A Journey of Collaboration and Impact
In this blog
Empowering New Associates with Cisco!
The Partner of the Month series is part of the WWT Associate Academy program; it is designed to help new associates build knowledge and confidence. For October, Cisco took the spotlight, hosting a month-long series of enablement sessions that introduced our newest team members to Cisco's capabilities, solutions, and strategies for driving impactful collaboration.
A Unique Opportunity for Early-in-Career Engagement
One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the chance to connect early-career professionals with OEM partners who bring decades of wisdom and experience. The Associate Academy creates these opportunities, intentionally giving us direct access to leaders, including Glennis Walker and Patrick Pinkley, who can enlighten us with insights that go beyond technical knowledge.
This wasn't just about learning Cisco's portfolio; it was about understanding the bigger picture of partnership, profitability, and personal growth. For those early in their careers, these conversations offered a rare chance to ask questions, compare experiences, and learn from experts who have navigated the complexities of the industry for years.
Cisco's Channel-First Commitment
Cisco's commitment to collaboration is undeniable. With most bookings flowing through its ecosystem, Cisco doesn't just work alongside others; it succeeds because of strong relationships. This channel-first mindset is deeply ingrained in its culture, fostering open conversations about what matters most: how we work together, how we deliver value, and how we help customers thrive in a competitive landscape.
The sessions encouraged active dialogue through the sharing of experiences, the asking of questions, and the shaping of the conversation. The focus was clear: equip team members to become stronger collaborators and trusted advisors who can solve real business and technology challenges. With new leadership and a renewed emphasis on driving profitability and innovation, Cisco is doubling down on collaboration to ensure that organizations have the tools and support they need to deliver outcomes that matter.
Profitability and Integration: The Core of Partner Success
Profitability emerged as a recurring theme. Partners were reminded that success hinges on making money and integrating solutions effectively. Practical strategies included gaining attention from Cisco sellers, leveraging Deal Registration to drive profitability, and showcasing WWT's unique value-added offerings in competitive markets.
Cisco's Black Belt training program was highlighted as a powerful resource for deepening technical expertise and accelerating success. As a prerequisite and requirement for the Academy program, all associates completed this training. The takeaway? Technical depth must be paired with business acumen. Whether you're a seller or an engineer, understanding customer goals is key to driving impact.
The Human Side of Technology: Trust and Relevance
One of the most powerful moments came when the conversation shifted from technology to trust. Industry veteran Pat Bodin shared a perspective that resonated deeply:
"Relevance comes from impacting people, not just performing tasks."
That single line reframed how many of us think about our roles. Technology is powerful, but without human connection, it's just code and cables. The discussions explored why trust within teams is essential, how empathy and active listening can transform client interactions, and why adaptability, the ability to shift from deep domain expertise to cross-domain skills, is the ultimate superpower.
Cisco reinforced its mission of secure connectivity across diverse environments and showcased tools like Splunk, which delivers enhanced observability and security for complex infrastructures. These weren't just theoretical conversations; they were actionable. From following up on strategic deals to leveraging resources, as Pat Bodin's Get in the Boat, attendees left with practical steps to apply in practice. The book's core message, that success happens when everyone rows in the same direction, perfectly captured the spirit of collaboration that defined these conversations.
Why This Matters for WWT Partners
Ultimately, these conversations reminded us that success in technology isn't just about solving problems; it's about creating impact through relationships, trust, and alignment. For WWT, this isn't a new lesson; it's the foundation of our decades-long partnership with Cisco.
Our relationship with Cisco is more than transactional; it's a true coexistence built on shared goals and mutual respect. Together, we've navigated industry shifts, embraced innovation, and delivered transformative solutions that empower businesses and communities worldwide. This strength matters because in an industry defined by rapid change, stability and trust are what enable progress.
As Cisco doubles down on partner profitability and collaboration, WWT stands ready to amplify that vision. Our alliance ensures customers benefit from the best of both worlds: Cisco's cutting-edge technology and WWT's ability to integrate, optimize, and deliver outcomes that matter. This partnership isn't just important to us, it's vital to the industry. It sets the standard for how OEMs and integrators can collaborate to drive sustainable growth and achieve meaningful impact.
The future of tech will be written by those who collaborate deeply, innovate boldly, and never lose sight of the people behind the solutions. For WWT and Cisco, that future is already in motion, and we're just getting started.
About the Authors:
Hi! I'm Iris Rosenblatt, a Technical Associate at WWT's Associate Academy based in Houston, proud to be part of the team since July 2025. Before joining WWT, I studied Biology with a Minor in Public Health at the University of Houston, and now I'm excited to grow in the tech industry through hands-on experiences and collaboration. My goal is simple: keep learning, build strong relationships, and contribute to projects that push the boundaries of technology.
Outside of work, you'll find me training for my next race, exploring new coffee shops, or spending time with my three Collies. As a proud Coog, I'm thrilled that college basketball season is underway!
I'm Mannat Sharma, a Technical Associate at the Associate Academy at World Wide Technology (WWT). I'm also pursuing my bachelor's degree in computer science. I'm passionate about bridging the gap between people and technology through collaboration and continuous learning. Being part of the Associate Academy has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I'm proud to be growing alongside such a talented and driven community.
I'm especially interested in how emerging technologies can solve real-world problems and improve everyday experiences. Outside of work and academics, I enjoy reading and following sports, always curious about how innovation shapes both the digital and real-world arenas.