Megan Allen’s Post

**Trigger alert** overly sappy post ◡̈   The last year and a half have been nothing short of transformational. I became a first time leader, diving into the world of recruiting on Day 0 in order to fully staff our (incredible) team with a short ramp period before I went out on maternity leave to become a first time mother. I was a hesitant to even take this role.. In all honestly, I tried not to because I was filled with so much self-doubt driven by imposter syndrome. I was also concerned that the timing would render a potential disservice to my ramping team, leaving them without a leader so early into their tenure at Zscaler.   But, thankfully, I had the most incredible leaders that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Not only did they instill confidence in me while I learned by their example, but they led from the front with my work family while I was able to spend 4 months on leave caring for my "home team." Upon my return, every leader, peer and member of my team was gracious and understanding as my husband and I went through the trials and tribulations of our son adapting to daycare while I adjusted to my new role as a working mom. Though we've had some changes in regime at Zscaler, the most important thing has remained consistent: Every leader in this organization has leaned in to take considerable time in helping me to grow while investing in my team to help them shine. I could not be more thankful to work for and with some of the best professionals and, simply put, people in this business.   It's with bittersweet sentiment that I turn the page to a new chapter now, going back to my roots as an individual contributor. I am humbled by this opportunity to transition from leader to peer to my team, and I am energized by the prospect of this new challenge. Beyond all, I am so incredibly grateful for the lessons learned, for the fun times had, and for the profound growth that I experienced throughout this epoch. I owe it all to the work family that is Zscaler. #newbeginnings #workfamily #zscalerlife #leadership Tagging just a few key folks for their constant support & inspiration ♡ onto new chapters, LFG Jeff Lindley Brian Heili Mike Earnest David Goodmark R.C. Damle Brian Isaak Brian Wright Keith Mele Tony Apollo Trey Suter Jonathan Colby Noelle Ziegler Kaitlyn Terrell Rachel Jacob Brian DeSpain Sasan Rastegarlari - CISSP Taylor O'Boyle Kahini Chandriani Maria Alejandra Ali Cindy Binette Arne Diaz Curtis Newman Jarvis Homer

I share my insights from Zscaler #ZenithLive 2024 in this Forbes contribution

Happy Tuesday!! 😀 It's NATIONAL IT PROFESSIONALS DAY!! Annually on the third Tuesday in September, National IT Professionals Day honors the venerable geeks and awesome nerds of the world 🌎we all rely on to keep us connected. #ITProDay The IT (information technology) professional is the unsung hero of modern business. These under-appreciated wizzes tackle the obstacles that leave the rest of us scratching our heads. Whether it be desktops, laptops, mobile devices, applications, servers, networks, databases or cybersecurity, IT professionals keep business humming. However, there is often a lack of understanding by business leaders and end-users of the important role they play and the difficulties and complexities associated with modern IT. It’s also a great day for IT professionals to showcase their expertise. While they’re often solving computer and network issues, they also have a knack for developing and creating. Their insight into the technical universe brings numerous opportunities to individuals and businesses alike. If you tap into all their innovative knowledge, you might be surprised where it takes you. HOW TO OBSERVE IT PRO DAY: If you’re an end-user, simply say thank you to the IT professionals that make your life easier. You can also give them a shout out on social media. If you’re a business leader, in addition to saying thank you, also recognize and seek out the unique insight your IT professionals can provide in today’s always-on, always-connected world to help you make smart strategic business decisions. Recognizing the value of an IT professional will lead to a greater competitive advantage. Highlight their accomplishments, too. You might discover untapped potential if you do. IT professionals, share why you love what you do. Encourage others interested in the field. While you celebrate the day, include other IT professions. Host competition or propose a challenge. The winners get bragging rights until next year. 📲Share #ITProDay on Social Media to increase awareness of just how important our IT professionals are. NATIONAL IT PROFESSIONALS DAY HISTORY: Solarwinds, a provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, created National IT Professionals Day in March 2015. #nanetechllc #businesssolutions #technology #communication #telephonesystems #phonesystems #IT #AI #troubleshooting #upgrade #repair #microsoft #meta #huntsvillealabama #madisonalabama #toneyalabama #hazelgreenalabama #hamptoncovealabama

Today is my last day at Palo Alto Networks. I met and worked with so many amazing people in the Shared Services organization here at PANW. While working in the Shared Services organization, I enjoyed working every day, helping so many different people with their complex business needs. I helped automate multiple processes, saving manual work that many colleagues were performing every day. I helped create and continually update an attribution model for Sales Engineers, with so many different types of specialties and activites they may be involved with. I created a trend analysis of data that people didn't even think was possible to trend. The more complex the ask, the more I loved it. Unfortunately my position was effectively removed 4 months ago, and I was rolled up into a different department that did not prioritize the needs of stakeholders, by design. I lost creative freedom, and was no longer in a problem solving role. I tried to stick it out but I knew this was not for me. I'm not a drone, or cog in the machine. I need to be solving problems and developing solutions, not micro managed into how large a triangle needs to be in a chart. All of this was happening while those people I'd been helping over the prior years still needed assistance, but I was instructed to no longer assist them. I got stressed out, and it negatively affected my health and life at home. With no help from my employer on the matter, I had to resign for the sake of my mental and physical health. So I'll be taking a break to recover from this, and then try and find the right job. I'm hoping to land at a smaller company than PANW. I want to get back into that thought and data leadership role like what I was involved with at Validity, where my experience with Sales data and pipeline health, trend, and analysis can drive good behavior. It doesn't have to be Sales related, but that's where I think I provide the most value due to my experience at C9/Insidesales.com and that unique perspective I have utilizing historical data to inform current data. I can't wait to "wow" the next company I work for, but for now, a much needed break, then probably a brush up on the latest in data analysis/engineering/science over at datacamp.

🎉 Celebrating My First Anniversary at CyberCore Technologies! 🎉 Today marks a significant milestone in my career—my first year as a Cisco Consultant at CyberCore Technologies. Over the past year, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to grow professionally, tackle exciting challenges, and collaborate with an amazing team. Reflecting on this journey, here are a few key takeaways that have helped me thrive: Embrace Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest Cisco technologies and industry trends has been essential for my growth. Set New Goals: Continuously challenging myself with new objectives has kept me motivated and driven. Collaborate and Network: Engaging with my talented colleagues and sharing knowledge has been invaluable. Seek Feedback: Regular feedback has helped me improve and expand my skills and perspective. Maintain Balance: Striving for a healthy work-life balance has kept me energized and focused. A big thank you to my team at CyberCore Technologies for their support and encouragement. I’m excited about what the future holds and look forward to many more years of success and learning. #CyberCoreTechnologies #Anniversary #CiscoConsultant #ProfessionalGrowth #ContinuousLearning #TeamSuccess

Even after two-years, my network and people I talk to everyday on behalf of Nutanix ask me why I left my private executive search practice after so many years to join a global highly-matrixed organization. Being part of something bigger with a vested interest in fast-paced growth and working everyday with smart people that want to make a difference in a positive company culture. All the while still making big differences in people's lives per new and challenging career opportunities. Plus, it gets taxing working alone everyday! 🤯 #Nutanix #lifeatnutanix Nutanix Culture Values Hungry for Learning and Innovation: Nutanix fosters an environment where intellectual curiosity and a drive for continuous learning and innovation are celebrated. Employees are encouraged to explore new ideas, challenge the status quo, and push the boundaries of what's possible. Humble and Inclusive: Nutanix believes in the power of humility and inclusivity to foster a collaborative and engaging culture. The company values diversity of thought, background, and perspective, recognizing that every individual brings unique strengths and experiences to the table. Heartfelt Honesty: At Nutanix, honesty is not just about telling the truth but also about authenticity and sincerity. Employees are encouraged to communicate openly, respectfully, and transparently, building trust and fostering genuine connections within the organization. These cultural values reflect Nutanix's commitment to fostering a culture of learning, innovation, inclusivity, and honesty, which are essential for driving success and maintaining a positive work environment.

Navigating the Tech Turbulence: Cisco Layoffs and the Future of Work The news of Cisco's layoffs, the latest in a string of tech industry announcements, sparks crucial questions about the future of work. Is this a temporary blip or a sign of things to come? While AI and automation are transforming industries, the answer isn't always so clear-cut. Restructuring, market shifts, and a potential slowdown might also be at play. Join the conversation: Is the tech industry over-hired, or are there deeper forces at work? How can we prepare ourselves and our communities for this evolving landscape? Does AI pose a direct threat to jobs, or is it a more nuanced picture? Let's delve into the complexities and chart a path forward together. Share your thoughts in the comments! #techlayoffs #cisco #futureofwork #AI #automation #workforce #jobs #economy #discussion #tech #it #cybersecurity #networking https://yhoo.it/3UGzPkL

It's my one-year Cisco-versary this week. I want to express my deep gratitude to Ella Nevill and Jason Kello, who invited me to loop for a role on their team, and to the leaders—Faith Jennings, Robyn Jenkins Blum, Nancy Hwang, Maria Poveromo, and many others—who agreed to extend an offer to me, as well as to the team who has welcomed me with such open, enthusiastic arms. Thank you! I ran into someone at the ice-cream store the other day who said they were surprised that I was able to 'get a job' after so many years 'out of the workforce'; they remarked that 'so much has changed'... Yes, a lot has evolved in the corporate world over the last decade—agreed! However, when I had my second baby in 2014 and decided not to return to the corporate world due to the lack of flexibility for working from home or reduced hours, and instead chose to create my own company to have more control over my schedule, I don't think that was "leaving the workforce." The interesting thing is that this person didn't recognize that the entrepreneurial world moves very very quickly. Some might argue that it moves faster. Especially in tech and communications. As an entrepreneur, I experienced firsthand what it's like to be an enterprise customer purchasing tech. I sat in the CEO's chair, understanding the complexities of running a company. I donned the sales hat and sold subscriptions. I created and built a brand from scratch. I witnessed revenue streaming in from something I invented. So. Much. Fun. So. Humbling. My successful re-attunement to life in the corporate world is only because of the awesome team mates, mentors and friends throughout the company guiding, listening to and encouraging me. I couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity to be #wearecisco ; for the team taking a risk in hiring someone who might be perceived as 'out of the workforce' for so long.

My last post about Starent Networks https://lnkd.in/dNpDaxtn garnered around 13k impressions. Wow. Never thought of this. This shows how very well we are connected with the Love for Starent Networks. Many people shared the same sentiments with me personally DM, WhatApp, Call etc. Kudos to all Starent Alumni and proud to be part of it. When news of today's new age Startups even failed to pay the salaries to its employees, firing hundreds of employees after raising an A/B/C series round or even after signing celebrities for Multi Million $ deals surfaces, this led to writing about Best HR policies that CISCO Systems offers. Smooth On-Boarding: Starent was somewhat 140th acquisition of Cisco, but it took almost 1 year for completing all formalities of On-Boarding. But no hindrance to Business, Clients, scheduled Releases etc. Learning: With CISCO, it opened a plethora of opportunities internally. Many people moved horizontally to work in areas of interest in different BUs. Training for certifications like CCNA, CCIE became norms. WFH: Word became synonymous with pandemic, but flexible work hours was tradition in CISCO long back. Layoffs: When you have a big conglomerate to operate, mass layoffs are bound to happen. Not due to personal evaluation. It's not layoff, but the way it gets handled is important. 5months severance package, 6+ months something job assistant (AON Hewitt), Recommending your best talent to your competitor, 1 year continuing health insurance, ESOPs, ESPP settlements, Re-apply after 6 months cool-off period to name a few. No wonder CISCO has best HR practises in Industry. P.S. I left CISCO in Nov 2014 to pursue my personal interests. Some facts/names could vary today. Though I never got a chance to work with other big names, I could relate it with friends/colleagues experiences. #cisco #hrpolicies Cisco

✨ At Cisco, Some of Our Best Benefits Are Felt, Not Seen ✨ We're proud to talk about our competitive salaries and robust health plans, but let's shine a light on the benefits you can't see—the ones that truly make #LifeAtCisco unique: 🧠 Growth Mindset: Embrace learning with our continuous education programs and diverse career paths. #AlwaysEvolving 💡 Innovation Hours: Weekly time to explore new ideas, because we know that's where the next breakthrough begins. #InnovateToElevate 🌐 Community Connection: Collaborate with brilliant minds across our US Public Sector Team. From our SLED Teams to our Federal Civilian Teams to our DoD/Intel Teams, our doors are always open. #BorderlessCollaboration 🎗️ Give Back: Our culture of caring means paid volunteer days to support the causes you're passionate about. #CiscoCares 🤗 Inclusive Community: Feel the warmth of an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and promotes belonging. #TogetherWeThrive 🧘Work-Life Harmony: Flexibility is our forte, ensuring you find the perfect rhythm between work and play. #LifeOnYourTerms #Cisco #WeAreCisco #CiscoUSPublicSector