I used to be about to hitch a high-stakes Webex assembly. The sort the place you need the whole lot to go easily. As I logged in, I seen my standard Cisco Satisfaction digital background was nonetheless up. I paused.
The assembly was with an inner Cisco stakeholder, a senior chief from a rustic with a extra conventional tradition. I thought of it for a second … after which quietly modified my background to a impartial one.
It’d’ve appeared like a small choice, however I keep in mind how I felt proper after: unsettled. It felt as if I’d quietly turned down the amount on my reality. Not ashamed precisely, however not absolutely myself both.
That second lingered as a result of I’ve spent years encouraging others to embrace authenticity, and but right here I used to be, hesitating. That background wasn’t only for present. It stood for my values, my id, and the neighborhood I care deeply about.
And I’d eliminated it.
Final 12 months, I co-hosted a Satisfaction occasion in Singapore. The power was highly effective. Our Cisco government leaders didn’t simply present up; they really confirmed up. They listened, shared, and stood with us. One colleague spoke about their gender journey with such honesty. I nonetheless keep in mind how quiet the room turned, not as a result of individuals didn’t know what to say, however as a result of we have been all simply … deeply moved.
After the occasion, just a few individuals got here as much as thank me for serving to make that house potential. And I keep in mind considering: That is what management with coronary heart appears like. However that night time, I saved coming again to that second earlier than the assembly after I took my background down. And I requested myself: Why did I really feel like I needed to disguise?
Since then, I’ve stopped ready for the “proper” time to be myself at work.
I began talking up extra. To not be daring, simply to be actual. I started sharing extra of my private journey, particularly the messy bits I as soon as overlooked. I talked concerning the life teaching I do exterior of labor, about what inclusion actually means, about moments I didn’t really feel secure, and the way I’m nonetheless studying to indicate up anyway.
And one thing shifted.
As a substitute of distancing me, these conversations created connection. Colleagues from completely different groups and areas began reaching out. Some stated, “I’ve by no means heard somebody speak about this at work — thanks.” Others stated, “I’ve felt the identical approach however didn’t know categorical it.”
That’s after I realised: Visibility isn’t about being loud. It’s merely about being absolutely your self within the second. 
At Cisco, inclusion isn’t only a phrase on a wall. It reveals up throughout us — a supportive message within the chat, a Satisfaction pin on display screen, our leaders displaying up for us and taking a second to acknowledge somebody’s braveness, the 30+ Inclusive Communities we’ve created to foster connection and belonging.
Working right here has jogged my memory that company life doesn’t need to really feel performative or buttoned-up. It may be genuinely human. Once we’re invited to deliver our entire selves, not simply our job titles, we present up extra absolutely. And the work turns into extra significant.
When you’re somebody contemplating whether or not Cisco is a spot the place you’ll be able to actually be your self, right here’s what I’ll say: Don’t simply have a look at the statements. Have a look at the individuals. Discover how they present up for each other.
And wherever you select to go, attempt to not shrink simply to slot in. You should take up house as you might be.
So sure, I nonetheless keep in mind that Webex name after I took my Satisfaction background down. However lately, I exploit that reminiscence as a quiet reminder. Each time I select to indicate up absolutely, I’m not simply doing it for me. I’m serving to create a little bit more room for another person to really feel seen, too. That’s what belonging seems like. And that’s what we’re constructing right here at Cisco.
We’re cultivating an atmosphere through which all of us thrive. Discover how in our Function Report.
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