At Cisco, we often talk about the power of collaboration and connectivity.
My experience volunteering at Mix 92.6, a community radio station, has shown me first-hand how the spirit of collaboration brings communities together and transforms lives, including my own.
Mix 92.6 is a community radio station nestled in the heart of St. Albans, Hertfordshire, U.K. It serves as a beacon of connection and empowerment.
When I first stepped into the studios several years ago, at the encouragement of the Cisco Leadership Pipeline Training Program I was part of at the time, I was struck by the passion and dedication of the volunteers who keep it running.
The station's mission is clear: To enhance the daily lives of all sections of the community in our area by providing news, information, and entertainment, sharing local stories, and fostering a sense of belonging among residents.
Just as we at Cisco harness technology to foster collaboration, Mix 92.6 uses the airwaves to bring people together, creating a shared space for voices to be heard.
My role at Mix 92.6 started as a local news reporter and evolved into presenter, engineering support, and eventually, Board Director.
We also implemented broadcast-from-home capabilities, expanded our coverage area, and rebranded during my time volunteering with the station.
Just as in my role at Cisco, where I collaborate with colleagues from different departments to deliver innovative collaboration solutions for customers, I found myself working in a dynamic team at Mix 92.6, striving to create engaging content, coordinate interviews, and support the station's day-to-day operations, connecting with residents in the community.
My skills from my Cisco role really helped during COVID when we had to transition to digital tools, including Webex for meetings, interviews, and producing shows.
Volunteering at Mix 92.6 has been a transformative experience in my life, both personally and professionally.
The skills I've honed through my work at the station have proven invaluable in my role as lead of the Collaboration Demo Practice at Cisco.
Motivating volunteers is different from employees, but still requires understanding individual needs and passions to get the best results.
Volunteering has expanded my network, connecting me with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Whether it's education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or something else entirely, there's a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests.
Leverage Your Skills: My experience in Collaboration at Cisco has proven valuable at Mix 92.6.
You may find your current skills well-suited for the opportunity, have acquired skills you can reawaken, or even have hidden talents waiting to be discovered.
Make Time for Giving: It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work that volunteer time slips away.
It's such a part of our culture that we're encouraged to give back with initiatives like the Time2Give program, which provides 80 hours of paid time off in addition to our regular paid time off for volunteering.
Embrace the Journey: Volunteering is not a one-way street.
This Cyber News was published on feedpress.me. Publication date: Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:13:05 +0000