Empowering Women in Tech: Voices from Cisco's Global Partner Engineering Team

In the spirit of March being Women’s History Month and National Science & Engineering Week, we’re thrilled to amplify the voices of some extraordinary women from Cisco’s Global Partner Engineering team. They are among the important forces driving our business and industry forward, accelerating progress and growth for Cisco, our partners, and our mutual customers.

With a desire to understand what inspires them, I asked some of the talented women in Global Partner Engineering at Cisco about their path and what keeps them here and happy. Their authentic answers deliver relatable insights, enabling us all to gain an even deeper appreciation for the vital role every one of us—especially women in engineering and the channel—plays in shaping our history and driving innovation. #GreaterTogether

Tracy Tucker, Leader Strategy & Sales Enablement

Q: How have you established and positioned yourself for opportunities within Cisco’s Global Partner Engineering team?

A: One of the primary methods through which I have strategically positioned myself for opportunities within Cisco’s Global Partner Engineering Organization at Cisco is by adopting a collaborative problem-solving approach. When presented with a new opportunity, my initial focus is refraining from immediately formulating solutions. Instead, I prioritize the identification of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), root myself in data, and uncover the needs of both my primary and secondary stakeholders.

By leveraging SMEs as adept advisors, I construct my strategy to navigate potential roadblocks with their guidance. Next, the utilization of data is critical as it paves the way for measurable success that can be tracked. It also facilitates effective communication throughout the process. While career growth is largely contingent on meeting the needs of primary stakeholders, I have observed that secondary stakeholders often emerge as your biggest champions when you aren’t in the room. Embracing a collaborative mindset and anchoring myself in data-driven insights has accelerated my career and positioned me as a proficient problem solver capable of delivering customer business outcomes.

Amanda Baker, Sales Enablement Manager

Q: How has Cisco enabled you to grow your career?

A: Cisco is a company that not only fosters individual growth within current roles but also encourages exploration of entirely new paths. My journey with Cisco began in 2010 as a part-time Lobby Ambassador, sporting the red badge. The value I brought to this role paved the way for a transition to supporting a commercial sales team. Since then, I’ve embraced change, switching roles three times, each time stepping into uncharted territory. In each new position, I’ve had the opportunity to delve into the unique needs of the team and bridge any gaps to enhance business operations.

My latest transition led me to Global Partner Engineering at Cisco after spending 12 years in the Commercial Sales organization. I craved something fresh and invigorating. Thanks to my reputation within the company, Greg Gall approached me about the Cisco’s Global Partner Engineering position and urged me to connect with Tracy. It turned out to be an excellent fit, offering a truly novel experience unlike anything I’ve done before. Cisco’s openness to such transitions is a testament to its commitment to employee growth and development.

Debi Hunter, Business Operations Manager

Q: What advice do you give other women about how to “show up” for success?

A: I encourage fellow women to boldly occupy space without apology. Never feel compelled to diminish yourself or your ideas. If someone feels out of place at the table, that’s not their burden to bear. The concept of Imposter Syndrome oversimplifies a widespread experience, deflecting attention from systemic barriers to diversity and inclusion. If you grapple with feelings of impostor syndrome, it signals your rightful place in a space that urgently requires your perspective and voice for progress.

My journey to Cisco was unconventional. While working in the Australian Public Health Service, a chance encounter with an acquaintance employed by Cisco ignited discussions on work, mindset, and skills. In 2018, upon relocating to Scotland, the stars aligned, and I joined Cisco as a red badge. With a diverse background spanning teaching, personal training, body piercing, a zoology degree, and project management in bulletproof vest manufacturing, Cisco took a leap of faith in me. I epitomize how diverse experiences enrich and fortify the workplace.

Today, every Cisco job posting proudly declares, “Have colorful hair? Embrace it. Love tattoos? Showcase your ink. Obsessed with polka dots? You’re welcome here. Geek out over pop culture? So do many of us. Passionate about technology and changing the world? Be yourself, with us!” That’s who I am, and Cisco not only accepts but celebrates the individuality I bring to the collective ‘us’.

Robin Aguirre, Strategy/Sales Enablement Manager

Q: What flexibility and creativity opportunities exist in your role that allow you to make it your own?

A: With more than 25 years of experience working with Cisco, I’ve held several roles. Yet, my journey has always been driven by a desire to contribute to the Global Partner Organization at Cisco. Initially a Learning Partner delivering technical training classes on Cisco products and guiding partners and customers towards various Cisco certifications, I developed a strong rapport which fueled my interest in helping drive success for partners—and partners deliver to customers.

In 2022, I was fortunate to realize this ambition when I joined Global Partner Engineering at Cisco, leading strategy for engineers and acting as a program lead for several partner initiatives (internal and external). This role continually challenges me to elevate our initiatives and drive greater success.

My true passion lies in enabling the success of individuals, and I find immense fulfillment in this role where I can foster innovation and creativity. Working alongside a team of thought leaders, I strive to support partners through revenue enablement and innovative strategies. Central to our approach is ensuring that our partners feel heard and valued. Thus, I am constantly exploring ways to demonstrate our commitment to listening and implementing scalable actions based on their feedback. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to empower our partners to achieve their goals and drive mutual success.

Angel Golden, Sales Enablement Manager

Q: What advice do you give other women about how to “show up” for success?

A: Relating this to my personal journey and how I believe women can benefit to “show up” for success and navigate the professional landscape effectively.  Firstly, cultivate confidence by embracing your strengths and acknowledging your accomplishments. Confidence not only influences how others perceive you but also shapes how you perceive yourself, allowing you to take on challenges with resilience. Secondly, prioritize self-care and well-being. Success is not solely defined by professional achievements but also by a balance of physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking time to recharge and nurture oneself contributes to sustained productivity and fulfillment in all aspects of life.

Next, build a supportive network of mentors, peers, and allies (this is very important in life). Surrounding oneself with individuals who uplift, empower, and advocate for one another fosters growth, provides valuable insights, and opens doors to opportunities. Additionally, continuously invest in learning and skill development. Embrace curiosity and seek out opportunities for growth, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-directed learning. Staying adaptable and acquiring new knowledge equips women to thrive in dynamic and evolving environments.

Furthermore, advocate for oneself by asserting boundaries, expressing needs, and negotiating for what you deserve. Recognize and challenge societal norms and biases that may hinder progress, advocating for equity and inclusion in all spaces. Lastly, embrace failure as an opportunity for growth. Success often involves taking risks and encountering setbacks along the way. Instead of fearing failure, view it as a stepping-stone towards mastery and resilience, learning from experiences to forge a path towards success.

All in all, showing up for success as a woman means embracing your strengths, pursuing your goals with determination, and uplifting others along the way. By embodying these principles, women can navigate their professional and personal journeys with strength, resilience, and authenticity.

Mamie Williams, Sales Enablement Manager

Q: In what ways does Cisco GPE equip you to grow?

A: I believe the flexible environment that Cisco offers equips me to grow both professionally and personally. The flexibility allows me to manage my time and responsibilities such that I can take time to re-charge to better pursue and complete my obligations. Employee Resource Organizations (EROs) also help to facilitate personal growth and provide avenues for self-nurturing. EROs that I participate in, include Cisco for Christ and Weekly Recreation Challenges. Additionally, training platforms, such as Cisco Udemy and Cisco Learning & Development, offer a variety of courses for both personal and professional development. I have taken courses to enhance my understanding of topics like those below:

(1) Sustainability and its implications

(2) Mind mapping (a technique that can aid the quick digestion of information)

(3) Introduction to Moral Philosophy

(4) The Ethics associated with new technologies like ChatGPT and AI

(5) Emotional Intelligence

To sum up, the flexibility to manage my time to nurture myself helps me to better handle my professional responsibilities. Such nurturing takes place in having access to a wide range of training and learning opportunities, as well as having access to non-work interests such as those available via EROs.

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