I used to be about to affix a high-stakes Webex assembly. The type the place you need every part to go easily. As I logged in, I seen my normal Cisco Pleasure digital background was nonetheless up. I paused.
The assembly was with an inside Cisco stakeholder, a senior chief from a rustic with a extra conventional tradition. I considered it for a second … after which quietly modified my background to a impartial one.
It would’ve appeared like a small choice, however I bear in mind how I felt proper after: unsettled. It felt as if I’d quietly turned down the quantity on my fact. Not ashamed precisely, however not totally myself both.
That second lingered as a result of I’ve spent years encouraging others to embrace authenticity, and but right here I used to be, hesitating. That background wasn’t only for present. It stood for my values, my id, and the group I care deeply about.
And I’d eliminated it.
Final yr, I co-hosted a Pleasure occasion in Singapore. The power was highly effective. Our Cisco govt leaders didn’t simply present up; they really confirmed up. They listened, shared, and stood with us. One colleague spoke about their gender journey with such honesty. I nonetheless bear in mind how quiet the room turned, not as a result of folks didn’t know what to say, however as a result of we have been all simply … deeply moved.
After the occasion, just a few folks got here as much as thank me for serving to make that area potential. And I bear in mind pondering: That is what management with coronary heart appears like. However that evening, I stored coming again to that second earlier than the assembly once I took my background down. And I requested myself: Why did I really feel like I needed to conceal?
Since then, I’ve stopped ready for the “proper” time to be myself at work.
I began talking up extra. To not be daring, simply to be actual. I started sharing extra of my private journey, particularly the messy bits I as soon as disregarded. I talked in regards to the life teaching I do exterior of labor, about what inclusion actually means, about moments I didn’t really feel protected, and the way I’m nonetheless studying to indicate up anyway.
And one thing shifted.
As a substitute of distancing me, these conversations created connection. Colleagues from totally different groups and areas began reaching out. Some stated, “I’ve by no means heard somebody speak about this at work — thanks.” Others stated, “I’ve felt the identical means however didn’t know learn how to categorical it.”
That’s once I realised: Visibility isn’t about being loud. It’s merely about being totally your self within the second. 
At Cisco, inclusion isn’t only a phrase on a wall. It reveals up throughout us — a supportive message within the chat, a Pleasure pin on display screen, our leaders displaying up for us and taking a second to acknowledge somebody’s braveness, the 30+ Inclusive Communities we’ve created to foster connection and belonging.
Working right here has jogged my memory that company life doesn’t must really feel performative or buttoned-up. It may be genuinely human. Once we’re invited to deliver our complete selves, not simply our job titles, we present up extra totally. And the work turns into extra significant.
For those who’re somebody contemplating whether or not Cisco is a spot the place you may really be your self, right here’s what I’ll say: Don’t simply have a look at the statements. Have a look at the folks. Discover how they present up for each other.
And wherever you select to go, attempt to not shrink simply to slot in. You need to take up area as you might be.
So sure, I nonetheless do not forget that Webex name once I took my Pleasure background down. However as of late, I exploit that reminiscence as a quiet reminder. Each time I select to indicate up totally, I’m not simply doing it for me. I’m serving to create just a little extra space for another person to really feel seen, too. That’s what belonging looks like. And that’s what we’re constructing right here at Cisco.
We’re cultivating an atmosphere during which all of us thrive. Discover how in our Function Report.
Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Weblog.
Share: