Visiting India has been on my bucket checklist for some time. 
Somewhat than merely visiting as a vacationer, I skilled the nation by way of one of essentially the most intimate and heartfelt methods: the marriage of one among my direct experiences.
What started as easy curiosity — eager to study extra about totally different cultures and views on work grew into one thing deeply significant. My people-first philosophy, mirrored all through Cisco’s tradition, emphasizes that success isn’t nearly duties or enterprise progress — it’s concerning the human connections that make these achievements attainable. Behind each undertaking and milestone, there are actual folks whose ardour and dedication drive progress. For those who’ve ever heard me speak about folks, you understand my philosophy: duties are secondary; folks come first. Through the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside unbelievable people from all walks of life.
Considered one of my direct experiences, Koushik, and I had been catching up someday about life, tradition, and future plans. He lives within the U.S., however talked about his upcoming wedding ceremony going down in India, and would love if my spouse and I may attend. It was actually an honor simply to be invited, however my spouse and I mentioned this once-in-a-lifetime alternative and determined to make the journey.
The ceremony was unbelievable — a vibrant celebration stuffed with heat, custom, and pleasure. Experiencing a brand new tradition by way of such a special day, alongside my stunning spouse, made it unforgettable. Once I accepted the invitation, I may see how a lot it meant to Koushik and his household. He was thrilled and whereas we had been there, his household stored saying how honored they had been to have his supervisor have fun with them. His pleasure and the real bond we share made the gap really feel insignificant and the entire expertise much more particular. We met wonderful folks, had been embraced by the welcoming surroundings, and, after all, loved some unbelievable meals. In my little woman’s phrases — it was slay!

Past the marriage celebrations, we additionally had the possibility to discover a few of India’s highlights. We visited the historic India Gate, admired a number of stunning temples, and loved a little bit of buying. My spouse was particularly taken with jewellery, so we picked out some pure silver bangles for her and our women, which made the expertise much more memorable. These moments of discovery and connection outdoors the marriage celebration enriched our journey, deepening our appreciation for the unbelievable world we dwell in and the bonds we share.
I additionally had the pleasure of assembly Ravikiran, one other workforce member based mostly in India, which made the journey much more particular. The colourful traditions, heat hospitality, and shared moments with colleagues all through our time there, reworked the journey from a bucket-list merchandise right into a deeply private and memorable expertise.
At Cisco, we discuss lots about innovation and buyer influence, however moments like this remind me that what actually units us aside is the best way we worth folks. With the ability to journey midway the world over to have fun an essential private milestone wasn’t only a journey — it was proof of the human connections on the coronary heart of our tradition. After we really feel seen and supported, our work takes on deeper that means, getting accomplished not simply effectively, however with ardour and function, and that’s what makes Cisco particular.
It’s experiences like these that remind me why Cisco’s people-first philosophy is so highly effective. Touring such an important distance to assist and have fun a teammate’s private milestone demonstrated that {our relationships} transcend work and deliverables. Human connection is on the core, contributing to the deep degree of respect, dedication, and appreciation for who we’re as people that we at Cisco embrace and share. I’m impressed to proceed fostering these real connections, figuring out they’re the inspiration for a collaborative, inclusive, and thriving office the place everybody can succeed collectively.
At Cisco, we consider connection fuels innovation — and success begins with folks. Be taught extra about Cisco and our Objective.

