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 by a number of roles. Even once I stepped away for a yr to discover the shopper 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 function 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 specialists. 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 rapidly realized that whereas certifications like CISSP might be useful, they’re not obligatory to start out. What mattered extra was curiosity, braveness, and a willingness to study. I’ve at all times believed that when you really set your thoughts to one thing, you can obtain it.
Folks study in another way. For me, real-world expertise at all times trumps principle. 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 by lively engagement. 
I used to be lucky to be surrounded by mentors, particularly a colleague who later grew to become my supervisor. His steering, together with the assist of my staff, gave me the boldness and basis to thrive. I additionally practiced buyer simulations, which sharpened each my technical acumen and storytelling expertise.
Simply as I used to be gaining confidence on this new function, life threw an surprising problem my approach: a breast most cancers prognosis. It was a stunning 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 perpetually.
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 little thing, I wanted to know the right way to ask, collaborate, and talk. I leaned into the strengths that made me distinctive: my communication expertise, my background as an English trainer, my expertise throughout Cisco’s enterprise. These grew to become my superpowers. 
I additionally realized that in cybersecurity gross sales, solely about 20% of the work is only technical. The remaining 80% is about individuals constructing belief, navigating complexity, and translating worth. After I embraced that mindset, I started to really add worth each to the staff and to our clients.
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 by many roles and experiences, and every one has helped me develop. Right this moment, I’ve come full circle, again in channel gross sales, now as a Accomplice Account Supervisor, with a renewed sense of function.
Cisco is an organization that invests deeply in its individuals. I 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 helpful 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 perfect model of myself.
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