Join us as we celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the Cisco Champion program. In this special episode, long-time members who have been part of the program reflect on its evolution and success. We delve into the program's growth, highlighting its global diversity, the integration of new technologies, and its expanded focus beyond blogging to include podcasts and sessions at Cisco Live.

Discover how the Cisco Champion program has transformed from a content creation initiative to a vibrant community where like-minded individuals connect and network. Hear firsthand how participation in Cisco Live enriches the experience, allowing for real-life connections and feedback on Cisco products and solutions. Despite the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, these dedicated champions share their independent insights and opinions about Cisco, influencing the company's perspective and future releases.

Tune in to learn more about the passion and commitment that drives the Cisco Champions and how they build a strong, supportive community. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the impact and future of the Cisco Champion program.

Cisco Champion hosts

Bill Burnam, Networking Engineer IV, Asurion

Micheline Murphy, Consulting Systems Engineer, WWT

Ben Story, Senior Network Security Engineer, RedEye Network Solutions LLC

Stew Goumans, Director of Community and Customer Engagement, Ekahau

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion

Emerging forms of wireless connectivity are growing in popularity as a new way to reach people in highly remote, rural, and difficult-to-reach locations. They are particularly important in getting sites connected more quickly. 5G and satellite internet offer crucial connectivity to businesses to deliver their offerings to more people in more places, though they lack sophisticated technologies to secure and optimize end-user experiences against disruptions, packet loss, latency, jitter, and cybersecurity incidents.

Learn how Catalyst SD-WAN enhances satellite internet by using embedded threat defense, intelligent application prioritization, and packet management capabilities to protect and optimize connectivity for smooth, secure, and reliable end-user performance.

Resources

https://community.cisco.com/t5/networking-knowledge-base/catalyst-sd-wan-quickstart-guide-for-using-starlink/ta-p/5112291

Cisco guests

Pratik Desai, Product Marketing Lead, Cisco Meraki

Jason Yang, Principal TME, Cisco

Cisco Champion Hosts

Ryan Harris, Sr. Network Engineer, BlueAlly

Dan Kelcher, Sr. Cisco Network Architect, BGSF

Sijbren Beukenkamp, Director/Owner, 2Corners

Peter Foppen, Technical Solutions Architect, Comstor Nederland

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion

Transform your network with a secure foundation that unlocks the power of automation, simplicity, and network insights to meet the demands of the future workplace. In this podcast, Cisco Champions and Cisco experts will dive into the transformative world of Cisco Catalyst 9600 Series modular innovations.

As the backbone of modern campus networks, the Cisco modular switching portfolio with Catalyst 9600 Series Switches are revolutionizing network infrastructure, accommodating the ever-growing demand for bandwidth and the rapid evolution of network technologies.

Join us as we discuss the industry trends and why organizations today choose to install modular switches in their campus network.

We will deep dive into the innovative features of the Catalyst 9600 Series, including the latest line card, 56YL4C, which offers high port density and supports a range of speeds, from 10G to 100G through the power of Cisco Silicon One. Additionally, we will explore the options for customers to migrate from the legacy Catalyst 6500/6800 Series install base to the next-generation Catalyst 9600 Series Switches. We will also delve into the switches' robust security.

Resources

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-9600-series-switches/guide-c07-742784.html

Cisco guests

Chandan Sarkar, Engineering Product Manager, Cisco

Kenny Lei, Technical Marketing Engineering Technical Leader, Cisco

Cisco Champion hosts

Pierre Besombes, Sr. Network Engineer, Technical Leader, Rakuten

Rickey Keith, Consulting Systems Engineer, WWT

Liam Keegan, Advisor

David Penaloza, Principal Engineer, Verizon

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program, Cisco

As a network engineer, you’re uniquely positioned with a solid foundation in networking and a head start toward the essential cybersecurity skills organizations expect. Now’s the time to leverage what you know and get the training and certification to secure your future and the networks you manage. Listen as Ryan Rose, Tech Training from Learning & Certifications shares the latest cybersecurity updates and resources that can help you and your staff be ready to face any cyber challenge.

Visit www.cisco.com/go/cybercerts

Resources

https://www.cisco.com/go/cybercerts

Cisco Guest:

Ryan Rose, Technical Training Director, Learning & Certifications

Cisco Champion hosts:

Jian Zou, Principal Network Architect, PKA Technologies, Inc.

Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect, The Walt Disney Company

Gustavo Leon, Sr. Project Manager, Process & Knowledge Management, Emerson

Moderator

Danielle, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program, Cisco

In this episode, our Cisco Champions dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI). From transforming industries to enhancing everyday experiences, AI is reshaping how we live and work. Join us as we discuss the current trends, breakthroughs, and potential challenges that come with integrating AI into various sectors, including IT, healthcare, finance, and beyond. Whether you're curious about how AI impacts business innovation or what it means for personal data privacy and security, this episode will provide valuable insights on the future of technology in a world powered by AI.

Cisco Champion hosts

Micheline Murphy, Consulting Systems Engineer, WWT

Girard Kavelines, Network/Security Engineer, Aqueduct Technologies, Inc.

David Macias, Independent Consultant

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program, Cisco

By combining the power of Cisco Networking Cloud, ThousandEyes Digital Experience Assurance, and Cisco's unmatched dataset, new innovations unlock proactive insights and automated operations across customers' entire digital ecosystem.

Marko Tisler, Group Product Manager with Cisco ThousandEyes, and the Cisco Champions will discuss new digital experience assurance capabilities announced on June 4 at Cisco Live, as well as dig deeper into the now generally available Cisco Secure Access Experience Insights, powered by ThousandEyes. By integrating ThousandEyes with Secure Access, IT and security teams now have full visibility into key components of the digital experience: device, network, and application. This means that both teams can manage and remotely troubleshoot end-to-end connectivity for critical applications and services, all in a single, easy-to-understand view that enables rapid root cause identification and resolution.

Resources

https://www.thousandeyes.com/integrations/cisco-secure-access-experience-insights

Cisco guest

Marko Tisler, Group Product Manager, Cisco ThousandEyes

Cisco Champion hosts

Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect, The Walt Disney Company

Sebastian Leuser, Solution Architect, Deutsche Telekom Geschäftskunden GmbH

Liam Keegan, Advisor

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program, Cisco

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into all the exciting details of the upcoming Webex One 2024 conference, Cisco's flagship event dedicated to hybrid work collaboration and AI innovation. Join us as we explore the key highlights, from inspirational keynote speeches by Fareed Zakaria and Erik Brynjolfsson to hands-on product demos and a bustling expo floor featuring Webex integrations and an AI hub.

Whether you're attending in person or virtually, we've got you covered. Learn about the customizable swag options, discover the must-see sessions, and get tips on how to navigate the agenda to maximize your experience. Plus, don't miss the chance to hear about the epic concert party featuring Alter Ego, the Canadian party band known for their electrifying two-hour sets with costume changes!

WebexOne 2024 promises an exciting, packed schedule from October 21 to 24, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, offering a unique mix of training programs, keynotes and breakouts, expo and product demos, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony. Tune in to get all the insights you need to make the most of this transformative event, whether you're attending live or catching up on- demand.

As a podcast listener, use this special discount code WX12024 at WebexOne.com to save hundreds on your ticket!

Resources

https://www.webexone.com/

Cisco guest:

Andrew Pearson, Director, Event Marketing, Cisco

Cisco Champion hosts:

David Macias, Independent Consultant

Ruth Duncan, Customer Success Manager, ScanSource

Rickey Keith, Consulting Systems Engineer, World Wide Technology

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program, Cisco

In this episode, we delve into the latest innovations in data center networking unveiled at Cisco Live US. Discover how Cisco is revolutionizing data center operations with new products and solutions aimed at simplifying operations, enhancing security, and ensuring a consistent user experience across various infrastructure architectures.

Join us as we explore Cisco Nexus Dashboard, a pivotal component that centralizes operations, automation, and management for data center networks. Learn how it provides a unified view to manage and configure ACI fabrics, NX-OS devices, and interconnect networks, delivering consistent outcomes across multiple locations. We'll discuss its simplified deployment options, switch-based licensing model, and integration of campus capabilities for better visibility and seamless connectivity.

Additionally, we'll cover Cisco's commitment to offering flexibility and choice with both Intel and AMD processors, and its focus on security, especially concerning AI workloads and secure communications. Tune in to understand how Cisco's agile, elastic, and cognitive solutions are driving businesses forward.

Learn more: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/networking/cloud-networking/index.html

Cisco guests

Murali Gandluru, Vice President of Product Management, Cisco

Lukas Krattiger, Cisco Fellow, Cisco Networking-DC Network & Provider Connectivity, Cisco

Cisco Champion hosts

Rita Younger, Practice Lead Data Center Networking, World Wide Technology

Rickey Keith, Consulting Systems Engineer, World Wide Technology

Michael Witte, Principal Solutions Architect, World Wide Technology

Liam Keegan, Advisor

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

Hearing and being heard is essential in effective collaboration, but with today’s distributed, hybrid workforce, challenges like background noise and network disruptions can result in poor communication.

With Webex, you can have crystal clear interactions despite poor network conditions or while in a noisy environment. The new Webex AI Codec (now available) brings generative AI-based enhancements that ensure outstanding voice quality for every call and meeting.

What we will cover:

-Fundamentals of modern digital voice communications

-Limitations of existing technology

-Webex AI Codec

-Pervasive AI across the Webex platform

Resources

https://www.webex.com/gp/webex-ai-codec.html

https://blog.webex.com/hybrid-work/next-level-audio-with-webex-ai-codec/

Cisco guests

Ashish Chotai, Director, Head of Product, Webex Media & AI

Cisco Champion hosts

Sebastian Leuser, Solution Architect, Deutsche Telekom

Sijbren Beukenkamp, Director, 3Corners

Jason Dave, Infrastructure and Security Director, AbelsonTaylor

Amr Nasher, Founder and Managing Director, Twaasol

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program, Cisco

In this episode, we explore the intersection of AI and our daily lives, posing questions that prompt introspection and discussion. Join us as we examine how AI has become seamlessly integrated into our routines, enhancing productivity and convenience.

We delve into the myriad of AI tools and applications that have revolutionized our day-to-day activities, inviting listeners to share their own experiences and insights. Moreover, we tackle the complex issue of privacy and security in the age of AI, pondering the trade-offs between convenience and safeguarding our personal data.

Throughout the episode, we examine the transformative potential of AI in shaping user experiences across various applications and services, debunking common misconceptions along the way.

Tune in to this engaging discussion with the Cisco Champions and expand your understanding of AI's profound impact on our lives.

Micheline Murphy, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheline-murphy-ba165b53/) Consulting Systems Engineer, WWT

Dan Sheldon, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sheldon/) Principal Solutions Architect, Prosimo.io

Jian Zou (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jian-zou-ccie/), Principal Network Architect, PKA Technologies, Inc.

David Macias (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmacias/), Contact Center Consultant, Square O

Moderator

Danielle, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program