When Sophie Stevens joined Cisco straight out of college, she had no idea her lessons from the soccer field would shape a two-decade career at one of the world’s largest tech companies.
A former UNC National Champion coached by the legendary Anson Dorrance, Sophie brought the same drive, discipline, and transparency that fueled North Carolina’s dynasty into her corporate leadership at Cisco—where she now leads a global enterprise sales team.
In this conversation, Sophie reveals how she:
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Transformed Anson Dorrance’s “Competitive Cauldron” into a data-driven system that motivates her organization and drives team performance.
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Proved that you can’t improve what you can’t measure—and that healthy competition can fuel collaboration.
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Challenged Cisco’s C-suite to expand parental leave and live out the company’s “inclusive future for all” mission.
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Leads with “attitude and gratitude,” teaching her team that feedback is kindness and consistency builds momentum.
From the locker room to the boardroom, Sophie shows what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and care.
Resources:
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Connect with Sophie Stevens on LinkedIn
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Learn more about Cisco Systems
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