S6 E6: Talking AI-Era Network Architecture for Campus, Branch, and Industrial with Lawrence Huang, Greg Dorai, and Vikas Butaney

AB sits down with three of Cisco’s leaders: Lawrence Huang, SVP and GM of Network Platform and Wireless; Greg Dorai, SVP and GM of Cisco's Switching business; and Vikas Butaney, SVP and GM of Cisco Routing and Industrial IoT, to discuss Cisco's latest advancements, from AI-driven network management to Industrial IoT solutions, highlighting how these and other technologies are transforming the way businesses operate across diverse environments to deliver operational simplicity to our customers.

AB sits down with Ramana Kompella, Cisco Fellow and Head of Cisco Research, for a great talk about Cisco's focus on quantum networking as a next-generation technology. From networking entanglement to the importance of research to the development of Cisco's new networking-entanglement chip, this conversation highlights how Cisco is innovating in ways that aim to unify classical and quantum internet infrastructures.

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards talks with Ken Seitz, Senior Director at Cisco, about the Cisco 360 Partner Value Index (PVI)—a game-changing shift in how Cisco recognizes and rewards partner performance. They break down how the PVI works, what it means for branding and profitability, and how it’s helping partners sharpen their focus in key areas like networking, security, and AI. Ken shares insights on the move from a one-size-fits-all recognition model to a more specialized approach, why predictability matters, and how partner feedback is shaping future improvements. Plus, you'll hear exactly what steps partners can take now to make the most of their PVI scores and the Cisco 360 program. Key takeaways: • What the PVI is and why it matters • How PVI scores impact branding and profit • Why specialization is the new strategy • The role of partner incentives (CPI) • Actionable ways to boost your PVI score

We jump right in by talking...supplements? Kat may be Pablo Escobar, who knows. She makes her own preworkout, and the rules around here. Kat then has a fire alarm, so we had to restart the show halfway through (shoutout to our production team, this ended up flowing really well). We then get into what we meant to talk about: tips for balancing work and working out, and why we both think it is SO important. Spoiler: working out makes you a better employee. We share our best practices for committing and staying committed to fitness, no matter what our 9 to 5 throws at us! If you've read this far, and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions that you can use to work from anywhere, even the gym, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

We are LIVE with a powerful kickoff episode featuring Jeetu Patel, Cisco's President and Chief Product Officer. In this kick-off episode, Jeetu reveals the core philosophy reshaping Cisco: “Quality is priority zero.” This is not the Cisco you knew 20 years ago. It’s a company redefining itself as an AI market leader, the incredible impact of Cisco SEs and Partners: “we’ve got to take the message and go to every single customer to re-educate the market on who Cisco is.” Hear directly from Jeetu how Cisco is “side by side with our partner community fighting the fight” in this new era of monumental change. If you’re excited to hear more about Cisco’s relevancy spanning across all verticals, you’ll definitely want to tune in!

In this episode of Shift Happens, Jeff Edwards welcomes Sharon Price, Director of Strategy & Planning for Cisco’s Global Partner Organization, to unpack the new Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI) Estimator. Sharon shares how the tool helps partners model profitability, plan for growth, and align with the Cisco 360 Partner Program. Whether you're a partner or field team member, this episode gives you the insights—and the action steps—you need to start planning today. Because clarity isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning.

This week Kat and Ian are diving into one of their favorite topics - Workplace Productivity. We've heard Ian's terrifying email organization (or lack thereof before), but believe it or not, this week he's coming in hot with the productive tips. Tune in this week for WebEx features that even Kat didn't know existed, and a general education on online folders for Ian. OH and if you're here for additional information on Cisco's solutions that can support your team's productivity, *cough* Webex *cough*, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

Jason Gallo, Global VP of Partner GTM at Cisco, joins Jeff Edwards to unpack the latest evolution of the Cisco 360 Partner Program. From key truths about the new estimator tool to aligning partner investments with what’s next — this episode delivers the insights you need to lead with clarity and confidence. Tune in and get ahead of the shift.

What really goes into the biggest partner program evolution Cisco has launched in 20 years? In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards is joined by two powerhouse leaders — Elisabeth De Dobbeleer, SVP of Partner Evolution, and Rhonda Henley, VP of Americas Partner Sales — to unpack what’s new, what’s working, and what’s still in motion with Cisco 360. They tackle: • The mindset shift partners are making • The biggest wins (and what keeps them up at night) • What teams and partners can do today to set up for success Insightful. Actionable. Real talk. Grab your coffee or hit play on your commute — let’s make shift happen.

In this episode, Brandon tells us the story of the time a critical issue was discovered the day before the Cisco Live US event started. A race against the clock then starts to find a workaround before the attendees arrive. We discuss DHCP snooping and Cisco Live event network preparation.