Connecting people, ideas, and purpose through authentic leadership
At Innovation Central Brisbane, we’re proud to share the journeys of women shaping their leadership path through the Women of Cisco Top Female Talent Program, a collaboration between Cisco and ICB empowering emerging female leaders across Australia and New Zealand to connect, grow, and lead with authenticity.
For Olivia Langborn, Public Sector Account Manager at Cisco, joining the program was about stepping into a community that both challenges and inspires growth. “The program offers a unique mix of leadership development, mentorship, and connection across Cisco, and I saw it as an opportunity to learn from incredible leaders while also reflecting on my own impact as a woman in tech.”
That balance of self-reflection and shared learning has defined Olivia’s experience so far. She says it’s the conversations, collaboration, and innovation that have made the program truly valuable. The two-day Women of Cisco Hackathon, facilitated by ICB’s Design Thinking expert, Vibhor Pandey, gave her and her peers the chance to transform ideas into tangible solutions. “The hackathon especially, to turn an idea into a tangible solution, has been both energising and inspiring,” Olivia said. “Hearing different leadership journeys and perspectives has inspired me to think more creatively when driving change with others, and to be mindful of the kind of leader I want to be.”
The program began earlier this year with Industry Fellow Nicole Hatherly’s Digital Skills for Influence and Impact program, which Olivia says encouraged her to explore how authenticity and intention shape leadership. “Nicole’s sessions encouraged deep reflection on how intention and authenticity shape influence,” she revealed. “I’ll carry forward the importance of leading with purpose, quieting self-doubt, and communicating with clarity to build trust and impact, both digitally and in person.”
During the hackathon, Olivia and her team tackled a challenge focused on improving conversion on smaller Cisco quotes, an area often left under-resourced. They pitched an AI-powered sales assistant designed to help distributors and partners track and follow up on quotes more efficiently. Olivia explained, “This solution helps them stay on top of every opportunity, boosting responsiveness, efficiency, and overall sales performance.”
Looking ahead, Olivia is eager to see her team’s idea come to life during the program’s Build Phase. The next stage offers the opportunity to apply and extend the design thinking skills she developed during the hackathon, while collaborating with others across Cisco who are already exploring AI-driven innovation. “I’m excited to see our idea come to life and test how AI can drive smarter sales engagement and solve a current challenge,” she said. “This next phase is a great opportunity to explore prototyping while also learning from leaders and teams across Cisco who are already driving AI assistant tools. By combining their insights with real industry feedback, we can shape a solution that has genuine impact.”
Throughout the program, Olivia has been guided by her belief that great leadership is where empathy meets strategy. “I want to be known for connecting people and ideas to create meaningful change and bridging the gap between technology and human impact,” she said, reflecting on what drives her as a leader.
Her reflections on confidence and communication are equally honest. Early in her career, she sometimes underestimated her voice in technical discussions, something she’s since reframed as a strength. “I learned to lean on curiosity and preparation,” she said. “Asking questions, learning from experts, and showing that strong communication and collaboration are as valuable as deep technical skills.”
When offering advice to other women starting out in technology, Olivia’s message is clear: “Believe that you belong here. Be curious, stay adaptable, and surround yourself with people who lift you higher. Technology changes fast but relationships, learning, and confidence are what truly shape your success.”
With roots in Sweden and life in Sydney, Olivia jokes that she enjoys “the best of both worlds – fika and flat whites.” That blend of grounded perspective and curiosity perfectly captures her approach to leadership – authentic, thoughtful, and human.
Her journey through the Women of Cisco Top Female Talent Program embodies what the Becoming Leaders series celebrates: women stepping forward with courage, connection, and purpose, shaping the future of technology and leadership one conversation at a time.
