The Power of Bravery
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In March, in honor of International Women's Day, the Women in Technology community at Cisco took a significant step to foster inclusivity and empowerment within the tech industry.
They hosted an inclusion panel featuring accomplished leaders from both Cisco and Amazon Web Services (AWS). This event on March 6, 2024, served as a vibrant platform for exchanging innovative ideas and promoting gender diversity in the workplace.
The panel included Cisco leaders Webex SVP/GM and Chief Product Officer Lorrissa Horton, SVP and Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Aruna Ravichandran, and AWS executives Nandini Ramani and Robert Kennedy. It brought together a diverse group of voices, each contributing a unique perspective to the conversation about inclusion and courage in the workplace.
It was a day of sharing of personal journeys, professional wisdom, and actionable insights, all encouraging women to boldly navigate their careers.
Each panelist had a unique story and journey, but one thing they shared was the belief that being brave is important.
Whether coming to a new country for the first time, becoming a new parent, or rising in the ranks of leadership. While no one explicitly uttered the phrase "be brave," stories and insights shared by panelists resonated deeply with this theme.
I gleaned invaluable lessons on the significance of courage in navigating our careers and lives.
Nandini's experience of being encouraged by her manager to speak up in meetings rather than confining her thoughts to private conversations epitomized the essence of bravery. It reminded me that stepping into the spotlight and voicing our ideas, even when it feels daunting, is the catalyst for meaningful change and growth.
Similarly, Aruna advised, "If you don’t ask, you don’t get," served as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for ourselves and seizing opportunities, even when the outcome is uncertain. It reinforced taking risks and pushing beyond our comfort zones can lead to unexpected opportunities and accomplishments.
Lorrissa's story, rooted in her upbringing by immigrant parents, exemplified the bravery required to challenge societal norms and pursue our dreams against all odds. She was told one day she must choose between career and family, but Lorrissa refused to accept those as the only options. Her resilience in the face of skepticism serves as a testament to the transformative power of courage and determination.
Robert recalled an opportunity to move up into a leadership role with a lot of responsibility that required relocating to a new country. He shared that he could be brave and take the leap because of the support of his wife and her effort, energy, and dedication to the family.
These narratives all underscore the essence of bravery: The willingness to confront uncertainty, defy expectations, and pursue our aspirations despite the possibility of failure.
It's about embracing the unknown and daring to envision a future where success is not only possible but achievable.
Are there risks? Yes.
We might stumble, face setbacks, or encounter resistance. But the heart of bravery is taking the steps towards what you want even when we’re scared, and that’s the biggest takeaway from the panel of brilliant leaders.
Looking ahead, the Women in Technology group continues to advocate for meaningful change, championing initiatives that drive diversity, inclusion, and equality. It's a testament to the power of collective action and a reminder of the importance of providing supportive networks for women in the tech industry.
By organizing events like the inclusion panel, the community aims to highlight the contributions of women in technology and inspire the next generation of women leaders.
These gatherings are crucial for discussing challenges, celebrating achievements, and setting the agenda for a more equitable future in tech.
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