Visiting India has been on my bucket checklist for some time. 
Moderately than merely visiting as a vacationer, I skilled the nation by way of one of essentially the most intimate and heartfelt methods: the marriage of certainly one of my direct studies.
What started as easy curiosity — desirous to be taught extra about completely different cultures and views on work grew into one thing deeply significant. My people-first philosophy, mirrored all through Cisco’s tradition, emphasizes that success isn’t nearly duties or enterprise progress — it’s in regards to the human connections that make these achievements attainable. Behind each undertaking and milestone, there are actual individuals whose ardour and dedication drive progress. In the event you’ve ever heard me speak about individuals, you understand my philosophy: duties are secondary; individuals come first. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside unimaginable people from all walks of life.
One in every of my direct studies, Koushik, and I had been catching up sooner or later about life, tradition, and future plans. He lives within the U.S., however talked about his upcoming wedding ceremony happening in India, and would love if my spouse and I might attend. It was actually an honor simply to be invited, however my spouse and I mentioned this once-in-a-lifetime alternative and determined to make the journey.
The ceremony was unimaginable — a vibrant celebration crammed with heat, custom, and pleasure. Experiencing a brand new tradition by way of such a special day, alongside my stunning spouse, made it unforgettable. After I accepted the invitation, I might see how a lot it meant to Koushik and his household. He was thrilled and whereas we had been there, his household stored saying how honored they had been to have his supervisor have fun with them. His pleasure and the real bond we share made the gap really feel insignificant and the entire expertise much more particular. We met wonderful individuals, had been embraced by the welcoming surroundings, and, in fact, loved some unimaginable meals. In my little woman’s phrases — it was slay!
Past the marriage celebrations, we additionally had the prospect to discover a few of India’s highlights. We visited the historic India Gate, admired a number of stunning temples, and loved a little bit of buying. My spouse was particularly inquisitive about jewellery, so we picked out some pure silver bangles for her and our women, which made the expertise much more memorable. These moments of discovery and connection outdoors the marriage celebration enriched our journey, deepening our appreciation for the unimaginable world we reside in and the bonds we share.
I additionally had the pleasure of assembly Ravikiran, one other staff member based mostly in India, which made the journey much more particular. The colourful traditions, heat hospitality, and shared moments with colleagues all through our time there, reworked the journey from a bucket-list merchandise right into a deeply private and memorable expertise.
At Cisco, we speak loads about innovation and buyer impression, however moments like this remind me that what actually units us aside is the best way we worth individuals. Having the ability to journey midway the world over to have fun an essential private milestone wasn’t only a journey — it was proof of the human connections on the coronary heart of our tradition. After we really feel seen and supported, our work takes on deeper that means, getting carried out not simply effectively, however with ardour and function, and that’s what makes Cisco particular.
It’s experiences like these that remind me why Cisco’s people-first philosophy is so highly effective. Touring such a fantastic distance to assist and have fun a teammate’s private milestone demonstrated that {our relationships} transcend work and deliverables. Human connection is on the core, contributing to the deep degree of respect, dedication, and appreciation for who we’re as people that we at Cisco embrace and share. I’m impressed to proceed fostering these real connections, understanding they’re the inspiration for a collaborative, inclusive, and thriving office the place everybody can succeed collectively.
At Cisco, we consider connection fuels innovation — and success begins with individuals. Be taught extra about Cisco and our Objective.
