I used to be about to hitch a high-stakes Webex assembly. The type the place you need every part to go easily. As I logged in, I observed my common Cisco Delight digital background was nonetheless up. I paused.
The assembly was with an inner 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 resolution, however I keep 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 neighborhood I care deeply about.
And I’d eliminated it.
Final yr, I co-hosted a Delight occasion in Singapore. The vitality was highly effective. Our Cisco government leaders didn’t simply present up; they honestly 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 individuals didn’t know what to say, however as a result of we had been all simply … deeply moved.
After the occasion, a number of individuals got here as much as thank me for serving to make that area doable. And I keep in mind considering: That is what management with coronary heart seems to be like. However that night time, 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 neglected. I talked concerning 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 an alternative of distancing me, these conversations created connection. Colleagues from completely 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 approach however didn’t know tips on how to specific 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 exhibits up throughout us — a supportive message within the chat, a Delight 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 need to 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 totally. And the work turns into extra significant.
When you’re somebody contemplating whether or not Cisco is a spot the place you possibly can actually be your self, right here’s what I’ll say: Don’t simply take a look at the statements. Take a look at the individuals. Discover how they present up for each other.
And wherever you select to go, strive to not shrink simply to slot in. You should take up area as you’re.
So sure, I nonetheless do not forget that Webex name once I took my Delight 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 a bit extra space for another person to really feel seen, too. That’s what belonging seems like. And that’s what we’re constructing right here at Cisco.
We’re cultivating an atmosphere through which all of us thrive. Discover how in our Objective Report.
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