The clock strikes 11 a.m. in Portugal, and the famously named Camões room at Cisco’s Lisbon office is buzzing. Employees settle into chairs, gather in corners, and stand along the walls to watch the live Town Hall with Kelly Jones, Cisco’s Chief People Officer and Portugal’s new Country Sponsor. Kelly traveled from the U.S. to get to know what she calls one of “Cisco’s best-kept secrets.”

Following an introduction by Miguel Almeida, Director and General Manager of Sales, and Bruno Paulo, Director of Customer Delivery, Kelly took the stage. She was joined by Natalia Martsenyuk da Cunha, P&C Country Lead, and Gisela Franco, Senior Director of Operations, the facilitators of the day’s fireside chat.

“I feel like I am on a morning talk show; it is about to be good,” Kelly confessed with a smile. She was right.

While the Town Hall was the first official touchpoint for many, Kelly’s day had already been a whirlwind: meetings with country leaders and the Connected Portugal, plus an office tour. Her schedule remained packed into the evening with sessions for early-in-career talent, the People and Community team, and the Stakeholder Management Pillar, hopefully leaving just enough time for a stroll through the streets of Lisbon.

1. When Kelly met Portugal

The visit began much like a 1990s Hollywood movie: with a proper “meet-cute.” Through a series of quick-fire icebreakers, the audience discovered that Kelly is a self-proclaimed foodie, an outdoors enthusiast, and a lover of travel. When she revealed that her favorite movie is “When Harry Met Sally” and that she can quote it front to back, the room erupted in cheers.

When asked about her first impressions of the Lisbon office, Kelly’s response was enthusiastic. She was struck by the “virtuous cycle” of engagement and the high level of participation in office activities. She noted that the site is uniquely positioned for growth, citing an “impressive” gender balance and a talent pool that deserves more visibility across the global Cisco brand.

Her goal is ambitious: she wants to put Portugal on the map and see the team on stage as Country of the Year at Cisco’s GSX.

2. From early beginnings to Chief People Officer

Kelly introduced herself through her “Million Data Points,” a concept borrowed from Splunk, emphasizing that work is an integrated part of her overall wellbeing. Whether reflecting on her first job as a babysitter in her teenage years, or her current role as CPO, Kelly’s journey has been defined by a blend of discipline, curiosity, and a deep commitment to humanity. Besides her official role as CPO, Kelly is on the board of the Children’s Tumor Foundation and is also Wellbeing Executive Sponsor, which she views as natural extensions of the same values she brings to her daily life.

3. Beyond the career ladder: The power of saying “yes”

Kelly’s career path is a testament to the power of flexible planning and the courage to say “yes.” In her 20 years at Cisco, she has held 13 jobs and worked with 16 bosses. She did not set out to be a CPO; she achieved that by following a simple three-ingredient recipe:

1. Choosing roles of genuine interest.
2. Working for leaders that are role models.
3. Being surrounded by good people.

She challenged the traditional “career ladder” in favor of what many now call a “career lattice”, a flexible net of mobility.

“Probably every time I said yes to something I did not know how to do, that was a milestone,” she shared.

With 45% of roles at Cisco filled internally, Kelly is the ultimate example of how internal mobility and “pivoting on a skill” can lead to unexpected, rewarding destinations.

4. Cisco’s four cornerstones: what builds success?

Success at Cisco is not an abstract concept; it is built on four cornerstones that Kelly highlighted: Curiosity, Clarity, Accountability, and Inclusion. She also offered a glimpse into her partnership with Francine Katsoudas, Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer. Their relationship is built on meaningful check-ins and a commitment to “unsticking” problems quickly. This collaborative spirit flows through the entire Executive Leadership Team, ensuring that Cisco’s guiding principles are a lived experience.

5. A brave new world: The AI era

With Cisco at the forefront of the AI revolution, Kelly offered a refreshing perspective.

“The great irony is that this technological change that humanity is going through is resulting in the need to be deeply human.”

While AI is reshaping the workforce, Kelly believes we have a responsibility to define that future.

“We have to ask ourselves sometimes not can the technology do it, but should we do it?”

For those feeling resistance to this shift, Kelly shared her personal experience:

Cisco Portugal Blog Team: You mentioned you use AI daily and intentionally at work, as well as for building your personalized nutrition plan. Was it simple for you to adopt the AI mindset from day one? Do you have any tips for people who might be feeling resistance or having difficulty adapting?

Kelly: Like many, I was initially apprehensive. I started by experimenting with AI in my personal life, using it to help organize my daily routines and planning, which helped me demystify the technology and see its potential. As I grew more comfortable, that confidence naturally translated into my work. Today, I view AI as a critical partner. It helps me synthesize complex insights and prepare for high-stakes conversations, among many other things.

If you are feeling resistance, I want to acknowledge that it’s okay. Change is inherently difficult. My advice is to stay open, keep asking questions, and seek support when needed.

The reality is that AI will elevate your work and accelerate your career, so it is worth pushing through that initial hesitation. In fact, our own AI research shows that employees who leverage AI are more likely to be promoted and spend less time in the same grade.

If you are looking for ways to get started, here are four things you can do today:

1. Experiment with low-stakes tasks. Start small. Use AI to assist with personal planning or organizing to build your confidence. Once you feel comfortable, look for ways to integrate Cisco-approved AI tools, like CircuIT, into your daily professional workflows.
2. Prioritize continuous learning. Build AI literacy into your professional development plan. Take advantage of available training, and if you are a leader, set clear expectations for your team to do the same.
3. Make AI a regular topic of conversation. Share how you’re using AI during 1:1s and team meetings. Ask your colleagues how they are leveraging it—you will likely discover new, creative use cases you hadn’t considered.
4. Stay human. Use the time that AI gives back to you to double down on human connection. AI cannot replace the emotional experience of belonging to a team, and as leaders, we are the primary architects of that experience.

Adopting an AI mindset is about unleashing potential—yours, your team’s, and Cisco’s. I encourage you to lean in with curiosity and courage as we continue this journey together.

6. Human connection: Why the office still matters

In a world of remote settings and automated tasks, Kelly addressed the “hot topic” of returning to the office. At Cisco, the policy is designed to be adapted by leaders based on their team’s specific context. However, Kelly highlighted three reasons why physical presence is more vital than ever in the AI era: speed for more fluid decision-making; mentorship, especially for those early in their careers; and biology, since humans are wired for connection.

7. Looking ahead: A final reflection

For those just starting their journey or those who have been with Cisco for decades, Kelly’s advice was the same as she gives her own daughter: Adaptability is the new superpower.

“In your 20s, you are not the same person you are going to be in your 30s, in your 40s, in your 50s,” she noted.

To conclude her visit, we asked Kelly for her final thoughts:

Cisco Portugal Blog Team: As our new country sponsor, which thought or key takeaway stayed with you after your visit to Portugal?

Kelly: Spending time with the Portugal team reinforced a core truth for me: as we navigate an increasingly complex world, our greatest competitive advantage remains our humanity.

I was struck by how the Portugal office operates as a true “mini-Cisco.” With over 60 nationalities working together, it is a vibrant, diverse community and a masterclass in inclusion. It’s a wonderful reminder that when we prioritize the people experience, business success naturally follows.

Standing by the Ponte 25 de Abril, I found myself reflecting on its symbolism for my role as Country Sponsor. My goal is to be that bridge – connecting our local teams in Portugal with our global strategy and ensuring that as we innovate with AI, we never lose sight of the human connections that make our work meaningful.

The post Cisco’s Best-Kept Secret: Kelly Jones Visits Portugal appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

In an era where digital tools often keep us tethered to our screens, we believe that the most powerful connections still happen face-to-face. That is the heart of our quarterly “Office Learning Days”—a vibrant initiative that turns our office hubs in Lisbon and Krakow into buzzing centers of curiosity, collaboration, and growth. 

While the tech landscape moves at lightning speed, we believe that learning shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should be an experience. By bringing teams together in person, we’ve created a space that feels less like a corporate training session and more like a community gathering. Whether you are diving into a hands-on lab or engaging in a lively brainstorming session, these days are designed to help you level up your skills while building lasting bonds with the people who make our work possible. 

A People-to-People Philosophy 

The secret sauce behind our success is simple: we put you in the driver’s seat. We believe that the best insights don’t just come from the top down—they come from the passionate individuals working right beside you. 

Our “Office Learning Days” are truly community-driven. We actively invite our team members to take the stage and share their unique expertise, turning every event into a showcase of the incredible talent we have in-house. By asking you what topics matter most to your career and your curiosity, we ensure that every session is not just relevant, but genuinely exciting. 

Staying Ahead, Together

In the fast-paced world of technology, staying “in the know” is a challenge we all share. That’s why our quarterly themes are carefully curated to reflect the pulse of the industry. From the latest emerging software trends to tackling the most complex infrastructure challenges of the day, we bring the industry’s most “hyped” and impactful topics directly to your desk. We don’t just talk about the future; we explore it together. 

The Heart of the Initiative 

None of this would be possible without the passion of our organizing team, who work tirelessly to ensure every detail creates a welcoming, high-energy environment, Tiago Antunes, Hugo Amaro, Hadeel Alkaraki, Fabio Carlos Gavidia Portillo, Jules Cesar Sinzink. 

We are also deeply grateful to our executive sponsors—Phil Wolfenden, Jacek Przybylski, and Bruno Paulo—for championing a culture that balances professional development with the fun, human side of work. 

Be Part of the Learning Experience 

Are you interested in sharing your knowledge in a particular technology, tool, or skill? Do you have a topic you are eager to learn about? 

We want to hear from you! Visit our sharepoint to fill out the form and help shape the agenda for our next event. Let’s continue to build a smarter, more connected community together.

The post Bridging the Gap: How We’re Redefining the Way We Learn Together appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

The CXC EMEA Office Learning Days are a quarterly initiative hosted at our Lisbon and Krakow hubs, designed to foster face-to-face connection, collaboration, and professional growth. Moving beyond traditional corporate training, these community-driven events empower team members to share their unique expertise and explore the latest industry trends—ranging from emerging software to complex infrastructure challenges—in an engaging, high-energy environment.

The Room Was Ready. So Were We.

There’s something different about a room full of people who actually want to be there. On the morning of our latest Cisco Lisbon Office Learning Day, that energy was unmistakable. Laptops open, coffee in hand, and a genuine buzz of anticipation — the Lisbon team gathered around a single theme: “The Innovation Pulse: From Vibe Coding to Agentic Reality.”

What followed was a full day of sessions that didn’t just inform — they inspired. And if the survey results are anything to go by (a 9.5/10 average rating from attendees), we clearly struck a chord.

Setting the Stage: Innovation Starts with an Idea

The day kicked off with a session that challenged us to rethink how we treat our own creativity: “What to Do with Your Innovation Ideas.”

Too often, great ideas die quietly — dismissed too early, buried in day-to-day work, or never submitted because we’re not sure they’re “good enough.” This session pushed back on that instinct. The message was clear: separate ideation from judgement. Generate freely, refine later, and trust the process that exists to turn raw thinking into real impact.

For a team constantly navigating complex technical environments, this was a timely reminder that innovation isn’t a side project — it’s part of the job. Who joined this session walked away with a new lens on how to channel their ideas into something tangible.

“Great idea, it gave me inspiration and motivation to explore.” — Attendee feedback

From Toil to Automation: The Network Doesn’t Have to Be a Bottleneck

Next came a session close to many of our hearts: “From Manual to Automated: Digitising Network Delivery at Scale.”

If you’ve ever spent hours on repetitive network configuration tasks, you already understand the problem this session addressed. The concept of Services as Code (SaC) was front and center — treating infrastructure configuration the way software engineers treat code: version-controlled, testable, automated, and auditable.

The session walked through how Cisco’s own delivery architecture is evolving — using YAML-based configurations alongside Terraform and Ansible modules to decouple data from logic. The result? Pre-change validation, seamless CI/CD integration, and teams that can focus on intended outcomes rather than wrestling with low-level object models.

The takeaway wasn’t just technical. It was a mindset shift: automation isn’t about replacing people, it’s about freeing them to do more meaningful work.

AI Agents: Beyond the Chatbot Hype

By mid-morning, the conversation had shifted to one of the most talked-about topics in the industry: “AI Agents, Tools & Protocols: From Hype to Production.”

This was a technical deep-dive that didn’t shy away from the hard questions. What actually makes an AI agent different from a chatbot? Which frameworks matter in production environments? And how do you build a practical roadmap to get there?

The session cut through the noise and gave the team a grounded, honest look at where the technology stands today and where it’s heading.

The message was energizing: we are closer to production-ready agentic AI than most people think. And Cisco is already building towards it.

The Highlight of the Day: Vibe Coding Takes Over

Then came the afternoon. And everything shifted.

The “AI-Powered Development — Vibe Coding Workshop” was, without question, the session that captured the spirit of the entire day. The room had capacity for 40 people and it was full and summing the online people, we had +60 people doing the workshop.

For those unfamiliar with the term: vibe coding is the practice of collaborating with AI — tools like GitHub Copilot — to write, iterate, and create software through natural language and creative prompting, rather than purely through traditional syntax-first development. It’s fast, it’s collaborative, and frankly, it’s a lot of fun.

The workshop didn’t just explain the concept — it put it in everyone’s hands. Teams coded together, built their own projects, and experienced firsthand how AI can act as a genuine creative partner in the development process. The energy in the room during this session was, by all accounts, electric.

The feedback said it all:

“The hands-on part” “The Vibe coding workshop” “Coding with CircuIT” “Creating our own game” “Learn to create programs with prompts” “Both sessions gave me a lot of ideas to use AI to automate tasks that I do often”

People weren’t just watching a demo — they were building things. That distinction matters enormously.

What the Team Said: One Word at a Time

We asked attendees to define the event in a single word. Here’s what came back:

Inspiring. Informative. Awesome. Amazing. Enlightening. Empowering. Uplifting. Useful. Insightful. Relevant. Learning.

That’s not a word cloud — that’s a verdict. And it’s one we’re proud of.

What Comes Next: The Team Has Spoken

The feedback on what attendees want to see in future Office Learning Days was equally energizing — and gives us a clear direction:

– More hands-on labs — this came up repeatedly and loudly
– Deeper dives into Agentic AI and AI tooling
– Python workshops and data analysis labs
– Asset Management tools and practices
– ️ Pre-event access to lab materials so everyone can participate fully from day on.

There was also one piece of practical feedback that we’re taking seriously: improving the Webex experience for remote participants and sharing recordings promptly. Inclusion matters — and our hybrid colleagues deserve the same experience as those in the room.

Why This Matters for Lisbon

We work in a fast-moving industry, in a team that spans technical disciplines, customer-facing roles, and everything in between. The temptation is always to prioritize delivery over development — to focus on the work in front of us at the expense of the skills that will define our work tomorrow.

Office Learning Days like this one push back against that tendency. They create a shared space where we learn together, experiment together, and get excited about the future together. That collective energy doesn’t just stay in the room — it carries back into projects, conversations, and the way we approach problems the following Monday morning.

The fact that our team rated this event a 9.5 out of 10 isn’t just a nice number. It’s a signal that this kind of investment in our people resonates deeply. It tells us that when we create the right environment — curious, hands-on, collaborative, and forward-looking — our team shows up fully.

Until the Next Pulse

To everyone who presented, organized, participated, and brought their energy to the day — thank you. You made it what it was.

The Innovation Pulse wasn’t just an event. It was a reminder of what this team is capable of when we stop, look up from our screens, and imagine what’s possible.

We’re already looking forward to the next one.

Have ideas for future Cisco Lisbon Office Learning Day? Topics you’d love to explore? Drop them in the comments or reach out directly via our SharePoint — your input shapes what comes next.

The post The Innovation Pulse: How One Learning Day Changed the Way We Think About AI and Automation appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

On March 17^th, the Women of Cisco (WoC) team in Portugal hosted their local “Women of Impact” (WOI) event, following the global celebration on March 10^th. This year’s theme was “Spark the Future 2026”, and the day featured a range of sessions, from “Taking Control of Your Career Path” with Wies Bratby to “Own Your Menopause” with Cláudia Barros, and a discussion on supporting the community after Storm Kristin with Nuno Guarda.

Our team at Cisco’s Portugal blog reached out to the key organizers of the event, Tânia Patrícia Azevedo (CX Business Operations Manager for Collab Renewals EMEA and Lead for WoC Portugal), Patrícia Pereira (Asset Manager and Lead for WoC Portugal), and Mariana Graça (Business Operations Analyst  and WoC member), to gather their insights on what happens behind the curtains when developing an event of this magnitude.

Why is a Women of Impact event still needed in 2026?

We started with a thought-provoking question: “Why is a Women of Impact event still needed in 2026?”

Tânia describes Women of Impact (WOI) as our “Inclusive Community Flagship Event,” that happens simultaneously across all regions.”It is more than just an annual event; it is a movement dedicated to empowering and connecting women, while honoring diverse narratives across the globe,” Tânia notes.

Patrícia adds that the event remains essential because it provides a space where “women (and men, who are more than welcome) can connect, share experiences, and amplify their voices.” For her, the event serves as both a celebration of the progress made regarding gender representation and a “catalyst for continued change” in the tech industry.

“In 2026, such an event remains essential, as gender representation and equitable opportunities in technology continue to evolve,” states Patrícia.

The inspiration behind “Spark the Future”

This year’s theme was chosen to drive a forward-looking vision. Patrícia explains that the “Spark the Future” theme shapes the event by “encouraging participants to think boldly about their future impact – whether through advancing technology, driving cultural change, or leading teams.” It is a call to be proactive in shaping one’s individual career and the wider industry.

Tânia adds that the 2026 theme centers on “fostering a culture of holistic growth and mentorship,” ensuring that employees have the future-ready skills needed to thrive in Cisco’s evolving landscape.

The impact on the community

The event is designed to provide practical tools for professional growth. Tânia highlights the session with Wies Bratby on “Taking Control of Your Career Path,” which focused on “unlocking the female talent’s full potential by addressing both internal barriers (imposter syndrome, fear of asking) and external obstacles (bias, unclear advancement paths) that prevent women from taking control of their careers.”

Patrícia emphasizes that the event offers a blend of “inspirational talks, networking opportunities, and insights on how we can support our community.” It creates a supportive environment where participants feel encouraged to build confidence and explore leadership pathways.

Behind the scenes: inside the organization

Organizing an event of this scale requires months of preparation. Patrícia notes that the process involves “extensive collaboration and careful planning,” where the team identifies themes relevant to the audience and selects speakers who represent diverse perspectives. The goal, she says, is to “balance inspiration with actionable insights.”

Tânia explains that the agenda was built around three pillars: “Spark your Career” (Wies Bratby), “Spark Your Community” (Nuno Guarda’s work with Cisco Crisis Response on the aftermath of Storm Kristin in Portugal), and “Spark your Health” (Cláudia Barros, Dr. Francisco Santos, and Dr. Cristina Roriz on navigating menopause in the workplace).

“How do we put it together? The WoC Portugal Core team works very hard and starts planning the event months before we do it, and we count with the support of the EMEA leads and our Executive Sponsor, Gisela Franco, who is relentlessly always allowing us to dream higher and showcase the excellent work that is being done in Cisco Portugal,” explains Tânia.

Camera, Lights, Action!

When asked about the impact they hope the event will have, the team expressed a desire for deep, cultural change. Tânia emphasizes the importance of belonging: “WoC Portugal wants to be a space where everyone is welcome, not only women. The fair and successful future of women is the success of every single individual too.”

Patrícia clarifies that this event has both internal and external goals: “Internally, it seeks to strengthen a culture of inclusion and empower employees to take initiative in their careers. Externally, it contributes to ongoing conversations around diversity in tech, encouraging organizations to continue building more equitable and supportive environments.”

Mariana adds that she hopes WOI 2026 serves as a “catalyst for a more holistic and connected culture” within the Tech Industry, setting a standard for how professionals are supported through every stage of life.

Mariana notes, “When we empower women to bring their ‘best selves’ to work, we drive the authenticity and collaboration necessary to solve the industry’s greatest challenges.”

Conclusion: Advice for the Future

To wrap up, we asked our organizers for advice for women looking to lead with impact.

Tânia encourages women to be bold: “Dare to want it all — excel at your training, at your job, at your personal life. Dare to choose yourself, dare to be kind, dare to lead with truth and compassion.”

Patrícia suggests staying intentional: “Trust your voice and perspective—leadership is not about fitting a mold, but about bringing your authentic self to the table.”

Mariana rounds off the advice with three actionable ‘sparks’:

1. Own Your Path: Don’t wait for opportunities to be assigned; take active control.

2. Give to Gain: Strengthen your community by volunteering and supporting others.

3. Prioritize Your Wellbeing: “You cannot work effectively if you aren’t thriving personally. Owning your health is a professional priority.”

The Women of Cisco team’s work continues year-round through Coffee Break sessions and Giving Back weeks. Follow them to stay updated! A big thank you to Tânia, Patrícia and Mariana for sharing their insights, and to the whole WoC community for their impact.

The post Women of Impact: Spark the Future 2026 appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

From Presentation to Problem-Solving

I spent a lot of time on stage this year, and I’ll be honest-there’s always a little knot of nerves before you step up. But as soon as the room fills up and the first question is asked, that all melts away. I had the privilege of leading three sessions:

DEVNET-2144 (Automating Network Compliance)

DEVWKS-2083 (The Journey of Automating Network Compliance)

BRKOPS-2824 (Latest and Greatest of NSO features)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about walking a room full of engineers through the “how-to” of NSO. But the real highlight wasn’t just the technical deep-dives; it was the moments after the sessions ended. When someone walks up to the stage to tell you, “I’ve been struggling with exactly this for months,” and you get to help them connect the dots? That’s the “why” for me. That’s why we do this.

The Real Conversations

If the sessions were the broadcast, the “Meet the Engineer” meetings were the heartbeat of my week.

There’s a unique kind of honesty that happens when you sit down with a

customer in a small room, pull out a marker, and start sketching a design on a whiteboard. We moved past the slides & demos and got into the real-world stuff-the product implementations that keep them up at night, the security hurdles, and the actual day-to-day challenges of running a network.

Why I’m Already Looking Forward to the Next One

Cisco Live is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s long days, constant networking, and a whole lot of coffee. But it’s also the highlight of the year for the EMEA community-a time where we all come together as one brilliant and passionate family.

I’m still reflecting on the conversations I had-both the planned ones and the ones that happened over a quick coffee in the hallway. I’m heading back into my day-to-day work feeling re-energized, inspired

, and genuinely grateful for the people who make this industry what it is.

To everyone who attended my sessions or sat down with me for a chat: thank you. It was a pleasure to learn alongside you. Until next time!

This article is part of our mini-series, Voices of Cisco Live, where we follow different Cisco employees who had their own unique experience and perspective on the event

The post Voices of Cisco Live: From Stage to Real Conversations appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

An Expert with Many Hats

Even after years on the job, and thousands of interactions with customers, much like those at a Cisco Live breakout session, there is one question that always lingers in my mind: When can you really feel like the expert that can answer all questions that might come up from those hundreds of people you engage with? I think the answer is simple, never. There is always a deployment more complex than you’ve encountered before, or one question so unusual that you need to check if anyone has ever tested it.

At Cisco Live, that question will inevitably come up. That’s exactly why an event of this scale exists, to give customers direct access to Cisco people from all technologies and roles, and to discuss with them what’s in their minds. Although I was there to deliver my session, that was just 90 minutes of an entire week spent working with and for the attendees.

Hands-On Learning and Real-Time Problem Solving

One of the most impactful experiences is the Meet-the-Engineer (MTE) sessions, where customers can book time with the Cisco experts and discuss their ongoing issues, or learn about new features and tools. Apart from gathering feedback and feature requests, these sessions offer me the opportunity to help them resolve some problems on the spot, suggest helpful or interesting features and demonstrate them in the lab, or we might brainstorm for hours on a unique deployment design they are considering.

Another very different activity from the MTE that I had an was active in was the Capture the Flag (CTF). As a fan of hands-on learning activities rather than passive presentations (a bit ironic given my own session), I love CTF, because it combines the practical exploration of the products with a gamified, competitive edge. Players try to find all the answers with the least amount of help to earn the most points and win big prizes. Here there is an interesting mix of Cisco Live crowd, from those that come to try one or two missions to check out a product they wanted, to people staying for hours or even days to get education credits, or learn as much as possible across multiple technologies. Questions range from how to connect to a lab, all the way to advanced niche features they wonder about during their lab exploration. You also get to meet the team behind the Cisco CTFs, who support the activities in customer engagements (like we use them in CSS) and in other open events for partners and customers, that happen throughout the year around the world.

When Every Audience Member Becomes an Expert

And of course, the place where the most questions come both in quantities and complexity, is the session room and its respective Webex chat. It is always both exciting and scary when someone in the audience makes the first question, right in the middle of your presentation, and after the first one, it’s an avalanche. But that is what makes the sessions at Cisco Live the most interesting and challenging of the year. When I chose to present a beginner-level breakout, I expected an audience with beginner-level questions, thinking that they would be people that are newer to SD-WAN, but I was so wrong. People with all kinds of knowledge and years of experience are there, with questions that extend way beyond the topic you are presenting, to other features, needs that they want taken care of by the solution, and technology in general. For me, these interactions, hearing the perspectives of the people outside of Cisco, the actual users of our products, is the most valuable takeaway from the whole event, one that makes me better in my job and growth.

Ultimately, Cisco Live is a maze of overlapping stages, meetings, booths, dinners and sessions. As a Cisco expert, you must help and enrich the experience of the attendees in all the different ways that you interact with them. Whether you are wearing the hat of a CTF proctor, or the hat of a speaker, every interaction is a chance to grow, connect, and make someone’s (net)work a little better.

 The Cisco Side of Cisco Live

One of the great opportunities that the Cisco Live experience offers for us employees, except travelling to the event, getting a nice speaker-tshirt, enjoying delicious dinners and a big closing party, is the chance to meet with our customers and coworkers in person, often for the first time. While we might see each other virtually almost every day, that doesn’t match the serendipity of sharing a cup of coffee while walking around the booths, or comparing the different doughnut flavors we discovered just in time before the masses vanish them. Connecting face to face under such special circumstances helps nurture our team spirit, and bond over the shared experiences, whether it’s a late dinner, a show at the party, or a peculiar meeting. These moments humanize our colleagues, allowing us to know them as people beyond just work.

At the event, we also get to hear many things for the first time. From the keynote, where major product innovations and launches are announced, to new versions of products and features that we see in the World of Solutions, the amount of information and business passing through is enormous. As part of the SD-WAN community, a lot of things happened, from the SASE updates to AI networking. We had updates also from our CX side with the sovereign support enhancement, which is very relevant for a technology such as SD-WAN.

Reflections and the Future

In the end, the months of hard work that we put into the preparation for Cisco Live all culminate into a week of many coffees, steps, and most importantly, meaningful connections. Every lab that we test, all the demos we put into our slides, ensure that we deliver the best experience to our customers. If I learnt anything over the last couple years, is that we can never be completely prepared for all the things we’ll come across, so being ready to improvise is a crucial skill.

This year, I decided to challenge myself by doing a live demo in my session, and I would say it was truly thrilling. Although not everything went perfectly and at times the lab was lagging, it was something I will definitely repeat next time. The ability it provided to immediately show in the product how something is done when broad questions arose, rather than try to explain it just with words, was really worth the glitches.

Another thing that I loved this year was the CTF missions. While we didn’t have an internal proctors competition this year (last year I won some nice candies as reward for coming in second!), it was still a lot of fun connecting with fellow proctors to flag errors and improvements to the missions, thinking of how the customers would better understand what to do in each step.

A Year of Growth, Collaboration, and Perspective

The first time I participated in the Cisco Live I spent the whole week either presenting or proctoring CTF activities. This year it was different. I had multiple meetings with customers, people I’ve worked with before and new ones, and spent hours with account teams, colleagues of mine, and customers together brainstorming solutions. Shifting into a business-oriented mindset, having a more diplomatic and cross-architectural approach rather than focusing on the technical aspects of SD-WAN, helped me understand better the balances of the different stakeholders and in reality, what mindset customers come to us with. Ideating on diverse scenarios, all with their own quirks, was also a very good exercise, making me think about the capabilities of the technologies we are working with.

All in all, my Cisco Live experience this year was amazing, exhausting, exciting and fulfilling all at once. Delivering again to such a big audience, having private meetings, hearing unannounced SD-WAN enhancements and innovations, and connecting with our CSS team from all over EMEA, all these moments outshine the stress and the tiredness. What we take from this experience is so valuable for our jobs and our growth, helping us engage better with our customers, and learn our technology at a deeper level, both through the preparation, and through our interactions all week.

I’m already looking forward to next year in London, to presenting new upgrades on SD-WAN, creating fresh CTF missions, showcasing the latest features, and most of all, connecting again with my customers and Cisco colleagues. See you next year!

This article is part of our mini-series, Voices of Cisco Live, where we follow different Cisco employees who had their own unique experience and perspective on the event

The post Voices of Cisco Live: Networking Networks & People appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

Every Cisco Live is an amazing experience. It is a priceless chance to spend a full week at a major event alongside Cisco customers, partners, and colleagues, discussing the latest and greatest in networking. The event features hundreds of breakout sessions, dozens of keynotes and major theatre sessions, and many private meetings scheduled with audiences ranging from top field experts to market analysts. We also offer a huge exhibition floor with labs that provide the opportunity to experiment with technology, whether provided directly by Cisco or by the many partners and suppliers in our ecosystem.

It is no coincidence that a common experience for every attendee is the challenge of choosing between multiple appealing events or sessions happening at the same time. That is precisely why it is a week-long event: it provides different opportunities to access all the content you are looking for, and even to discover content you had not anticipated finding as a priority. For someone who loves IT in general, and networking in particular, there simply isn’t anything like it!

AI is making it even more relevant

Still, the vibe in Amsterdam this year was different—louder and more intense. There was more curiosity, and definitely a sense of excitement and urgency all around. This was the first Cisco Live EMEA where the impact of AI was structurally felt; it was entrenched in every booth, present in every breakout, and included in every product or service.

AI was already on the agenda in 2025, but by then, most people were still trying to figure it out. It was unclear how it would be used or how real the practical use cases would be. There were already many ideas being presented, but not much felt like it was just around the corner, and there were genuine concerns about how much was marketing versus actual reality. Even then, there were concerns about job security for IT professionals, which created some sense of anxiety.

AI as a Productivity Multiplier for Engineers

This time, it was different. There was excitement in the air, with AI genuinely perceived as an opportunity. The vast majority of the audience had already played with it in some form or shape and saw it not as a threat, but as a productivity multiplier. The hands-on experience built the trust that took us all to the next level. The feeling now was not, “I won’t be able to do my job because of AI,” but rather, “AI will allow me to do my job in a much more efficient way, and I have plenty of ideas on how to do it.” All those planned projects about optimizing the network, business operations, and even my day-to-day job—which I could not implement because I was sorting out emergencies or overwhelmed with “run-the-business” priorities—felt tangible and doable now.

Designing network services in the ideal way with a tool that can read all variables and, based on engineer guidance, tune the right priorities; troubleshooting with a full, deep understanding of everything happening in my network; and proactive security responses—all of this was shown for the first time as a new world unfolding before our eyes. And as a cherry on top, “Networking for AI” is making the industry feel more valuable than ever, where planning and operating networks at scale, with the specifications and service quality capable of handling LLMs, is absolutely business-critical and value-unlocking.

The Cisco IQ transformation

This brings me to the most exciting capability showcased at Cisco Live: Cisco IQ. I had the incredible opportunity to lead the Cisco IQ booth, which also included a few public speaking sessions. Cisco IQ is a unified, AI-powered interface that transforms how customers and partners interact with Cisco Support and Professional Services. It delivers a single source of truth for infrastructure inventory by integrating data from purchase contracts, device telemetry, and support cases. This enables the proactive prevention of outages through AI-driven insights and prioritized recommendations. It does all of that while providing a natural language model to deep-dive into these datasets and insights in natural human language. You can customize your requests, adjust troubleshooting, ask questions, and navigate across configurations. This is not by reading “show commands,” but by making requests in the way you think. By automating and digitizing services, Cisco IQ accelerates issue resolution and enhances operational efficiency, all embedded within Cisco’s paid CX offerings without additional cost.

The human value in the centre of it all

I could not end this without bringing the human factor to the center of it all. AI is becoming an amazing tool to take networking to a new level. It is moving further away from CLI and predetermined syntax or workflows, and closer to the way a human thinks. That is why the engineer is still at the center of it all and is more relevant than ever. The many years of experience, the CCIE and certifications, and the countless hours planning and designing IT are more critical than ever.

We are getting to a new world where the engineer can quickly upskill those areas of expertise to plan, design, and troubleshoot entire domains or the whole network holistically, and much, much faster. Data and patterns are generated quickly and in real-time with the right questions. Decisions are fast in a truly impactful way. Even decisions like allowing self-remediation or closed-loop automation—which have been an industry “holy grail” for a long time—will be enabled or disabled resulting from human design, together with the control mechanisms or even control agents that the human has defined. Cisco Live showed the first meaningful look at a brand-new world… and it is an exciting one!

This article is part of our mini-series, Voices of Cisco Live, where we follow different Cisco employees who had their own unique experience and perspective on the event. 

The post Voices of Cisco Live: Networking is Cool Again—And AI is Changing the Game appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

Cisco Live is always an exciting moment in the year, but being part of it from the inside, working directly with customers and partners, makes the experience even more special.

Deep Technical Conversations with Customers

This year I had the opportunity to support the Cisco Live Technical Solution Clinics, focusing on AAA topics and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). The clinics are a unique space within Cisco Live: instead of formal sessions, they allow customers to sit down with Cisco engineers and have open technical conversations about their environments, designs, and challenges.

Throughout the event we had many engaging discussions with customers looking to better understand how identity fits into their overall security architecture. A recurring topic was how Cisco ISE integrates with the broader Cisco Security portfolio, and how organizations can design identity-based controls that work seamlessly with other platforms across the stack.

What makes these conversations particularly valuable is the depth they reach. Customers come with real-world design questions: how to structure identity policies, how to integrate identity into segmentation strategies, or how to align identity services with broader security operations. Being able to discuss these topics directly, and help translate product capabilities into practical architectures, is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

AI and the Future of Security Operations

Of course, AI was everywhere at Cisco Live this year, and many conversations naturally moved in that direction. Customers showed strong interest in how Cisco is approaching AI Defense and how AI can enhance security operations, particularly through platforms like Cisco XDR. There’s clearly a growing awareness that as organizations adopt AI technologies, they also need to think carefully about how to secure them.

Finally, none of this would be possible without the incredible Technical Solution Clinics team. The energy, collaboration, and willingness to help customers tackle complex challenges is what makes the clinics such a valuable part of Cisco Live.

It was a fantastic experience to be part of it again, connecting with customers, exchanging ideas with colleagues from around the world, and seeing firsthand how the industry is evolving around identity, security, and AI.

This article is part of our mini-series, Voices of Cisco Live, where we follow different Cisco employees who had their own unique experience and perspective on the event. 

The post Voices of Cisco Live: Technical Solution Clinics appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.

We all attend events like Cisco Live and enjoy the seamless connectivity without a second thought. We stream sessions, join live demos, and interact with cutting-edge technology but how often do we stop and think about who is keeping it all running behind the scenes?

This year, I had the privilege of finding out firsthand by joining the Cisco Live NOC Experience as a Datacenter team member.

A Team Like No Other

The NOC brings together engineers from across Cisco. Distinguished engineers, system engineers, customer success engineers, TAC engineers and leaders, among many others. The NOC itself is organized into focused teams covering Datacenter, Wireless, Edge and Core Networking, and Security, each responsible for their piece of the puzzle. Yet, a common thread ties them all together: the shared experience of making it all happen.

What makes this team special is not just the technical skill, it is the mindset. Everyone welcomes challenges, embraces new technologies, and supports one another without judgment. There is no ego, just collaboration to driving the event with success and excellence.

My Role in the Datacenter Team

As part of the DC team, our responsibility was to keep the NX-OS based Datacenter infrastructure and UCS based compute environment up and running throughout the event. Every application, service, and backend system that powers Cisco Live depends on this foundation, so there is very little room for error. We also had the chance to work with NetApp as a storage partner, its MetroCluster solution helped us maintain a fully redundant Datacenter environment.

Even though I come from more of a networking background, I had the chance to work on new AI use cases running on our UCS-X servers managed by Intersight. It was a great opportunity to step outside my usual focus and get hands on experience with where Cisco’s compute portfolio is heading.

Hard Work, Great Energy

The work is demanding. Keeping an event of this scale running end to end requires careful planning, constant monitoring, and quick decision-making. On peak day alone, more than 18,000 clients connected to the network without an issue. That does not happen by chance. It is the result of the meticulous work and dedication of this NOC team.

What surprised me though was how much people actually enjoy being there. The NOC is not just an assignment, it is something people look forward to. Even during the most intense moments, the energy stays positive. People help each other, share what they know, and somehow manage to have a good time while doing serious work. That balance is not something you see every day.

Looking Back with Gratitude

I walked away from this experience having learned a great deal and feeling genuinely inspired. Being around people who are not only skilled but also kind and fun to work with made all the difference. I am proud to have been part of this team, and I truly glad to have the opportunity to do it again.

This article is part of our mini-series, Voices of Cisco Live, where we follow different Cisco employees who had their own unique experience and perspective on the event. 

The post Voices of Cisco Live: Behind the Scenes with the NOC Team appeared first on Cisco Portugal Blog.