We’re closing out our first season with a Silicon Valley trailblazer: Denise Peck. 

With over 30 years of experience in Silicon Valley, from Sun Microsystems before its IPO to her tenure as a Vice President at Cisco, Denise has navigated some of the most transformative eras in tech. Whether scaling global operations or representing Cisco in her birthplace of Shanghai during the World Expo, her journey is a masterclass in cross-cultural leadership.

A few takeaways that stayed with us:

1. Curiosity as a Career Throughline: Denise shares how growing up in a Chinese-American household and studying in France shaped her "puzzle piece" approach, observing cultures with humility before drawing conclusions.
2. The Power of the Non-Linear Path: Your career doesn’t need a straight line. Denise built a diverse portfolio across marketing, IR, and operations by saying "yes" to roles outside her expertise and focusing on the value she could provide.
3. Calculated Risks & Integrity: A standout story on the courage required to escalate a decision when it’s the right thing for the company, even when it involves personal professional risk.
4. Listen Before You Lead: Whether navigating hierarchies in China or building global teams, success depends on understanding local context and adapting your leadership style accordingly.

For anyone thinking about building an international career, or simply curious about the evolution of Silicon Valley and global tech, this episode is for you.

A big thank you to Denise for sharing your journey! 

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