Cisco Champion Radio

The tech landscape never stops evolving — and neither does Cisco's commitment to keeping IT professionals ahead of the curve. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive deep into the latest updates to the Cisco Certification Portfolio, designed to better align with the skills, roles, and technologies shaping the future of networking. Join us as we unpack what’s new across key domains — from DevNet’s expanded focus on automation and programmability, to Cybersecurity certifications that reflect today’s threat landscape, to innovations in Collaborationand Data Center tracks that mirror real-world infrastructure demands. Whether you're just starting out, looking to upskill, or guiding your team’s learning journey, this conversation will give you insider insights into how these updates can support your career path and help you stay competitive in an ever-changing industry. No buzzwords. No fluff. Just real talk from Champions and Cisco experts who live this stuff every day. Resources Rev Up: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5Kd0000BSI6CwKQL/-learn-and-earn-up-to-45-continuing-education-ce-credits-with-the-latest-rev-up-to-recert-bonus-launching-today-?ccid=revup-bonus25&dtid=web&oid=champions-podcast DevNet Sandboxes: https://developer.cisco.com/site/sandbox/ Certification Roadmaps: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/cisco-certification-roadmaps?ccid=revup-bonus25&dtid=web&oid=champions-podcast CML: https://developer.cisco.com/docs/modeling-labs/ Cisco guest Mubasher Nawaz, Cisco Certification Portfolio Manager for Learn, Cisco Cisco Champion hosts Liam Keegan, Advisor David Penaloza, Assoc. Director – LAN Network Architecture, Novartis Andreas Baekdahl, Senior DevNet Architect, Wingmen Solutions Elliot Dierksen, Distinguished Engineer, Greyson Technologies Inc. Moderator Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

Join us to explore the exciting evolution of Cisco AI PODs. We're expanding beyond inferencing to offer designs for training and hybrid workloads, incorporating key integrations that we'll discuss. At the heart of this is a modular, fabric-centric architecture, designed to scale seamlessly from small deployments to massive clusters while ensuring a secure and compliant environment for your AI. You won’t want to miss our discussion of how the present and future of a fundamental building block of Cisco’s Secure AI Factory will enable you to confidently deploy AI in your enterprise. Resources https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/artificial-intelligence/infrastructure/ai-pods.html Cisco guest John Cuneo, AI Solutions Engineer, Cisco Cisco Champion hosts Mark Sibering, Expert Director, Devoteam Rickey Keith, Consulting Systems Engineer, World Wide Technology Amr Nasher, Founder and CEO, Twaasol Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect - Studios, The Walt Disney Company Moderator Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how Cisco XDR (Extended Detection and Response) is transforming cybersecurity through automation and seamless integration with leading security tools. Our experts break down how Cisco XDR reduces alert fatigue, automates incident handling, and streamlines workflows to enhance security operations. We also discuss how automation rules in XDR help prioritize incidents, integrate with tools like Splunk and CrowdStrike, and bridge the skill gap between junior and senior analysts. While there’s a learning curve, understanding basic programming and authentication concepts can help security professionals unlock the full potential of automation. Want to see Cisco XDR in action? Learn how to start with DCloud instant demos or hands-on labs at DevNet (developer.cisco.com). Whether you're looking to improve efficiency, reduce manual tasks, or enhance threat detection, this episode is packed with insights to help you leverage automation for stronger security. Resources https://developer.cisco.com/docs/cisco-xdr Cisco guest Christopher Van Der Made, Engineering Product Management Leader, Cisco XDR Cisco Champion hosts Marc Luescher, Sr. Solution Architect, AWS Gert-Jan de Boer, Network Archeologist, aaZoo Network Solutions Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect, Disney Nate Haleen, DevOps Technical Lead, Procellis Technology Inc Moderator Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into Cisco's groundbreaking efforts to simplify network architecture and streamline the future of networking. The discussion focuses on the evolution of network design, from the collapse of transponders into routers in routed optical networking to the benefits of adopting coherent optics and segment routing. We explore how Cisco's Crosswork automation solutions are driving efficiency in network management with features like multi-vendor support and automation for inventory, service provisioning, and assurance. Cisco's revolutionary Silicon One is also highlighted, showcasing its ability to reduce cost, footprint, and chip variants while enabling seamless integration of new functionality across networks. In addition, we look at the platform Cisco offers for hosting apps on iOS XR devices, including advanced security features like Edge Protect for DDoS mitigation, and how AI-driven traffic decisions are shaping the future of network performance. Resources: For more information, click here: o Cisco Agile Services Networking: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/service-provider/networking/agile-services/index.html o Cisco Routed Optical Networking: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/routed-optical-networking/index.html o Cisco Crosswork Network Automation: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/networking/software/crosswork-network-automation/index.html Customer Stories: o Swisscom adoption on Agile Services Networking: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/service-provider/networking/agile-services/index o Colt adoption on Agile Services Networking – Video: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/service-provider/networking/agile-services/index.html?socialshare=colt . Case Study: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/about/case-studies-customer-stories/colt-technology.html Cisco guest: Andy Schutz, VP Product Management, Cisco Cisco Champions Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect, The Walt Disney Liam Keegan, CTO, Rio Bravo Systems Alexander Deca, Principal Network Engineer, NTT Piere Besombes, Senior Network Engineer, Tech Leader, Rakuten

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into the transformative role of AI in networking and how it can accelerate career growth. Our experts discuss the essential AI skills for network engineers, the practical applications of AI in daily tasks, and the importance of verifying AI-generated insights. We also explore the Cisco U learning path on AI solutions, which is free from February 7 to March 24, offering 34 CEE credits and hands-on labs to help professionals integrate AI into networking. Plus, we highlight additional learning resources, including the DCAIE learning path, Cisco Networking Academy, and free tutorials available at Cisco U. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode provides valuable insights into how AI can enhance—not replace—human expertise in networking. Tune in to discover how you can stay ahead in this evolving field! Resources Free AI tutorials at Cisco U: https://u.cisco.com/search/tutorial?query=ai%20tutorials AI courses at Cisco Networking Academy: https://www.netacad.com/catalogs/learn?search=ai Cisco guest Ahmed Moftah, Training Manager/Instructor/CCSI Proctor, Cisco Cisco Champion hosts Kenny Paula, Information Security Professional - College Instructor Jonathan Mahady, Principal Cloud & Infrastructure Technical Integration, BHP Gustavo Leon Delgado, process & Knowledge Management - Sr. Manager, Emerson Moderator Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program