From Lifeguard to Leader: How One Conversation at a Pool Changed My Life Forever

Imagine this: You’re fresh out of university, filled with big dreams and a bit of uncertainty. During your recent internships, you often felt lost, struggling to navigate without proper guidance from busy supervisors. You had to figure things out on your own.  This is how my career journey begins.

Back in 1999, I went to San Jose State University as part of the exchange program to study business for a year.  It was the height of the dot-com bubble and Cisco was the top company everyone aspired to join.

While at San Jose State University, I worked as a lifeguard at the campus swimming pool. That’s where I met Andrew, a Cisco employee who came to the pool every day with his son. We talked a lot and really connected. When I was preparing to return to France for an internship, Andrew had a different idea. An idea that changed my life forever. “Why don’t you do an internship at Cisco?” And the rest is history!

Two years later, after finishing my studies in Paris, my internship manager encouraged me to apply for the Cisco Sales Associates Program (CSAP). CSAP is specifically designed to develop fresh graduates into future leaders by providing comprehensive training and invaluable on-the-job experience.

So, I took that advice — I applied, was accepted, went to Amsterdam, and joined the first EMEA cohort of the award-winning Cisco Sales Associates Program!

CSAP IMPACT

When I first arrived in rainy Amsterdam to start CSAP, I was so excited to go to the office, attend classes, and meet new friends. This opportunity was my sense of accomplishment, and I wanted to seize it to the fullest.

First, I learned business is far beyond what is taught in books and learned in the classroom. CSAP allows you to learn through real-life examples. You are connected with successful leaders and dedicated mentors who genuinely commit to your growth, guiding you step-by-step in building confidence and skills.

Second, I learned to respect and celebrate differences.  Traveling to different countries around the world, I embraced various cultures and people. These life lessons have stayed with me, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Community impact has always been a core part of Cisco’s DNA, ingrained in us from the start, and the values I gained during my year in Amsterdam are truly incredible. We often used our free days to come together and help clean the Amsterdam canals, among other community activities.

Today, I am fortunate to continue pursuing my passion by volunteering as an ocean coastguard and paramedic, thanks to Cisco’s paid Time2Give days — time off, in addition to our vacation time off just for volunteering.

The opportunity to have this time to help the community is what truly makes a difference. Each of us at Cisco has the ability to power to a more inclusive future for all.

CSAP LESSONS

Looking back, we were indeed fresh graduates with big dreams and a bit of uncertainty. Through CSAP, we found our paths and have now become successful leaders, guiding the next generation today. The lessons I learned in CSAP are:

1. Thrive for excellence in everything you do.
2. Be customer and partner obsessed. Always put them first.
3. Be a people person. Treat your colleagues, customers, and partners with respect and empathy.

The way CSAP taught us how to show up and engage with our customers, partners, and colleagues is the biggest game-changer. I try to use that lesson to empower and coach the people in my teams. Treating people right is essential to doing business the right way.

I often receive feedback from our customers and partners about the account managers on my team, their values, how they build trust, and represent Cisco’s values. I’m incredibly proud that most of them come from CSAP. During my journey. I also had the honour to be a CSAP Leader and directly shape the evolution of the program and onboard top talent for Cisco. I managed to pass on my lessons and empower people to excel and be great at what they do, developing and nurturing the pattern of excellence instilled in me during my CSAP days.

REUNION

After finishing the program and returning to Paris, I got a job offer in Lyon. As a true third-generation Parisian (which is pretty rare!), I needed some time to get used to the idea of moving. I thought I would only be in Lyon for a couple of years. But here I am, 20 years later, still in Lyon and now a Director of Global Virtual Sales and Engineering, still growing and thriving with Cisco.

My journey with Cisco began when I was a lifeguard. Little did I know, CSAP would become the best springboard for my career, providing incredible experiences and most importantly, lifelong friends. Recently, we celebrated a big milestone: the 20th anniversary of the first CSAP EMEA cohort.

20 years ago, 44 of us CSAPers, started this journey together. We’ve shared so many life moments — weddings, becoming parents, career changes, and other milestones together. It’s been an incredible ride!

All the following cohorts of the program will testify to the special bond that a CSAP year creates in their lives and their numerous careers in Cisco and the industry result from the solid foundation built through the development path it establishes.

I hope my lessons and story will inspire you to be open to new opportunities and always be kind to people around you. You never know when you will meet someone or get into a situation that can change the course of your entire career and life.

Stephan and the EMEA CSAPers have done amazing things over the past 20 years. Curious about what Cisco has accomplished in its 40 years? Check out the 2024 Purpose Report to see our impact!

Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Blog.

Share: