Celebrating 10 Years of CDA: My Personal Reflection

Guest Author: Eshal Qaiser Bukhari, Cisco Tech Sales Degree Apprentice

Joining Cisco as a technical sales degree apprentice last year, I never imagined that my first rotation would be with such an innovative and purpose-driven team as Country Digital Acceleration (CDA). This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Cisco's CDA program and I've had the privilege of experiencing just a small part of what that means, firsthand. Being a part of this inspiring team, I've seen how this initiative of delivering digital solutions to national challenges, goes far beyond tech. It's about the people - connecting the unconnected, empowering communities and turning those national digital strategies into real, human impact. From smart hospitals to greener ports, and digital classrooms to training programs for women in tech, CDA has helped deliver more than 1,600 projects in 50+ countries. Being involved in even a tiny slice of that has been both empowering and eye-opening. 

It's not often that you find a role where innovation directly drives meaningful change and over the past year, I've had the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects such as St Mary's which is the UK's first biophilic school and being able to showcase this amazing project at the BETT exhibition.

It was rewarding seeing how its innovative design and use of technology are revolutionising the learning environment for children and exciting to share with others how this forward-thinking approach blends nature and digital transformation to enhance student experiences. 

Furthermore, I've had the chance to work on increasing visibility for The Lister Alliance since joining the team which was my first CDA project in the health sector. We have been developing content on the Plymouth Living Lab project, which is leading the way in digitally-enabled preventative care with the goal to create one of the largest living labs in the UK- with particular focus on our elderly population. It has been an incredible experience, and I've really enjoyed learning about and writing about these new, impactful projects as well as hearing stories from the public on how these solutions have brought about positive change and reduced the burden on healthcare systems. 
  
Working closely with the team through my time in CDA, one thing is clear: CDA is about action. It's about highlighting what's possible when technology, trust and partnership come together, and being at the intersection of innovation and purpose has been a rare and rewarding experience. Personally, I believe CDA's objective is all about equity, opportunity and building a future where no one is left behind. With charity being a core value and goal in my life, this rotation has had a profound impact on me and has introduced me to a team of fantastic individuals who are truly creating lasting impact, pushing boundaries and delivering results. 
  
For me it's also about the personal and professional growth I've experienced during my first rotation as a degree apprentice at Cisco, and learning from incredible mentors in the team who have supported me throughout and collaborating with people across different sectors, building my network and making connections with others who have different specialties but share the same purpose: to power an inclusive future for all. I'm especially grateful for the valuable support and guidance I’ve received while learning the ropes of technical sales and business development, and for the real responsibility I’ve been given from the start. My confidence has grown immensely thanks to the knowledge I've gained and how I've strengthened my selling skills through hands-on experience. Through researching and creating presentations on specific projects and opportunities and then discussing them directly with partners and customers at events and exhibitions, I've been able to apply what I've learned in real, influential ways. I couldn't be more grateful for being part of a team that genuinely believes in making a difference. 
  
To celebrate 10 years of impact, Cisco has released a special video highlighting some of the amazing work CDA has delivered across the UK and globally, as well as a news article and a special blog authored by Global Innovation Officer, Guy Diedrich to highlight this milestone. It's an inspiring look back and a powerful glimpse into what's next. 

 Here's to the next decade of connection, collaboration and change.