We’d love to offer you the role of …” and it was exactly those words for me that started my journey not only towards a new role at Cisco – but a new country as well – as I accepted a role as a Problem Manager in Security at our Krakow Customer Experience Center.
A new role is exciting – although, yes, they come with their own fresh set of nerves. Throw on a new country to that, and, well, you understand how it can be quite a challenge. As I prepared to move from Mexico to Poland, I was so happy to have the Cisco relocation team on my side. But, of course, even though most transitions are well planned and organized, there is always something that tests the reaction capacity of a team. This story (my story) is about that.
The day had arrived and the suitcases, passport, visa, and flight tickets were ready. It had been raining all the week in Mexico, but I had a positive attitude as I prepared to trade my tortillas, tamales, and chilaquiles for pierogies, zuerk soup, and zapiekankas. My Polish lessons had been started, and I was trying my best to get used to saying “Cześć.” I was ready to take off to my new home.
While on my way to the airport, we noticed the road was flooded, and some were just impassable. Things got even worse when the rain started to pick up again and the traffic began to back up. It was at that moment when I realized I may miss my flight!
And that was exactly what happened.
Frustrated, sad, shocked – I made my way back to the home I had already said goodbye to. I now had to send an email to my relocation team (my new manager in Poland included) to explain to them that I missed the flight, and I needed a new one for the next day. My mind was racing, “How was it possible that I had missed the most important flight of my life?”
That’s when a 7.1 earthquake shook Mexico City and brought me back to reality.
It’d perhaps be easy to be disheartened during this time, and I certainly had a difficult time with what felt like hit after hit, but when you have your Cisco teams behind you – you realize how powerful our connections are. It’s easy to say you have a great team when everything is going well. It’s in the trying times where a great team shines, and I was thankful to have my team’s support and that of the Cisco relocation team.
After they spent all night working to get the proper approvals, I was booked for a new flight the next morning. 18 hours and 3 countries later, I finally arrived to the ‘earth of dragons’ – I had arrived in Krakow, Poland – my new home!
I am sure there are many more adventures ahead of me in this new role, but I needed to start by thanking those who supported me. It was truly inspiring watching the relocation team work their magic (I am convinced they are one of the best teams at Cisco.) and witness our culture unfold before my very eyes.
Ready to join our dynamic teams? Check out our careers!
Subscribe to the We Are Cisco Blog
Reading this makes me think that an old saying my mother tells me: “when something is set to happen, it will happen”. Good luck on your journey Emmanuel!
Felicidades, Emmanuel! You´ll make all of us at Cisco Mexico proud!
Very cool story Emmanuel. I’m happy and excited for you to be in Poland. I am also very jealous as I have not been able to visit there. I’m in the USA and both my parents are from Poland. Wishing you a great new career there and hoping everything is “Bardzo dobrze” for you! Dziękuję.
Congrats Emmanuel on making it finally to Krakow! Great example of perseverance! Best of luck in Krakow & EMEA!
Hi Emmanuel! Amigo, great article and so happy you were able to make the jump to Poland! Keep inspiring!
So good the see a “paisano” having a successful career at Cisco not only in Mexico, but in Poland! Me as Mexican living in another country (Canada) I totally understand the difficulties around being an expat. Cisco didn’t relocated me, but I agree Cisco is very supportive, Cisco in more than a company we work for, it’s a team, it’s family, it’s… home.
P.S. I experienced that 7.1 earthquake as well… so shocking!
Congratulations! Such a wild story, but glad you had the support you needed. Now I want to go visit Poland!
It takes more than courage to shift our lives like this. But I’m certain that there will be nothing but goodness and blessings derived from this. You are already rocking it, man! Enjoy the ride. In the end, life is made of these big choices, and what happens between them
Good stuff by the Cisco relocation team in getting you settled in your new role.
Congratulation Emmanuel!
Totally inspiring Emanuel
I smiled big when I cam across your story. I happen to be of Mexican and Polish descent (50/50) as my grandparents both landed in Chicago years ago. I certainly appreciate both cultures fondly, and proud to be this naturally modified mix. I often referred to myself when I was little as refried kielbasa. My Spanish teacher loved it! Buenas suerte Emmanuel y baw się dobrze. Report back on Easter, the celebrations I hear are bigger than Christmas out there.
What an amazing story Emmanuel! Your boldness is admirable, keep it right there.
Great story, Emmanuel! So glad you made it to Poland!