What Happens When Your House Burns Down Right Before a Meeting?

Imagine this: you’re about to hop on a meeting with a leader, and suddenly, your house catches fire.

I was working from home one afternoon and had just finished a phone call. Little did I know, my life was about to change dramatically. I grabbed some food, and as I sat down at my desk to eat before my next meeting, I heard an explosion. I checked our air conditioning unit in the backyard—it was running fine. Then, I went to my front door and that’s when I saw the black smoke coming from the side of my house.

I went into a state of simultaneous fight and flight, running to get my daughters and my mother out of the house, calling 911, and even moving my truck out of the driveway, despite its front already melting from the heat. The fire department arrived, and as the chaos surrounded us, I watched it all unfold, experiencing it in silence, just like you see in a movie.

In the midst of the devastating house fire that consumed everything we owned, I found myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The journey to rebuild seemed daunting, but I found solace in the unwavering support of my manager and team at Cisco.

From the moment news of the fire reached their ears, my manager and colleagues rallied around me. Their empathy was palpable, and their willingness to go above and beyond to support me and my family was truly humbling. They didn’t just offer condolences; they took action. My manager ensured we had something good to eat the very next day. My teammates took on my accounts. They even extended their personal networks to help us find temporary housing and essential resources. This genuine care went beyond professional obligations, forging a bond built on trust and compassion.

This experience highlighted the difference between having a manager and having a leader. A manager might ensure tasks are completed, but a leader steps in to support you as a person. They understand that life happens and that sometimes, you need more than just professional guidance—you need human empathy and support, which is exactly what I received from my leader. They ensured I had the time and space I needed to focus on my family’s well-being, consistently checking on me, sometimes once or twice a week, without expecting a response. They even made sure I received critical paid time off (separate from regular paid time off for emergency situations like this), which was crucial for my recovery.

My team at Cisco exemplified what it means to be more than just co-workers. They split my accounts to keep things running smoothly, kept me informed about work developments, and even provided financial aid. They offered meals, donations, and advice on dealing with insurance. They picked up the pieces when I couldn’t, allowing me to take a month-long leave of absence and come back with ease.

The unwavering support I received is one of the many reasons I returned to Cisco.  I’ve had multiple roles within the company, taken maternity leave here, and most recently, pivoted into sales, driven by my passion for connecting with people and telling stories. Each role has contributed to my growth and development, but it’s the people and the culture that make all the difference.

I remember my interview vividly. I walked in with a big blue curly Afro and purple nose rings, unapologetically myself. I refused to change my appearance, and Cisco embraced me for who I am. This authenticity is something we all admire and cherish here—it’s a feeling of acceptance and support that surrounds us.

So, what does it mean to have a leader and be part of a team? It means having people who stand by you through thick and thin, who support you not just as a professional but as a human being. It means being part of a community that values individuality and encourages you to bring your whole self to work. The support I received from Cisco when I needed it most reaffirmed why I #LoveWhereYouWork.

Let’s continue to be that support system for each other, celebrating our unique journeys and standing together through life’s ups and downs. Stay strong and stay connected.

Cultivating an environment where we can all thrive is part of our purpose.

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