Francine Katsoudas

Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer at Cisco, brings together people and technology for impact that reaches far beyond the company’s walls. Fran leads the global teams responsible for culture, public policy, digital impact, community advancement, and future-ready resilience. Her work reminds us that technology alone doesn’t shape the future; people do. And the evolution of work, she says, won’t come from fear of AI, but from those closest to the work reimagining their roles as technology evolves.

Fran carries a deeply human philosophy into her leadership. The worst advice she ever received: “It’s just a job; don’t worry if you’re not having fun”. Her approach? Work should be meaningful, connective, and fulfilling. The best guidance she ever got came from her father, who taught her the power of investing in people and being accountable for their success. “Not everyone starts from the same place,” she says, “but when you give people a platform to learn and grow, their full potential comes alive, for themselves and for the company.” She sees AI through that same lens: as a chance to prepare people with confidence and care, starting with learning what the technology can and cannot do.

Looking ahead, Fran believes the next era of work will be defined by humans and AI solving global challenges together. And that readiness begins with mindset. At Cisco, she’s helping build an AI-first culture where employees see AI as a team sport and leaders model curiosity, trust, and adaptability. Her “good trouble” moment? Challenging the old belief that purpose sits outside business strategy. She pushed Cisco to recognize that digital inclusion, skilling, strong communities, and trust aren’t side efforts. They’re business accelerators. “What’s good for the world is good for business,” she says.