I used to be about to affix a high-stakes Webex assembly. The sort the place you need every little thing to go easily. As I logged in, I observed my typical 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’d’ve appeared like a small determination, however I keep in mind how I felt proper after: unsettled. It felt as if I’d quietly turned down the amount on my reality. Not ashamed precisely, however not absolutely 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 12 months, I co-hosted a Pleasure occasion in Singapore. The vitality 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 keep 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 house attainable. And I keep in mind considering: That is what management with coronary heart seems like. However that evening, I saved 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 cover?
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 ignored. I talked concerning the life teaching I do outdoors of labor, about what inclusion actually means, about moments I didn’t really feel secure, and the way I’m nonetheless studying to point out up anyway.
And one thing shifted.
As a substitute of distancing me, these conversations created connection. Colleagues from completely different groups and areas began reaching out. Some mentioned, “I’ve by no means heard somebody speak about this at work — thanks.” Others mentioned, “I’ve felt the identical means however didn’t know how one can specific it.”
That’s once I realised: Visibility isn’t about being loud. It’s merely about being absolutely 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, 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 carry our entire selves, not simply our job titles, we present up extra absolutely. And the work turns into extra significant.
When you’re somebody contemplating whether or not Cisco is a spot the place you’ll be able to actually be your self, right here’s what I’ll say: Don’t simply take 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 should take up house as you might be.
So sure, I nonetheless do not forget that Webex name once I took my Pleasure background down. However lately, I take advantage of that reminiscence as a quiet reminder. Each time I select to point out up absolutely, I’m not simply doing it for me. I’m serving to create somewhat more room 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 surroundings wherein all of us thrive. Discover how in our Objective Report.
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