2022-January-24

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Finding Well-being at Home and at Cisco

BY SHEILA CHAMPION-SMEETH · GLOBAL HEAD OF WELL-BEING · UNITED KINGDOM

WITH HELEN GALL AND NATALIA NOWAK

5 MINUTE READ · 7 MINUTE LISTEN

It’s hard to believe, but I am just going into my 23rd year working at Cisco. I’ve had many careers here since joining — from starting on the U.K. Sales team to looking after employee benefits.

Over the past two decades, you can imagine I experienced many changes in my personal life as well.

Some changes were fun, and some weren’t. But luckily, for the not-so-fun ones, I could lean on a few Cisco resources for help.

A time of suffering

I have been a field hockey player all my life. I’ve always been passionate about health, fitness, and fun! However, much of that changed in 2015, when I came down with a bad cough and blocked sinuses.

At first, I didn't think anything of it, so I continued to push myself at work and on the hockey pitch.

It crept up on me and I hadn’t realised how much I had been overdoing it — I was wiped out. I’d gone from running on a hockey pitch to being breathless while walking up stairs.

I ended up staying in the hospital for 10 days to try to understand why my breathing was so bad.

I saw six different medical consultants, and each time, I had to explain my situation, which was exhausting. No one could figure out what was wrong with me, and because of that, they weren’t sure I would ever recover. It was a terrifying experience. I hit a low point both mentally and physically.

After several months of back-and-forth, I decided to use Cisco’s Expert Medical Opinion benefit, which helped document every aspect of my medical history and allowed me to share it with a consultant.

Because all my history was in one place, it helped a medical expert diagnose me with pneumonia. Then we could take immediate, relevant action with medication.

A turning point

I had gone from exercising every day to nothing at all, which was a huge struggle for me. This was when I met Cisco’s Well-being Ambassador Jessie Pavelka, who taught me about The Four Elements: Eat, sweat, think, and connect.

I started by taking small steps in each of these areas — by eating healthy foods, walking and jogging slowly, and becoming more mindful of my body and mental health.

A few months later, I was able to take part in a mini-triathlon with my colleagues. And while I was very slow at the event, I successfully made it to the finish line.

Because of this wonderful outcome from Jessie’s advice, I ended up bringing his workshops to Cisco so all employees could have a chance to improve their well-being.

Another resource I used during my most difficult time was the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provided some much-needed emotional support. I remember talking to my parents and never mentioning to them how low I felt.

I didn’t want to worry them, so I sought support from the EAP which made all the difference in my recovery.

Spending time with family when they need it most

In January 2020, I officially became a Global Head of Well-being at Cisco, which was a phenomenal personal achievement for me.

But during this time, I also faced another challenge in my life. We were selling two houses to bring my wife and I together in a new home, all while taking care of my mother-in-law.

Moving during the pandemic was not fun. Our house sales fell through six times, and the stress on us all was huge. I desperately wanted to be near my own family as well — my dad was in and out of hospital with a serious infection that we weren’t sure he would recover from. 

I had to take moments where I needed to juggle work and hospital appointments unexpectedly. Thankfully, I was able to use Critical Time Off, which helped me take this much-needed time out.

Being mindful and establishing boundaries

Exercise is still so important to me, and I find time every morning to do something.

I still struggle with my lung condition, and my breathing can be challenging at times, especially during the winter months and after having COVID-19 last October.

Although I am unable to play hockey these days, I adapted my routine and enjoy working out, walking, and cycling in nature.

Well-being is something that needs to be part of our every day, from the moment we wake up and it is so important to share this with my team.

Within my team we stay closely connected and understand our boundaries, so we have each other’s back. We take the time to connect on a personal basis and then we can focus on the work that needs to get done. We encourage taking restful time away from work and know that taking time out is a necessity and not a privilege.

I don't get it right all the time, but I do my very best and encourage you all to do the same.

Employee resources

• Sheila’s Inspire Story
• Global Wellbeing SharePoint Site
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Setting Boundaries
• Mind The Mornings
• Setting Focus Time

Related links

• Our Impact - CSR & Time2Give
• Cisco Purpose Report 2021
• Careers at Cisco

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