The Cisco Learning Network

Is AI a "magic wand" for your network, or is it a tool that requires a professional playbook? In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, we cut through the industry noise to explore what it truly means to be an AI expert in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Join Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Principal Engineer Kareem Iskander as they sit down with Ryan Rose, Director of Product Management for Skills and Certifications at Cisco Learning & Certifications. Together, they break down the "why" and "how" behind Cisco’s latest AI educational offerings. Whether you are a business professional looking to integrate AI into your daily workflows or an IT practitioner aiming to build and secure AI-driven infrastructure, this episode provides the roadmap you need. https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/aitech-exam-topics

Cisco is bringing renewed focus to wireless certifications — and major updates are coming in March 2026. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Andrew Richter, Content Engineering and Program Management lead focused on Wireless and Enterprise Networking, to discuss what’s changing across the wireless certification track. Together, they break down the introduction of the new Wireless Core exam, updates to the CCNP Wireless pathway, changes to the CCIE Wireless practical exam, and what these updates mean for current certification holders. They also explore why these changes are happening now, how industry feedback shaped the new direction, and where learners can find study resources to prepare. Whether you’re already working toward a wireless certification or just curious about where Cisco wireless learning is headed, this episode gives you the context and clarity you need to navigate the road ahead.

In this episode, we continue the conversation on how AI is transforming the world of enterprise networking. You’ll hear how Cisco approached internal AI adoption with caution and clarity, including the importance of private LLM instances and avoiding shadow AI practices. The group also explores how education, governance, and secure tools are critical for protecting data and building trust in AI systems. From prompt injection attacks to certification updates, the episode breaks down how Cisco is evolving its learning paths and certification programs (like CCNA, DevNet, and CCDE) to reflect the skills networking professionals need in an AI-driven future. Whether you’re an entry-level learner or a seasoned network engineer, you’ll walk away with actionable guidance—and a clear call to get involved, experiment responsibly, and help shape the next era of enterprise networking.

In this two-part episode, we explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in enterprise networking—not just as a buzzword, but as a powerful tool for transformation. Cisco experts: Joe Clarke, Distinguished Engineer; Kareem Iskander, Principal Engineer and Technical Advocacy Lead; and Hank Preston, Distinguished Architect, join host Matt Saunders, Community Manager for the Cisco Learning Network, is joined by three. Together, they dive into how AI is reshaping network automation, operations, and the skills needed to thrive in this new era. The conversation covers foundational definitions of AI, the rise of agentic AI, and practical strategies for network engineers—whether you're writing scripts or not—to leverage AI as a tool for efficiency and insight. AMA with Kareem on the Cisco Learning Network: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5Kd0000BkfcuLKQQ/ask-me-anything-ai

What exactly is agentic AI, how is it shaping enterprise networks, and what skills do you need to stay ahead in this new era of automation? Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Technical Advocate for Learn with Cisco Kareem Iskander dive into all of these topics as they ask, “What’s the Deal with Agentic AI?" You’ll hear real-world examples, insights from Cisco Live, and learn how agentic AI can help address challenges like configuration drift and network resiliency. Matt and Kareem also explore the human side of AI—why critical thinking, creativity, and accountability are more important than ever. Ask Me Anything open forum featuring all things AI and Agentic AI for Enterprise Networking with Kareem: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5Kd0000BkfcuLKQQ/ask-me-anything-ai

Learn how Ethical Hackers think. Cisco’s new Certificate in Ethical Hacking is designed to teach just that, combining offensive security techniques with immersive Capture the Flag challenges that help learners validate their knowledge in real-world scenarios. In this episode, Jozef Janitor, Product Manager with Cisco Networking Academy, joins Business Architecture Manager Garet Marling and Cisco U. Product Manager Kate Dignan to discuss the Ethical Hacker program with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift. Together, they break down how this certificate fits into a learner’s cybersecurity journey, what to expect from Cisco U., and how hands-on challenges like Capture the Flag: Operation SMB Exploit can help prepare you for a career in offensive security. • Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking: https://www.netacad.com/courses/ethical-hacker?courseLang=en-US • Capture the Flag: Operation SMB Exploit: https://u.cisco.com/challenges/capture-flag-operation-smb-exploit-26593 • Cisco Learning Network: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/certification/ethical-hacker

Listen in as we explore everything you need to know about the Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification – who this certification is for, the training that’s available, and how you can get started earning this certification. With the CCT or Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification, prove you have the skills to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. To learn more about this certification, please visit: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/cct

After getting laid off, Michael Bowden could have looked for a different job doing the same thing. Instead, he chose a career in networking, and never looked back. Listen in as Michael tells Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders about how he launched his career in the IT industry, became a Cisco Networking Academy instructor at the very same community college he studied at, and then started the “Debt Free in IT” video and audio podcast that you can subscribe to here: https://www.youtube.com/@debtfreeinitwmike/videos

Pursuing a career in tech can be challenging, especially when you’re not prioritizing your mental health. Senior Technical Advocate Jason Belk shares his insights with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift on building a successful career in network automation while learning to prioritize mental health. Drawing from his own journey, Jason offers practical advice on staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field and cultivating resilience in the face of challenges. Tune in to learn how to avoid burnout, ignite career inspiration, and discover strategies to achieve balance in both your personal and professional life.

Whats the deal with Purple Team? Find out how this Cybersecurity ideology helps improve both offensive and defensive effectiveness in this episode by hearing Cisco Technical Advocate Kyle Winters talk with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander about “What the Deal is” with Purple Team ideology. Get a foundational understanding of Purple Team, and find out what resources are available to you to learn more. Cisco U. Capture the Flag Challenges: https://u.cisco.com/challenges

Get a fundamental understanding of how artificial intelligence has changed the Cybersecurity Threatscape, and how AI can be leveraged to defend against attacks in this episode with AI Solutions Engineer Dan Stacks and Enterprise Solutions Engineer John Cuneo. Dan and John sit down with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Rigo Villa to discuss network security from an artificial intelligence standpoint including AI empowered attacks, tools like Cisco Hypershield, and what kinds of practices and solutions companies will be leveraging in the future as artificial intelligence flourishes in the security space.

An announcement about updates to the Cisco Certified Design Expert or CCDE certification was made in June of 2024. Find out what’s changed about the CCDE Exam Topics from Exam Program Manager Mark Holm as he sits down with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders. Together, they discuss concepts like network optimization to meet the demands of a network due to heavy requests from things like artificial intelligence.

Generative AI is everywhere now, but how did it explode into popularity, and how can it be leveraged in network operations? Guarav Khanna – a Solutions Engineer Leader at Cisco – takes us through the basics of Generative AI, and tells the story of how this emerging technology evolved. Understand the fundamentals of generative and predictive AI, and how artificial intelligence can help you manage your network.

Beginning August 20, 2024, the CCNA exam topics will include Generative AI, Cloud Network Management, and Machine Learning. In this episode of “What’s the Deal with?” Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Technical Advocate Kareem Iskander discuss what the deal is with Cisco’s decision to include AI in the CCNA, and the specific details of the exam topics that have changed. If you have a tech topic that you’d like Matt and Kareem to cover, please leave us a comment on this episode, or on the Cisco Learning Network: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/podcasts

In this episode of the "What's the deal with" series, Community Manager Matt Saunders, and Lead Technical Advocate Kareem Iskander answer the question, what’s the deal with Observability? Matt and Kareem dive deep into the finer details of Observability and discuss the resources and certifications Cisco has produced that ensure your learning and validate your skills in this emerging technology.

We’re continuing our series, “Women in Tech” in honor of International Women’s month by speaking with Rita Younger, the Practice Lead of Data Center Networking at a global technology service provider. Rita speaks with Learning and Certifications Marketing Specialist Stef Garraffa about her journey into a career in tech, the role of AI in the evolution of the field of networking and networking security, and the importance of mentoring and empowering women in IT.

In continuing our series “Women in Tech” in honor of International Women’s Month, Learning and Certifications Marketing Specialist Stef Garraffa spoke with Network Engineer Riikka Sihvonen to discuss career development in the networking field. Together, the two discuss Riikka’s career journey, and the role that professional networking plays in career growth. Riikka holds numerous professional and specialist certifications and has well over 12 years of experience in design, implementation, and support.

In this installment of our series for International Women’s Month, we’re speaking with Denise Donohue – Business Architect, Cisco Press Author, and Cisco Certified CCIE holder since the early 2000s. Denise speaks with Learning and Certifications’ Marketing Manager Stef Garraffa about her experiences facing gender bias throughout the span of her thirty-year career. She also provides her advice for others who may be facing gender bias in their own careers.

Step 'Beyond the Router' with host Par Merat, Vice President of Learning and Certifications, as she engages with three remarkable women who are carving, or have carved, their niches in the field of networking. In this episode, Par shines a light on the diverse experiences and insights of these professionals, each at a distinct point in their career journey. They delve into the challenges they've faced, the milestones they've achieved, and the vital role that continuous learning and Cisco certifications have played in their career advancement. This discussion celebrates their achievements and offers valuable guidance for women aiming to build or enhance their careers in networking technology. Listen in as Cisco VIPs Micheline Murphy and Maren Mahoney join Cisco Champion Zoe Rose in sharing their experiences with Par.

“It took me quite a while to understand that it was about the mindset, too. It was about how do you handle, for instance, anxiety?” That’s what Principle Engineer David Peñaloza’s advice is to people who are interested in passing the Cisco Certified Design Expert, or CCDE certification. David recently passed this expert-level exam and shared his story with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders in this episode. He shares valuable lessons learned throughout his journey, including how to best prepare, the personal challenges he faced, and how to enjoy and live in the moment. https://blogs.cisco.com/learning/the-journey-to-ccde-a-personal-story

Learn how to earn the Cisco Cloud Specialist Certifications and validate the skills and expertise of professionals in implementing, connecting and securing network infrastructures that enable your cloud technology solutions. This in-depth episode covers exactly what the exams include, and how to best prepare for these new specialist certification exams.

“Why should I study this, if the Cloud is going to replace us all anyways?” is a question that is frequently asked these days, and has actually become a running joke in the industry. What’s driving this discussion, and what truth is there to that question? In this episode, we’re kicking off a new series with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander asking, “What’s the deal with?” about certain topics in tech, starting with impact of the Cloud in today’s job market. To find out more about Cisco’s Cloud Certification portfolio that Matt and Kareem discussed, check out this link: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/multicloud-specialist-certification-prep To find more study materials and courses that can help you propel your career, check out Cisco U. https://u.cisco.com/

How can software engineers acquire network engineering skills to stay competitive in today’s job market? That’s exactly what Senior Software Engineer Colin Lacy discusses with Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander. Listen in to find helpful courses and resource recommendations to further your career in software, and to begin branching out into the networking field. And be sure to check out the Binary Game on the Cisco Learning Network that Colin, Matt, and Kareem mentioned: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/binary-game

"And then I was enough to be dangerous.” That’s Colin Lacy, Senior Software Engineer at Cisco. On this episode of the Cisco Learning Podcast, he sat down with Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander to speak about his career journey, how software engineers should learn the skill sets of a network engineer, and why it's important to do so.

If you don't burn for a topic yourself, you can't ignite the fire in others. That’s what Network Engineer Christian Kellerer has learned throughout his CCIE journey. Hear the rest of Christian’s story told to community manager Matt Saunders and Cisco VIP Micheline Murphy. Christian recounts his experience of taking the CCNP and the CCIE certification exams, discusses how he prepared, and what surprise challenges emerged.

“If you want to get certified, start low.” This was the advice Network Engineer Christian Kellerer received from his mentor when he was getting started in his career. Listen in as Christian tells the story of his CCIE journey to community manager Matt Saunders and Cisco VIP Micheline Murphy – a story that, while remarkable – can be used as a model for others interested in earning their CCIE.

What if a digital personalized learning assistant existed that provided certification training, a community of learners, and a searchable database of solutions? Join Kareem Iskander, Lead Technical Advocate for Cisco, and Community Manager Matt Saunders as they discuss the future of digital learning with Cisco U. - a digital learning platform built around the learner. Find out how and why this platform emerged, and what separates it from other learning platforms. https://mkto.cisco.com/ciscou-ea.html?utm_campaign=ciscou-ea&utm_source=web&utm_medium=cln-podcast

We’re telling the story of Cisco Certifications - how it started, how it has changed throughout its history, and the hopes for this program. Listen in as David Mallory, Director and Chief Technology Officer for Learning at Cisco joins us in covering the expansive history of Cisco Certifications, as well as Denise Donohue, a Business Architect and Technical Author, and Senior Director of Technical Marketing Jeff McLaughlin.

Integrity of the exams. That’s one of the most important factors that makes a Cisco Certification continue to hold value for thousands of individuals and employers. It’s an assurance that a candidate has truly grasped the concepts and skills they need when they show up to work every day. That’s why Cisco Certification Security Investigations and Enforcements Program Manager Brent Morris and Cisco Exam Protections and Security Operations Manager Brent Hill sat down with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Rigo Villa. In this interview, the Brents discuss not only why they have dedicated their careers to protecting the integrity of Cisco certifications, but also how you can too. Tipline email - [email protected] Link to NDAs - https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/pop-agreements.html OnVue - home.pearsonvue.com/cisco/onvue Policies page - https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/policies.html#~requirements

Find out how to make the most of your Cisco Certification studies by using the exam topics listed for each certification exam. Join John Capobianco, Software Engineering Technical Leader for Cisco, as he talks about the right resources to help prepare candidates for their certification exams, as well as how Cisco certifications allowed his career to grow, and his advice on what to do after failing a certification exam.

Denial of Service attacks. Spoofing attacks. Reflection Amplification attacks. Malware, Reconnaisance, Conficker, WannaCry… What are all of these terms, and why are they important to know? Because they can mean the difference between a secure and an insecure network environment. Cybersecurity expert James Risler is back on the podcast to walk you through what all of these terms mean, and how to best defend against them and so many more threats that are out there.

Discovering our passions can often times be a big question in our lives, but that’s exactly what Cisco Systems Engineer Olivia Wolf did when she decided to pursue a career in IT. Listen in as Olivia tells the story of how she overcame a lack of gender diversity in her education, and how she was able to bond with a group of individuals as they struggled to earn their certifications for a Cisco sales engineering training program.

You know IT Is right for you. Now, where to get started? In this episode, we get answers to these and other questions from Distinguished Services Engineer Joe Clarke. Listen in to get information on the changing world of information technology, how Cisco certifications play a crucial role in hiring decisions, and how you can get started with your Cisco certification career journey.

Get answers about the DevNet Expert Certification straight from the creators by tuning into this Ask Me Anything Session hosted by the Cisco Learning Network. Join Learning at Cisco's Principal Engineer Hank Preston, Cisco DevNet Senior Developer Advocate Stuart Clark, Distinguished Services Engineer Joe Clarke, Network Automation Architect Dmitry Figol, Principal Engineer Ramses Smeyers, and Exam Program Manager Kurt Claes as they take questions from the audience about what candidates need to know to be successful in the DevNet Expert Certification.

The Cisco DevNet Expert exam topics may seem obvious at a glance, but Distinguished Engineer Joe Clarke looks closer at this list to reveal the truth behind the topics covered in this new exam. Join Joe and Exam Program Manager Kurt Claes as they walk through each area of technology covered on the DevNet Expert Exam, and how to best prepare for each of the topics that you will be tested on.

Find out how Arthur Spähnle earned his CCIE Enterprise Wireless certification despite having to face failure during his certification journey and health challenges that occurred in the middle of his study plan. Arthur shares his story with community manager Tanner Swift in this interview for the Cisco Learning Network CCIE Success Story program.

Listen in as CCIE Exam Program Manager Peter Palúch answers questions about the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Exam in this Ask Me Anything session hosted by Community Manager Karlo Bobiles. Find out how to best prepare, what to expect, and what's coming in the future from the person who literally created the exam. To visit the link Peter mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/ccie-enterprise

Changing careers can be overwhelming at any point in your life. For Consulting Systems Engineer Micheline Murphy, this change came after two decades of practicing law as a successful trial lawyer. Listen in as Micheline recounts the story of how she used Cisco certifications to make a drastic shift in her career path.

CCDE version three has many updates in both the written and practical exams. Listen in as CCDE Exam Program Manager Mark Holm walks us through those new updates with Principal Engineer David Peñaloza, and Senior Network Architect Daniel Dib. Hear the rest of their conversation about the CCDE Certification track with community manager Matt Saunders, and find out if a career in network design is right for you. Learn more about the latest CCDE program updates here: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/ccde-design-expert

Learn about the new CCDE Certification program updates and how a career in network design might be right for you. Join CCDE Exam Program Manager Mark Holm, Principal Engineer David Peñaloza, and senior network architect Daniel Dib in this discussion about the CCDE certification track and the latest updates to the exams. Learn more about a CCDE candidate’s mindset, best practices, and tips to achieve the CCDE certification in this episode. Learn More about the latest CCDE program updates here: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/ccde-design-expert

After graduating from the National University of Science and Technology in Pakistan, Huma Hamid took the next step in cultivating her passion for studying and creating technology by leaving the country she called home. Listen as Huma remembers the stark cultural differences she experienced while taking the next step in her educational journey, and also the challenges she faced from forging her own career in the field of technology.

As a young girl growing up in Pakistan, Huma Hamid had to overcome a great deal in order to turn her love of tech into a future. Hear the story of how Huma persisted in her pursuit of a tech career despite the culture that surrounded her, and the feelings of isolation that inevitably came from being one of the only women around her to try to enter into this industry. http://cs.co/9009y02WB

Repetitive tasks can prove to be a challenge for all network engineers. Luckily, on the way to earning a DevNet Associate certification, you can learn how to automate those tasks and efficiently work through them in a timely manner. In this episode, listen in as Hank Preston, a Network Programmability Evangelist for Cisco DevNet, walks us through two use cases of the valuable skills you acquire on the path to earning your DevNet Associate certification. To sign up for more DevNet Associate Prep sessions, and to view the full length of this session go here: http://cs.co/9005ydPX7

While starting college away from her home, friends, and family, Aseel Othman worked hard to balance her coursework with studying for her final and most challenging Cisco certification exam - the CCIE. Hear the story of how her passion for networking and childhood dream of earning her CCIE certification was tested in the midst of being uprooted to a completely new and different environment.

At the age of 12 Aseel Othman started studying computer networking, and is a Security Product Management Specialist at Cisco. In this episode, we share Aseel's story of how she found her passion for networking, and how she formed her ultimate goal of achieving a CCIE certification by the time she turned 18 years old. Listen in as Aseel remembers obstacles, moments that defined her own determination, and her plan for balancing both her student life and certification studies. https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/

In this episode we feature an interview from the Cisco Champion Radio with Cisco Distinguished Services Engineer Joe Clarke. This discussion covers the important updates to the Cisco Certifications Program, and what to look forward to next in the evolution of the Cisco certification portfolio. To learn more from industry experts about the changing world of Cisco certifications, please visit the Cisco Learning Network at www.ciscolearningnetwork.com To hear more episodes from the Cisco Champion Radio podcast, please check out https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/events-webinars/influencer-hub/cisco-champions-radio-podcasts.html

If you are interested in or continuing your career in Information Technology, check out this episode which features a panel of experienced industry professionals as they answer questions about their own careers in IT. Developer Experience Manager in Cisco DevNet Anne Gentle, Senior Engineer Deirra Footman, and data center engineer Micheline Murphy cover their own career beginnings, as well as challenges, advice for potential and continuing IT workers, and much more. learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/

In this third part of Principal Engineer David Peñaloza's story, we complete David's journey of how he earned Cisco certifications, and how that decision ultimately improved his life and career. The story continues with David telling us what happened when he began his career in a completely different continent. This episode is for anyone who is interested in Cisco certifications, but also anyone who would like to tune in to a story about human resiliency. learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/