Cisco TechBeat

AB sits down with PepsiCo’s Rajat Arora, Global Head of Networks and IT/OT Infrastructure, to talk about how Cisco technologies and solutions are driving better business outcomes for PepsiCo across the globe. This is a great conversation that covers a variety of topics, from IT/OT convergence to the integration of Cisco WAN to self-healing networks.

AB sits down with Ramana Kompella, Cisco Fellow and Head of Cisco Research, for a great talk about Cisco's focus on quantum networking as a next-generation technology. From networking entanglement to the importance of research to the development of Cisco's new networking-entanglement chip, this conversation highlights how Cisco is innovating in ways that aim to unify classical and quantum internet infrastructures.

AB sits down with Cisco’s CIO, Fletcher Previn, to talk about the role IT plays in driving business success. Fletcher shares his thoughts on the skills needed for the future of IT, how AI can enhance human potential, and why individual creativity can drive even better IT experiences and outcomes. 

AB sits down for a fun, informative, in-person chat with Kelly Jones, Cisco’s Chief People Officer, to discuss a variety of topics ranging from empathetic leadership to wellbeing in the workplace to future trends that could transform the HR landscape in 2025.

AB sits down with Matt Caulfield, VP of Identity and Duo, Cisco Security, to talk about the vision and strategy for Cisco’s identity portfolio. This insightful conversation spans various topics, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), social engineering, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in identity security technologies.

AB sits down with Matt MacPherson, Chief Technology Officer, Cisco Wireless, for an informative chat about the current state of Wi-Fi and cellular convergence, the importance of seamless roaming across Wi-Fi and cellular networks, and how Wi-Fi 7 is enhancing the user experience when compared to earlier Wi-Fi standards. 

AB sits down with Bert Soto, Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Sales at TGS, the official technology provider for the Kansas City Chiefs, 2024 NFL Champions. This great conversation focuses on the company's trajectory from a small business to a comprehensive IT consulting firm that handles all facets of an IT environment, including managed services, automation/AI, security platforms, and end-user devices. 

AB sits down with Papi Menon, VP of Product Management at Outshift by Cisco, to discuss Outshift’s charter to foster new and cutting-edge tech ideas and tools to help technology teams succeed in the future. Building successful products is not an overnight effort, and this enlightening conversation emphasizes the critical roles of commitment and patience in guiding a new product from its initial concept to market launch.

AB sits down with Joe Vaccaro, GM, Cisco ThousandEyes, for a great conversation on the unique technology of ThousandEyes and how it is becoming the de facto digital experience assurance solution across Cisco products and beyond, helping customers deliver excellent digital experiences. Beyond the tech talk, Joe also discusses his passion for family, the great outdoors, and a lot more. 

AB sits down with Denise Lee, Cisco’s VP Engineering Sustainability Office, for a great chat on a wide range of topics, from circular design to embedding sustainability principles into business practices to achieving overall sustainability goals. This is also a great conversation for anyone looking to explore the diversity within sustainability roles that exist at companies like Cisco. 

AB sits down with his friend and colleague Classye James to talk about the challenging shift many athletes face when moving from their sports careers to positions in the business sector. Serving as a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Events & Activations Business Leader at Cisco, Classye is committed to developing tools that enable former athletes to work and thrive in corporate roles within organizations such as Cisco.

AB kicks off 2024 with a fun episode featuring Nick Biasini, Head of Outreach, Cisco Talos. This is a great conversation that highlights some of the top cyber threats from 2023, while looking to what the trends in cybersecurity may be in 2024, from AI to ransomware to social engineering, and more. AB also presses Nick on his passion and commitment to making the best cup of coffee possible. Check it out!

AB sits down with Cisco’s EVP and Chief Customer and Partner Officer, Jeff Sharritts, for a great talk on the evolving dynamics between sales and the partner ecosystem.  Jeff also dives into other topics such as what it means to be an effective leader, the importance of diversity to fostering company culture and driving better business outcomes, Cisco’s use of AI to improve customer experiences, and much more.