The article discusses the insights and perspectives of Francine Katsoudas, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer at Cisco. She emphasizes the importance of AI and technology skills in driving productivity and innovation. Key points include: 1) AI and automation will augment human capabilities, not replace them, leading to increased productivity. 2) Companies must invest in reskilling and upskilling employees to keep up with technological advancements. 3) Bottom-up innovation is crucial, as employees closest to customers often have the best ideas. 4) Inclusion and diversity are essential for driving innovation and better decision-making. 5) Hybrid work models require intentional efforts to foster collaboration and connection. The article highlights Cisco’s efforts to embrace these trends and create a future-ready workforce.