GSX (Global Sales Experience) is Cisco’s flagship global sales conference. It brings together sales, partner, and Customer Experience teams from around the world. This year, GSX FY27 took place in Las Vegas from August 24–27, kicking off the new fiscal year with energy and intention.
Under the theme “One Team. One Vision. One Cisco”, our teams celebrated the wins and lessons of FY26. We also set a shared ambition for the year ahead: accelerating growth, strengthening partnerships, and putting customer value at the center of Cisco’s strategy.
It’s in that spirit of One Cisco that the Cisco Portugal Blog team created this series, “What Happens in Vegas: GSX FY27 Stories” — bringing you the highlights of GSX FY27 through the voices of our own Cisconians.
Each post features one colleague’s experience from the event, told in their own words.
“We Need to Disrupt Ourselves Again”: Marcelo on AI, Community and GSX FY27
Meet the engineer bringing Chambers-level wisdom (and genuine Cisco Portugal pride) back from Vegas, Marcelo Godoy, Customer Success Specialist (SD-WAN).
How did you end up at GSX this year?
“My selection for GSX FY27 as a CSS SD-WAN engineer was based on aligning my technical focus with our core FY27 priorities: Grow, Defend, and Transform our strategic accounts. Participating in person is essential for fostering stronger collaboration with Account Teams, BUs, and CXMs — face-to-face interactions help us synchronize strategy and break down communication barriers.”
What was the highlight of GSX for you?
“Choosing a single highlight is difficult, but for me, human connection was definitely the standout. It was inspiring to be surrounded by colleagues who share the same passion for technology and commitment to Cisco’s goals. Regardless of seniority, everyone was open to sharing experiences and building genuine connections — bonds that extend far beyond the event and will help us support each other going forward.”
Was there a speaker or story that stuck with you?
“Jeetu Patel’s keynote really resonated with me. He laid out clear, precise technical priorities for the new fiscal year, and as a CSS managing customer product adoption, it was great to see Cisco Cloud Control positioned as our flagship for integration. That kind of clarity helps us stay focused and productive in our daily work.”
What’s the biggest thing you learned or realized at GSX?
“The power of our community. Being there reminded me that I’m part of something much bigger than my day-to-day role, and it was truly inspiring to see so many people collaborating so effectively. We should never forget that the entire Cisco workforce is there to support and guide us.”
What will you do differently in FY27 because of GSX?
“Technology innovation happens daily and forces us to keep transforming ourselves — we’re now firmly in the era of AI. Cisco has been investing in AI for years, and as IT professionals, we need to do the same. That’s my focus for FY27: learning to leverage AI to transform myself once again. As our former CEO John Chambers once said, ‘The biggest mistake we all make is that we get comfortable, and we get disrupted because we don’t disrupt ourselves.’ It’s time to disrupt ourselves again — with AI.”
What message would you give colleagues in Lisbon who couldn’t attend?
“The vision for FY27 includes all of us. GSX presentations are available on the internal portal, so take a look whenever you have time — and reach out if you’d like to chat about it.”
Any fun or unexpected moment?
“GSX is always intense, but the closing session with Chuck Robbins and Steve Carell was a definite highlight — such a refreshing, funny conversation that immediately reminded me of our team back in the Cisco Portugal office. I’m one of those people who loves coming into the office at least three days a week, and I can honestly say our culture here is defined by being kind, friendly, and collaborative. It’s incredible how we balance hard work with a great sense of humor. In my opinion, the spirit of GSX and the culture of our Cisco Portugal team are 100% aligned. I’m proud to be part of this team. Thank you, Cisco Portugal!”
Part of the “What Happens in Vegas: GSX FY27 Stories” mini-series.
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