In this episode, we continue the conversation on how AI is transforming the world of enterprise networking. You’ll hear how Cisco approached internal AI adoption with caution and clarity, including the importance of private LLM instances and avoiding shadow AI practices. The group also explores how education, governance, and secure tools are critical for protecting data and building trust in AI systems.

From prompt injection attacks to certification updates, the episode breaks down how Cisco is evolving its learning paths and certification programs (like CCNA, DevNet, and CCDE) to reflect the skills networking professionals need in an AI-driven future.

Whether you’re an entry-level learner or a seasoned network engineer, you’ll walk away with actionable guidance—and a clear call to get involved, experiment responsibly, and help shape the next era of enterprise networking.

In this two-part episode, we explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in enterprise networking—not just as a buzzword, but as a powerful tool for transformation.

Cisco experts: Joe Clarke, Distinguished Engineer; Kareem Iskander, Principal Engineer and Technical Advocacy Lead; and Hank Preston, Distinguished Architect, join host Matt Saunders, Community Manager for the Cisco Learning Network, is joined by three. Together, they dive into how AI is reshaping network automation, operations, and the skills needed to thrive in this new era.

The conversation covers foundational definitions of AI, the rise of agentic AI, and practical strategies for network engineers—whether you're writing scripts or not—to leverage AI as a tool for efficiency and insight.

AMA with Kareem on the Cisco Learning Network:

https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5Kd0000BkfcuLKQQ/ask-me-anything-ai

What exactly is agentic AI, how is it shaping enterprise networks, and what skills do you need to stay ahead in this new era of automation? Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Technical Advocate for Learn with Cisco Kareem Iskander dive into all of these topics as they ask, “What’s the Deal with Agentic AI?" You’ll hear real-world examples, insights from Cisco Live, and learn how agentic AI can help address challenges like configuration drift and network resiliency. Matt and Kareem also explore the human side of AI—why critical thinking, creativity, and accountability are more important than ever.

  

Ask Me Anything open forum featuring all things AI and Agentic AI for Enterprise Networking with Kareem:

https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5Kd0000BkfcuLKQQ/ask-me-anything-ai

Learn how Ethical Hackers think. Cisco’s new Certificate in Ethical Hacking is designed to teach just that, combining offensive security techniques with immersive Capture the Flag challenges that help learners validate their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

In this episode, Jozef Janitor, Product Manager with Cisco Networking Academy, joins Business Architecture Manager Garet Marling and Cisco U. Product Manager Kate Dignan to discuss the Ethical Hacker program with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift. Together, they break down how this certificate fits into a learner’s cybersecurity journey, what to expect from Cisco U., and how hands-on challenges like Capture the Flag: Operation SMB Exploit can help prepare you for a career in offensive security.

• Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking: https://www.netacad.com/courses/ethical-hacker?courseLang=en-US

• Capture the Flag: Operation SMB Exploit: https://u.cisco.com/challenges/capture-flag-operation-smb-exploit-26593

• Cisco Learning Network: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/certification/ethical-hacker

Listen in as we explore everything you need to know about the Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification – who this certification is for, the training that’s available, and how you can get started earning this certification. With the CCT or Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification, prove you have the skills to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites.

To learn more about this certification, please visit: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/cct

After getting laid off, Michael Bowden could have looked for a different job doing the same thing. Instead, he chose a career in networking, and never looked back. Listen in as Michael tells Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders about how he launched his career in the IT industry, became a Cisco Networking Academy instructor at the very same community college he studied at, and then started the “Debt Free in IT” video and audio podcast that you can subscribe to here: https://www.youtube.com/@debtfreeinitwmike/videos

Pursuing a career in tech can be challenging, especially when you’re not prioritizing your mental health. Senior Technical Advocate Jason Belk shares his insights with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift on building a successful career in network automation while learning to prioritize mental health. Drawing from his own journey, Jason offers practical advice on staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field and cultivating resilience in the face of challenges. Tune in to learn how to avoid burnout, ignite career inspiration, and discover strategies to achieve balance in both your personal and professional life.

Whats the deal with Purple Team? Find out how this Cybersecurity ideology helps improve both offensive and defensive effectiveness in this episode by hearing Cisco Technical Advocate Kyle Winters talk with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander about “What the Deal is” with Purple Team ideology. Get a foundational understanding of Purple Team, and find out what resources are available to you to learn more.

Cisco U. Capture the Flag Challenges: https://u.cisco.com/challenges

Get a fundamental understanding of how artificial intelligence has changed the Cybersecurity Threatscape, and how AI can be leveraged to defend against attacks in this episode with AI Solutions Engineer Dan Stacks and Enterprise Solutions Engineer John Cuneo. Dan and John sit down with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Rigo Villa to discuss network security from an artificial intelligence standpoint including AI empowered attacks, tools like Cisco Hypershield, and what kinds of practices and solutions companies will be leveraging in the future as artificial intelligence flourishes in the security space.

An announcement about updates to the Cisco Certified Design Expert or CCDE certification was made in June of 2024. Find out what’s changed about the CCDE Exam Topics from Exam Program Manager Mark Holm as he sits down with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders. Together, they discuss concepts like network optimization to meet the demands of a network due to heavy requests from things like artificial intelligence.