Tales From The CSAP Floor

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Aug 2024

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About the show

APPLY FOR CSAP TODAY: http://bit.ly/csapjobs The 'Tales from the CSAP floor' podcast takes listeners through the 'Cisco Sales Associates Program' Journey. Made by CSAPers for CSAPers, this podcast gives a deeper insight into the program through the personal stories of our Associates from the day they first discover CSAP, until the moment they graduate and go into the world. The Cisco Sales Associates Program, known as CSAP, is our global Early in Career program for young professionals interested in starting a career in Sales or Engineering with Cisco. Give the CSAP team one year to build your business skills & technical knowledge in the classroom and gain hands-on experience all the while being paid to learn. You'll be joining a company that drives innovation and strives to be the bridge between technology and business outcomes. This program has two main tracks. The ASR, Associates Sales Representative and the ASE, Associates Systems Engineer. In both tracks, you'll learn how to position and sell Cisco solutions. The main difference is that ASEs dive deeper into the technology and lead technical discussions with customers to become trusted technology advisors while ASRs lead business conversations to become trusted business advisors. Stay tuned and listen to our tales from all over the world all happening here on the 4th floor of the Cisco Amsterdam office. #WeAreCisco #goCSAP #sales

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49 recent

August 23, 202420 min

S6E10: Stepping Up - Nish Parkar’s Leap from Cisco Sales to Center Stage

Tune in to this season's last episode of 'Tales from the CSAP Floor' as we explore the dynamic career of Nish Parkar at Cisco. Starting with her early days in the Cisco Sales Associates Program (CSAP) and moving into her latest role in marketing, Nish offers a wealth of insights on leveraging sales experience in marketing and communications, mastering the art of storytelling, and the power of embracing new challenges. Discover how Nish has used her role as a host at Cisco Live to not only share the Cisco story but also grow personally and professionally by stepping out of her comfort zone and tackling public speaking head-on. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to inspire their own career growth through vulnerability and seizing opportunities.

August 23, 202427 min

S6E9: Alexis Bertholf - How an Engineer’s Viral Stories Are Decoding Tech Jargon

In this episode, we are joined by the amazing Alexis Bertholf, who shares her journey of merging engineering with content creation, the impact of simple explainer videos, and the power of an online presence for networking and brand building. She also reveals how embracing imperfection has helped her balance her dual roles and explains why starting small in content creation can lead to big opportunities for engineers. Get ready for a session full of practical tips and empowering stories. Let's demystify content creation and tech together with Alexis Bertholf on "Tales From the CSAP Floor."

June 12, 202424 min

S6E7: Navigating Career Paths - Insights from Evan Welsh

Welcome to another exciting episode of Tales from the CSAP Floor! This time, host Mackenzie is joined by Evan Welsh, the global head of talent excellence at GVSE (Global Virtual Sales & Engineering). Evan takes us on a compelling journey through his career, sharing insights from his nearly two decades at SAP and his transition to Cisco. In this episode, Evan opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including a transformative invitation to join Cisco. His story is a powerful example of the "one company, many careers" philosophy and emphasizes the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities. Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation packed with practical advice on career development, risk-taking, and building a diverse professional network. Whether you're just starting out or considering a career change, Evan's experiences offer invaluable inspiration and guidance to help you navigate your professional journey. Don’t miss this episode! Learn how to leverage support systems, embrace new challenges, and take control of your career path. Tune in now!

May 29, 202426 min

S6E6: Introducing Steven Heinsius - Unleashing Creativity, Neurodiversity, and Leadership in Tech

🎧 Get ready for an electrifying episode of “Tales from the CSAP Floor” with Josh Recker as we explore the crossroads of tech sales and creativity with a seasoned Cisco veteran, Steven Heinsius, currently spearheading Software Sales for EMEA. Not only a sales maven, Steven also shines as the mastermind of "The Basement Series" on YouTube and a staple speaker at Cisco Live. 📹 Dive into the transformative world of content creation with us. Steven champions a bold approach: make a memorable impact, no matter what. He’ll share essential tips on starting your journey in content creation, with an audience-first philosophy. 🌿 Discover why building your personal brand through content from the get-go can be a game-changer for your career. We'll also dissect the importance of neurodiversity in the tech space and how to synergize with neurodivergent peers effectively. 🚀 As a neurodivergent individual, Steven is on a quest to shatter biases and promote understanding. Tune in for a dose of their personal experiences, advice, and the wisdom he’s gathered along his path. Is job-hopping the secret sauce to climbing the leadership ladder? We'll find out his perspective. 🔗 Eager for inspiration and actionable insights? Connect with Steven on LinkedIn and press play on this episode to join a journey of growth, learning, and diversity celebration in tech. Subscribe and listen now for a truly dynamic conversation! 🎙🌟

April 25, 202425 min

S6E5: Leadership Leaps & Tech Thrills – Suruchi Wadhawan's leadership journey

Join Suruchi Wadhawan, a top system engineering leader from Singapore, as she explores the latest in technology and leadership. Hosted by Josh Recker, this podcast brings you conversations about leadership, innovation, and empowerment in tech. Suruchi, a Cisco Sales Champion with extensive certifications, leads insightful and inspiring discussions. Dive into topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, empowering women in tech, and mastering the art of mentorship. We also spice things up with discussions on extreme activities like skydiving and bungee jumping, exploring what these experiences can teach you about yourself and how they translate into professional growth.Tune in to elevate your knowledge and energize your career.

April 10, 202428 min

S6E4: Extra Mile, Extraordinary Growth - Amy Bahlo's Journey at Cisco

Dive into "Tales from the CSAP Floor" where host Mackenzie Brennan talks to Amy Bahlo, a Club Cisco winner —a feat reserved for the top 1% in sales excellence. Starting as an Associate Sales Representative, Amy’s 19-year Cisco career has led her to a strategic Global Partner Executive role, steering the Microsoft Partnership. This episode unpacks her climb from sales to leadership, highlighting the determination needed to excel and the power of perseverance. Amy's story isn’t just inspiring—it's a roadmap for steady growth in one’s career. Tune in for an episode that distills career wisdom into actionable insights.

March 27, 202425 min

S6E3: Conquering Sales with Care - Guido Sironi's Path to Mastery

Introducing Guido Sironi, a key account manager for Cisco Switzerland and a sales superstar from CSAP class of FY19. He has thrived in the tech industry for over five years, with a passion that shines through. In this podcast, he reveals his professional journey, trade secrets, and must-reads on excelling in sales and communication. Discover how he mastered the art of customer connection and why he believes “Your customers don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Catch it all on this episode of “Tales from the CSAP floor”!

March 13, 202428 min

S6E2: Beyond the 'No' - Matt Yager Reveals How to Turn Rejection into Opportunity

Continuing our "Tales from the CSAP Floor" series, our host Mackenzie Brennan engages with Matt Yager, a top performer within the SLED Accounts team. Matt kicked off his Cisco journey through the Sales Associate Program (CSAP) in FY21, on the same track as our host. Before setting his sights on a customer-centric sales role, Matt dives into his rich background and the significant responsibilities he shouldered during his internships in Customer Experience (CX). In this episode, he opens up about his genuine experiences with CSAP, life at Cisco, finding the right work-life balance, and his candid take on handling rejection, all while staying focused on his own personal goals. Matt's journey from CX intern to CSAP graduate, and now a Virtual Account Manager, emphasizes the power of staying true to yourself while leveraging your team, mentors and sponsors throughout your professional path. Join us for this transparent conversation with Matt Yager on "Tales from the CSAP Floor"!

February 28, 202424 min

S6E1: From Military to Tech - Chris Toh's Unconventional Career Leap

In this season opener of "Tales from the CSAP Floor," host Joshua Recker welcomes Chris Toh, a remarkable individual whose unique professional journey defies convention. From a pivotal eureka moment during his military service to becoming a celebrated Club Cisco member and enjoying a well-deserved Hawaiian vacation, Chris's story is a testament to the power of divergent thinking. Live from Singapore, Chris delves into the fascinating world of augmented reality with the HRT-I device, sharing how these technologies enhance connectivity and collaboration in challenging work environments. His insights extend beyond technology, touching on effective communication with executives, the importance of being approachable, and the value of mentorship. Chris's journey from a technical background to a sales specialist highlights the significance of soft skills and technical understanding in professional growth. As AI reshapes the workplace, Chris envisions a future where technology complements human expertise. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Chris Toh on "Tales from the CSAP Floor"!

June 21, 202326 min

S5E8: Beyond Vertical: The Power of Peers, Mentors, and Rolling with the Punches

Join us for an enlightening podcast journey with the famous Ron Fox the 3rd! Discover the Power of Connection: growing with people around you and the finding the value in mentorship. In our pursuit of success, we often focus on climbing the ladder vertically, and connections above us. But what about the incredible value that lies in networking horizontally? 🚀