Redefining Work: Insights from Denise Thomas, CEO of Cisco Meraki
Denise Thomas, the CEO of Cisco Meraki, a leading cloud IT solutions company. Denise shares her insights on the evolving nature of work, how her HR background informs her leadership, and why teams—not just leaders—drive organizational success.
The Evolution of Work at Cisco Meraki
Denise Thomas began by reflecting on the significant shift in work culture due to the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, Cisco Meraki had a predominantly in-office culture. However, the sudden move to remote work required rapid adaptation and a reevaluation of work processes.
“Before the pandemic, we were very much an in-office culture... then the pandemic happened, and we were all home every single day.” - Denise Thomas
Cisco Meraki now embraces a hybrid work model, giving leaders autonomy to decide what works best for their teams. This flexible approach has its challenges but has also led to more deliberate and thoughtful communication and collaboration.
The Importance of Thoughtful Communication
Denise highlighted the necessity of thoughtful and deliberate communication in a hybrid work environment. The shift from spontaneous in-office interactions to planned virtual meetings required a reevaluation of how information is shared and decisions are made.
“It’s a far more thoughtful and deliberate way of working when you have to work in a hybrid fashion.” - Denise Thomas
She emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent communication cadence and addressing the diverse needs of employees, from mental health support to accessibility.
Teams as Units of Movement
One of the most profound insights Denise shared was the distinction between the roles of leaders and teams in driving organizational success. She argued that while leaders are facilitators, the true power lies within the team dynamics.
“The power of driving to outcome is the team.” - Denise Thomas
Denise observed that during the pandemic, teams improved by taking the initiative to connect with each other and support one another. This team-centric approach fosters a deeper sense of connection and shared purpose.
Optimizing for the Team and Business Outcomes
Denise believes in balancing the needs of individuals with the goals of the team and the business. She shared her perspective on optimizing for different priorities and how this balance is crucial for achieving business success.
“The balance between an individual optimizing for themselves and the team’s needs is crucial for business outcomes.” - Denise Thomas
This approach requires clear communication of the value of in-person collaboration and ensuring that team activities are meaningful and aligned with business goals.
Leveraging HR Experience in Leadership
Denise’s HR background has significantly influenced her leadership style. She emphasized the importance of listening, understanding different perspectives, and fostering a culture of feedback and growth.
“Being an HR business partner taught me the importance of listening and understanding the problem before offering solutions.” - Denise Thomas
Her ability to navigate people-related challenges has been instrumental in addressing complex business problems and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Additional Materials
For more insights and practical tools on managing work relationships and professional growth, check out the following resources:
Cisco Meraki: Learn more about Cisco Meraki's solutions and their impact on IT and networking.
Scaling People by Claire Hughes Johnson: A thought-provoking book on new operating motions and team management.
Listen to the full podcast here or watch the full Interview here
Video Short: It's About the Team, Not the Leader
FAQs
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Implement a consistent communication cadence, use collaboration tools effectively, and ensure all team members are included in important discussions.
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A team-centric approach fosters deeper connections, shared purpose, and collective accountability, leading to better outcomes and a more cohesive work environment.
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Leaders should clearly communicate the value of team collaboration, ensure meaningful team activities, and provide support for individual needs without compromising business goals.
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HR experience enhances a leader’s ability to listen, understand different perspectives, and foster a culture of feedback and growth, which is crucial for addressing complex business challenges.
