On my first day at Cisco, I used to be nervous and excited on the identical time. I spent my time onboarding, studying the instruments, processes and procedures, turning into a part of a undertaking administration staff, and attending to know my coworkers. I even joined the Linked Black Professionals Inclusive Neighborhood, which a few of my closest coworkers had been members of. I felt part of the Cisco household from Day One. In just some months, my supervisor was already having discussions with me about my subsequent profession transfer. Wait, what? I simply acquired right here.
5 months later, time fully stopped once I heard, “Ms. Williams, I’m so sorry to tell you that you’ve got been recognized with Stage I breast most cancers.”
As soon as I acquired previous the primary evening of crying, I noticed I might lose my job with this analysis. I used to be an emotional wreck. I used to be so afraid to inform my supervisor about my analysis as a result of I knew I might get terminated. I even began on the lookout for different monetary choices.
Properly, to my shock, my dialogue with my supervisor went fully reverse to my expectations. He stated, “You might be in a battle on your life proper now. You might have a variety of issues to fret about, however your job isn’t one in every of them.”
He additionally advised me about and inspired me to make the most of the medical profit that enables us to get a second opinion. I used to be in a position to see one other physician in Boston with out even leaving my home. She reviewed my paperwork, answered all my questions, and made me really feel safe.
And that’s when my Cisco household stepped in and stepped up for me.
I spent the complete yr of 2019 in remedy, together with two main surgical procedures. To start with, my oncologists stated I couldn’t work as a result of the chemo was so harsh, however I couldn’t let most cancers beat me. So, my supervisor and I compromised, and I labored on one undertaking.
My staff checked on me each day. “How are you feeling at present? Is there something that you simply want?”
As a undertaking supervisor, it’s my job to ensure every part stays on observe, however there have been occasions once I didn’t need my shoppers to see me bald from the chemo, or the unwanted side effects from the medicine had been an excessive amount of, or I used to be in remedy, and my staff acquired on flights, went to in-person conferences, and took on what I couldn’t. They jumped in so seamlessly and selflessly; even folks I labored with at Cisco didn’t know I used to be sick.
And Linked Black Professionals (CBP) members surrounded me with real Cisco love. They saved me going with their calls, texts, flowers, and visits. It was the little issues, too. The articles they despatched for me to learn and the workout routines they shared that may assist my restoration. The ladies I used to be closest with even introduced me groceries and took me to my remedies. There have been days I couldn’t see the tip of the rainbow — I couldn’t see myself at present — and so they acquired me by them. The emotional assist? Oh, they gave it to me.
Three years later, I’m nonetheless shocked I obtained one of these assist and have an incredible quantity of affection and loyalty to Cisco. My CBP household nonetheless checks in on my children and me. I’m taking over more difficult initiatives, and people profession progress and future plan talks with my supervisor are again on observe.
I do know why Cisco is voted #1 Finest Office within the U.S. — this tradition can’t be duplicated. I put on my Cisco shirts with satisfaction! That is house, and we’re household.
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