Sustainability Magazine June 2024 | Page 108

CISCO
Sielen Namdar : A force in technological sustainability Sielen ’ s vision for sustainable innovation anchors on the pivotal role Cisco plays in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world .
As the leader of global sustainability for industries , she and her team support customers in 11 industries across the globe in their sustainability journey leveraging Cisco technologies . From utilities to manufacturing , government to healthcare and beyond , their impact is far-reaching .
“ Collaborating across Cisco ’ s spectrum , my team works alongside the Chief Sustainability Office , Engineering Sustainability Office , business units , global regions , sales enablement , marketing and other Cisco organisations ,” Sielen explains . “ Together with our key strategic partners , we ’ re not only developing more innovative sustainability solutions with an integrated approach , but also supporting measurable outcomes for our customers .”
Sielen joined Cisco in 2018 to build and lead Cisco ’ s very first digital water practice from the ground up . Bringing with her two decades of experience as an industry executive in the water , transportation and energy infrastructure business – she was formerly Co-founder of Jacobs ’ Smart Cities initiative – she was then asked to refine her focus on a growing and key priority : sustainability .
“ The answer was a resounding yes ,” she begins . “ I ’ m a civil and environmental engineer by training and this was a fantastic way to come full circle , while bringing the power of technology to support impactful sustainability outcomes for our customers and communities .”

“ We ’ re not only developing more innovative sustainability solutions with an integrated approach , but also supporting measurable outcomes for our customers ”

SIELEN NAMDAR GLOBAL HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR INDUSTRIES AT CISCO AND INDEPENDENT BOARD DIRECTOR
The work of Sielen and her team is vital to Cisco ’ s worldwide leadership in technology that powers the internet . Cisco ’ s products and solutions , such as Internet of Things ( IoT ), Silicon One and power over ethernet support sustainability by , for example , helping its customers reduce energy consumption .
“ With technologies like generative AI quickly taking shape , we continue to see endless possibilities for technology to change lives and experiences in countless ways ,” Sielen says .
“ We also recognise the need to harness the power of technology ethically and responsibly as we shape and define the future alongside our customers and partners .”
108 June 2024