2020-September-25

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Still In Love with Cisco after 20 Years

BY PUNAM NAGPAL · PRODUCT MANAGER · UNITED STATES

Security is more than a job for me — it’s my social responsibility.

Twenty years at the same company? Many people are surprised when I tell them I’ve been part of the Cisco family for two decades. Even I can't believe how fast the time has gone by!

I joined Cisco on September 25, 2000, as an engineer testing Asynchronous Transfer Mode/Frame Relay switches.

I learned about so many technologies, like optical networking, core routing and switching, wireless networking, and more. I stayed within Engineering for 12 years, spending seven years in the Wireless Networking group before moving to a new role. My last role in wireless engineering was as an escalation engineer.

A New Perspective

Several years ago, I had an unexpected event happen that made me look at my life differently. I suddenly needed a less demanding role to take care of my kids and a husband recovering from the trauma of having a heart attack at a very young age.

Thankfully, my husband made a complete recovery. But his close brush with death made me face my own, inevitable mortality. It was a reminder that none of us knows when our last moment will be, so we must live our lives to the fullest.

My husband’s heart attack made me more aware of my priorities and my life’s purpose. I began Raj Yoga meditation, which fills me with positive energy and good karma.

My husband’s recent virtual birthday celebrations with our children and friends.

I decided to move out of the escalation engineer role, and, within two weeks, I found another role at Cisco. My career change — going from a technical role to a leadership one — was huge for me.

That’s where I learned about the power of data and executive communication skills. I also attended many conferences for women, which strengthened my desire to give back to the community.

The Power of Women’s Communities

I became active in the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) employee resource group (ERO) as a professional development lead. This role allowed me to rediscover my strengths. It was rewarding to directly help people again, especially other women.

I became the chair of the WISE ERO and added several chapters in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, China, and Europe. I met with executive leaders to get their sponsorship. It was time well spent — the community is much stronger with their support.

I met with many men and women to learn about ERO best practices at other companies. And I was able to speak at several women’s conferences — sharing my story and how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) heard my stories and asked me to publish an autobiography, so I did. My autobiography reached more than 100,000 people in 2015! Many women, inside and outside of Cisco, have since reached out to ask if I would be their mentor. The whole thing has been a wonderful experience.

How Security Allows Me to Help Others

Now I work in the Security Business Group (SBG) as a Product Manager. Security is more than a job for me — it’s my social responsibility.

It’s incredibly satisfying to help others become aware of how they can keep their data secure andprotect their privacy.

I enjoy mentoring, sharing my experience, and providing guidance, motivation, and emotional support.

As a product manager, I am a customer advocate, responsible for connecting customers with the right engineering teams. It gives me great joy when demands are met or problems are solved because of my insights.

It’s not just security products I’m focused on securing. I’m also committed to maintaining a secure mind.

Reaching My True Potential

In the past 20 years, I’ve made many friends, attended countless professional and personal development classes, changed job roles and organizations, and went through many life-changing events.

I learned at Cisco, I can bring my whole self to work — my head, hands, and my heart!

Meditation allows me to build a firewall in my mind to keep negativity out. Breaches will happen, but with a clear and decluttered mind, I know I’ll be at my best for our customers and for my own wellbeing.

Cisco gives me a platform to leverage my true potential. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead a global ERO.

The skills I’ve gained have helped me be successful in my current role and in my personal life. My manager has empowered me to conduct a weekly mediation in my staff meeting. I have the flexibility to use my Time2Give with the nonprofit organizations of my choice. And so much more.

Yes, it’s true. I’ve been married to my husband for 21 years and to Cisco for 20. This company has given me so much in life, and I want to give as much back as I can by mentoring and sharing my stories with all the future generations to come.

Cisco is the best place to work. I’ll continue to do my part so it stays a place where everyone is welcome to bring their whole best selves to work, every single day.