Cisco Live 2025 Recap

Cisco Live Day 1

AI as the Core Theme
AI dominated discussions at Cisco Live, influencing infrastructure, security, and user experience. In the keynote, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins and SVP & CIO Fletcher Previn emphasized AI as a transformative force for businesses. They stressed the need to:

• Modernize IT infrastructure to support AI.
• Strengthening security frameworks for safe AI adoption.
• Upskill and retool talent to meet AI-driven demands.
  These steps are complex and costly but essential for staying competitive.

Webex: A Standout Performer
I attended a session on Cisco’s Webex and Contact Center strategy, which highlighted AI-driven enhancements in functionality, automation, and user experience. Webex is thriving in sales and stands out as the market’s top collaboration tool, with continuous improvements making it even more robust.

Key Customer Takeaways
What’s your AI strategy? Are you preparing your infrastructure, workforce, and security for AI?

Cisco Live Day 2: Key Highlights and Strategic Insights

Day two of Cisco Live expanded on the momentum from day one, focusing on product innovation, customer success, and Cisco’s vision for leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.

Key Themes

• AI as a Foundation: Cisco emphasized AI as a core component, simplifying complex environments, automating decisions, and accelerating outcomes through AI-native platforms.
• Full-Stack Observability: Unified visibility across hybrid and multi-cloud environments enhances performance and reduces risk.
• Comprehensive Security: Cisco is strengthening end-to-end security—from endpoint to edge to cloud—using AI-driven analytics and threat intelligence.

Product Announcements & Innovations

1. AI-Native Networking: New Catalyst 9300-M and 9400-M switches, optimized for modern workloads, telemetry, and scalable security policy enforcement.
2. Cisco Secure Access: Enhanced Zero Trust access for seamless hybrid work and cloud adoption.
3. Hypershield Expansion: Advanced security segmentation and real-time threat detection, simplified for data centers and cloud.
4. Splunk Integration: Initial integrations with Splunk to boost real-time data analytics for SecOps and ITOps.
5. AI Assistant for Security: A conversational AI assistant in XDR and Secure Access platforms for faster threat triage and resolution.

Strategic Insights

• Platform-Centric Approach: Cisco’s focus on integrated platforms (networking, security, observability, collaboration) aims to deliver scalable, lasting customer value.
• Security as a Growth Driver: Cisco’s security business is poised to be a major contributor to annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth.
• Partner Ecosystem: Co-innovation and lifecycle adoption with partners will drive solution delivery and service opportunities.
• AI-Driven Workforce Development: Expanded training and certifications in AI and security to support IT professionals in new operating models.

Key Takeaway

Cisco’s strategy centers on AI, security, and full-stack platforms!

Cisco Live Day 3: Executing AI, Security, and Platform Strategies

Day 3 at Cisco Live focused on how customers and partners implement AI, security, and platform strategies. Through real-world examples and technical sessions, Cisco reinforced its role as a platform-driven company delivering secure, AI-ready infrastructure and measurable business outcomes.

Key Themes

• Customer-Led Innovation: Leaders in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing demonstrated how Cisco’s solutions drive automation, visibility, and resilience to address industry challenges.
• Ecosystem Advantage: Cisco’s focus on lifecycle selling, managed services, and partner co-delivery creates opportunities for value-driven collaborations.
• Security & Observability: Integrated solutions like XDR, Secure Access, and Splunk strengthen defenses across hybrid environments.

Highlights & Announcements

• Customer Case Studies: Showcased Catalyst, Meraki, AppDynamics, and Secure Access in practical applications.
• AI Readiness Tools: Launched to help customers evaluate and modernize their infrastructure.
• Security + Splunk Sessions: Highlighted how analytics accelerates threat detection and response.

Leadership Insight: Harnessing Headwinds

A standout session, “Harnessing Headwinds: Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit,” was led by Colonel Nicole Malachowski, the first woman to fly with the Thunderbirds. Drawing from her fighter pilot experience, she shared that true leadership is forged in adversity. Key takeaways:

• Resilience means embracing discomfort and leading through challenges.
• Lift others during turbulent times.

Her message resonates as we navigate industry shifts, AI disruption, and customer transformations. Search for Nicole Malachowski on YouTube or visit her website for more inspiration.

Final Takeaway

Cisco’s vision is clear: a security-first, AI-native, platform-driven, and partner-led approach.

Cisco Live Day 4: Shaping the Future with AI, Security, and Leadership

Day 4 of Cisco Live 2025 tied together innovation, security, AI, and leadership, delivering a clear message: the future is now, and we’re co-pilots in building it.

Day 4 Highlights

• Vision for the Future: Keynotes showcased Cisco’s focus on AI-native infrastructure, full-stack observability, and integrated security, all unified in a seamless platform experience.
• Customer and Partner Success: Emphasis on driving customer outcomes and the critical role of partners in adoption, services, and lifecycle value.
• Clear Next Steps: Calls to action included assessing AI readiness, securing environments end-to-end, and modernizing with simplicity and speed.

Leadership Track: Building Resilient Leaders

The Leadership Track complemented technical insights with lessons on adaptive leadership. A standout session, “Harnessing Headwinds: Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit,” led by Colonel Nicole Malachowski, highlighted:

Leadership is forged in challenge, not comfort.

Drawing from her trailblazing career, she emphasized embracing uncertainty, uplifting others, and staying purpose driven. Other sessions reinforced:

• Adapting to AI-driven disruption
• Fostering a growth mindset for tech transformation
• Investing in people and partnerships

The track underscored that while technology is vital, courageous and connected leadership drives true impact.

Key Takeaways

• Cisco’s Strategy: Committed to AI, security, and platform unification, with integrations like Splunk and a partner-first approach.
• Our Role: Guide transformation, simplify complexity, and lead with confidence to stand out in the industry.
• Final Thought: Cisco Live showed not just where the industry is headed, but who will lead it. Let’s step up.

Cisco Live 2025: Conclusion

Over four transformative days, Cisco Live 2025 ignited a shared vision for the future, uniting innovation, AI, security, and leadership. From unveiling AI-native solutions to empowering partners and customers, the event charted a clear path forward. The Leadership Track inspired us to navigate challenges with resilience and purpose. As we leave, we’re not just equipped with tools and strategies—we’re ready to co-pilot the industry’s evolution, driving impact with confidence and clarity.

Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI), founded in 1989 is a Managed Services and Cisco Gold Provider demonstrating advanced competencies across Cisco's solutions, including networking, security, collaboration, and data center technologies. This designation reflects NSI's commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality services backed by Cisco’s latest technology and best practices, ensuring that customers receive expert guidance and support for their implementations.

To learn more about Network Solutions or our NSI ADVANCE Managed Services, including 

• Secure Network (managed network)
• Secure User (managed security)
• Managed Cisco XDR (Extended Detection and Response)
• Everyone Connected (managed collaboration)