That was huge.

Still buzzing from Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego. This wasn’t just a tech conference—it was a reunion of brilliant minds and big hearts. The Cisco Community Champions dropped wisdom that flipped my perspective, like a breakout session chat that rewired how I think about collaboration. Tech Field Day delegates brought the heat over late-night tacos, debating tech’s future with ideas that stuck with me. And my Cisco colleagues and friends? They’re family—coffee in the DevNet Zone, laughs at the Customer Appreciation Event (The Killers absolutely slayed!), and moments that recharge my soul. But as I look ahead, I’m thinking about balance, mentorship, and how we’ll make a real difference with AI. Here’s the vibe.

The Community That Fuels Us

Cisco Live is all about connection. Those conversations with Champions, delegates, and friends aren’t just chats—they’re sparks that ignite new ideas. A mentor’s advice over drinks is already shaping my next move, and the energy at the CAE was pure magic. This community pushes us to dream bigger and work smarter, together. Those that challenge me, thank you for doing that. The support from those who love our work challenges us to do more. Without community – we really have nothing.

What’s Next for Me: Building, Mentoring, and Balance

This year, I’m all about building. I’m diving into relationship building, leveling up my skills in innovative problem-solving, and finding new ways to share with you all. I’m hyped to get back to blogging, maybe even start vlogging, but I’m keeping it real—it’s a lot. Tech can be a grind, and we don’t always talk about the psychological toll it takes. The pressure to stay ahead, the endless hustle—it weighs on us. I’m prioritizing balance, making time for myself, and I invite you to do the same. Check in on your friends and colleagues, be that supportive ear. We’re stronger when we lift each other up.

I’m also building a structured mentorship plan to guide others, inspired by my own mentors. Whether it’s sharing tech insights or navigating career challenges, I want to pay it forward and help others shine. Who knew my greatest challenge by my own mentors, would be to pay it forward. I have started to realize and understand that climbing this career mountain hits a plateau, and unless you can lead a team to the top – you are now stuck.

Making a Difference with AI and Country Digital Acceleration

This year, I’m wrestling with a big question: How will I make a meaningful difference with AI? It’s consuming my thoughts. AI has so much marketing hype – I want to get past that. AI has the power to transform lives—think smarter cities, safer communities, inclusive access to tech – or just making super complex things – easier. At Cisco Innovation Labs, we’re celebrating 10 years and the anniversary of Country Digital Acceleration (CDA). I’m so grateful for CDA’s support, backing projects like Digital Canopy that bring connectivity and hope to underserved areas. Their belief in our ideas fuels us, and I’m stoked to deepen our work together, dreaming up solutions that change the world. This is a great partnership, and it really gives us the ability to “Design with Empthy, Innovate with Purpose”

The Next Big Thing for Our Labs

With a decade in the rearview, it’s time to go big. What’s the next big thing for Cisco Innovation Labs? I’m obsessed with figuring this out. Maybe it’s AI-driven public safety tools, or … well… so many things I can’t talk about yet… , or sustainable tech that powers a greener future. Whatever it is, it’ll be bold, human-centered, and built with this incredible community. I’m ready to dream, experiment, and make waves. I know one thing, technology comes second, people, community and EMPTHY come first.

Keep the Vibe Going

Cisco Live 2025 was a love letter to community, a reminder to stay connected and take care of ourselves. As I chase big dreams with AI and our Labs, I’m carrying this energy forward. So, take a moment for you, check in on your people, and let’s dream big together. What’s your Cisco Live highlight? Hit me up on Twitter or drop a comment—let’s keep it rolling!