Cisco Podcast Network

What do law school, Monster.com, the San Francisco 49ers, Baby Spice on roller skates, and one accidental conversation with Cisco's CFO have in common?
They're all part of the incredible stories behind Cisco's Sales Associate Program (CSAP).
In this special panel episode, Jeff Edwards sits down with five CSAP alumni whose careers span more than two decades—from early hires in 2000 to entrepreneurs and senior Cisco executives today. Together, they share the funny moments, career-defining lessons, lifelong friendships, and surprising paths that all started with one opportunity.
Whether you're just beginning your career or decades into it, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your greatest career asset isn't just what you know—it's who you grow alongside.

🎧 Why listen?
✅ Hear hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from CSAP's early days.
✅ Discover why relationships—not titles—become your greatest career advantage.
✅ Walk away with timeless career advice from leaders who've been there.

One program. Five remarkable journeys. Countless lessons.
Let's make Shift Happen. 🎙️

In this episode of Tech Unscripted Season 3, leaders Dr. José-Marie Griffiths and Dr. Kristina Johnson discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education across learning, research, and campus operations. They explore infrastructure needs like data modernization, emerging teaching and assessment methods, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethics.

The conversation highlights practical steps universities can take—such as building AI-ready data systems, encouraging transparency in AI use, and preparing students with adaptability and agent-based skills—while warning about widening institutional and student divides without equitable access.

This week, Sammy is back with Ian and Kat, which means the episode starts exactly where you’d expect: haircut commentary, a brief discussion about dating, and Kat casually considering a move to San Francisco by lunchtime. Somewhere in the middle of all that, they do eventually get to the actual topic: change management.

Together, they unpack what it looks like to lead through change when everyone is trying their best, but no one has all the answers. Sammy talks about how to keep teams steady without pretending you know everything, Ian explains why he somehow remains annoyingly optimistic every time things get shaken up, and Kat asks the very fair question: what if you’re supposed to help people trust the process when you may not?

It’s a conversation about uncertainty, leadership, and the delicate art of being calm and credible while internally maybe having just a tiny crisis of your own. If you’ve ever heard the words “organizational change” and immediately texted a coworker, this one’s for you.

If you like the show, give us a click: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html

In this episode of Tech Unscripted Season 3, leaders Dr. José-Marie Griffiths and Dr. Kristina Johnson discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education across learning, research, and campus operations. They explore infrastructure needs like data modernization, emerging teaching and assessment methods, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethics.

The conversation highlights practical steps universities can take—such as building AI-ready data systems, encouraging transparency in AI use, and preparing students with adaptability and agent-based skills—while warning about widening institutional and student divides without equitable access.

What Great Leaders Do That Most People Never See
The best leaders aren't defined by what happens on stage—they're shaped by what happens behind the scenes.
In this episode of Shift Happens, Samantha Ha shares lessons from decades spent alongside some of Cisco's most senior leaders. Through stories of trust, influence, and emotional intelligence, she reveals why the strongest leaders create calm under pressure, build authentic partnerships, and never stop seeing the people around them.
🎧 Why listen?
✅ Learn the hidden habits of exceptional leaders.
✅ Discover why trust and relationships outperform titles.
✅ Hear the leadership skills AI will never replace.
Leadership isn't always loud. Sometimes, it's invisible. Let's make Shift Happen. #CiscoShiftHappensPodcast