Cisco is greater than the place I work — it’s the language I converse, the DNA I carry.
Since becoming a member of in 2015, my profession has unfolded inside Cisco’s ecosystem. I started in channel gross sales and developed via a number of roles. Even once I stepped away for a yr to discover the client facet with certainly one of Cisco’s companions, it by no means felt like a goodbye, only a short-term detour.
That journey introduced me again in 2022. Whereas attending a convention, I reconnected with Cisco and found a brand new alternative within the Safety group. It was a daring shift moving into the position of Cybersecurity Gross sales Specialist, and because the solely girl on this place in Saudi Arabia, it felt like uncharted territory.
At first, I hesitated. Cybersecurity appeared like an intimidating house I assumed was reserved for coders and technical specialists. However as soon as I stepped in, I found that this notion was a delusion. Sure, the educational curve was steep, however removed from inconceivable. I shortly realized that whereas certifications like CISSP might be useful, they’re not necessary to begin. What mattered extra was curiosity, braveness, and a willingness to study. I’ve all the time believed that in case you really set your thoughts to one thing, you can obtain it.
Individuals study in a different way. For me, real-world expertise all the time trumps concept. Whereas I explored supplies and books, together with the CISSP information, what really helped me develop was being within the area: observing, listening, becoming a member of conferences, and studying via energetic engagement. 
I used to be lucky to be surrounded by mentors, particularly a colleague who later turned my supervisor. His steering, together with the assist of my crew, gave me the boldness and basis to thrive. I additionally practiced buyer simulations, which sharpened each my technical acumen and storytelling abilities.
Simply as I used to be gaining confidence on this new position, life threw an surprising problem my manner: a breast most cancers analysis. It was a surprising second, however early detection made all of the distinction. I took six months off for therapy and surgical procedure. These months had been troublesome, however they modified me ceaselessly.
Coming again to work was a milestone, not only a return to my job, however a rebirth. I felt stronger, extra resilient, and extra empowered. I noticed I didn’t have to know every thing, I wanted to know the way to ask, collaborate, and talk. I leaned into the strengths that made me distinctive: my communication abilities, my background as an English trainer, my expertise throughout Cisco’s enterprise. These turned my superpowers. 
I additionally discovered that in cybersecurity gross sales, solely about 20% of the work is solely technical. The remaining 80% is about folks constructing belief, navigating complexity, and translating worth. After I embraced that mindset, I started to actually add worth each to the crew and to our prospects.
Better of all, I returned with a brand new appreciation for the place I belonged, and who I had turn into. My journey at Cisco has taken me via many roles and experiences, and every one has helped me develop. In the present day, I’ve come full circle, again in channel gross sales, now as a Accomplice Account Supervisorwith a renewed sense of goal.
Cisco is an organization that invests deeply in its folks. I not too long ago accomplished the JUMP Management Programcentered on empowering girls leaders throughout Europe, the Center East, and Africa. The expertise was not solely insightful, it was affirming. Listening to different girls’s tales and exchanging views jogged my memory how worthwhile it’s to study from each other.
That’s what makes Cisco particular. It’s not only a office, it’s a neighborhood the place you may stretch, evolve, and uncover who you actually are. I’m enthusiastic about this subsequent chapter, assured that Cisco will proceed to be the place the place I develop into the very best model of myself.
Do you need to uncover the very best model of your self? Discover alternatives now.
Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Weblog.
Share:
