Cisco Leader Champions Sustainability Through Circular Tech Innovation
Christopher Weiland's Path from Tech Services to Sustainability Leadership at Cisco
After a long tenure in services and business development, Christopher Weiland transitioned into a new chapter — leveraging his technical background to fuel sustainability initiatives at Cisco. Much like the rugged mountain trails he navigates in Colorado, Weiland is pioneering new strategies for enhancing product circularity in the tech industry.
Could you walk us through your career in technology and how you transitioned into sustainability at Cisco?
Christopher: My fascination with technology began early — I was the go-to student in middle school for resolving issues in the computer lab. That early passion led me to study industrial engineering, opening doors to roles at Microsoft, IBM, and eventually Cisco, which I joined in 2000.
At Cisco, I concentrated on services and sales, helping large service providers manage complex network challenges. After 20 years, I started considering how I could pivot from purely technical roles to ones focused on sustainability.
How did you go about making that shift within Cisco?
Christopher: I had an incredible run in the tech space at Cisco, so I was excited to discover I could explore sustainability without leaving the company. At first, I thought I’d need to earn a degree in environmental science or find a new employer. But I soon found an internal network of like-minded colleagues working on sustainability initiatives — everything from renewable energy to supply chain practices and circularity.
I was especially drawn to product circularity, where I felt my skills could make a tangible impact. I adopted Cisco’s three E’s approach to professional growth: Exposure, Education, and Experience. I immersed myself in learning — reading, taking relevant courses, and connecting with those already in the sustainability space.
This journey led to a stretch assignment, marking my first hands-on role in Cisco’s sustainability efforts. Today, I focus on extending the lifecycle of Cisco products through reuse and responsible recycling.
Why is circularity such a key focus for Cisco?
Christopher: Cisco’s environmental strategy — "The Plan for the Possible" — prioritizes a shift toward a circular economy.
This model emphasizes keeping products in use longer by focusing on reuse, refurbishing, and recycling. Circularity aims to cut down on waste and reduce the need for raw materials.
Our approach is comprehensive — from designing durable, reusable products and packaging to creating systems for take-back and redeployment. We’re also introducing offerings that support this model, like Cisco Refresh, where customers can purchase certified remanufactured equipment.
So it’s not just about design. What other factors are needed to scale circularity?
Christopher: That’s right. While design is foundational, we need efficient systems and processes to manage take-back, reuse, and recycling.
We’re continuously exploring new ways to scale these systems. There’s a real opportunity for Cisco to lead in the area of product lifecycle management — helping customers adopt more sustainable practices around technology reuse and disposal.
How has your previous experience across technical and sales teams helped in your sustainability role?
Christopher: The collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills I honed in my earlier roles are all directly applicable.
Sustainability at Cisco is a cross-functional endeavor. It requires integrating technical insights with operational execution and stakeholder engagement across the organization.
You’re also passionate about the outdoors. How has that influenced your perspective?
Christopher: Living in Denver, Colorado, the outdoors are a big part of my life. Activities like biking, hiking, and skiing allow me to recharge and connect with nature.
One of my proudest accomplishments is completing the Bailey Hundo — a 100-mile mountain bike race with over 10,000 feet of elevation — four times. I also bikepacked the entire Colorado Trail, which spans more than 550 miles across 20 days.
That trail is special not just for the journey, but for its origin story. It was made possible by Gudy Gaskill, a passionate volunteer who led efforts to bring it to life. Her story — rallying people around a vision and pushing through obstacles — deeply resonates with me. It’s similar to driving sustainability forward. Both require long-term commitment, persistence, and teamwork.
What advice do you have for other Cisco employees interested in sustainability?
Christopher: A great first step is to join your local Green Team — employee-led groups focused on environmental action. I’m involved in the Denver chapter, where we’ve participated in projects ranging from trail restoration to wetland cleanups.
Also, take time to explore Cisco’s Purpose Reporting Hub. It’s packed with information about our circular design efforts, efficiency targets, and initiatives like Cisco Refresh and the Takeback and Reuse Program. These tools are often underutilized, and I encourage others to share them with customers and peers.
Lastly, think about how your current skills could translate into new roles. You may be surprised how transferable your experience is to sustainability or other emerging areas within the company.
What have you learned about effecting change within Cisco?
Christopher: One key insight is that you don’t always need to leave your company to grow. Sometimes, the next step is right in front of you — it just takes initiative to find it.
I’ve also realized that sustainability, like any transformative endeavor, is constantly evolving. Cisco’s scale, innovation, and influence position us to lead on circularity and environmental impact.
But meaningful change — whether on a mountain trail or in a global business — takes patience, perseverance, and the willingness to tackle challenges one step at a time.
After a long tenure in services and business development, Christopher Weiland transitioned into a new chapter — leveraging his technical background to fuel sustainability initiatives at Cisco. Much like the rugged mountain trails he navigates in Colorado, Weiland is pioneering new strategies for enhancing product circularity in the tech industry.
Could you walk us through your career in technology and how you transitioned into sustainability at Cisco?
Christopher: My fascination with technology began early — I was the go-to student in middle school for resolving issues in the computer lab. That early passion led me to study industrial engineering, opening doors to roles at Microsoft, IBM, and eventually Cisco, which I joined in 2000.
At Cisco, I concentrated on services and sales, helping large service providers manage complex network challenges. After 20 years, I started considering how I could pivot from purely technical roles to ones focused on sustainability.
How did you go about making that shift within Cisco?
Christopher: I had an incredible run in the tech space at Cisco, so I was excited to discover I could explore sustainability without leaving the company. At first, I thought I’d need to earn a degree in environmental science or find a new employer. But I soon found an internal network of like-minded colleagues working on sustainability initiatives — everything from renewable energy to supply chain practices and circularity.
I was especially drawn to product circularity, where I felt my skills could make a tangible impact. I adopted Cisco’s three E’s approach to professional growth: Exposure, Education, and Experience. I immersed myself in learning — reading, taking relevant courses, and connecting with those already in the sustainability space.
This journey led to a stretch assignment, marking my first hands-on role in Cisco’s sustainability efforts. Today, I focus on extending the lifecycle of Cisco products through reuse and responsible recycling.
Why is circularity such a key focus for Cisco?
Christopher: Cisco’s environmental strategy — "The Plan for the Possible" — prioritizes a shift toward a circular economy.
This model emphasizes keeping products in use longer by focusing on reuse, refurbishing, and recycling. Circularity aims to cut down on waste and reduce the need for raw materials.
Our approach is comprehensive — from designing durable, reusable products and packaging to creating systems for take-back and redeployment. We’re also introducing offerings that support this model, like Cisco Refresh, where customers can purchase certified remanufactured equipment.
So it’s not just about design. What other factors are needed to scale circularity?
Christopher: That’s right. While design is foundational, we need efficient systems and processes to manage take-back, reuse, and recycling.
We’re continuously exploring new ways to scale these systems. There’s a real opportunity for Cisco to lead in the area of product lifecycle management — helping customers adopt more sustainable practices around technology reuse and disposal.
How has your previous experience across technical and sales teams helped in your sustainability role?
Christopher: The collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills I honed in my earlier roles are all directly applicable.
Sustainability at Cisco is a cross-functional endeavor. It requires integrating technical insights with operational execution and stakeholder engagement across the organization.
You’re also passionate about the outdoors. How has that influenced your perspective?
Christopher: Living in Denver, Colorado, the outdoors are a big part of my life. Activities like biking, hiking, and skiing allow me to recharge and connect with nature.
One of my proudest accomplishments is completing the Bailey Hundo — a 100-mile mountain bike race with over 10,000 feet of elevation — four times. I also bikepacked the entire Colorado Trail, which spans more than 550 miles across 20 days.
That trail is special not just for the journey, but for its origin story. It was made possible by Gudy Gaskill, a passionate volunteer who led efforts to bring it to life. Her story — rallying people around a vision and pushing through obstacles — deeply resonates with me. It’s similar to driving sustainability forward. Both require long-term commitment, persistence, and teamwork.
What advice do you have for other Cisco employees interested in sustainability?
Christopher: A great first step is to join your local Green Team — employee-led groups focused on environmental action. I’m involved in the Denver chapter, where we’ve participated in projects ranging from trail restoration to wetland cleanups.
Also, take time to explore Cisco’s Purpose Reporting Hub. It’s packed with information about our circular design efforts, efficiency targets, and initiatives like Cisco Refresh and the Takeback and Reuse Program. These tools are often underutilized, and I encourage others to share them with customers and peers.
Lastly, think about how your current skills could translate into new roles. You may be surprised how transferable your experience is to sustainability or other emerging areas within the company.
What have you learned about effecting change within Cisco?
Christopher: One key insight is that you don’t always need to leave your company to grow. Sometimes, the next step is right in front of you — it just takes initiative to find it.
I’ve also realized that sustainability, like any transformative endeavor, is constantly evolving. Cisco’s scale, innovation, and influence position us to lead on circularity and environmental impact.
But meaningful change — whether on a mountain trail or in a global business — takes patience, perseverance, and the willingness to tackle challenges one step at a time.
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