Falguni Desai ─ a seasoned business leader who thrives on building teams, operationalize programs, and driving inclusion and diversity through collaboration...

Mar 30

March 30, 2021 • 3 Minute Read

Are you looking for a business leader who thrives on building teams, operationalize programs, and drive inclusion and diversity through collaboration? We know the person — Falguni Desai!

Falguni is a business leader with over 25 years of experience who thrives on helping teams build trusting relationships, operationalize programs and processes, and drive inclusion and diversity through collaboration. She is currently in the inevitable position of being on “sabbatical”, and recharging herself before announcing what’s next in her career! At night, Falguni loves cooking, eating & reading new recipes in the kitchen with her family, exploring new cities by foot and volunteering with causes close to her heart.

Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman, Falguni Desai!

Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.

Fun Facts

1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I have always been an avid walker and explorer. What got me into loving that was at university in England. My friends and I did a weekend walkathon that started at 8PM on Friday and we walked and fundraised through noon on Sunday.

2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I flew 10,000 miles. I also took many near and far vacations with my family and colleagues, which I hope the future will bring again soon.

3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Escargot in Paris, France (snails are adventurous!).

Your Career

4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?

My first experience was early in my career, and was my first onsite customer assignment where I experienced “the day in the life” of a customer site. This experience taught me that success with clients and customers will only be as strong as the success of the relationship - through each of my career paths, I carry this experience of building rapport.
I led a high profile supplier appreciation event at Levi’s Stadium for Cisco where we brought in 450+ Cisco’s suppliers to showcase and appreciate the partnerships across the company. As the program lead from strategy to execution, this project allowed me to grow as a person and leader.

5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
When I first joined Cisco, I was fortunate to have a mentor who taught me two things that have guided me through my career — 1) to always listen to the customer and pay attention to the details and the facts and 2) get comfortable in my own shoes — know who I am, what I can bring to the table and how I can be valuable player for whatever project I am working on.

Walking In Your Shoes

6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
To be honest and bold in how you approach your work and take risks.

7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I love being a mentor and guide for people early in their careers through joining resource groups, being available as a resource through network building events, allowing people to reach out to me and continuing to provide guidance when they need it. I know how much I valued and continue to value mentorship, and hope to always provide that.

Today’s Business Environment

8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
I have been very involved in leading diversity and inclusion projects. For the past 5 years, I have led the CSO Women’s Event and the global sponsorship of the Cisco’s annual Women of Impact Event. Both events showcase prominent female leaders, foster educational speaking engagements for both young and tenured employees and create opportunities to continue to build an inclusive culture.

9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Continuing to strengthen my interpersonal and technology application skills.

10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Providing a working environment that is agile and inclusive.