In this episode, Cisco’s Chief Strategy Officer Ammar Maraqa joins host Kaihan Krippendorff to discuss how one of the world’s largest technology companies is evolving its strategy to lead the next wave of AI and digital infrastructure.
From building AI-ready data centers to fostering intrapreneurship through Outshift, Cisco is reimagining how strategy, innovation, and execution come together. Ammar shares lessons from his experience leading Cisco’s strategy organization and shaping its innovation portfolio across build, buy, partner, and incubate pathways.
Topics Covered
Cisco’s strategy for the AI and digital infrastructure era
How the Strategy Office connects long-term vision with execution
Building AI-ready data centers and enabling digital resilience
The meaning of agentic AI and its impact on enterprise productivity
How Cisco’s Outshift incubator drives internal innovation
Cisco’s approach to build, buy, partner, and incubate innovation
The difference between a “push” and “pull” model in corporate strategy teams
Why resource allocation is the truest test of strategic clarity
Key Quotes
“We’re helping customers build AI-ready data centers — the infrastructure that will power the next generation of digital workers and intelligent systems.”
“Cisco has always viewed the startup ecosystem as an extension of our own R&D. We don’t have a monopoly on good ideas.”
“A successful strategy team isn’t the strategy police. It’s when people across the business pull you in because of the value you bring.”
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