The Power of Upskilling: Embracing Diversity and Cybersecurity in Tech
Fran Katsoudas of Cisco discusses the impact of upskilling through free training programs, embracing alternative education models, and the importance of diversity and cybersecurity in the tech industry.
00:00:00 Fran Katsoudas, the Executive Vice President of Cisco, discusses how Cisco's networking academies have been successful in upskilling individuals in technology globally, providing opportunities and addressing societal challenges.
🌍 Cisco has networking academies worldwide to provide opportunities in technology for high school students and those who cannot afford college.
💼 Cisco's focus is on upskilling and helping nations address their upskilling challenges using technology.
🔄 Investing in new infrastructure and technology allows for strategic leaps, addressing societal problems and providing opportunities.
00:02:48 Cisco's Fran Katsoudas discusses the impact of free training programs on upskilling individuals and how it can benefit countries and companies. She also talks about the need to disrupt the traditional four-year college education model and embrace alternative tracks for skills sharing.
📚 Cisco has trained 17.5 million students in 25 years.
🌍 Education efforts have been focused on Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the United States.
🔒 Training in security skills creates opportunities for individuals and benefits countries and companies.
🎓 There is a need to disrupt traditional four-year college education and provide alternative credentialing options.
🌟 COVID-19 has accelerated the shift away from the necessity of a four-year degree.
00:05:37 The importance of skills over degrees and the potential for digitization in developing countries. The dual uses of technology and the need for government regulation.
📚 Certifications have become more valuable than degrees in the field of security.
🌍 Digitization allows countries to leapfrog in terms of technological advancements.
💡 Advances in technology have dual uses and governments need to regulate them.
00:08:27 Cisco's Fran Katsoudas discusses the importance of cybersecurity and the need to share information. She also emphasizes the need for diversity and transparency in the tech sector.
🔒 Sharing information on cyber security incidents and the need for early detection.
🔑 Importance of communication and sharing in order to learn and improve in the technology industry.
👩💻 The push for gender equality and diversity in the tech sector through transparency and mentorship.
00:11:17 Cisco's Fran Katsoudas discusses the importance of diversity in the tech industry and the need for specific goals in ESG.
🚀 Creating an inclusive environment in the tech industry is crucial for women's empowerment.
🌍 ESG discussions should focus on specific goals and metrics to drive positive change.
💼 The social aspect of ESG is contentious, but Cisco believes it can lead to competitive advantage and diversity.
00:14:07 Cisco's Fran Katsoudas discusses the importance of inclusion, diversity, and access in addressing the digital divide. Also, the lessons learned from UAE's focus on education in bringing more people into science.
🌐 Inclusion and access are key aspects of addressing the digital divide for companies like Cisco.
💼 Diversity, hiring process inclusivity, and pay parity are important factors in strengthening companies in the long term.
🌍 The UAE's focus on education and big breakthroughs in science can serve as inspiration for bringing more people into STEM fields.
00:16:54 Fran Katsoudas discusses the importance of connecting education to opportunities and retaining talent in countries. She also highlights the use of apprenticeships in keeping talent within the country.
⭐ The challenge of brain drain among highly skilled individuals and the importance of incentivizing them to stay in their countries.
🌍 Cisco's efforts in driving a digital agenda in various countries to improve access to healthcare and education.
👥 The potential of linking education programs to apprenticeships as a way to retain talent within countries.
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