Never Give Up: How I Turned a Challenge into an Opportunity

Anastasia Frolova had big dreams when she was little. Would she be a ballerina? Egyptologist? Tech leader? (Spoiler alert: she chose tech.) Adult Anastasia continued focusing on her future, from passing the CCNP certification to obtaining her MBA. Whatever Anastasia sets out to do, she accomplishes.

So if you’re facing a challenge, keep reading — Anastasia’s story will inspire you to nail it.

From ballet to physics

I grew up in Moscow with far-fetched dreams about my future. At school, I discovered I was most drawn to math and physics, which led me to pursue a computer science major.

My father warned me that I’d have to be twice as good as my male classmates to be taken seriously. I saw that obstacle as an opportunity to prove myself.

At university, I interned with a Cisco partner. They told me I needed to pass the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification. That summer, I studied 10+ hours a day, passed four exams, and got my certification.

Joining Cisco

I became part of the Cisco Sales Associate Program (CSAP), which develops the next generation of Cisco sales leaders. My goal was to reach the CCIE level (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert — at the time, Cisco’s highest technical certification). If you pass, you’re assigned a unique number that’s yours forever. CCIEs are an elite group, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Coming home to Cisco Meraki

After obtaining my MBA, I applied to Meraki as a Systems Engineering Manager. I’d heard good things about the company and how much they value creativity and proactiveness.

The interview process was long, but I was impressed that they treated me as an individual who can contribute a unique perspective. It was refreshing to talk to interviewers who were sincerely interested in my answers and ideas. Interacting with multiple Merakians during the process also gave me insight into the company, role, and culture, and having a diverse panel of interviewers helped reduce the potential for bias.

I’m proud that my team has come up with several solutions that are now used around the world.

I’ve now been at Meraki for over two years, and I still like coming to work. The environment welcomes individuality. We complement each other’s strengths, embrace new ideas, and respect other perspectives. Together we find ways to optimize tasks and improve workflow, and I’m proud that my team has come up with several solutions that are now used around the world.

Meraki also sponsors programs on inclusion and diversity, where we discuss how we can make every member of the company know they belong. We follow a set of values that are reflected in everything we do. Every Merakian — from senior management to early-in-career new hires — contributes to this values-based culture.

Sometimes I think about my dad’s warning that I’d have to be better than everyone to be taken seriously. I’m glad I rose to that challenge. I’m also glad I joined a company that takes me seriously no matter what — and still helps me deliver my best.