I had the pleasure of working with Wayne at Cisco. While I was not a direct report to him I did have the opportunity to speak with him in person. I had been told many things to prepare myself for the conversation which involved challenging and difficult task.
When I did meet with Wayne, it was a very enlightening meeting. I realized very quickly we both had many of the same ideas, goals and aspirations.
Wayne was far more easy to talk to than I had expected. I really enjoyed our meeting and I came away from the meeting with a very positive perspective on what I needed to do. Wayne was very good at breaking things down into logical blocks and cutting through the confusion and obstacles that so often get in our way and confuse us.
I was very impressed with his confidence, his understanding of the business, his desire and his desire to do the right thing.
Cisco has not only lost a friend, a mentor , or a leader, we have lost an asset. Wayne was someone that had an impact on many levels. I only wish I had the chance to have worked with him more often.
While his passing is difficult, and painful I do believe we should remember Wayne in a way that celebrates his life. We should look at his achievements and more importantly, the positive influence he had on others. Those are things that do not ever go away.
Wayne will be missed, but much of what he accomplished will live on with each of us. I believe Wayne would want us to take what we have learned from him, and continue to move forward, to take on the difficult tasks for that is how we learn and grow.
Wayne. I wish you well, and perhaps in time our paths shall cross again.
Christopher C Smith
PM
Cisco Systems.