If life were devoid of emotion, how truly dull would it be? I imagine many of you are smiling, perhaps even chuckling, at that very statement - a testament to the powerful, often unacknowledged, role feelings play in our lives.

Thirteen months ago, I embarked on a deeply personal journey to rediscover who I am.

For over a decade, the continuous rhythm of work and family commitments had subtly pushed "me" to the periphery. I realized I needed to pause to reflect on where those twelve-plus years had taken me. I am incredibly blessed with a wonderful family and a fulfilling professional career at Cisco, a company brimming with talented individuals. Sports, volunteering, religious events - on paper, I was living the dream, right? With all that richness, what could possibly be missing?

It was during a much needed Cisco Day for Me, a quarterly day off (yes, four times a year!) for the entire company to step away from our screens and invest in ourselves, that the profound realization hit me: I was missing me. The authentic Natalia, stripped of her roles as a mother or a Cisco professional. I was missing simply being me. That day gave me the valuable opportunity to reflect and consider what might be missing in my life, and I began to think about what truly brought me joy.

Not long after, I was invited to support a soccer event through Time2Give, 80 hours of dedicated paid time off - in addition to our vacation time off - just for giving back. I have always enjoyed and been passionate about participating in volunteer events, especially because they allow me to connect with my community, my dog, and everything else that brings me happiness. Soccer has been a lifelong passion, from my childhood days to university play, but somewhere amidst adult responsibilities, I had forgotten the sheer joy it brought me. This event felt like a sign.

During the event, an unexpected opportunity arose. They needed extra players for a friendly 7-on-7 match. Despite lacking proper gear and having my therapy dog by my side, an inexplicable force urged me onto the field. And wow - it was a life-changing moment. As I played, it finally clicked. This was the missing piece, the pure, unadulterated joy I had unknowingly yearned for all those years. Everything I loved about giving back was present here, but the most meaningful outcome was rediscovering my passion for soccer - and this volunteer event brought it roaring back to life.

I recognized that soccer was my dedicated "me" time, a precious 90 minutes a week where I could simply be Nata.

Returning to competitive sports hasn't been without its challenges, demanding significant commitment, physiotherapy appointments, and unwavering family support. But as they say, God's timing is perfect, and this was undeniably my moment to return. Fast forward twelve months, and I'm now playing soccer three times a week, often at 9 or 10 PM, in the Nova Scotia Citadel League's B division.

This rediscovered passion has unexpectedly enhanced my professional life, helping me cultivate a work-life balance strategy that has truly made me a better person. Just like coming together as a team in soccer, I've embraced Cisco's 'One Team' approach - how we play to win as a company at work, which has made me a stronger and more effective leader. Collaborating closely with my team and valuing each member's unique strengths has improved our results and fostered a more supportive and unified environment.

Leading with both logic and passion - qualities I bring to the soccer field - has made me a stronger leader and built deeper trust with my team. For example, I recently worked with a team member who was feeling overwhelmed. In our 1:1, instead of just discussing deliverables, I made a conscious effort to listen carefully and encouraged them to consider an outdoor activity that could give them a healthy break from the daily routine. They returned feeling more balanced and motivated, which improved both their well-being and their performance at work. Now, I make this a regular part of my conversations with team members - helping them reflect on their own well-being and find what recharges them.

My journey has taught me this: no matter how demanding your daily life becomes, never forget to identify what truly ignites your emotions. Displaying emotion reminds you that you are real, that you care, and that you matter.

Cisco cares enough to provide us with a Day for Me - intentional time to pause and reflect, no emails, no meetings, no interruptions from work. That single day sparked a chain reaction that led me to rediscover a forgotten passion. Thanks to this, the renewed energy and enthusiasm I've gained from soccer have translated into a more engaged and resilient approach to leadership, benefiting both myself and those around me. I feel more balanced, and this happiness has a positive impact on my work, my family, and my personal well-being.

This is the power of a culture that genuinely invests in the whole person, encourages us to show up as our authentic selves, and I am truly grateful for this support. At Cisco, prioritizing your well-being isn't just accepted - it's expected, supported, and celebrated. And that makes all the difference. ⭐️

Are you ready to experience a career with a company that cares about you? Check out Cisco Careers now.

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