What is your superpower?

My superpower is bringing people together and empowering them to “dance their lives away”- to move confidently towards their goals and dreams. I thrive on connecting individuals, bridging gaps where I see them, and enabling others to achieve what they set out to do. Whether it’s within my local community or at work, I’m driven by a desire to make a tangible difference where I can have the most impact.

I’m a doer at heart, always ready to step in and take action when a need arises. My inspiration comes from my experiences and everyday observations, and I’m happiest when I see the positive results of my initiatives. For me, there is always a deeper sense behind what I do – it’s about people. I’m empathetic, supportive, and motivated by the idea of helping others thrive. I firmly believe that by focusing on the communities closest to me, I can influence and contribute to real, lasting change.

How are you using your superpowers in daily life?

As a Project and Program Manager, communication is at the core of my role. I remove obstacles, facilitate solutions, and work closely with people to balance diverse needs. Proactivity defines my approach – I don’t limit myself to working within silos. Instead, I reach out across departments to collaborate, ensuring my team gets the support needed to achieve our goals. Persistence and follow-through are part of my DNA, and I hold myself to high standards of quality in everything I do.

Beyond my formal role, I am deeply engaged in Cisco’s local community, with a particular focus on mentoring. Together with my colleague Ania Toporkiewicz, I co-founded the first Cisco Poland Mentoring Program, targeting female students in their final year of university studies. Over the course of six months, we guide mentees, helping them strengthen their skills, build confidence, and shape their career paths. I wish such a program had existed when I was starting out, and it’s rewarding to now offer that support to others.

Recognizing the need for ongoing mentorship, I also helped launch the Academy of Mentors at Cisco Poland – an internal initiative dedicated to cultivating a culture of shared experience and growth. Through this community, we provide structure and support for mentors, fostering connections, upskilling, and amplifying our collective impact. I saw the value in strengthening mentors themselves, giving them the tools and community needed to truly help their mentees succeed.

On a more personal note, I have run the Cisco Krakow Book Club for several years. This initiative is my recharging spot – a space to connect with fellow book lovers, exchange perspectives, and discover how stories can touch us in unique ways. Every session is a privilege and a source of inspiration.

How can one be a Superhero today? How can we all contribute?

Being a superhero today is about nurturing hope and approaching others with humility. It means creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable, valued, and encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences. Reliability – showing that your words and actions are aligned – is essential. I believe that even small acts of kindness, a bit of proactiveness, and consistently keeping your word can have an enormous impact on building relationships and inspiring change.

You don’t need superhuman powers to make a difference. It’s about being present, attentive, and genuinely caring for those around you. By doing so, we each have the ability to contribute to a better, more connected world – one thoughtful action at a time.

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In 2015, Pawel started his journey at Cisco within the Technical Assistance Center (TAC), focusing on the Secure product line for the Identity Service Engine, which is pivotal for accessing Wi-Fi networks globally. This role marked the start of a career characterized by a passion for security solutions and a commitment to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of network systems. Pawel has focused on exploring opportunities supporting public cloud infrastructures and moved into the Security Business Group team as a Software Engineer. Pawel is primarily engaged in testing and running builds, his daily responsibilities revolve around creating and maintaining environments for testing, contributing significantly to building the product ready for use by customers. 

The decision to join this team stemmed from a longstanding affinity for security solutions, coupled with a fascination with the scale and complexity of challenges observed while working with a public cloud provider. The team’s work on Cisco Secure Workload offered a compelling blend of technical challenges and opportunities to make a tangible impact.  

Looking ahead, the future of both the product and the team appears bright and full of potential. With an annual influx of new features from the Development team, there’s a continuous effort to integrate the Secure Workload solution with existing cloud infrastructures, like Google or Amazon, enhancing its value and applicability. This vision for the future is not just about expanding capabilities but also about enabling development to proceed more seamlessly and effectively.  

Pawel’s pride in his work, particularly in tackling scalability challenges and improving third party integrations with Secure Workload, underscores a commitment to innovation and excellence. The flexibility offered by Cisco, allowing work-life balance through remote working arrangements, further enriches Pawel’s professional experience. Despite the geographical distance from the main team based in the US, the support from managers and the connection to the broader team remain strong, highlighting a collaborative and supportive work environment that is pivotal for personal and professional growth.

The post Meet Paweł Suder, Software Engineer at Cisco Security Business Group appeared first on Cisco Poland Blog.

This time, we’re excited to share the story of Magda Romanowicz Nasfeter, a Consulting Engineer in the Customer Experience (CX) team in Krakow.

Magda’s journey with Cisco began back in high school, thanks to the IT for SHE program which helps young talented women studying IT with entering the job market. As she continued her studies at AGH University of Science and Technology, focusing on ICT, a recruiter from Cisco reached out. This led to an internship, followed by a half-year stint as a graduate, eventually leading Magda to her current role as Consulting Engineer in the Customer Experience (CX) team in Krakow, focusing on Cisco’s wireless technology. 

What is the secret of Magda’s journey?  

From a young age, she has always been passionate about the sciences. She once dreamed of becoming a math teacher, but her mother encouraged Magda to pursue something more challenging. That’s how she found herself in the world of ICT—open to new possibilities and eager to try new things. 

But every single journey is full of unexpected surprises and skills that you develop and for Magda it was reading maps and navigating through signal testing. English was a given, but the real surprise came with Spanish. She never expected that learning it would enable her to communicate fluently. This opened doors to work on Spanish projects, allowing her to refine her language skills in a professional setting. 

One of the most valuable lessons she learned early on was to never fear admitting when she doesn’t know something. It’s perfectly acceptable to tell a customer, “I don’t know, but I will find out.” 

Cisco in One Word: Opportunities 

“Opportunities have been a constant theme throughout my time at Cisco”, says Magda. At every stage, she has encountered new chances to grow and explore. And if she ever reaches a point where opportunities seem scarce, Cisco offers the flexibility to try something new without needing to make a drastic life change. 

Magda’s advice: Know your strengths and keep an open mind. Explore the options around you without limiting yourself to one path. Cisco is a place where opportunities abound, and it’s up to you to seize them. 

The post A Journey of Opportunities – From High School Student to Consulting Engineer at Cisco appeared first on Cisco Poland Blog.

This time, we’re excited to share the story of Wojciech Radecki, a Technical Consulting Engineer at the Security Operations Center in Kraków.

It all began with a suggestion from a teacher at the Technical School, who encouraged Wojtek to explore the possibilities at Cisco. Initially, he thought his path would solely be in programming, but he soon discovered the fascinating world of networking, which offered so much more.

The teacher mentioned an internship opportunity at Cisco, sparking a series of interviews that led him to the internship program run by CX Academy. During his internship, Wojciech realized that Cisco had an incredible array of technologies and a vibrant community of people. It wasn’t just about SD-WAN or IoT, technologies he hadn’t encountered before—it was about the people and the cutting-edge innovations that made Cisco special.

Following the internship, he participated in workshops focused on SD-WAN and attended a Cisco open day. These events fueled his passion even further, leading him to apply for the graduate program. This step marked the beginning of his journey in Cisco’s Cloud and Managed Services (CMS) – specifically in the Security Operations Center (SOC) at Cisco Krakow.

Throughout this adventure, Wojtek learned several key lessons:

Always be open to trying new things and seeking out opportunities. Embrace every sign and chance that comes your way—this mindset can open doors. Recognize your own value without being limited by age or years of experience. Know that you are a vital part of a team and contribute at a high level. Cisco is rooted in networking in every single aspect, technology and people-wise. Engaging with people can prevent problems and unlock new possibilities. Remember, you’re not alone; learning to communicate effectively is essential.

Cisco in One Word for Wojtek – People

Why? Because without the support of others, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Wojciech’s advice: Take the leap, embrace challenges, and never give up. Age is just a number—focus on finding your path. The worst outcome is not getting in, but remember, Cisco is all about opportunities. They aren’t afraid to invest in passionate young talent. Cisco will give you a chance!

The post A Tale of Opportunity and Growth. From Technical High School student to Security Operations Center at Cisco appeared first on Cisco Poland Blog.

What is your superpower?

I am a positive thinker, always open to new ideas and challenges. My goal is to enhance the world around me, and I’m not afraid to take bold steps when I see opportunities for improvement. My journey with Cisco began nearly two years ago in the Customer Experience (CX) Academy, and from the very beginning, I had the drive to do something more for society. I firmly believe in the mantra, “you get what you give”—a sentiment echoed in a great song.

Initially, I knew very little about my core responsibilities in the TAC Data Center, as well as the intricacies of corporate life and culture. The Connected Poland teams inspired me with their generous contributions to fellow Cisconians, and I was impressed by Cisco’s volunteering programs, like Time2Give. This motivated me to dive in fully.

I had the privilege to organize a Giving Back activity for my team, leading to a rewarding partnership with Fundacja Ronalda McDonalda (FRM). This marked the start of my journey as their Ambassador, supporting their mission wholeheartedly.

Understanding that NGOs thrive on volunteer support, I reached out to my colleagues at Cisco to engage them in volunteering activities with FRM. I also emphasize the simplicity and mutual benefits of volunteering. Through the Benevity portal, Cisco tracks volunteering hours, contributing $10 to the Foundation for each registered hour. The impact is profound—over a year, I engaged 15+ Cisco teams and 150+ volunteers, accumulating approximately 850 volunteer hours. Imagine the difference if every hour is logged in Benevity—it’s incredible!

FRM’s mission is creating, supporting and implementing programs that help children live healthy and prosperous lives and helps their families stay together, especially during long hospital treatments. It offers numerous impactful initiatives, such as “A hat from the heart,” where volunteers crochet hats for children in hospitals. The collaboration between the Giving Back team and the craftsman circle brought smiles to 72 children when they needed it most.

Recently, I was honored to be offered the role of Co-Leader for the Giving Back Pillar in Connected Poland. Together with my Co-Lead partner, Mariusz, we strive to expand the Cisco Giving Back community in Poland. Our mission is to maximize our impact, educate employees about volunteering and donation opportunities, and nurture our invaluable Ambassadors.

We recognized a gap in knowledge about creating volunteering opportunities, so we compiled a comprehensive “How-to” guide accessible to all. Our aim is to simplify the process for current and future ambassadors, making it easier for them to make a difference.

How are you using your superpower in daily life?

In addition to my role as FRM Ambassador, I am actively involved with my core team at the TAC Data Center. I take great pleasure in organizing Team Connect events, which provide an excellent opportunity to bring team members together in a hybrid work environment and explore new activities or cuisines. Remember to make the most of your team budget!

I am constantly looking for ways to enhance daily operations, technical processes, and the onboarding experience for new team members. Staying connected to my roots in the CX Academy is important to me. I enjoy participating in the early stages of new graduates’ journeys at Cisco, leading sessions, and sharing my expertise as a Subject Matter Expert. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you first join a large organization like Cisco, so I aim to offer guidance and support.

How can one be a Superhero today? How can you contribute?

It’s not easy to extend ourselves beyond our core job responsibilities, but there is undeniable joy in doing so. Numerous opportunities exist to support a cause or assist a colleague.

The biggest challenge with giving is that people often expect something in return. If there’s no immediate gratification, reward, or acknowledgment, the giver may feel frustrated. But it’s important to reflect—why did you take the initiative? Was it for a reward, recognition, or status? Or was it simply to help and contribute positively to the world? While recognition and gratitude are important, the essence of giving lies in the desire to give. When you give because you genuinely want to, it becomes truly meaningful.

Look around; the possibilities to make a difference are endless! Remember, you get what you give.

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Maja’s journey started quite unexpectedly, amidst a world turned upside down by COVID-19. Her parents had always urged her to concentrate on her studies, especially as she ambitiously tackled two degrees during the pandemic. Yet, it was during this time that she stumbled upon an internship opportunity at Cisco.  

The allure of Cisco was familial—IT ran in her blood. From her grandmother’s coding adventures to her parents’ careers in the tech world, Maja was destined to follow a similar path. But her vision was distinct: she yearned to meld technical acuity with soft skills, to find a niche where the analytical met the interpersonal. Cisco presented that balance—a technical powerhouse offering a less technical role.  

As an intern and later as a graduate, she delved into the realm of Project Management (PMO), a field that harmonized her dual passions. She even embarked on a business trip to a client site, an experience that added depth to her practical knowledge.
 

The secret to thriving in this role? Embrace planning and joy. Maja has learned to pursue tasks that spark excitement within her and to let go of those that don’t, sidestepping the snare of burnout. Her commitment became a source of happiness, allowing her to savor the fruits of her work.
 

Along this path, she honed unexpected skills: the ability to craft a robust project plan, to anticipate rather than merely respond. It’s about foresight—envisioning what she will need, when she will need it, and how to efficiently marshal resources for each task.  

The lessons Maja has learned has been invaluable. Alone, one might travel swiftly, but in collaboration, we reach farther horizons. The Cisco environment fosters teamwork and support, magnifying the scale of impact. There’s a unique energy that comes from being surrounded by like-minded individuals eager to help and cooperate.  

If she had to distill Cisco into a single concept, it would be “people and values.” The appreciation for each individual, the open and friendly atmosphere, and the readiness to assist aren’t universal in the corporate world. Cisco stands out; it’s the people and the culture that energize and inspire us to achieve more.  

Maja’s advise based on her experience? Dive into risks and embrace challenges. While it’s great to have clarity about your desires, the true thrill lies in taking calculated leaps. After all, the journey with Cisco is not just about where you end up, but also about the growth and joy you find along the way. 

The post From Studies to Success: Maja’s Unique Path in Project Management at Cisco appeared first on Cisco Poland Blog.

Aditya’s journey at Cisco began in India, where he joined as an intern while completing his Bachelor’s in Computer Science. Aditya’s big passion for networking began when Cisco became one of the first companies to visit his campus, which pathed the way to an exciting transition from studies into the corporate world. His initial role as a network engineer in the Security Business Unit was a strong beginning for Aditya’s development. Within a year, driven by a desire to be part of a journey from an earlier phase, he transitioned into a Consultancy role in the Firewall Professional Services team. This move allowed him to delve into the intricacies of different network architectures. His path took a significant turn when, after another year, he moved into a Project Management role. Despite lacking an MBA, Aditya’s rich background and proven skills earned him this opportunity, leading to a promotion in just nine months, where he practiced his skills in business operations, communication, and translating customer needs. 

The decision to join the team at Thousand Eyes was influenced by several factors, not least the multinational and dynamic nature of the team, which Aditya greatly appreciated. His transition to Poland and becoming a Technical Account Manager (TAM) at Thousand Eyes marked a pivotal moment in his career. In this role, Aditya’s responsibilities included translating strategic decisions into operational steps, advocating for customers, and managing accounts, which allowed him to leverage his experience in networking, technical consultancy and project management. The role was not just about technical solutions; it was also strategic, embodying the essence of what made Thousand Eyes special to him. The startup environment at Thousand Eyes was a stark contrast to his previous experiences. In Thousand Eyes things are done in a faster pace and with a more dynamic approach to problem-solving, enabling Aditya to contribute significantly to the cultural and strategic shaping of the new team. 

Aditya believes that the future of Thousand Eyes is incredibly promising, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, particularly in predictive tools and AI. His experiences have taught him the immense value of the people factor in a company’s success, a lesson that has been reinforced by the proactive and ownership-ready attitude of his colleagues. Thousand Eyes stands out not only for its innovative solutions but also for its exceptional team dynamics and customer-focused approach, as highlighted by a Gartner report praising its processes. Aditya envisions a future where Thousand Eyes continues to lead in providing predictive, AI-driven networking solutions, cementing its position as a pioneer in the industry. His story is one of growth and learning, underscored by the belief that everyone has something valuable to offer, a principle that has guided him through his remarkable journey. 

The post Meet Aditya Chellam, Technical Account Manager at ThousandEyes appeared first on Cisco Poland Blog.

Cisco jest aktywnym uczestnikiem dyskusji o polityce cyfrowej. Jako lider technologii sieciowych i cyberbezpieczeństwa zidentyfikowaliśmy kilka obszarów, które mogą wesprzeć rozwój cyfrowy kraju. Przygotowany przez nas dokument “Transformacja cyfrowa Polski – 10 rekomendacji Cisco” wskazuje te kluczowe zagadnienia i rekomendacje.

Sztuczna inteligencja kluczowym elementem architektury bezpieczeństwa

Sztuczna inteligencja uczestniczy już zasadniczo w każdym aspekcie naszego życia, nawet jeśli nie jesteśmy tego świadomi. Z rozwiązań AI korzysta zarówno przemysł, edukacja, jak i sektor medyczny. Jest to również narzędzie, które ma kluczowe zastosowanie w systemach cyberbezpieczeństwa – może podnieść jego poziom poprzez wczesne i skuteczne wykrywanie złośliwych anomalii i skuteczne naprawianie powstałych szkód.

Jest jednak jeszcze druga strona medalu. Jak słusznie zauważyło Ministerstwo Cyfryzacji w projekcie Strategii Cyfryzacji Polski, AI może wpływać na powstawanie także nowych zagrożeń, umożliwiając przeprowadzanie zaawansowanych ataków nawet tym osobom, które nie mają dużych umiejętności technicznych.

Sztuczna inteligencja w rękach człowieka to potężne narzędzie, które może spowodować, że technologia, a w szczególności infrastruktura, mogą być bezpieczniejsze. Musimy jednak stworzyć jasne wytyczne i zasady dotyczące odpowiedzialnego i zintegrowanego korzystania z AI, aby stawiać czoła obecnym i nowym zagrożeniom. Cisco wyszło temu naprzeciw i opracowało Zasady odpowiedzialnej AI dotykające kwestii transparentności, uczciwości, odpowiedzialności, prywatności, bezpieczeństwa i niezawodności. Jesteśmy przekonani, że wewnętrzna deklaracja firmy co do przestrzegania podstawowych zasad etycznych związanych z AI może mieć wielką siłę i być inspiracją dla innych, jeśli chodzi o opracowanie powszechnych zasad w tym obszarze.

Nowoczesna infrastruktura krytyczna – usuwanie nieobsługiwanych i przestarzałych urządzeń

W Polsce „bezpieczeństwo” jest odmieniane przez wszystkie przypadki – jest ono też motywem rozpoczętej właśnie Polskiej Prezydencji w Radzie UE. Podstawą współczesnej strategii bezpieczeństwa infrastruktury krytycznej jest oparcie jej na nowoczesnych i aktualnych urządzeniach – operatorzy infrastruktury krytycznej powinni usunąć ze swoich sieci urządzenia, których oprogramowanie nie jest już aktualizowane przez producentów. Oczywiście nie należy być nadmiernie kategorycznym – w zależności od istniejącego ryzyka pewne wyjątki w tej kwestii mogą być uzasadnione. Podstawową praktyką powinna być jednak migracja do wspieranego przez producenta produktu, zanim osiągnie on koniec okresu eksploatacji. Taką praktykę zalecają też najważniejsze krajowe agencje ds. cyberbezpieczeństwa, takie jak CISA w USA i NCSC w Zjednoczonym Królestwie.

Umiejętności cyfrowe to podstawa

Niedobór cyfrowych talentów stanowi poważny problem dla firm w Europie, którego rozwiązanie powinno być najwyższym priorytetem. Wyniki badań z naszego kraju sugerują, że wciąż mamy dużo do zrobienia – wg raportu z 2023 r. dot. Cyfrowej Dekady 43% Polaków w wieku od 16 do 74 lat posiada podstawowe umiejętności cyfrowe, a tylko 21% posiada umiejętności wykraczające poza normę. Z kolei w ramach Związku Cyfrowa Polska, którego Cisco jest dumnym członkiem, prowadzone są badania umiejętności cyfrowych uczniów szkół średnich, które również pokazują niewystarczające umiejętności cyfrowe.

Cisco od wielu lat prowadzi w Krakowie swój hub technologiczny na region EMEA, w ramach którego zatrudniamy tysiące lokalnych specjalistów o wysokim poziomie kompetencji – dlatego też wierzymy, że możliwości rozwoju Polski w tym obszarze są naprawdę wysokie.

W 2023 r. jako Cisco zadeklarowaliśmy zamiar przeszkolenia w zakresie umiejętności cyfrowych 10 milionów osób w regionie EMEA w ciągu 10 lat. Sukces działań zmierzających do zmniejszenia cyfrowej luki kompetencyjnej zależy jednak nie tylko od jednego prywatnego podmiotu, lecz także od zaangażowania rządu.

Niektóre kraje, takie jak Singapur czy Stany Zjednoczone, wdrożyły krajowe strategie podnoszenia czy zmiany kwalifikacji pracowników na wszystkich poziomach. Nasz kraj podąża tym śladem – w polskim projekcie Strategii Cyfryzacji Państwa zaprezentowanym przez Ministerstwo Cyfryzacji w październiku 2024 r. również znajdują się kluczowe dla Polski postulaty zwiększenia dostępności i wzmocnienia edukacji cyfrowej, również w zakresie AI. Takie podejście pozwoli nam na walkę z wykluczeniem cyfrowym i wesprze rozwój naszej gospodarki.

Razem na rzecz lepszego cyfrowego świata

W Cisco wierzymy w międzysektorową i międzynarodową współpracę na rzecz bezpieczeństwa, edukacji i łączności. Angażujemy się w rozmowy z przedstawicielami rządów, akademii, organizacji pozarządowych na temat tego, co należy zrobić, by Cyfrowa Dekada stała się faktem. Właśnie dlatego przygotowaliśmy dokument „Transformacja cyfrowa Polski – 10 rekomendacji Cisco” – by stał się on podstawą do wymiany doświadczeń na temat najlepszych praktyk w zakresie cyfryzacji. Zachęcamy do zapoznania się z jego pełną wersją dostępną TUTAJ.

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Behind every great team are individuals whose unique talents and passions shine brightly, making a lasting impact both inside and outside the workplace. Cisco Poland Superheroes is a celebration of these incredible people—spotlighting the “superpowers” they bring to life beyond their everyday roles at Cisco. Whether through extraordinary achievements or inspiring initiatives, these stories reflect our Purpose to “Power an Inclusive Future for All.” Today, we introduce our next Superhero: Andre Malho, a People Leader in ThousandEyes. 

1. What is your superpower? 

Andre: I believe I am good at making things happen (not to be confused with making things magically appear!) by identifying needs and gaps, spotting opportunities for new or renewed initiatives, organizing events focused on education and mindset growth, and pioneering new internal and external partnerships.

 For example, a couple of years ago, I revitalized the Men for Inclusion network at Cisco Poland, an Inclusive Network that aims to foster an inclusive environment by engaging men in diversity conversations. I organized webinars such as “Inclusive Communication,” “101 to Allyship and Gender Inclusion: Men as Active Agents of Change,” and thought-provoking sessions like “Inclusive Parenting: How to Talk About Diversity with Kids” and “What is Mansplaining?”. 

When something doesn’t exist, we can build it ourselves. In world of Employee Resource Groups, I initiated the local chapter of the Cancer Support Network, as there was no similar organization on our site. Our initial focus was on educating about cancer prevention and raising awareness of the existing Employee Assistance Programs that support individuals at any stage.

Recently, I became the co-lead of the Cisco Pride Poland chapter, continuing efforts to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and free to be their authentic selves. We also began collaborating with Beyond Labels, an organization that designs educational activities and helps companies develop inclusive practices. As a first result of this partnership, we were proudly invited to participate in an Inclusive Job Fair in the past November. 

Still regarding external collaborations, I attended a D&I Changemakers conference and noticed Cisco was not among the partners, with our logo absent from those of other major corporations. I proactively initiated discussions between Cisco Poland and DiversityHub, a D&I powerhouse and conference organizer, leading to an official partnership and the organization of additional community-benefiting events. 

Most recently, with the rise of AI-related discussions within the organization, I took the initiative to organize, alongside motivated colleagues, the first CXC EMEA Gen AI Summit at our Kraków office, ensuring that Responsible AI was a key topic. 

 2. How did it start? 

Andre: I am grateful to my parents for teaching me values such as integrity, empathy, a sense of community, sharing, and civility. These are values that I believe have been solidified throughout my life, and they are the same values that Cisco encourages and supports me in fully exploring. 

 In my hometown, a small village in Portugal, I volunteered as a paramedic and firefighter for over 10 years, which fostered a deep sense of fulfillment and a desire to help others. This inner drive accompanied me into the professional world, and Cisco has provided the opportunities, tools, and resources for it to flourish. It also provides the perfect balance to maintain good mental health. After all, how can you help others if you aren’t okay with yourself first? 

 I am inspired by colleagues who consistently give extra effort to our employee community and by role models who lead initiatives in Connected Poland (a volunteer-based employee organization including Diversity & Inclusion, Sports & Wellbeing, Social Events, the Green Team, Giving Back, and Career Development). These experiences have made me believe and understand that any idea can become a reality.

3. How are you using your superpowers in daily life? 

 Andre: Being aware of my privileges creates a need to actively listen and understand where I can be most helpful. Coupled with my irritable need for discovering new things, the ambition to impact as many people as possible is directly linked to the idea of scaling events and initiatives to their fullest potential.

 The fact that I’m a people leader in my organization and co-leading Diversity and Inclusion pillar of Connected Poland comes with both the responsibility and the opportunity to have direct (positive) influence on others. 

 During a training session for the Cisco Poland Academy of Mentors, I heard that you shouldn’t “treat the others the way you would like to be treated but instead “treat the others the way THEY want to be treated”. This quote resonated deeply with me, and I consider it my motto now. Inclusion means everyone, and is never too late to understand it. 

4. How can you be a Superhero today? What’s your unique way to make a difference?

 Andre: Never underestimate the power of allyship. By recognizing that you are not alone and that many people are eager and ready to help and support in various ways, and by understanding that the worst-case scenario is that things remain the way they are, anything can happen.
Fortunately, you don’t always have to be the one pushing for new ideas. Our company’s Time2Give benefit, which provides 10 paid days off to give back to the community, along with the numerous initiatives led by Connected Poland volunteers, offers the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, engage in activities beyond your core daily job, and seek that sense of fulfillment. 

The benefits of participating in such events, alongside other like-minded volunteers, are endless: you can contribute to the community, broaden your mind with diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives, expand your network, and, just as importantly, have fun! 

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In the world of technology, it’s not just about the products we create; it’s also about the stories behind their creation. We are excited to share the story of Rostislav, who is one of the creators of Vidcast, a tool designed to redefine the way we communicate and collaborate inside and outside of Cisco. 

Rostislav`s story starts with a visionary group of engineers in Ukraine, working for a company specializing in text-to-speech technology. This talented group caught the attention of Cisco for their groundbreaking work in converting audio and video content into text. This capability was just emerging as part of the AI boom, and it held the promise of changing the way we interact with meeting content. The integration process was a significant milestone. Rostislav joined Cisco Ukraine in 2019 as a Software Engineer and in 2022 moved to Cisco Poland. He later became a Technical Leader and works as a frontend developer, being responsible for adjusting the webApp to be simple and logic for the users. Rostislav and his team began working closely with Cisco’s AI and infrastructure groups to seamlessly merge their product with the Webex platform. With the successful integration of technology, people, ideas and visions, Rostislav`s team turned their focus to a new challenge: video messaging. The concept was simple but transformational – create a tool that enables anyone to quickly record and share video messages with the ease of sending an email. Thus, Vidcast was born. 

As Vidcast began to take shape, the feedback from early adopters revealed a demand for a comprehensive video content management system – a secure, private platform where teams could store, organize, and share video resources like tutorials and training materials. As Rostislav says: “The heart of Vidcast’s development has always been the seamless integration with Webex. Our vision is to make content sharing within Webex as intuitive as possible”. 

The journey of Vidcast is far from over. With his team, Rostislav plans to deepen the integration with Webex to create a platform and develop a product that will redefine internal communication for companies worldwide. Rostislav`s story and his work on Vidcast is a testament to Cisco’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation. It’s a story of a team that crossed borders and boundaries to create something truly special. Looking into the future, Rostislav remains excited about the possibilities Vidcast will unlock – for Cisco, for our customers, and for the future of collaboration. 

The post Meet Rostislav Savlukov, Software Engineering Technical Leader at Vidcast appeared first on Cisco Poland Blog.