Cisco is greater than the place I work — it’s the language I communicate, 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 advanced via a number of roles. Even after I stepped away for a 12 months to discover the shopper facet with one in all 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 entering into the position of Cybersecurity Gross sales Specialist, and because the solely lady on this place in Saudi Arabia, it felt like uncharted territory.
At first, I hesitated. Cybersecurity appeared like an intimidating area I assumed was reserved for coders and technical consultants. However as soon as I stepped in, I found that this notion was a fantasy. Sure, the training curve was steep, however removed from unimaginable. I shortly realized that whereas certifications like CISSP could be useful, they’re not necessary to start out. What mattered extra was curiosity, braveness, and a willingness to be taught. I’ve all the time believed that should you actually set your thoughts to one thing, you can obtain it.
Folks be taught otherwise. For me, real-world expertise all the time trumps concept. Whereas I explored supplies and books, together with the CISSP information, what actually 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 steerage, together with the help 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 means: 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 have 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 spotted I didn’t must know every part, I wanted to know how you can ask, collaborate, and talk. I leaned into the strengths that made me distinctive: my communication abilities, my background as an English instructor, my expertise throughout Cisco’s enterprise. These turned my superpowers. 
I additionally realized that in cybersecurity gross sales, solely about 20% of the work is solely technical. The remaining 80% is about individuals constructing belief, navigating complexity, and translating worth. Once I embraced that mindset, I started to really 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 grow to be. My journey at Cisco has taken me via many roles and experiences, and each has helped me develop. At present, I’ve come full circle, again in channel gross sales, now as a Associate Account Supervisor, with a renewed sense of objective.
Cisco is an organization that invests deeply in its individuals. I just lately accomplished the JUMP Management Program, centered 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 precious it’s to be taught 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.
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