🟦 Category 1: Company History & Innovation
Who founded Cisco Systems in 1984?
Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner
What is the purpose of Cisco’s “Conscious Culture” initiative?
To build an inclusive, respectful workplace that emphasizes collaboration and employee well-being
What is “Our People Deal”?
Cisco’s mutual expectations agreement between the company and employees for support and respect at work
What type of leadership does Cisco emphasize among its managers?
Compassionate leadership based on empathy and trust
What does ESG stand for?
Environmental, Social, and Governance
What was Cisco’s original mission when it began at Stanford?
To create a reliable way for computers to communicate over long distances
Name the three areas that define Cisco’s Conscious Culture.
Environment, Characteristics, and Experience
Name one program Cisco offers to promote employee well-being.
A Day for Me bonus day off, mental health programs, or flexible work arrangements
What is the goal of Cisco’s Multiplier Effect initiative?
For leaders to mentor, sponsor, and advocate for employees to advance their careers
What is the name of Cisco’s environmental sustainability strategy?
“The Plan for Possible”
What breakthrough technology did Cisco develop that allowed different computer networks to share data?
The multi-protocol router
What phrase captures the mindset behind Conscious Culture?
Being self-aware and accountable for the well-being of everyone at work
What academy trains ~1 million people a year with new skills?
Cisco Networking Academy
Employees in the Multiplier Effect program are how much more likely to be promoted?
150 percent more likely
List two of Cisco’s top environmental priorities under that plan.
Transition to clean energy; adopt a circular model; invest in resilient ecosystems
In what three major areas has Cisco focused its twenty-first-century innovation?
Cybersecurity, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT)
List two of Cisco’s six key cultural “characteristics.”
Any two of: Give your best; Give something of yourself; Give your ego the day off; Take accountability; Take difference to heart; Take a bold step
Which two leadership roles highlight Cisco’s commitment to diversity and equity?
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer and Chief Social Impact Officer
What qualities do Cisco’s leadership programs develop?
Emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and effective communication
What program lets employees take up to five paid days per year to volunteer?
Cisco’s paid volunteering program
How did Cisco become a dominant player during the 1990s dot-com boom?
Through rapid growth, strategic acquisitions, and providing network infrastructure for the Internet
How does Cisco link its Conscious Culture to business performance?
It believes valued and empowered employees are more innovative and productive, driving long-term success
How does Cisco ensure fairness beyond pay equity?
By conducting equity assessments on promotions, stock grants, and bonuses
How does Cisco strengthen global connection between executives and employees?
By assigning leaders as country sponsors to build local relationships worldwide
How does Cisco’s approach to governance strengthen stakeholder trust?
Through transparency, independent directors, ethics oversight, and robust data privacy protections