Cisco Champion Radio

In celebration of Women's History Month, this episode of Cisco Champion Radio features a candid conversation with women in technology sharing their unique journeys into the industry. From backgrounds in law, education, and event planning to careers in networking and IT, the panel highlights how diverse experiences bring valuable perspectives to the tech space.

The discussion explores the importance of collaboration, allyship, and supportive environments while addressing the challenges women can face in male-dominated fields. The group also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, the value of strong communication skills, and why encouraging more young women to pursue careers in tech is critical for the future of the industry.

Cisco Champions
Micheline Murphy, Senior Consulting Systems Manager
Maren Mahoney, Senior Engineer, BlueAlly
Nicole Polachak, Senior Network Consultant II, Team Lead, BlueAlly

Moderator
Danielle Carter, Cisco Insider Program, Cisco

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, plan to hear a dynamic conversation on Cisco’s next-generation networking innovations—where AI integration, enhanced security, and operational simplicity come together to define the networks of tomorrow.

Our experts unpack how AI-ready infrastructure is reshaping network design, from shifting traffic patterns and automating management to enabling faster, smarter decision-making. They explore Cisco’s latest hardware advancements, including custom silicon for superior performance and post-quantum cryptography for future-proof security.

Tune in to learn how integrated security within routers simplifies operations, why feature parity across new and legacy systems matters, and how adopting a DevOps mindset empowers engineers to fully leverage AI-driven insights.

As organizations navigate digital transformation, this episode delivers a clear takeaway: simplicity, scalability, and security are the cornerstones of building resilient, AI-ready networks for the future.

Cisco guests
Mike Kraus, Americas Networking SE Leader, Cisco
Stephenie Chastain, Director, Routing TME, Cisco 
 
Cisco Champion hosts
Len Ledford, Architect II, Advisory Services, Insight
Kenny Paula, Information Security Professional / College Instructor
Alan Gardner, CEO, Current Technologies Computer Learning Center

Moderator
Danielle Carter, Cisco, CCR Program/ Customer Voices

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of industrial operations — driving efficiency, precision, and safety like never before. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how AI-powered innovations such as data processing, machine vision, and robotics are revolutionizing industrial environments.

Our experts discuss what it takes to support this transformation — from robust, low-latency networking to stronger cybersecurity and seamless collaboration between IT and OT teams. Discover how Cisco solutions like Cyber Vision enhance visibility and security across production networks, why compliance with frameworks like NIST and IEC 62443 is critical, and how targeted use cases are driving real success in modern industrial systems.

Tune in for a practical look at how AI, automation, and security are converging to power the next generation of industrial operations.

Resources
https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/solutions/Verticals/Industrial_Automation/Manufacturing_AI/AI_ready_industrial_networks.pdf

Cisco guest
Paul Didier, Internet of Things Solution Architect

Champion hosts
Len Ledford, Architect II, Advisor Services, Insight
Ibrahim Ramku, Network & Security CTO, TD-K A/S
Jonathan Mahady, Principal Network Engineer, BHP


Moderator
Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

What does it take to make Wi-Fi truly predictable? In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore the world of wireless determinism and how Wi-Fi 7 is setting a new standard for reliability and performance. Our experts break down key advancements like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and intelligent channel usage—technologies that are transforming interference management and latency control.
Tune in for an inside look at the current and upcoming deterministic features in Wi-Fi 7, the impact of evolving regulations, and how these innovations are shaping the future of wireless connectivity.

Cisco guest
Matthew MacPherson, CTO Wireless, Cisco
Jerome Henry,  Lead Researcher, Office of the Wireless CTO, Cisco

Cisco guest
Jonathan Mahady, Principal Network Engineer, BHP
Len Ledford, Arcitect II, Advisory Services, Insight
Kjetil Teigen Hansen, Wirless Whisperer, Conscia Norge AS

Join host Melissa Barr for an in-depth conversation with Fletcher Previn, CIO of Cisco, as he reveals how AI is fundamentally reshaping IT and the future of work. Discover Cisco IT’s mission to enable 10x employee productivity and learn about our “customer zero” philosophy—acting as the proving ground for products designed to help large enterprises build, deploy, and manage their infrastructure. Get ready for a fascinating, inside look at how Cisco is building, securing, and making AI work every single day for our employees, customers, and partners.

Speakers
Melissa Barr - Senior Manager, Cisco Proof Points
Fletcher Previn, CIO, CIsco