Using the Dream: How Cisco Helps Work-Life Stability
Have you ever ever had a dream so huge it felt unattainable to chase? For me, that dream was a 21-day motorbike street journey throughout 9 nations in Europe. It wasn’t only a trip. It was the final word experience — an journey I had envisioned for years. However the largest problem wasn’t the street forward. It was taking the time without work with out worrying about work.
That’s the place Cisco made all of the distinction.
The Freedom to Discover — and Empower
Once I first shared my plan with my supervisor, I half-expected to listen to, “Can we handle with out you?” or “That’s a very long time away!” However as a substitute, I used to be met with full encouragement. My supervisor stated, “We’ve acquired issues lined.”
And true to that spirit, I took 30 days off — absolutely disconnecting. My workforce stepped up, supported each other, and saved issues working seamlessly. There was no guilt journey, no last-minute pull-backs. Simply mutual belief.
As a folks chief, it was deeply fulfilling to see how the workforce not solely held the fort however thrived — exhibiting resilience, possession, and collaboration. It jogged my memory that good management isn’t about fixed presence — it’s about making a tradition the place others can rise.
The Trip of a Lifetime
With peace of thoughts, I hit the street. From the scenic Alps to the coastal curves of the Adriatic, each mile felt surreal. I rode via historic cities, tasted unimaginable native meals, and linked with fellow riders from all over the world.
For 21 unforgettable days, I used to be on an journey that examined my endurance, resilience, and spirit. Snow, rain, warmth — the street threw all of it at me. There have been moments I felt like giving up, however I made it via.
That experience was all the pieces I had dreamed of — freedom, exploration, development. And but, essentially the most highly effective a part of the expertise was realizing that my workforce had all the pieces beneath management — and that I may return not simply refreshed, however proud.
Main by Letting Go
Right here’s the factor — I by no means as soon as frightened about work. And that’s what units Cisco aside. It’s not simply the pliability to take time without work. It’s the tradition of belief, the ability of shared possession, and the assumption that management additionally means making house for others to steer.
In truth, by taking this time away, I acquired to steer differently — by exhibiting my workforce that relaxation will not be a luxurious, it’s obligatory. That chasing your passions exterior of labor doesn’t make you much less dedicated — it makes you extra full.
And when leaders embrace that, they offer permission to others to do the identical.

Work-Life Stability Isn’t a Buzzword — It’s a Perception
At Cisco, work-life steadiness isn’t simply one thing we speak about — it’s one thing we stay. Whether or not it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey, household time, or simply stepping away to recharge, the help is actual. We don’t simply lead tasks — we lead folks. And meaning strolling the discuss with regards to well-being.
Once I returned, I wasn’t simply recharged — I used to be impressed. As a result of I had lived the form of management I imagine in — one rooted in belief, development, and human connection.
Able to Trip Your Personal Path?
In the event you’re in search of a office that helps your goals — and empowers you to help others — take a look at our profession alternatives. Who is aware of? Your subsequent nice journey — on or off the street — would possibly begin right here.
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