In this episode of The Impact, Jeff Gitterman had the pleasure of speaking with Mary D. Wysocki, the Chief Sustainability Officer of Cisco, right from the bustling floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The conversation delved into the intersection of technology, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, highlighting Cisco’s long-standing commitment to these principle
Mary shared her journey to becoming Cisco’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasizing the blend of luck and intention that shaped her career. With over 25 years at Cisco, she reflected on her early experiences in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, where she witnessed firsthand how technology could aid in community recovery. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for social impact and sustainability, leading her to recognize the potential of technology as a force for good.
The pair explored Cisco’s sustainability strategy, which is deeply embedded in the company’s purpose: to power an inclusive future for all. Mary explained how Cisco has been a pioneer in integrating sustainability into its core business strategy, focusing on cleaner energy transitions, circular design principles, and community support. Unlike many companies that have wavered in their sustainability commitments, Cisco has remained steadfast, continuously evolving its approach to meet the challenges of today.
A significant part of our discussion centered on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on energy consumption and sustainability. Mary articulated the dual challenge of harnessing AI’s potential while managing its energy demands, particularly in data centers. She emphasized the importance of innovative energy solutions and intelligent management systems to balance these competing needs.
Mary also shared valuable insights for other companies navigating the complexities of sustainability and energy demand. She stressed the importance of collaboration with partners and suppliers, treating sustainability as a core business strategy, and investing in a robust data foundation to ensure transparency and accountability in sustainability claims.
As focus shifted to resilience, Mary highlighted Cisco’s Innovation Lab and its efforts in crisis response, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges. She discussed the company’s commitment to investing in climate action through the Cisco Foundation, including a $100 million commitment to support climate initiatives and impact investing. This approach aims to foster innovative solutions and technologies that can enhance resilience and sustainability.