Cisco Poland Superheroes is a series of brief interviews highlighting remarkable talents of Cisco Poland employees, or what we fondly refer to as their “superpowers”. These superpowers encompass the extraordinary endeavors they pursue beyond their everyday roles at Cisco, illustrating how they embody our Purpose to “Power an Inclusive Future for All.” Our next Superhero featured in the series is Adriana Lisowska, Business Operations Manager at our Krakow office. Read her story and learn more about her superpowers!
Anna Comber: What is your superpower?
Adriana Lisowska: My superpower is the ability to rally people together for a noble cause—engaging them in acts of kindness and service that benefit our local society. I’ve been fortunate to work at Cisco, a company that not only supports but encourages us to extend our good fortune to those less privileged. This philosophy resonates deeply with me and fuels my drive to make a difference.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of organizing various activities that leverage the enthusiasm and skills of Cisco volunteers. One of the most impactful has been leading our team to refurbish the University Children Hospital in Krakow-Prokocim. Thanks to the efforts of more than 100 employees, we’ve successfully renovated around 12 examination rooms and 32 benches, creating a more comforting and inviting environment for the young patients.
But we didn’t stop at physical improvements. Our commitment to the hospital includes a significant contribution to its IT infrastructure. By donating essential WiFi equipment, we’ve effectively catalyzed an IT revolution, covering the most important parts of the hospital and profoundly improving its services and patient care.
Beyond infrastructure, we’ve also initiated and supported events like basketball championships and Kids Days to both raise awareness and funds for the hospital. These events serve as a vibrant reminder of the community’s role in supporting vital institutions.
In addition, I coordinate the School Visits at the Cisco Krakow Office, where our incredible volunteers host inspiring workshops for our employees’ children and their friends. These workshops not only educate but also ignite a passion for technology and community engagement in the younger generation.
Ultimately, my superpower isn’t just about organizing or leading; it’s about inspiring and mobilizing people to use their skills and resources for the greater good. It’s about creating a culture of giving and compassion that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.
How did it start ?
My journey into community engagement and volunteerism began with recognizing a need. In every project or event I’ve been a part of, the starting point was always the identification of a gap or necessity in the community. I hold a strong belief that our actions should be responsive and purposeful, addressing real-world issues that can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
What’s most important in this process is the people around me. I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share my passion for service and positive change. This shared enthusiasm is the fuel that powers our collective efforts.
Additionally, the support from our leadership at Cisco has been a cornerstone of our success. Their encouragement and backing not only affirm the value of our work but also empower us to overcome the inevitable challenges that arise in any endeavor of this magnitude.
It’s this combination of need-based action, communal passion, and leadership support that has kickstarted and sustained the various initiatives I’ve had the honor to lead. Together, we’ve been able to see past the hurdles and stay focused on our mission to serve and uplift our local society.
In my daily life, I harness my superpowers by applying meticulous planning to every aspect of my routine. Whether it’s for professional projects or personal responsibilities, I operate with the mindset that a well-structured plan is the blueprint for success. By scheduling and organizing my tasks, I ensure that I’m always prepared and able to allocate the necessary time and resources to each activity.
This approach allows me to be proactive rather than reactive, anticipating needs and addressing them before they become urgent. It’s not just about having a schedule; it’s about having a clear vision of what needs to be accomplished and a strategy for how to execute it efficiently.
Through this disciplined and organized approach, I’m able to deliver on various projects effectively, making the most of my time and abilities. It also empowers me to stay committed to my passion for engaging and mobilizing others in doing good for our local society. By planning ahead and maintaining a balance, I can dedicate myself to initiatives that require collective action while still managing my personal life and responsibilities.
Becoming a superhero in today’s world doesn’t require superhuman strength or the ability to fly. Instead, it’s about being vigilant and ready to act on the opportunities to help that surround us every day. You can start your superhero journey by heightening your awareness and becoming more observant of the needs in your community.
Listen attentively to those around you, and don’t hesitate to ask how you can be of assistance. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries, or offering your professional skills to a nonprofit, every act of kindness has a ripple effect.
To contribute, seek out areas where your unique talents and resources can make a difference. It might be mentoring a student, organizing a community clean-up, or raising funds for a good cause. Remember, it’s not about the magnitude of the deed but the impact it has.
You can also encourage others to join in your efforts, as collaboration often leads to greater outcomes. By being proactive and committed, you can indeed become a superhero in your own right, one thoughtful, selfless action at a time.
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