From Splunk to Cisco: A Seamless Transition in Career and Family

I recently became a Cisconian through the Splunk acquisition. From the moment the acquisition was announced, there was excitement on both sides, with Cisco and Splunk teams bonding from the start, partnering on the ground in ways that were next to none. While acquisitions can be complicated and challenging, the Cisco to Splunk transition has been seamless. Although, for me personally, it has been a bit different …

I never thought I'd take an extended break from work, but the past three months have flown by for the best possible reason - we welcomed a baby girl into our family! My wife and I have been fully immersed in this beautiful new chapter, bonding with our little one and navigating the incredible journey of parenthood.

One thing I've realised: learning to be a parent is a full-time job! I'm incredibly grateful for the parental leave Cisco offers to all employees, regardless of how they welcome their new additions into their lives. While benefits like this may not be standard across many organisations, for my wife and me, it has been a life-changing experience. We became parents through adoption, and having a three-month parental leave allowed us to manage the legal process, which is a full-time job in itself. We then had the rare opportunity to spend uninterrupted time together as a family, and that's something we'll cherish forever. Adoption leave is not something every company offers - I am beyond grateful for that.

Beyond benefits, the leadership support at Splunk and Cisco has been nothing short of extraordinary. When I shared our adoption news, I wasn't met with concerns about backup plans - I was met with celebration, encouragement, and unwavering support. My leaders and colleagues reassured me that things would be taken care of and that my focus should be on what lay ahead. They were ready and willing to rebalance priorities so I could make my family my priority. That kind of people-first culture where everyone from your immediate team to leadership to the entire organisation embodies a supportive spirit - makes all the difference. It's always said it takes a village to raise a child, and I found my village here at Cisco.

Now, I'm back at work, feeling stronger than ever, knowing that my team has done a phenomenal job in my absence - driving growth, delivering impact, and hiring top talent. And thanks to Cisco's thoughtful re-onboarding approach, which included recordings of important calls I missed, and a week to settle in and catch up, the transition back has been seamless, too.

Learning never stops. I'm not just talking about sleepless nights here - my little one has taught me to be more patient, to use my EQ at the highest level, and most importantly, to be grateful for the time we've had as a family. And that spirit of growth extends into my career: even after taking Cisco's generous child-bonding leave, I've had the opportunity to expand my role and recently stepped into a new role as Go-to-Market Leader of Recruiting for APJC. It's proof that at Cisco, you're empowered to keep learning and growing, while still being supported through life's biggest moments.

If my story resonates with you and you're looking for an organisation that truly values its people, fosters a supportive culture, and prioritizes work-life balance, Cisco is the place to be. We're growing fast and hiring across multiple roles - come be part of something amazing

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