2022-July-08

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The Power of a Pushup

BY ADELA AMANOWICZ · GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

3 MINUTE READ · 5 MINUTE LISTEN

Editor’s Note: The following story involves a discussion about mental health, including suicide, which might be upsetting to some readers. For mental health resources and support, visit the #SafeToTalk online community or contact the Employee Assistance Program.

The Cisco Australia and New Zealand team just finished the June Push-Up Challenge.

This month-long campaign advocates for mental health and raises funds for Lifeline, Australia’s leading charity that provides all Australians with access to 24-hour crisis support. In the challenge, participants commit to 3,139 pushups per person, representing the number of lives lost to suicide in 2020.

The Aussie team’s support for the Push-Up Challenge started in June 2021 during the country’s extended lockdowns.

The challenge offered people a way to connect with each other and motivation to get out of the house and exercise. It also encouraged people to get creative when sharing photos and videos of how they push up.

Last year, the Cisco team raised over $73,000 Australian dollars (about $49,500). This year, they have raised over AU$37,000 (more than $25,000), making their total contribution to Lifeline over AU$110,000 (over $74,500). You can still donate, and Cisco will match your support.

Three Cisco Australia and New Zealand team members share what the June Push-Up Challenge meant to them:

Karen Schuman, Small Business & MSP Sales Leader — Melbourne

In May 2021, I was introduced to the Push-Up Challenge at a Cisco Melbourne branch meeting. There were 25 days to push up for mental health, and it just so happened to be the 25th anniversary of my father’s suicide.

The challenge provided an opportunity to talk about mental health, particularly suicide. I knew I would support the challenge but wasn’t sure how much I would share.

I had always found it hard to talk about suicide. For years after my father’s death, I couldn’t say that word — too much shame. Too much hurt.

On June 1, the challenge kicked off, and I jumped in. Feeling extremely vulnerable, I shared my story with my team, which opened up a conversation about the importance of mental health. We also got fit and shared laughs. I could heal and celebrate my father’s life.

This year, I’ve been able to come at the challenge with a fresh perspective with more peace and passion.

Harsha Hewapathirane, Public Sector Sales Leader & State Manager — Melbourne

To me and my team, the challenge was something we were all excited to participate in. Last year, there was great uncertainty and team anxiety around all the what-ifs floating around at the time. The Push-Up Challenge helped us get comfortable with vulnerability and take advantage of mindful moments daily.

People were excited to log off early, take that time back from the screen, and get active with their friends and families at home.

I had my seven-year-old daughter join in, and she did more pushups than me every single time.

I got my daughter involved because of the impact of the pandemic on children, which is significant yet underrepresented. Home schooling was tough on parents, but even tougher on our children.

This year, it’s been great to continue the challenge with my daughter and live life without lockdowns.

Yvette Vials, Collaboration Sales Specialist — Sydney

I knew firsthand the importance of mental health after losing a friend to depression.

In 2021, I was still new to Cisco. The Push-Up Challenge was a great way to connect with colleagues while working in isolation with interstate teams. I harnessed my passion for mental health awareness and wrote a song on Cisco’s experience with the challenge last year.

This year, as I change teams, the Push-Up Challenge has again been a great way to build new relationships and get to know my new teammates.

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Although the Push-Up Challenge has ended, you can keep going.

Whether donating to a suicide prevention organization, doing pushups for exercise, or connecting with your team through a shared cause, it’s never too late to join.

Employee Resources

• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Join an Inclusive Community
• Global Wellbeing Community
• Join the #SafeToTalk Webex space
• Learning & Development
• Share your story

Related Links

• Our Impact - CSR & Time2Give
• Careers at Cisco

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