In reply to JT Tyler.

JT, you state it clearly: we are excluded sometimes for the personal attributes that we have...and that exclusion makes us feel unwelcome, disrespected, under-valued, and unheard. That exclusion does not contribute to welcoming new ideas or innovation.

Tim Cook would have been excluded for being gay at times in his life. Yet, he has made it to the top, and is 'proud' of his sexuality.

In a dictionary that I have open right now, pride has 3 meanings:
- arrogance
- satisfaction
- self-respect

Stefan, thank you for raising the point about 'pride'. As with all things, some of us hunmans may associate it with arrogance, and others, David, thank you, with self-respect.

It is unfortunate it has so many meanings.
If we can always 'assume good intent' then self-respect would be the best translation, and repsect for others, regardless of their personal attributes would ensure that, at Cisco, all our people feel welcomed, respected, valued and heard, and we generate the best ideas and the most successful business decisions.