If any of that sounds familiar, there’s good news. There’s a club at Cisco Portugal built exactly for this, and it’s called the Cisco Portugal Toastmasters Club.

What Is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is a global nonprofit that has been around for nearly a century, with one simple mission: help people become better communicators and leaders. Not through lectures or theory heavy workshops, but through practice. Members show up, speak, receive honest and constructive feedback, and gradually, often without realizing it, get better.

What makes it different from a typical training program is that it’s peer led. Members take turns giving speeches, running meetings, timing sessions, responding to impromptu questions, and even taking on official club roles such as President or Secretary. It functions almost like a leadership gym, except instead of building physical strength, members build confidence, one meeting at a time.

Why Do People Join?

People rarely join Toastmasters because they already feel confident speaking in public. They join because:

• They have an important presentation coming up and feel nervous just thinking about it
• They want to speak up more in meetings instead of rehearsing a comment mentally and never saying it out loud
• They are working toward a promotion and know that leadership requires strong communication skills
• They simply want to feel more composed when all eyes are on them

That said, the speeches are only part of the experience. The real value often comes from the community. It’s a group of people who understand exactly what it feels like to be nervous before speaking, and who show up consistently to support one another. Members leave not only as stronger speakers, but with a genuine support system behind them.

The Cisco Portugal Toastmasters Club

This is exactly what the Cisco Portugal Toastmasters Club offers: a space within Cisco where colleagues come together to practice speaking, build leadership skills, and support each other along the way. There is no pressure to be perfect. Whether you are someone who has given plenty of presentations but wants to refine specific skills, or someone who has never spoken in front of a group before, there is a place for you here.

It also offers something a little different from the usual workday. It’s a space focused on personal growth rather than deadlines or deliverables, shared with colleagues who often become genuine friends along the way.

A Milestone Event: Hosting the Corporate TLI

The club recently reached an important milestone by hosting its first event, the Corporate Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI), on 1 August 2026.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a TLI is a regional or district level program that combines Club Officer Training (COT) with broader leadership and educational sessions. It is part practical training, part inspiration, and part connection, all within a single day.

The agenda ran from 9 AM to 4 PM and included a strong lineup of sessions:

– Greetings and Introduction to open the day
– “Empowering Corporate Growth: The Power of Hybrid Membership”
– Breakout training sessions covering essential officer roles including President, VPE, Secretary, Sergeant at Arms, VPPR, VPM, Treasurer, and Immediate Past President
– “The Hidden Architecture of Communication”
– “Emotional Triggers, From Reaction to Intentional Leadership”
– “Get More of What You Want in the Corporate World by Learning Influence”
– “Shaping Your Leadership Skills with the LeaderShaper”
– A panel discussion titled “The Corporate World of Toastmasters Today”
– Awards, announcements, and closing remarks

This event mattered for the club and its members for several reasons.

For club officers, the Club Officer Training provided hands on, practical guidance to help them understand and carry out their roles with more clarity and confidence. Running a club effectively requires more than good intentions, and this training gave officers the tools to lead well.

For members, the broader sessions offered insights that extend beyond a typical weekly meeting, covering communication, emotional intelligence, influence, and intentional leadership in ways that are genuinely applicable at work and beyond.

Perhaps most importantly, hosting the Corporate TLI created connection. The event brought together members from other Toastmasters clubs across the area and district, not just from within Cisco. This matters because it shows that the Cisco Portugal club is not growing in isolation. It is part of a wider, supportive network of clubs working toward the same goal: helping people communicate and lead with more confidence. Events like this open the door to shared learning, mentorship from more experienced Toastmasters, and a stronger sense of belonging within the broader community.

Hosting a first event of this scale is a significant achievement, and it reflects the energy and dedication the club has put into its growth so far.

Want to Get Involved?

If any part of this resonates with you, whether it’s the nerves before speaking up, the desire to lead more confidently, or simple curiosity about what a meeting looks like, consider this an invitation. The Cisco Portugal Toastmasters Club welcomes new members and visitors alike.

The easiest way to experience it firsthand is to join as a guest at one of our weekly sessions. We meet every Tuesday from 15:15 until 16:30, both in the office and online. There is no pressure to commit right away. Come see what a meeting feels like, listen to a few speeches, and get a sense of the community before deciding if it is right for you.

Reach out to learn more about upcoming sessions and how to join. You can reach out to Silvia Clemente or Lourenço Pinto da Silva. You might find that your next great speech starts here.

The post Finding Your Voice (Even When Your Hands Are Shaking) with the Cisco Portugal Toastmasters Club appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

Earlier this year, a team of talented engineers in Lisbon collaborated to solve a long-standing industry challenge: manual firewall management. Their work resulted in a new patent that enables a smooth transition from manual bottlenecks to automated security, delivering a 95% impact in time savings.

Ahmed Abdel Mawgoud, Hugo Amaro, Nikolai Gubanov and Vitor Manuel Carujo Leitao are the faces beyond this remarkable milestone. The Cisco Portugal Blog team was able to meet them to understand more about their innovation.

1. Prior Art Search: Why are we doing this?

Every great innovation starts with a question. For our team in Lisbon, that question was simple: Why are we still managing complex firewall rules manually in an era of automated networks?

In today’s hyper-dynamic network environments, manual firewall management is more than just a task; it’s a liability. Security teams often face significant risks, including misconfigurations, policy conflicts, and omissions that create critical vulnerabilities. When security relies on traditional hands-on configuration for hundreds of thousands of entries, the margin for human error increases, as does the time required to respond to emerging threats. Our team identified this “either-or” mentality—prioritizing either network performance or stringent security—as the primary obstacle to a truly scalable defense.

2. Drafting the Patent: The “Secret Ingredient”

The secret ingredient behind our new patent is “context.”

“Without visibility into how applications communicate, administrators often create overly permissive rules to avoid breaking services, which inadvertently expands the attack surface.”

The team’s innovation involves integrating Cisco Secure Firewalls with the telemetry of Cisco Secure Network Analytics (formerly Stealthwatch). By mapping real-world traffic flows, they moved beyond static rule-making into granular interaction. They built a communication flow matrix, which is generalized to create precise, efficient firewall rules. This technology doesn’t just capture the network; it understands it.

3. Filing the Application: Real-World Validation

To move from a concept to a patent, the team needed to prove the efficacy of their approach. The trigger came from a real-life project they were handling within EMEA.

“We observed that manual configuration was a major bottleneck during the process of firewall rules optimization with hundreds of thousands of entries,” the team noted.

By applying their methodology to this complex, live environment, they were able to demonstrate that their solution was not just a theoretical improvement, but a scalable, enterprise-grade necessity. This phase of validation was the crucible that turned a creative idea into a robust, patentable security standard.

4. Examination: Data-Driven Refinement

During the development process, the team refined their algorithm to automatically generate, validate, and refine firewall rules. By analyzing traffic flows, the system captures specific protocols, ports, traffic amounts, and zone-to-zone behaviors—details that are often invisible to standard firewalls.

This data-driven approach ensures that rules are based on actual, legitimate traffic patterns. The system can distinguish between authorized connections and potential threats, enabling the automated generation of highly accurate, context-aware firewall policies. This process of continuous refinement is what ensures the security posture remains agile and accurate.

5. Allowance and Grant: The Impact

The impact of this innovation is measurable: a 95% reduction in configuration time. This is a paradigm shift for administrators and analysts. By automating the repetitive aspects of rule creation, teams can reclaim significant time to focus on high-value strategic initiatives, such as proactive threat hunting, strategic incident response, and in-depth security analysis.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this patent empowers customers to stay ahead of cyberthreats, ensuring their security infrastructure is optimized, resilient, and aligned with best practices, regardless of how complex their network environment becomes.

“This automation fundamentally shifts the security posture from reactive to proactive. By continuously monitoring traffic and automatically refining rules, the system maintains an agile defense that adapts to evolving threats in real-time. It minimizes the attack surface by enforcing restrictive rules based on actual network behavior, ensuring that only authorized traffic is permitted.”

A big thank you, and well-deserved congratulations to Ahmed Abdel Mawgoud, Hugo Amaro, Nikolai Gubanov and Vitor Manuel Carujo Leitao, the official innovators behind this patent, who helped us shape this article.

The post 20x Faster: How a New Cisco Patent is Redefining Firewall Security appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

[Interview conducted by the Cisco Portugal Blog team with Lara Noivo Fernandes]

The modern office as we know it is way more than a physical space; it is a dynamic, responsive environment. As businesses accelerate their digital transformation, the focus is shifting from “smart gadgets” to “smart ecosystems” that enable people to work smarter. But what does it really take to build a workspace that is both sustainable and human-centric?

That’s one of the questions aimed at Lara Noivo Fernandes (Future-proofed Workplaces Sales Lead EMEA South at Cisco). Lara was invited by the Portuguese media organization, Observador, to take part in the Portugal Smart Cities Summit on the 13th of May in Lisbon. Lara joined the panel on “Smart solutions for home and office: the state of the art”.

The Cisco Portugal Blog team couldn’t miss the opportunity to ask Lara more about her participation in this event.

Q: How did this invite come about, and how would you describe the impact of events like this on accelerating digital transformation in Portugal?

The invite came from Observador to Cisco Portugal. Events like the Smart Cities Summit play a crucial role in accelerating digital transformation by bringing together public and private sector stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and network.

By fostering open dialogue and increasing visibility among key ecosystem players, these events help align priorities, identify synergies, and create opportunities for collaboration – often leading to innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

As a result, customers, partners, and communities can leverage those collaborations to drive more sustainable, efficient, and people-centric digital transformation outcomes across Portugal.

Q: When we speak about “smart” solutions for offices, what is the most critical pillar that companies often overlook or underestimate when beginning their digital transformation journey?

Many organizations prioritize the technology layer – devices, automation, sensors, room-booking. However, the most critical and frequently underestimated pillar is People: Change Management and User Adoption (The Human Element).

Companies tend to assume that if the technology works, the benefits will naturally follow. But digital transformation is not just a technology project – it is a business and cultural transformation, where people should be at the center and technology at their service.

Successful workplace initiatives require a clear vision, strong leadership, effective communication, and a focus on user experience.

1. Start by defining the outcomes the organization wants to achieve;
2. Identify key use cases;
3. The technology discussion follows from there.

Success lies in adopting an integrated – not siloed – approach and create a multidisciplinary team. In Cisco, we have our own Workplace Innovation (WPI) teams, who bridge the gap between real estate, digital infrastructure and the human experience.

Also, consider the end-users to be involved in the design process, as resistance to change is often high and being involved in the planning phase helps build ownership.

Ultimately, smart workplaces are not about making buildings smarter – they are about enabling people to work smarter.

Q: As a Future-proofed Workplaces Sales Lead at Cisco, how do you see the evolution of connectivity as the fundamental foundation for a building to be truly “smart”?

At Cisco we see connectivity infrastructure as the digital foundation and enabler for IT and OT convergence. Its evolution represents a fundamental shift: from a collection of static, isolated systems to a dynamic, responsive “nervous system” adapted to end-user needs. The network evolves from being a utility that simply provides access to becoming a strategic platform that enables innovation.

Historically, building discrete systems – HVAC, lighting – operated on separate, proprietary protocols. The evolution began when these converged onto a single IP-based network, allowing data to flow between previously unrelated endpoints.

As buildings became smarter, the number of connected devices exploded, requiring a shift to high-density, low-latency architectures capable of managing thousands of simultaneous connections. Today, connectivity must be secure, resilient, scalable, and intelligent, built on a Zero Trust architecture.

At Cisco we say “network as a sensor” – connectivity is now software-defined, AI-driven, and intent-based. A robust connectivity fabric enables real-time visibility into building performance, resource optimization, sustainability improvements, and better workplace experiences.

A smart building is only as intelligent as the network that supports it. That is why, at Cisco, we believe the network is not just infrastructure – it is the platform that powers the smart buildings of the future.

Q: With the hybrid work model now established, how can organizations leverage network technology to create environments that simultaneously boost employee well-being, optimize productivity, and meet critical energy sustainability goals?

Organizations must view the network not just as a transport layer for data, but as the central nervous system of the physical workspace.

Remember, you cannot manage what you cannot measure.

Modern network infrastructure – Wi-Fi 6E/7, IoT sensors, and Power over Ethernet – acts as a distributed sensor network that can detect occupancy, air quality, temperature, humidity, noise, and light levels in real time. Smart buildings can then automatically adjust lighting, window shading based on daylight levels, heating, and cooling based on actual usage patterns. Therefore, reducing energy consumption without compromising employee experience.

When the network optimizes space based on real-time occupancy and air quality monitoring, it reduces energy consumption, while ensuring that employees have a seamless digital experience, whether working remotely or at the office.

The Network as an Orchestrator – when the network is aware of the building’s occupancy and the employees’ needs, it can orchestrate the environment to be:

1. Sustainable: By minimizing energy waste in unoccupied zones.
2. Productive: By ensuring that technology is always ready, reliable, and optimized for the task at hand.
3. Human-Centric: By proactively maintaining the environmental conditions that support health and well-being.

By integrating these capabilities, organizations can transform their workplaces from a cost center into a strategic asset that actively contributes to the success of their hybrid workforce.

Q: Looking ahead, what is the one technological trend you believe will most radically change how we interact with our physical spaces — and what is your primary advice to leaders who feel intimidated by the complexity of this integration?

I believe the convergence of AI and connected infrastructure will be the trend that most radically transforms how we interact with physical spaces.

Buildings will evolve from passive environments into intelligent, adaptive spaces that anticipate needs, optimize resources, and respond in real time.

GenAI-powered Digital Twins, for example, uses historical and real-time data to simulate “what-if” scenarios – predicting how a change in floor plan will impact energy usage or employee comfort – and can provide natural language interfaces that make complex building management accessible without deep technical expertise.

For leaders who feel intimidated, my primary advice would be:

1. Focus on outcomes, not the technology stack. Start with the business challenges you want to solve – whether that is improving employee experience, reducing operational costs, achieving net-zero sustainability goals – and build a roadmap aligned to those objectives.
2. Prioritize interoperability and open standards, so your infrastructure remains modular and future-ready.
3. Shift the mindset from “IT project” to “business strategy.” Workplaces are a reflection of company culture – involve stakeholders from HR, Real Estate, Facilities, Finance, and employees as early as possible. Choosing trusted partners who can navigate this journey with you makes all the difference.

For leaders, the key to overcoming the intimidation of this complexity is to treat the building as a platform that grows and learns alongside your organization. By focusing on modularity and clear business outcomes, you can demystify the process and build a workspace that is as resilient as it is intelligent. 

Digital transformation does not need to happen all at once; the most successful organizations take a phased approach, building on a secure and scalable digital foundation and delivering measurable value at each stage.

The Cisco Portugal Blog team would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Lara for taking the time to share her expertise and experience with us today. Her insights and thoughtful perspectives have been invaluable in shaping this piece, and we truly appreciate her willingness to provide such a meaningful contribution.

The post Beyond the Smart Office: Using Network Intelligence to Unlock Human Potential appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

For those of us at Cisco, the event served as a vital touchpoint. It gave us a chance to engage with the reality of the global race for AI capacity. It also allowed us to reaffirm our commitment to building the secure, scalable infrastructure that makes this future possible.

Portugal’s Moment: A Strategic Intersection

Minister Gonçalo Saraiva Matias opened the event with a clear message. He believes Portugal is no longer a peripheral player in the digital economy. Instead, he sees the country as a strategic hub.

Portugal offers a unique mix of benefits. We have a privileged Atlantic geography with a robust and growing renewable energy mix that currently sits at 63 percent. We also serve as a critical landing point for global submarine cables. These factors provide a rare competitive advantage.

However, the AI Summit 2026 Portugal made one thing clear. Potential alone does not equal progress. The global context is moving fast. Gartner projects that global tech investment will climb from 5.3 trillion dollars in 2024 to 5.7 trillion dollars in 2025. Hyperscale capacity doubles every four years. The urgency for Portugal to act is palpable.

The discussion frequently returned to the Sines region. It remains a crown jewel for large-scale digital infrastructure. But the debate highlighted a critical truth. We must look beyond our current assets. To stay ahead of the investment cycle, Portugal must identify and develop the next strategic locations for data center growth. We need to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with the rapid 12 to 18-month refresh cycles of modern hardware.

Cisco’s Perspective of Infrastructure, Security, and Human Potential

Cisco was proud to be represented at the summit by Ricardo Antunes da Silva. He shared our vision on the two pillars of this transition: AI infrastructure and security.

For Cisco, AI is not an end in itself. It is a tool. It acts as a powerful catalyst for innovation, efficiency, and customer support. Our internal approach mirrors what we advocate for our clients. We use AI to handle routine tasks. This frees up our human experts to focus on complex, high-value strategic work. As part of a live demo at the event, the used a single prompt to generate a webpage to share

feedback, highlighting the efficiency at which AI can support our day-to-day operations and workload once more.

During the panels, a key takeaway emerged. Moving from “AI as an experiment” to “AI as a trusted tool” requires a fundamental shift in how we view the workforce. We are moving away from manual coding. We are entering a world where developers act as strategic architects. They are supported by AI agents. This evolution does not replace human talent. It augments it.

However, this shift places a heavy burden on leadership. As automation handles the “how,” leaders must focus on the “why.” They need to reallocate the time gained by these efficiencies to drive deeper innovation.

The Regulatory and Operational Alignment

One of the most encouraging aspects of the summit was the clear alignment between the public and private sectors. The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to simplifying the business environment. He specifically mentioned the upcoming Law of Interoperability and the implementation of the “once-only” principle.

This is a game-changer for the tech industry. For years, the ordeal of licensing and public procurement created barriers to competitiveness. By using AI to streamline urban planning and procurement processes, the government is not just digitizing bureaucracy. It is re-engineering it.

As the Minister noted, there is no point in digitizing what is complex or antiquated. The focus must be on simplifying processes first. Then, we use technology to accelerate them. For companies like Cisco, this regulatory predictability is the missing piece of the puzzle. When the environment is stable and the path to infrastructure deployment is clear, innovation thrives.

The Human Element: Upskilling and Literacy

Beyond the hardware and the regulations, the AI Summit 2026 Portugal focused on the people. Technology is only as good as the people using it. To prevent the widening of social or economic gaps, we need a massive, sustained focus on digital literacy.

Continuous upskilling is required across all sectors. We heard from colleagues who attended the event that the energy in the room was contagious. They felt inspired by the quality of the dialogue. They noted that the success of Portugal in this field will depend less on the capacity to invest and more on the capacity to create conditions for that investment to happen at the right speed.

Licensing, energy, network connectivity, and regulatory predictability are the true differentiators. Our colleagues left the summit feeling optimistic. They believe in Portugal’s potential to become a leading hub for technology and AI in Europe.

Key Takeaways for the Future 

As we reflect on the insights shared by our colleagues and the broader industry, several themes stand out:

• The Human-AI Partnership: AI is the ultimate collaborator. It excels at data processing and routine tasks. However, human accountability remains non-negotiable. The most successful organizations will balance automation with human oversight.
• Security as a Foundation: As AI tools grow, the threat landscape shifts. Attackers increasingly target human factors rather than just system vulnerabilities. Security must be baked into the infrastructure from day one.
• The Need for Speed: The pace of hardware innovation is relentless. Portugal’s success depends on its ability to create conditions for investment to happen at the speed of the market.
• Leadership’s New Challenge: Automation provides us with extra time. The primary challenge for leaders is deciding how to reallocate that time to better serve their teams and customers.

Conclusion: A Permanent Asset

The AI Summit 2026 Portugal left us with a sense of optimism. It also left us with a clear call to action. AI is no longer a future concept. It is a permanent asset in the modern professional landscape.

As Cisco continues to support our partners and customers in Portugal, we feel energized by the collaborative spirit we witnessed last week. Whether it is through our internal AI skilling efforts or our work in building the secure networks that connect these new data centers to the world, we remain committed to the vision of a digitally empowered Portugal.

We extend our sincere thanks to Jornal Económico and Abreu Advogados for organizing such a thought-provoking event. It was an educational experience to see the other side of the equation. We learned about the infrastructure challenges, the regulatory hurdles, and the immense potential that lies ahead.

The road ahead is complex. But with the right foundations, the right partnerships, and a shared commitment to innovation, the future is bright.

Today’s date is April 30, 2026, and this report reflects the ongoing commitment of Cisco Portugal to fostering innovation and digital transformation within the region.

The post Navigating the AI Frontier: Insights from the AI Summit 2026 appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

On April 7, 2026, the Cisco WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) community hosted an inspiring “Volunteering Abroad” meetup, organized by Alia Abu Jado and Rodrigo Colaço, both Consulting Engineers in CX. We heard from a group of Customer Project Managers from our Professional Services, CX organization, who shared how they used their T2G days to give back to the community. Their journey demonstrates how professional skills, when applied in a global context, can drive sustainable, long-term impact.

Meet the Team: Our “Passport” Profiles

Inspired by the stories of other colleagues who had previously given their time back to the community under the T2G program at Cisco, our team of Project Managers took a leap of faith. They approached this opportunity with the same strategic mindset they apply to projects. Their “Passport” profiles reflect a diverse range of approaches to international volunteering, and might make you wonder what your own profile would be, or how your soft skills can be interchangeable between your job and your personal life.

• Inês Lille: The Meticulous Organizer (Kenya). Always prepared with everything from first-aid essentials to mosquito nets – if you need it, Inês has it.
• Joana Santos: The Go-with-the-flow Adventurer (Zanzibar & Bali). Thrives on the freedom to improvise and embraces every moment as it comes.
• Mariana Carvalho: The Mindful Journaler (Kenya). Dedicated to capturing and preserving every precious memory in her notebooks.
• Mariana Gonçalves: The Adventurer (Bali). Constantly pushing her boundaries and stepping well outside her comfort zone.
• Mafalda Vasconcelos: The Go-with-the-flow Adventurer (Zanzibar & Bali). Finds joy in the flow of travel, immersing herself in the rhythm of new cultures.
• Marta Santos Silva: The Meticulous Adventurer (Bali). Perfectly balances a sharp, organized mindset with an untamed spirit for discovery.

Day-to-Day: A Cultural Exchange

While destinations varied, our colleagues’ missions were primarily focused on childcare and education. Whether teaching English in classrooms or facilitating sports and hygiene practices, the work was about more than just academics, it was about presence. Beyond the classroom, they learned about women’s empowerment associations, agriculture programs, and wildlife conservation efforts, proving that volunteering is a multifaceted cultural exchange. Their stories reveal how the skills we use to manage complex projects at Cisco are equally vital when navigating the challenges of international exchange.

In Diani Beach, Kenya, Inês and Mariana found that impact is often found in the smallest gestures. Reflecting on her time at the orphanage, Inês noted: “We always had at least a kid on our back, a kid hanging by our neck and another 2 holding our hands. It was so heartwarming to see just how much they need your love and attention and how much of a difference it makes to them just to feel seen.” In one of the episodes they recall, a simple activity with scissors and colored paper brought up huge smiles and enthusiasm in the room, proving that so much can be done with simple tools.

In Kizimkazi, southern Zanzibar, Joana and Mafalda taught classes at a local school, supported the facilities, visited an orphanage, and met women from an empowerment association learning financial independence through agriculture. One year later in Bali, joined by Marta and Mariana, the four women witnessed the power of education to shift perspectives and empower the children in the schools. “Despite their circumstances, they dreamed big – some wanted to work abroad, on cruise ships, or in airlines,” Marta shared. “Their determination was inspiring.”

Navigating Challenges with Professional Resilience

Every volunteer mission comes with unexpected hurdles, requiring the same adaptability and resourcefulness that define our work at Cisco.

• Trust-Building: Mafalda Vasconcelos found that success required a shift in leadership style. She was working on career development with girls aged between 15 and 19, a tight-knit group who wasn’t used to having volunteers. “I realized I had a very short window to build trust,” she explains. “I shifted my strategy from ‘teacher’ to ‘peer.’ Once I was seen as a friend, the barriers fell away.”
• Resourcefulness: Marta noted the necessity of innovation when working with limited tools: “We mixed educational activities with creative games to keep them engaged and motivated. One of the main challenges was preparing all the teaching materials ourselves.”
• Adaptability: Inês emphasizes that flexibility is key: “Be adaptable… You will not be able to change everything, but you can do small parts!”
• Adjusting to reality: As Joana Santos reflects, “The hardest part was saying goodbye after building such genuine connections.” For her, the time spent with the children was the most meaningful aspect of the journey. Navigating the stark contrast between these two worlds is a profound challenge, yet it is an increasingly essential skill in our interconnected world.

A Call to Action for Future Volunteers

For those considering using their T2G days, the team’s advice is clear: embrace the challenge.

“Don’t be afraid – embrace the challenge!” says Joana. “Make sure the organization has good feedback and safe conditions. Beyond that, just enjoy it; it will be one of the best experiences of your life.”

Marta adds, “Go with an open mind and heart. Be ready to adapt, to listen, and to learn as much as you teach.”

For Inês, knowing how to adapt to the local culture, to the way of living is key “to ensure that you are helping in a way that will be accepted by the locals and ensure that help keeps arriving without issues.”

As Mafalda aptly summarized, “Volunteering has truly been the highlight of my career at Cisco.”

Reflecting on my own experience with “Time to Give” in Kenya, I am reminded that these initiatives offer far more than just a chance to contribute. It is a profound privilege to participate, and I have found that in the act of giving back, we often receive the greatest lessons in connection and purpose.

Get Involved

The impact of these trips continues long after the volunteers return home. If you are a Cisco employee, we invite you to support the initiatives they championed. Particularly in Kenya, the conditions in the school and orphanage need support. Check out the link below to know more.

Help build the Mama Gladys Orphanage in Kenya: Click here to Support a Center for Children in Need

By empowering our employees to contribute globally, we aren’t just building networks—we are building a better future, one connection at a time.

The post Beyond Borders: How Cisco is Using “Time to Give” for Global Impact appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

Saturday – Football for Change Tournament

On Saturday, Cisco Portugal’s Football Team delivered an impressive performance at the Football for Change Tournament, held at St. Julian’s School in Carcavelos.

The tournament, organized by Lisbon Project in its 7th edition, aims to raise funds supporting the integration of refugees and immigrants in Portugal.

Cisco’s squad stood out not only for its diversity—with players from three different continents and the inclusion of a female team member—but also for its outstanding results on the pitch. The team dominated the group stage and playoffs, reaching a historic final and securing an impressive second-place.

Individually, Pedro Esteves earned the top scorer award, netting an incredible seven goals throughout the tournament. The event

also featured strong participation from major companies such as Lufthansa, Microsoft, Nasdaq, and Celfocus.

Speaking on a flash interview, Ruben Mendes as a representative of Pavelka for Cisco Portugal expressed gratitude for the invitation and highlighted Cisco’s pride in being part of such a meaningful initiative.

Sunday – Walk in Marginal 10km+

On Sunday, attention shifted from competition to community as the scenic Avenida Marginal was closed to traffic and opened to the public for a day of sports and outdoor activities.

Cisco Portugal seized the opportunity to bring its team together for a 10+ km walk between Caxias and Carcavelos, led by Hélder Dias, who guided the group throughout the coastal route.

With enthusiasm and high energy, Cisco employees embraced both events, reinforcing the company’s commitment to wellbeing, teamwork, and social impact.

A Weekend to Remember

From a near-title football run to a spirited coastal walk, Cisco Portugal’s participation in Global Physical Activity Day celebrations highlighted not only athletic excellence but also a strong sense of purpose and unity.

The post Cisco Portugal Shines on a Global Physical Activity Weekend appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.