Celebrating Teamwork: Cisco Richardson's Corporate Challenge Win
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I've been at Cisco for seven years, based out of our Richardson office. When I first joined, I was struck by the vibrant atmosphere and the strong sense of community within our CX and engineering teams. Despite it being a relatively big campus, there were always activities and events encouraging people to get to know each other.
For example, community impact programs like Time2Give, Matching Gifts, and Partnering for Purpose initiatives allow employees to give back to local communities. These programs are valuable in bringing people together, especially when many of us work remotely.
One of the standout ways we can use our Time2Give to foster this camaraderie in Richardson, Dallas, is by participating in the City of Richardson Corporate Challenge. This year, our team clinched a silver medal, and I couldn't be prouder of the hard work and dedication everyone put in.
The City of Richardson Corporate Challenge is a 10-week Olympic-style competition that runs from August through October. It features as many as 25 athletic and non-athletic events, ranging from softball, volleyball, and billiards to cornhole and many more. The Challenge has been a staple in our community since 1998, and Cisco has been participating on and off for over 20 years. I’ve had the honor of being Cisco’s captain this year, and each year, the experience gets better.
This year, over 150 Cisco Richardson employees — including partners, contractors, and Splunkers — took part in the Challenge. We competed in almost all of the 25 events, including a 15K bike race, basketball, dominoes, table tennis, and volleyball.
Although I’ve only played for two years, the relationships and memories I’ve made have felt timeless.
One unforgettable moment from this year’s Challenge was when our teammate crashed into the stands to save a ball, sending a drink flying into left field. But don’t worry — he was okay, and the point was ours.
This kind of dedication and enthusiasm is what makes our team special, and I’m sure he brings the same attitude to his work at Cisco.
For me, the highlight of the Corporate Challenge is the opportunity to meet new colleagues and build relationships quickly, especially this time with brand new faces from the Splunk family. With sports as the common thread, I’ve teamed up with folks I’ve never met or worked with at Cisco.
In an era where office events are becoming rare and small talk isn’t my forte, these games and practices serve as the ultimate icebreaker. The camaraderie is quick, warm, and energizing. We skip the work talk and weather updates, instead starting out by learning names and ending up hugging each other’s kids and loved ones.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Corporate Challenge is its support for Special Olympics Texas. Cisco contributes by selling raffle tickets, Cisco t-shirts, and accepting donations. It’s heartwarming to see our community come together for such a noble cause.
This event is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of teamwork, company pride, and corporate wellness. It’s an excellent way to promote a healthy lifestyle while fostering a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. Additionally, it serves as a cost-effective marketing tool, helping to promote Cisco in the community and garner business.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Cisco and all the coaches for their time and effort in providing us with the opportunity to participate in the Corporate Challenge. It’s events like these that truly embody our culture of teamwork, community involvement, and personal growth.
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