There were times it was indirect, “Did you lose your razor?” Other times, it was very much direct, “You need to trim your sideburns; they’re too long.” But in both cases, during my pre-Cisco life, it was made clear to me that there was a certain appearance I needed in order to fit in – a corporate mold I needed to adopt, and I complied. I wasn’t one to rock the boat, and I figured everyone had to sacrifice a bit of their own personal expression in order to keep in good standing at work.
Then, in January of 2010, I made a career move – welcome to Cisco.
On my first day, my manager said to me, “Chris, one thing you need to understand is that Cisco was born on the West Coast. And because of that, we have a very strong, progressive West Coast mentality that supports and celebrates individuality, freedom of expression, and everyone having a voice and seat at the table. It may not be what you (or many) are used to.” It wasn’t. But it sounded great – I supported all those things too!
It wasn’t until one of my first onsite customer meetings, however, that I really started to understand and appreciate the extent to which that was true.
It was the Spring of 2010 and I was readying myself in my hotel room for the customer meeting that day. Dress pants – freshly ironed. Dress shoes – wingtips, shined & waxed. Cufflinks – cuffed & sparkling. Dress shirt – white & starched and finished with a blazer. Hair – well-coiffed. Face – clean-shaven. In hindsight, I probably looked like the typical stock photo image for “clean cut businessman.”
I was all set to meet with the CIO and other senior members of the IT staff (which, no pressure, included one of the founding fathers of the Internet!) Joining me would be one of our Cisco security experts who would be driving much of the conversation. After everyone was settled at the table in the room, he appeared at the door – my jaw dropped.
Camo shorts. Flip flops. Huge chain wallet hanging down. Baseball hat. T-shirt. Tattoos galore. Big bushy beard.
I was in shock. My previous employer required business formal four days a week, and business casual was for Fridays – which meant we could wear a blue shirt with our tie instead of a white shirt! And then, in comes our Cisco security expert – I was amazed and wondering what the others would think.
No one missed a step. There wasn’t a hesitation. No one looked concerned, even the customer wasn’t fazed. It simply didn’t matter what he looked like or what he wore – he was the smartest person in the room, and not judged by his appearance but rather his knowledge! He commanded the room’s attention purely on his credibility – not because he had a tie or no tie, but because he knew his stuff.
As my tenure at Cisco increased, I too began to explore my own areas of personal expression through appearance. Most recently, it has been with this insanely long beard I’ve been growing. It’s not exactly what people think of when they picture a “clean cut businessman.” And, yes, I’ve been told I look like everyone from Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump (the running scene) to ZZ Top, the guys from Duck Dynasty, and even the Grumpy Old Troll from Dora the Explorer.
But you know what? Not once has anyone from Cisco told me that I needed to shave or trim my beard – and I’m not exactly out of the spotlight in my role.
As part of the Worldwide Collaboration Sales team, I’m often presenting at Cisco Live, at third-party conferences, at Cisco Executive Briefing Centers, and other customer events. A lot of people see me – and my beard.
That is why I love where I work, because at Cisco we are not judged by our physical appearance but rather by our knowledge, talents, and contributions – which is exactly how it should be. I love working at a place where individuality isn’t only tolerated but encouraged and celebrated.
Ready to be you, with us? We’re hiring. Apply now!
Loved reading this, Chris and 100% agree –> “At Cisco we are not judged by our physical appearance but rather by our knowledge, talents, and contributions”. Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for being YOU 🙂
Varsha – thanks so much for your comments and kind words! Cisco is definitely a special place to work and this type of acceptance is one of the big reasons why.
Awesome article! There is so much of this still going on, where we are expected that “professional” is one way. We need more self-expression and less cookie-cutter!
Radia – thank you & I agree 100%! And perhaps you can take some extra pride in this knowing that I was one of your former students! 4 years ago – I took the Dale Carnegie Immersion Seminar class that you led in our Iselin, NJ office! I often think back to the many of the great, valuable lessons from that experience!
Awesome, Chris! I play drums in a metal band, am tattooed, always wear a beard…and I’m in my 11th year at Cisco. Kudos to this company for celebrating diversity and thank YOU for the great post.
Sweet! Love it! And on a side note – it’s pretty amazing how much musical talent there is at Cisco…
So true, Chris. One member of our team was wearing a nose ring and lots of earrings for her interview. Before the interview a friend told her that she should take off all those rings. She didn’t. As she later said, if they cannot see beyond the rings, then this is not the company I want to work for. She was the best candidate and we hired her. Never regretted that we hid. She is awesome.
That’s a great anecdote and powerful lesson! Good on her for being herself in the interview and on the interviewing team for focusing on what really matters.
Great article. #lovewhereyouwork
btw who was that cisco security expert …just curious 🙂
Thank you! And oooooo…I’d have to dig a little to remind myself who that security guru was…but I do believe he’s still around.
Hi Chris – great story!
You’ve articulated one aspect of what makes Cisco a great company to work for – that we’re allowed to be ourselves!
Thanks again -Ed
Ed – thanks for the comment and glad you liked the story and most importantly, agree with the message!
Chris –
Great story, so glad to see you have found your passion to the benefit of our customers and Cisco.
Thank you! I appreciate that & thanks for the comment!
I am hopefully a future employee of Cisco, got my interview tomorrow!
This confirms everything I’ve read about Cisco and has just increased my motivation to get the job!
Thank you.
Nice! Hope you. interview went well! Good luck!
A man after my own heart! We need to start a Cisco beard club!
NICE! I’ve been telling people what an amazing response I’ve gotten from our Cisco bearded brethren! It’s a proud group and I’m sure we’d have some good numbers if we did start the Cisco beard club! ???
Chris I can relate to this so much. My last employer told me I don’t have the right look for management because I have a beard. I was a top contributor and they would still say I could do better if I shaved. I left a year later to joined Cisco with a full beard and it has been the best decision of my life. I love this company, the culture and value it provides. Great post, thank you for sharing your story!
Arun – That’s awesome! I firmly believe that if a company is being restrictive on something as inncuous as facial hair, you know there are others areas in which they are closed-minded. Their loss; Cisco’s gain.
Love the beard, love it even more in purple!
Thank you, sir! Yes, the purple was incredible! I would get second looks normally because it was reaching lumberjack length, but the purple would stop people and they’d ask to take my picture!
A great big bushy beard!
You know it! ?
Loved this Chris !! I remember the day I interviewed at CIsco. I was in a blazer and looked what you call “clean cut business man” 🙂 After the interview the manager said “Thats not how you come in to work. This is how you do” pointing to himself in shorts and Tee. Years later I develop the urge to let my hair grow to where every day seems I stuck my hand in a power outlet. But never once was I asked to cut it !! Love the freedom at Cisco !!
Makesh – I love it! It’s amazing how many people at Cisco have stories so similar to ours. It really is about the PEOPLE here more than anything. Which is why we attract and retain the best!
Exactly you should always be able to be your authentic self! Very well written!
Thank you, Carmen! And couldn’t agree more – it’s so important to be your authentic self and have that accepted by the people not only in your personal life but professional life as well!
#beardgang
Nice… When I posted this on Twitter I used #BeardLife – but I like #beardgang!
Love reading other’s stories and their experiences. WOW Chris! Loved your writing and I very much echo your words about ‘at Cisco we are not judged’ – One best i love about being here at Cisco.
Prashanthi – thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed what I wrote and more importantly, that it resonated with you personally!
This is amazing to hear. I am working to transition into a new career and have always been drawn to Cisco as a company and also the culture. As I grow professionally, I will shoot for working for such a place!
Thanks – Britten B
Britten – thank you & best of luck transitioning into a new career! Be sure to always check the postings on the Cisco career site!