I often reflect on Cisco’s iconic tagline from when I joined the company. It was 2007, and I was in Bangalore, India, fresh out of college and full of dreams. I didn’t fully grasp what “The Human Network” meant. Routers, switches, and protocols were foreign terms then, but what I did feel profoundly was the vibe: a culture of care, a sense of family, and a workplace built on respect and love.
As a free-spirited woman, I thrived in this environment. Our team was close-knit, our coffee breaks long, and our laughter genuine. The Bangalore office became my second home. Yet, a part of me longed for more of an adventure, a change. That pull led me to leave Cisco, move to the U.S., and pursue a master’s degree in dynamic New York City.
I never imagined that I would find my way back to Cisco or that Cisco would find me. But it did. I rejoined the company as a Systems Engineer in Presales after an intense interview process. A new country, new people, a new role, yet it was the same vibe that reminded me why Cisco had always felt like home. In fact, it felt more welcoming than ever, and that filled me with excitement.
The Power of Purpose
Since childhood, I’ve pondered the big questions like who I am and what is my purpose. In 2018, my parents visited me, and I was struck by a transformation in my mother. The once-worried parent had become calm and centered. This shift led me to start my spiritual and mindfulness journey. It brought a new kind of freedom where my aim became clear: to spread peace and joy, to see every human being as family, and to live a life of purpose.
Bridge to Possible
Life, of course, is never without challenges. One evening in 2019, I experienced a sudden and severe headache that led to a stiff neck and an ER visit. Over the next year, pain spread throughout my body, and I experienced numbness, stomach issues, and heart pain. Despite countless tests, no root cause was found. But through it all, my spiritual practice gave me strength.
My Cisco family stood by me, from managers to teammates and other colleagues. After every single doctor’s visit, they made sure to ask how I was doing and there was no pressure to be on video during meetings. My manager would often say, “Is there anything we can take off your plate? Please take the time you need — we’ll handle things.” It was such an open and supportive environment, I felt truly safe to express how I was feeling.
In 2021, sitting in a hospital room, listening to a doctor’s bleak prognosis, I broke down. It was my lowest point. But in the silence of meditation, a profound new awareness emerged. I realized my deeper purpose: to transform lives through connection, a purpose I felt was truly embodied by Cisco.
Powering an Inclusive Future for All
As my body slowly healed, I began teaching meditation and creating spiritual paintings and art exhibitions, even creating an online space, called In Is the Only Way Out, for others to pause and reflect. I longed to share this within Cisco, too. And then, serendipitously, I connected with Punam from the Mindfulness & Resilience Network, one of Cisco’s 30+ Inclusive Communities (our name for Employee Resource Groups), over our shared love of art and meditation.
Being part of this loving community, truly showed me what it means to care for one another here, providing a vital space for connection, shared purpose, and healing as I navigated my recovery.
Changing the Way We Work, Live, Play & Learn
True balance begins when you no longer need to wear a mask — when who you are at work and who you are at home become one and the same. That’s when life feels whole. That’s when you’re truly living with purpose.
Leading mindfulness onboarding sessions and posting messages on the Daily Inspiration Webex Space (Cisco’s internal collaboration platform), I often receive heartfelt responses like, “This is exactly what I needed today.” These moments, along with strangers reaching out or unexpected employee recognition for my commitment to well-being, fill my heart with joy. It’s not just about technology or networks, but about the human connection.
My deepest wish is for everyone to recognize their inner worth, their true essence. It’s at Cisco that I’ve found an environment where this authenticity is not just accepted, but celebrated, allowing us to truly show up as ourselves. This culture of genuine connection empowers us to collaborate more deeply, innovate freely, and ultimately do our best work. It’s through this human-centric approach that Cisco is Powering an Inclusive Future for All.
I am truly proud to be a part of Cisco, a company that not only connects people across the globe but also connects the human spirit.
Inspired by Shweta’s journey of purpose and belonging? Discover how Cisco cultivates an environment where all employees can thrive in our Purpose Report.
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Thank you so much for sharing some of your story here. I am so inspired by you, and how you provide care and support for me, and so many people across Cisco. Thank you so much for all you do to embed a culture of well-being across our organisation. The work you do for our fabulous Mindfulness and Resilience Community is so important and I know helps me and others every day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :o)
You are a true warrior, an inspiration, a purpose-driven leader and life long learner! Thank you for all you do and for leading with such heart.
Thank you so much Genna 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 It truly means a lot to me. I feel grateful to be part of such a caring community where we can support each other and grow together. and You are our inspiration Sheila, being a Global Head of Well-being!
I’m so grateful to have connected with Shweta through the Women of Cisco Community two years ago. She has been an invaluable presence in the Mindfulness & Resilience Community, selflessly serving and positively impacting thousands of lives every day. Her meditation sessions are grounding, and her insights continually inspire us to lead more meaningful and purposeful lives. The world truly needs more people like Shweta to spread peace, love, and calm. Thank you, Shweta, for your unwavering dedication. Stay blessed, and continue sharing your positive energy wherever you go!
Punam, it feels truly magical how we connected and how your inspiration led me to join the Core Team of Mindfulness & Resilience. Thank you for your beautiful words – I feel equally blessed to have you in my journey.
This is great Shweta. I am truly grateful that our paths have crossed. You are an inspiration and your story is a great lesson for us all that Cisco’s Mindfulness and Resilience community is so important when we talk about wellbeing.
Thank you so much Seph and we are also very happy that you are part of this family 🙂
You’re an inspiration to everyone who comes in contact with you. Your spirit and soul is a blessing to all of us. I feel so lucky to work and learn from you. May you continue to have peace and growth.
Kim, thank you so much for these sweet words. It means a lot! I feel equally lucky to work with you as well 🙂
We love you Shweta!!!
Thank you, Alex 🙂
Hi Shweta, it’s nice to meet you here. I am very inspired by your article. Looking forward to connecting.
Linda, thank you! looking forward to connecting as well!
Great story! Your smile and positive attitude are contagious. Keep up the good work!
Kris, thank you so much!
Shweta, I’m grateful to have connected with you through Women of Cisco. Your story is both inspiring and deeply moving—it’s clear how your dedication to mindfulness and meditation has been a powerful foundation throughout your journey. I enjoy the “Daily Inspirations” you share for my day-to-day; and I in turn share them with others! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and positivity so generously. I appreciate you!
Thank you so much, Neelam, for your kind words, it means a lot to me. I feel equally grateful that Women of Cisco brought us together, and I truly appreciate your encouragement. It makes me so happy to know the Daily Inspirations are supporting you and that you’re passing them along to others – that ripple effect is exactly what mindfulness is about. I’m so glad to have you on this journey with me!
Thanks for sharing your story Shweta. Your involvement in the Mindfulness community inspires us all to become a better version of ourselves. Thanks for everything that you do for the community!!
Ramya, thank you so much! I also want to appreciate you for being such an active part of the Mindfulness community, and for the love and care you bring to it. We are happy to have you with us!
Shweta, your story is so moving and beautifully shared. The way you turn challenges into purpose and choose to spread peace, connection and mindfulness is deeply inspiring and resonates a lot. Reading about your journey reminded me of how powerful it is when authenticity and compassion are embraced in the workplace and beyond. Thank you for shining your light so generously. It is truly a gift to all who cross your path.
Aarti, Thank you so much for these beautiful words – they truly touched my heart. I feel grateful that my journey resonates with you, and your reflection reminds me why sharing authentically matters. I deeply value the compassion and connection we share, and I’m equally inspired by the light you bring being a wonderful author of children’s tales. Your latest book “Unforgettable Namaste” is my favorite!
Thank you for sharing your story, Shweta! I look forward to the messages that come through on the “Daily Inspiration” space and share the sentiments often with non work friends! I am glad you are part of the Cisco family.
So happy to know this Kate. Thank you so much 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your heartwarming story! Every Monday (and sometimes in between!) I make it a point to read your Daily Inspiration quotes. They always ground me, no matter where I am in my day, and help reinforce my sense of self-worth. For that, I’m truly thankful to you.
Thank you for your kind words, Prajakta 🙂
Shweta, I loved reading your story as much as I cherish your contributions to the Daily Inspirations space! You really give support, encouragement and mindfulness to me every day. Go into each day knowing how much you contribute to my wellness and also to so many others at Cisco!