How Cisco Supports Work-Life Balance: My 21-Day Motorcycle Dream Trip

[ad_1] Using the Dream: How Cisco Helps Work-Life Stability <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="lazy lazy-hidden wp-image-477172 alignright" data-lazy-type="image" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/08/834A274E-A208-470B-9E81-D2960C7B5BC2_1_105_c.jpeg" alt="A woman in athletic wear stands next to a BMW GS motorcycle, overlooking a scenic fjord surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky." width="450" height="600" srcset="" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px"/><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-477172 alignright" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/08/834A274E-A208-470B-9E81-D2960C7B5BC2_1_105_c.jpeg" alt="A woman in athletic wear stands next to a BMW GS motorcycle, overlooking a scenic fjord surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky." width="450" height="600" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/08/834A274E-A208-470B-9E81-D2960C7B5BC2_1_105_c-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/08/834A274E-A208-470B-9E81-D2960C7B5BC2_1_105_c.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px"/>Have you ever ever had a dream so huge it felt inconceivable to chase? For me, that dream was a 21-day motorbike highway journey throughout 9 nations in Europe. It wasn’t only a trip. It was the final word trip — an journey I had envisioned for years. However the greatest problem wasn’t the highway forward. It was taking the day off with out worrying about work.

That’s the place Cisco made all of the distinction.

The Freedom to Discover — and Empower After I first shared my plan with my supervisor, I half-expected to listen to, “Can we handle with out you?” or “That’s a very long time away!” However as a substitute, I used to be met with full encouragement. My supervisor stated, “We’ve acquired issues lined.”

And true to that spirit, I took 30 days off — absolutely disconnecting. My group stepped up, supported each other, and stored issues working seamlessly. There was no guilt journey, no last-minute pull-backs. Simply mutual belief.

As a individuals chief, it was deeply fulfilling to see how the group not solely held the fort however thrived — displaying resilience, possession, and collaboration. It jogged my memory that good management isn’t about fixed presence — it’s about making a tradition the place others can rise.

The Trip of a Lifetime With peace of thoughts, I hit the highway. From the scenic Alps to the coastal curves of the Adriatic, each mile felt surreal. I rode via historic cities, tasted unbelievable native meals, and related with fellow riders from all over the world.

For 21 unforgettable days, I used to be on an journey that examined my endurance, resilience, and spirit. Snow, rain, warmth — the highway threw all of it at me. There have been moments I felt like giving up, however I made it via.

That trip was every part I had dreamed of — freedom, exploration, progress. And but, essentially the most highly effective a part of the expertise was figuring out that my group had every part below management — and that I may return not simply refreshed, however proud.

Main by Letting Go Right here’s the factor — I by no means as soon as frightened about work. And that’s what units Cisco aside. It’s not simply the flexibleness to take day off. It’s the tradition of belief, the facility of shared possession, and the idea that management additionally means making house for others to steer.

In reality, by taking this time away, I acquired to steer otherwise — by displaying my group that relaxation will not be a luxurious, it’s crucial. That chasing your passions exterior of labor doesn’t make you much less dedicated — it makes you extra full.

And when leaders embrace that, they offer permission to others to do the identical.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="lazy lazy-hidden wp-image-477173 alignleft" data-lazy-type="image" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/08/Namita-3.jpeg" alt="A woman with long, dark hair in black motorcycle gear sits on a black motorcycle, with a river, green fields, houses, and forested mountains in the background." width="338" height="451" srcset="" sizes="auto, (max-width: 338px) 100vw, 338px"/><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-477173 alignleft" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/08/Namita-3.jpeg" alt="A woman with long, dark hair in black motorcycle gear sits on a black motorcycle, with a river, green fields, houses, and forested mountains in the background." width="338" height="451" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/08/Namita-3-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2025/08/Namita-3.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 338px) 100vw, 338px"/>Work-Life Stability Isn’t a Buzzword — It’s a Perception At Cisco, work-life steadiness isn’t simply one thing we discuss — it’s one thing we stay. Whether or not it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey, household time, or simply stepping away to recharge, the assist is actual. We don’t simply lead initiatives — we lead individuals. And meaning strolling the speak relating to well-being.

After I returned, I wasn’t simply recharged — I used to be impressed. As a result of I had lived the type of management I consider in — one rooted in belief, progress, and human connection.

Able to Trip Your Personal Path? When you’re searching for a office that helps your desires — and empowers you to assist others — take a look at our profession alternatives. Who is aware of? Your subsequent nice journey — on or off the highway — may begin right here.