In the early days of her career, Fran Katsoudas, Cisco's Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer, began working at the company after an interview mix-up in which she believed she was applying for a business development role. Instead, she found herself vying for an entry-level position in customer support, a role that required her to handle numerous calls from dissatisfied customers. Despite the initial setback in her expected career trajectory, this position allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of the company and its technology. With over three decades at Cisco under her belt, Katsoudas has since dedicated herself to creating opportunities for entry-level talent within the organization. As the digital landscape evolved, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence, Cisco had to adapt its operational structure. In 2022, the company rolled out an advanced AI assistant within its Technical Assistance Center. This new technology was designed to manage basic customer inquiries, alleviating the demand on entry-level support agents. As a result, Cisco transitioned from hiring new staff for initial-level support roles and began recruiting them for more complex second-tier support positions. Katsoudas has emphasized the importance of robust onboarding programs to train these employees adequately since many may encounter situations that require a deeper understanding when the AI is unable to address multiple customer issues. Katsoudas articulated her commitment to transparency in navigating the incorporation of AI within the company, as she pointed out that the work landscape is constantly changing. She believes that it is crucial for organizations to implement supportive programs during this dynamic shift, as the early months of employment are vital in determining long-term employee retention and satisfaction. During her tenure, she has witnessed a significant transformation in the nature of jobs and has continuously sought to enhance the learning experiences for new hires. This approach not only meets the immediate needs of the business but also aligns with her values regarding investing in people and the long-term benefits that such investments can yield. Katsoudas further reflected on her early experiences, noting that discovering the entry-level support role was a pivotal moment for her. Trusting her instincts led her to seize an opportunity that opened doors and allowed her to grow within the company. Her journey serves as a beacon for current entry-level candidates, as she advocates for the importance of trust in one's intuition during career decision-making. With the evolving influence of AI on job roles and the labor market, her perspective is increasingly relevant, as she encourages organizations to rethink how they support the development of early-career talent amidst these changes.