Cisco : How to Catch a Boomerang

A few weeks ago, you might have read our friend Justin Riray'sblog post 'Should You Leave the Company You Love?'His love for his colleagues, Cisco as a company and excitement for his future rang loud and clear through his words and pictures. And, in his message, he mentioned a future story abouta 'boomerang' employee - or, an employee who leaves and then returns to a company.

It's me. I'm the boomerang (one of many Cisco boomerangs, by the way).

When the idea for this post came up, I reached out to Justin. I hadn't caught up with himin some time,so when he got my message on WebexTeams (which gave him a clue that I wasin factback) his priceless reaction was, 'OMG YOU'RE THE BOOMERANG?!?!' It had us laughingout loud,along with a multitude of shared emojis, that we'd be connected in this way.

Upon first seeing Justin's post, one might think, 'Why would Cisco talk about employeesleaving?' But here's the thing, at Cisco we know that sometimes employees might benefit fromtestingnew watersin order to grow, and to maybe - one day - come back to the 'mothership' with stronger skills and a fresh lens that comes only from an adventure that is beyond your comfort zone.

This is the story of oneCisco boomerangemployee.

The First Catch

I joined Cisco in 2004 after a long stint with a global IT consulting firm.Back then, I knew I wanted to stay close to technology, but yearned to be part of a company thatbuilta product versus the sometimes-transientnature of consulting assignments. A close friend from my childhood had been working at Cisco for many years and made the connection. I started off as part of Cisco's Technical Assistance Center and then spent the balance of my time as part of Cisco's Global IT organization.

Simply put, those years were some of the best in my career.

The Throw

In mid-2016, I remember turning to a colleague at a team picnic and saying, 'You know, this might be one of our last ones.'I didn't know what was next or whena change might happen, but I felt thefirethat sustained me for well over a decade starting to flicker out. I tried several different internal assignments that I enjoyed, but soonrealized what I truly needed; to take a risk and try a completely new environment.And, so, I left Cisco to spread my wings a bit, excited to join my former boss and many peers in late 2016 as part of another company that was undergoinga complete transformation. While there, I was also able to experience 'the other side of Cisco' as a large-scale customer. Whether it was implementing new global data center technology, the collaboration portfolio or ongoing support and operations- Ciscoalwaysshowed up like no other for their partners.Seeing that dedication from the 'other side' was inspiring.

Around this time, I hadstarted following more media on Cisco and was reminded of how they continuously showed up for each other, the industry, and the world at large. Whether it was the numerous, globalGreat Place to Work awards(along with being named the #1 World's Best Workplace)to supporting California wildfire relief, raising funds for thehomeless, and responding to global events in ways only Cisco can - it always left me energized to see the company and my former colleagues flourishing.

After about threeyears, I also realized that that fire in mefor Ciscowas neverreallyextinguishedand, in fact,was growingagain. But could it reach the same levels?How would itreallyfeel?

The Return Catch

Earlier this year I knew I was going to face yet another transition. I started hearing more about Cisco's broader transformation- from new products and services, go-to-market models tothe charter of Cisco's continuous focus on people and global teams (that truly makes this the #1 best place to work.)Through a series of great conversations, I was actually able to rejoin my prior organization in Cisco IT - bringing back years of new experiences, and eager to applythat knowledge toa great evolving team.

If you've ever actually thrown a real boomerang, you know that it's not simple! So, here are a fewthings I've learned on this journey.

1. How you leave sets the trajectory of your potential return.I was extremely grateful for the opportunities Cisco provided me and my family in 'Part 1.' And before I left, Igot this feedback from one of my favorite bosseswho said, 'People will remember your entire legacy in your last twoweeks' - so I led with that mindset.Your reactions, how you respond, and the bridges you build to help you connect will be incredible assets throughout your career - but perhaps no more so than when you leave a company.

2. Stay close to your starting point.What this means is keep the right level of personal and professionalconnections. Outside of mynormal social mediainteractions and presence, I would make a point of attending special events for my closest colleagues. Many times,in theterminals at theSan FranciscoInternationalAirport, I would seek (and find!) many Cisco teammatesin baggage claim. And I would go to the Fazon Tasman (near Cisco HQ) so often, the hostess thought I never left! All those interactionswill help tokeep you 'top of mind'for when the opportunity might present itself.

3. Keep throwing!It's rare to catch the returnof a boomerangon your first try.I was inquiring about several different roles at Cisco before ultimately rejoining our IT team. So, stay focused on your end goal, even if you take another role in between. It's worth it!

It's important to know that when you leave - that doesn't necessarily close a door forever. Perhaps this is your moment to spread your wings, fly beyond your comfort zone, and test new waters. And, maybe - just maybe - once you've gained that experience, you'll boomerang back to Cisco.

Whether it's a right fit now, or a right fit in the future, here's how you'd find opportunities.Apply now.

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