I used to be about to hitch a high-stakes Webex assembly. The sort the place you need all the pieces to go easily. As I logged in, I seen my normal Cisco Delight 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 thought of it for a second … after which quietly modified my background to a impartial one.
It would’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 quantity on my reality. 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 identification, and the group I care deeply about.
And I’d eliminated it.
Final 12 months, I co-hosted a Delight 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 grew to become, not as a result of folks didn’t know what to say, however as a result of we had 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 potential. And I keep in mind considering: That is what management with coronary heart seems to be like. However that evening, I stored coming again to that second earlier than the assembly after I took my background down. And I requested myself: Why did I really feel like I needed to disguise?
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 point out 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 mentioned, “I’ve by no means heard somebody discuss this at work — thanks.” Others mentioned, “I’ve felt the identical means however didn’t know the best way to specific it.”
That’s after 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, 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.
For those who’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. Take 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’re.
So sure, I nonetheless do not forget that Webex name after I took my Delight background down. However as of late, I take advantage of that reminiscence as a quiet reminder. Each time I select to point out up totally, I’m not simply doing it for me. I’m serving to create a little bit more room 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 Goal Report.
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