During Cisco’s annual shutdown — a unique time when the entire company takes a step back to recharge, unplug, and focus on what matters most for about a week — I spent some of that uninterrupted time with my daughter, Kathryn, sharing in that once-in-a-lifetime milestone of helping her learn how to ride her bike without training wheels. It’s moments like these that reflect what makes Cisco unlike anywhere else: a company that genuinely prioritizes the well-being and growth of its employees, both inside and outside of work.
It was a journey of small steps for her — falling, doubting herself, getting frustrated, managing distractions, but keeping focus and trying again. When she finally rode on her own, it wasn’t just the achievement, it was the process — the challenge she overcame, step by step. The joy on her face was undeniable, a powerful reminder of what it feels like to accomplish something entirely new.
When was the last time you felt that feeling?
As adults and professionals, if we are honest with ourselves, having the mindset of being a work in progress isn’t easy, regardless of experience level. Being fearless isn’t easy. We’ve all made mistakes that hurt, taken risks that didn’t pay off, or set big, audacious goals that didn’t pan out. Moving forward is all about trying new things, overcoming adversity, getting challenged and learning how to respond, being disappointed, getting frustrated, and feeling pain, just like Kathryn did during those days of our shutdown.
Away from the distractions of pings, emails, and meetings, I watched Kathryn work through her fears and frustrations and was reminded that breaking through your own limits makes the success sweeter! And just as rewarding as making that progress yourself is helping others do the same — which is what makes my role as Client Director so fulfilling.
Much like with parenting, leadership at Cisco is about finding the right balance between challenging and supporting. It’s about being real, staying curious, and constantly learning — qualities that Cisco fosters in everyone across the company. Here, I’m encouraged to think really big, play to win, and drive durable growth for my team and our customers.
This balance between challenging and supporting isn’t just how I lead — it’s how Cisco has invested in me. I recently transitioned into my new role as Client Director, for Walmart, the world’s largest company by revenue, a move that required me to embrace uncertainty and step outside my comfort zone. Just as I encouraged Kathryn to keep pedaling even when she wasn’t sure she could, Cisco encouraged me to take on this new challenge, providing the support and resources I needed to succeed. It’s this commitment to
internal mobility and career growth — what we like to call “one company, many careers” — that makes Cisco truly different.
Growth isn’t always a straight line, though. Just months after Kathryn mastered riding without training wheels, I was watching her confidently ride through Chicago. Later, after moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas, she took on a mountain bike trail and had a hard fall, cutting her chin pretty badly. But here’s the thing: the setback didn’t stop her. With the help of some kind people on the trail and her own determination, she got back on that bike — proof that setbacks don’t define us; how we respond to them does. The same is true in our careers. New challenges may knock us down. What matters is having the support system and culture that helps you get back up — and keeps you moving forward. And just like parenting my three kids, each in different stages with their own bumps, bruises, and breakthroughs, I’ve learned that growth isn’t one-size-fits-all. The real work — in families, teams, careers, and leadership — is meeting people exactly where they are and helping them take that next step forward.
After witnessing Kathryn’s process and achievement, I’ve committed to embracing discomfort and diving into new, uncharted waters to help myself, my teams, my customers, and my partners continue to grow.
Together, we can continue to focus on the process. Step by step. We may not always see the end result immediately, but with each small pedal through adversity, we’ll get closer to riding with confidence in whatever we take on.
As Cisco’s annual shutdown approaches, I’m reflecting on what last year’s break gave me, and I’m excited to see what this year will bring. Whether you’re part of the Cisco family now or exploring opportunities with us, know this: the best companies don’t just offer jobs — they invest in your whole life, your growth, and your ability to keep pedaling forward, training wheels off.
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This piece beautifully shows that real leadership isn’t about comfort — it’s stepping back, letting others find their balance, and learning through challenge and growth. 🌱 Extreme ownership means embracing tough lessons and leading with accountability. For deeper insight, check this 👉 https://academy.echelonfront.com/product/the-dichotomy-of-leadership/ (blogs.cisco.com)