Visiting India has been on my bucket list for a while. 
Rather than simply visiting as a tourist, I experienced the country through one of the most intimate and heartfelt ways: the wedding of one of my direct reports.
What began as simple curiosity — wanting to learn more about different cultures and perspectives on work grew into something deeply meaningful. My people-first philosophy, mirrored throughout Cisco’s culture, emphasizes that success isn’t just about tasks or business growth — it’s about the human connections that make those achievements possible. Behind every project and milestone, there are real people whose passion and dedication drive progress. If you’ve ever heard me talk about people, you know my philosophy: tasks are secondary; people come first. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible individuals from all walks of life.
One of my direct reports, Koushik, and I were catching up one day about life, culture, and future plans. He lives in the U.S., but mentioned his upcoming wedding taking place in India, and would love if my wife and I could attend. It was truly an honor just to be invited, but my wife and I discussed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and decided to make the trip.
The ceremony was incredible — a vibrant celebration filled with warmth, tradition, and joy. Experiencing a new culture through such a special occasion, alongside my beautiful wife, made it unforgettable. When I accepted the invitation, I could see how much it meant to Koushik and his family. He was thrilled and while we were there, his family kept saying how honored they were to have his manager celebrate with them. His excitement and the genuine bond we share made the distance feel insignificant and the whole experience even more special. We met amazing people, were embraced by the welcoming environment, and, of course, enjoyed some incredible food. In my little girl’s words — it was slay!
Beyond the wedding celebrations, we also had the chance to explore some of India’s highlights. We visited the historic India Gate, admired several beautiful temples, and enjoyed a bit of shopping. My wife was especially interested in jewelry, so we picked out some pure silver bangles for her and our girls, which made the experience even more memorable. These moments of discovery and connection outside the wedding celebration enriched our journey, deepening our appreciation for the incredible world we live in and the bonds we share.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Ravikiran, another team member based in India, which made the trip even more special. The vibrant traditions, warm hospitality, and shared moments with colleagues throughout our time there, transformed the trip from a bucket-list item into a deeply personal and memorable experience.
At Cisco, we talk a lot about innovation and customer impact, but moments like this remind me that what truly sets us apart is the way we value people. Being able to travel halfway across the world to celebrate an important personal milestone wasn’t just a trip — it was proof of the human connections at the heart of our culture. When we feel seen and supported, our work takes on deeper meaning, getting done not just efficiently, but with passion and purpose, and that’s what makes Cisco special.
It’s experiences like these that remind me why Cisco’s people-first philosophy is so powerful. Traveling such a great distance to support and celebrate a teammate’s personal milestone demonstrated that our relationships go beyond work and deliverables. Human connection is at the core, contributing to the deep level of respect, commitment, and appreciation for who we are as individuals that we at Cisco embrace and share. I am inspired to continue fostering these genuine connections, knowing they are the foundation for a collaborative, inclusive, and thriving workplace where everyone can succeed together.
At Cisco, we believe connection fuels innovation — and success starts with people. Learn more about Cisco and our Purpose.
Hi Cole, thank you for sharing this amazing journey with fellow Cisconians. It is truly heart-felt! What an absolute blessing to be able to share this experience with your colleague and his family. Definitely a feel-good story! 💙
Thank you Cole for attending his wedding in India. I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet you in person. It was such a memorable time.
Cole, What a wonderful story putting your experience into words and a true reflection of Cisco culture! I truly appreciate your open-mindedness, taking the time and putting the effort to travel across the globe to experience your team member, Koushik’s most important milestone in his life. I’m sure those amazing memories last a lifetime for your family and for Koushik’s family.