
AI readiness isn’t about AI – it’s about leadership
'Pacesetter' companies ready to reap the benefits of AI are distinguished by effective leadership on the technology, personally demonstrating its utility to employees.
As Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer at Cisco, Francine Katsoudas brings together people and technology to drive positive impact for the company and global communities. Her work advances Cisco's Purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All, and her leadership on critical policy and social issues has forged strategic public-private partnerships addressing some of the world's most pressing concerns.
In her role at Cisco, Fran leads a global team spanning People & Communities, Sustainability, Social Impact and Inclusion, Government Affairs and Policy, Workplace Resources, and Cisco's Digital Impact Office - all on a mission to put Cisco's Purpose into practice while driving growth for Cisco's business, people, and communities. During her 29 years at the company, Fran has led large-scale organizational transformations, cultivated new generations of leaders, and stewarded Cisco's renowned employee-first conscious culture.
Fran has supported underrepresented groups since her youth, and today focuses her advocacy on women's leadership, homeless youth, and narrowing the digital divide. Fran is also Cisco's executive country sponsor for Mexico, Poland, South Africa, and India. She has been recognized on the Forbes and Know Your Value 50 Over 50 list, honoring female leaders and entrepreneurs who are breaking new ground. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for ADP and is the Chair for Global Citizen. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Fran lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two children.
'Pacesetter' companies ready to reap the benefits of AI are distinguished by effective leadership on the technology, personally demonstrating its utility to employees.
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To close the digital divide, connectivity and digital skills training is needed and we have a greater chance of bridging the divide through collaboration.
Leaders must adapt to rapid change after COVID-19 to ensure that their workforces have the necessary skills, support and technologies they need to thrive.

