[Includes Video] Read on for Sade’s story, then stay tuned for even more about her work with Cisco Country Digital Acceleration and Women of Cisco.
In May 2011, I had an interview lined up at Tiger Brands. On the morning of the interview, I received a call to say the location had changed — to Cisco. At the time, it felt like a small logistical adjustment. Little did I know that a simple change of location would completely change my life.
My first role at Cisco was as a red badge vendor, working as a receptionist. I knew very little about Cisco or the technology industry, but I was curious.
Reception quickly became my classroom. I remember feeling a bit intimidated at first by terms like “routers” and “switches,” but with the lively and welcoming vibe that surrounded me, I quickly learned that no question was too basic. Engineers would take the time to break down complex topics, sometimes even sketching out diagrams for me on a notepad. Those everyday conversations helped me connect the dots and gave me the confidence to keep learning. During that first year, I made a quiet promise to myself: I would grow into a blue badge Cisco employee.
In April 2013, I moved into Human Resources. Although I worked in HR for only a month, it became a pivotal moment in my career. Up until then, I saw my work as just a job, doing my best day-to-day, but not looking at the big picture. Suddenly, being trusted with onboarding new employees made me realize how much more there was to learn and contribute. I loved taking on the new challenges and skills, and started to imagine a real career path, not just a series of roles. It was the first time I truly felt like I had found my place and was building something meaningful for myself.
By June 2013, I moved into an administrative assistant role. I was managing calendars, attending internal sales meetings, learning procurement processes, and gaining real insight into how the business operates. I genuinely loved the pace, complexity, and impact of the work. Supported by managers who encouraged my development, I thrived.
In 2016, I became the Executive Assistant to the General Manager of South Africa. At the time, it felt like the biggest administrative role I could imagine for myself.
Some of my favourite memories were planning our quarter and year-end celebrations. There was an incredible energy in the air as we all came together. I loved the tradition of ringing the bell in the kitchen to celebrate an account win. Looking around during those moments, I felt a true sense of belonging. It wasn’t just about hitting targets — it was about the camaraderie and full essence of Cisco’s supportive, connected culture. We’re always ready to celebrate each other’s successes.
After a few years, I knew I was ready for a new challenge. Discussing my interests, my manager encouraged me to enroll in a project management course and begin a stretch assignment supporting the Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) team in South Africa.
Then, like it did for so many of us, COVID-19 changed everything.
Despite lockdowns, challenges, and uncertainty, I helped manage relationships and maintain momentum on projects. During one complex project milestone with local government, I had an “a-ha!” moment. I realized I was no longer supporting from the sidelines — I was leading. That gave me the confidence to make my contributions official in a permanent role leading work that truly makes a difference within the CDA team.
Today, I am proud to be the Project Lead for CDA in South Africa, where we bring technology to communities that have historically been left behind. We work closely with government to create jobs, expand Cisco’s Networking Academy digital skills program, and solve real-world challenges using Cisco’s technology and services.
One of my most rewarding experiences was recently launching the revamped Siyabonga Telecentre. On the day of the launch, I saw firsthand how much the technology meant to the community. Watching the youth eagerly engage with the Cisco Networking Academy to develop digital skills was incredibly moving. I could feel the happiness and hope in the room, and it was a powerful reminder of why I continue doing what I do.
Alongside my formal roles, I’ve also been a lead in several Cisco Inclusive Communities — our version of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These are employee-led spaces where we focus on connection, collaboration, and driving social impact. At Cisco, it’s not just talk. The company genuinely creates the space, support, and trust for us to lead change. I’ll never forget the energy in the room during a project with Rise Against Hunger. Between the stories we shared and the knowledge that we were making a real difference for people in need, that sense of community and compassion is what makes our culture so special.
Looking back, my journey is proof that careers don’t need to be linear to be meaningful. Cisco has supported my growth professionally and personally, encouraged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone, and allowed me to build a career rooted in purpose and impact.
I am living proof that Cisco is a great place to work — a place where curiosity is welcomed, growth is supported, and people are empowered to become more than they ever imagined.
Sometimes, all it takes is a change in location to change your life.
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