Looking back on the past two decades, I can clearly divide my professional experience into two phases: 10 years pre-Cisco and, the decade I’m currently in, all things Cisco.
Before Cisco, I worked at five different companies, with my longest stretch being three years spent at Oracle. My experiences at these companies made me conclude that three years would be about the longest I could be at a company before getting restless and moving on to a new one. I had both my kids in those days and it was challenging to balance work and home; yet whenever I felt I was getting too comfortable in a role and there was nothing new to learn – I felt strongly that it was time to head out on new adventures.
I’ve been at Cisco for 11 years now. YES! I know what I just said about three years, but Cisco still has me feeling like a new student that’s eagerly anticipating what I will learn tomorrow, and whom I will get to learn with!
I have spent most of the last 11 years in IT, taking on various roles, learning different domains, and working with some of the finest minds at Cisco. There has never been a dull moment – new dots to connect and new puzzles to complete at every turn! Both the work and the people that I get to work alongside fuel my desire for continued growth and knowledge every day.
The multiple teams that I’ve been part of within IT have disrupted our industry in ways I had never dreamed of or experienced previously. IT had a reputation in the past of being slow and expensive. We turned that around by moving the conversations away from budgets and cumbersome engagement models to problem-solving and delivering value. We let the engineers and analysts focus on understanding the business, finding creative solutions to problems, and coding, while a handful of program/project managers acted as a buffer against the organizational noise, ironed out the budgets, and devised simple engagement models for scale – constantly testing them for value and revising them as needed.
It has not only been a satisfying ride, but a fun-filled one too.
Now I am stepping out of IT to take on a strategic role in the business model evolution that Cisco is currently undergoing. The role is a bit ambiguous and my personal success is uncertain, but there is one thing that I am certain of – I will continue to work with and learn from the best and have fun while doing so. I am very grateful to so many people at Cisco for being strong role models for me, giving me numerous opportunities, and keeping the student in me alive and kicking.
It has been their mentorship and support that has encouraged me to take this new leap, and embrace new adventures that I know I am ready for!
For those of you wondering if you can truly stay in one company for a long time and continue to learn and grow – I whole-heartedly say YES! And I hope you’ll be joining us at Cisco soon 🙂
Want to work for a company that wants you to never stop learning? We’re hiring. Apply now.
Very well said Savitha . From your heart and I defenitly echo your sentiments . Keep rocking
Thank you, my friend/partner-in-crime/coach!
Well said Savita. Keep up the good work . Keep everyone inspired and challenged.
Thank you Rony! Keep on rocking and one day you will solve the mystery of the cat's tail!
Savita, you are an inspirational leader. I am delighted to see you grow and continuously taking on new challenges with courage.
Thank you Carol for your comments and for your mentorship and guidance throughout my journey!
3 years or 11 years.. Continuous learning is the key. Well said Savitha.
Thank you for your comments!
This was both beautiful and inspirational. I could personally relate with everything you wrote. You truly write how I feel, even if I can't express it myself. The takeaway about always continuing to learn was sound and practical advice. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Thank you for your comments Pranay! Curiosity and learning is key and I am glad I got to learn with you in our AS enablement journey!
Each day is a learning day…Well Said Savita, keep going the extra mile…
Thank you my friend for being my partner-in-crime and inspiring me to give it my best!
Congrats Savita. It has been a pleasure to watch you grow and become a leader over the years. It is rewarding to see you helping others now make their journey. Keep up the great work, keep growing and leading. Looking forward to bigger and better things from you in the future.
Thank you very much Jim for your kind words and for your mentorship and guidance through the years!
Very true and photos compliment the narration!! Nice write up, encourages long timers to feel the same.
Thank you Ram! It was such a pleasure working with you and the Bengaluru team.. keep rocking!
Well-articulated Savita, I totally agree with you and echo your sentiments. You are an inspirational leader. Keep rocking !!
Thank you for your kind words Jyothi!
I have been so fortunate to work under your leadership, Savita you are truly an inspiring and motivational leader. Your energy and ability to bring together people is unsurpassed. Wishing you continued success.
Thank you Purna for your kind words and support on the fun ride in the SC world! Keep rocking!
Awesomely inspiring blog!
You truly are an inspirational leader for me, Savita.
Keep rocking \m/
Thank you Ashu! Proud of the things we accomplished together; keep it up!
Amazing write up Savita! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
You inspire us all by being a great leader. Wishing you a fun filled ride and success in you new role. ALL THE BEST
Thank you Vamshi for your kind comments! Continue rocking the machine learning world!
Very well written, Savita! Your enthusiasm and energy is supeerrrrr infectious. I'm sure you're rocking in your new role as well. Go get 'em!
Thank you Anonymous!
Thanks for your perspective, Savita! Well articulated and inspiring. Keep rocking!
Thank you Pandian! Trust you are doing well and keeping it real and everyone challenged in SC. Take care
Savita you Rock !!!! What you said is so true. Never a dull day in Cisco and so much to learn. Well Said and Keep rocking 🙂
Thank you Sona! You are one of the rockstars from whom i draw my inspiration.
Savita, my go-getter friend, you go girl, so well written and super proud of you..will miss you in IT, but the fun still continues beyond…
Thank you Anu! Miss you too!