Thursday, February 13, 2025

From IT Professional to Swiftie, Scott Sardella’s Successful Huge with Cisco Insider Advocates


Cisco’s advocacy group, Cisco Insider, brings our prospects collectively and gives a method for them to make highly effective connections, develop their skilled and private networks, and be taught from prime specialists within the subject. Considered one of our objectives is to deepen {our relationships} with our prospects. Our Q&A collection permits us to shine a highlight on a few of our most passionate advocates as we find out about their backgrounds.

Immediately we welcome Scott Sardella, IT Assist Desk Supervisor at Cardiovascular Institute of the South.

Scott is a member of Cisco Insider Advocates, Webex Insiders, and he received tickets to see Taylor Swift by way of our Cisco Stay competitors!

 

Welcome Scott! Thanks for becoming a member of us immediately. Are you able to inform us about your profession journey thus far and what impressed you to take in your function at Cardiovascular Institute of the South?

Thanks for having me! My early days have been spent racing bikes till an accident at 18 made me pivot to a critical profession in IT. I used to be drawn to know-how due to my love for studying new issues and the fixed challenges it presents. My entry to the healthcare sector was pushed by a robust incentive; the flexibility to allow individuals to do their jobs successfully means we’re contributing to saving lives, which is extremely fulfilling for me. I joined the Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) throughout a big progress part about 9 years in the past from about 400 to 1300 workers. Being part of that enlargement has been an unimaginable expertise. Over the previous two to 3 years, I’ve transitioned right into a management function as a workforce lead, overseeing all of our assist employees. I’m captivated with mentoring the people on my workforce and serving to them develop into expert professionals, very like I used to be earlier in my profession. Once I started at CIS, we have been simply beginning to implement new digital medical information. Now, each facet of our information is totally digital, and the expansion has been exponential. It’s thrilling to be part of the improvements CIS is endeavor. We delight ourselves on technological superiority, and I can confidently say that no different cardiology observe that I’m conscious of matches our degree of IT sophistication.

 

What does your day-to-day seem like, what sorts of issues are you desirous about essentially the most?

My each day routine is kind of dynamic. Making certain that our firm operates with out a hitch is my prime precedence. Nevertheless, what’s really necessary to me is that our assist desk and all our assist employees are well-equipped. As with every IT function, my day-to-day duties can fluctuate vastly, however the final aim is at all times to maintain everybody glad and productive. Proper now, I’m actively concerned in increasing a number of of our sister organizations which I wouldn’t be capable to do with out the strong assist of my workforce. Their means to know new challenges and run with them makes my job a lot simpler. I maintain profound respect and belief for every member of our workforce, each my superiors and subordinates. It’s their onerous work and understanding that enables me to deal with the broader features of our operations and I’m past grateful for each single one among them.

 

Are you able to share a very memorable problem you’ve confronted in your function and the way you overcame it?

Definitely, it’s fairly well timed that you just carry this up. We’re at present deeply immersed in deploying Webex all through our group. On the floor, rolling out Webex could appear simple from an IT perspective, however the true problem lies in educating customers. Making certain that everybody understands the complete vary of instruments obtainable to them and tips on how to make the most of these instruments successfully has been a job of appreciable scale, notably once you’re aiming to achieve 1300 people. We aimed to finish the Webex rollout to your complete firm inside an 8 week timeframe with coaching workshops included. It’s been a speedy deployment, and fortunately, we have now a incredible workforce. The assist from Cisco TAC has been invaluable, and our account supervisor, Mark Rittiner, has been instrumental in connecting me with the precise individuals to make this occur.

 

What are the strategic advantages you see transitioning to cloud calling, and the way do you consider it aligns with the Institute’s future?

This is likely to be the simplest questions on the earth! Again within the day, the concept of counting on cloud-based options was daunting. There was a widespread uncertainty and lack of belief surrounding information safety, no matter vendor. Fortunately, Cisco has finished a stellar job on this regard, and your complete perspective on cloud options has shifted. As our Institute continues to develop, adopting cloud-based know-how appears not only a alternative however an inevitability. The simplicity and accessibility of cloud options are unmatched – you’ll be able to troubleshoot and handle programs from anyplace. The whole lot is unified notably with instruments just like the Webex Management Hub, which I discover extraordinarily user-friendly. Plus, the flexibility to have your calling providers and related options comply with you seamlessly throughout completely different gadgets and platforms is an unimaginable benefit that aligns completely with our institute’s path in the direction of innovation and effectivity.

 

How does the implementation of Cisco Meraki options match into your imaginative and prescient for the institute’s progress?

I’ve been an avid fan of Meraki for fairly a while now. Identical to with Webex, Meraki affords us a unified dashboard that simplifies administration throughout the board, permitting us to carry out a large number of duties from a single interface. It’s a game-changer in comparison with juggling a number of programs without delay. We launched Meraki at CIS again in 2020. When the pandemic hit, we needed to swiftly transition to a work-from-home mannequin to maintain operations operating easily, similar to everybody else. We opted for the Z3 and Z4 gadgets and have since deployed over 100 of them, making a seamless work surroundings for our employees, together with our IT workforce. At present, we’re experimenting with Meraki wi-fi options, and the expertise has been very optimistic. The aim is to streamline our tech stack, and with Meraki and the Webex Management Hub, we’re in a position to supervisor a lot with simply a few interfaces. We lately began to implement Meraki WiFi, and the suggestions from finish customers has been wonderful.

 

In an business with historically tight budgetary frameworks. what are your prime methods for doing extra with much less, and the way do you prioritize investments in know-how?

That’s a wonderful questions as a result of as we develop, the prices related to rising our programs, groups, and all associated parts may be fairly important as you’ll be able to think about. Our major focus is at all times doing what’s proper for the group. Safety is our prime precedence, particularly because the cybersecurity panorama turns into more and more daunting. That’s why we have now our superior Cybersecurity Analyst Wesley diligently monitoring our programs. In terms of budgeting, we’re meticulous with planning. We trial and take a look at totally to find out which options will genuinely meet our wants. With so many choices obtainable for each downside, we are able to’t rush these choices. The method may be extra time-consuming than some would possibly desire, but it surely’s vital to make sure we’re making the precise selections. Convincing management and finance groups to take a position a big sum of money in know-how isn’t simple. My method is rooted in collaboration and communication. I consider in working collectively and sustaining an open dialogue all through the method. If there’s a distinction of opinion, then it’s a matter of discussing these variations and reaching a consensus on whether or not and tips on how to implement modifications.

 

How do you keep knowledgeable concerning the newest applied sciences and developments in healthcare IT?

First off, like all IT skilled, I’ve received fairly a little bit of a nerdy streak. I’m at all times desirous to find out about new developments, so I spend a good period of time researching and I’m subscribed to varied newsletters. I’m additionally energetic in a number of completely different teams. One of many teams I’m privileged to be part of for 5 years is Infragard, which is actually a singular partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and people within the non-public sector. Then there’s my involvement in Cisco Insider Advocates and Webex Insiders. Being a Cisco Insider has been unimaginable advantageous as a result of it means I’m usually aware about new developments earlier than most people. It’s nice to have a heads-up on what’s on the horizon with Cisco and the broader tech world, and the way it all would possibly match collectively. Cisco Insider has offered me with a platform for limitless studying, they usually handle to make it participating and enjoyable. Having a group of like-minded people to debate and trade concepts with is typically extra useful than speaking to salespeople about their merchandise. It’s invaluable to have the ability to ask somebody about their expertise first-hand – to grasp why they made a sure shift, what the transition was like, and what it’s finished for his or her group.

 

You’re one among our Cisco Insider Advocate “Rockstars!” What made you need to be part of, and the way has being part of the group impacted you each professionally and personally?

Image of Scott Sardella with a quote about Cisco Insider

On a private degree, I’ve met a number of the most unimaginable individuals by way of this group – people from all around the globe who suppose like I do. The relationships I’ve fashioned lengthen past simply group members; I’ve additionally gotten to know a number of the admins who run the Cisco Insider program. Once I misplaced my father, who was not solely the Director of IT at Terrebonne Basic for over 30 years but in addition my greatest good friend and mentor, the Cisco Insider workforce confirmed me and my father an unimaginable quantity of affection and assist. That interval was powerful for me, and their care meant the world. It’s proven me that this group values its members and upholds the core values the promote, which aligns with how I method life and work.

 

Congratulation on successful Taylor Swift tickets by way of our Cisco Stay competitors! Are you a self-proclaimed Swiftie or what motivated you to enter the competitors?

Actually, it’s fairly humorous – I wasn’t a Swiftie after I entered the competitors. I threw my hat within the ring just because I believed, why not? I’ve by no means received something important in my life, and I knew my spouse is a big Taylor Swift fan. The tickets ended up being an unimaginable shock as a result of the live performance fell on the weekend of my spouse’s birthday, so it changed into a particular birthday weekend journey for the 2 of us.

And let me inform you, after the live performance, I’ve positively turn into a Swiftie! Taylor Swift is aware of precisely tips on how to captivate an viewers and ensure everybody has a incredible time. The live performance, mixed with the cutting-edge know-how at Levi’s Stadium, was simply the best factor ever. Cisco has been a relentless presence in my skilled life for a few years. I’ve labored with Cisco options my whole profession, and my earlier job was additionally in a heavy Cisco surroundings. However Cisco has additionally made a big affect on my private life by providing alternatives like this one. This isn’t one thing you see from each firm. It was, fingers down, essentially the most unimaginable expertise for her – her first live performance ever! We set the bar extremely excessive, and I’m undecided how I’ll ever prime that, however because of Cisco, we offered a birthday expertise for my spouse that she’s going to bear in mind endlessly.

Image of Scott Sardella and his wife at the Taylor Swift concert at Levi's Stadium Image of Scott Sardella and his wife at the Taylor Swift concert at Levi's Stadium

 

Lastly, what recommendation would you give to different IT professionals?

If I have been to supply recommendation to fellow IT professionals, it might be to begin by conserving an open thoughts. It’s simple in IT to turn into set in our methods, but it surely’s essential to think about the ideas and emotions of others. No matter our function in IT, our core accountability is to assist individuals. From the very best to the bottom degree throughout the IT hierarchy, our objective is to allow and help others. We have to perceive the challenges our customers face in order that we are able to supply the very best assist doable. I might additionally stress the significance of staying present with business developments. In the event you’re concerned with Cisco, for example, I’d extremely advocate becoming a member of the Cisco Insider group. It’s a program that rewards you for studying and gives you with the instruments and information to remain knowledgeable about what’s on the market and the way it works. Staying linked is vital. And lastly, by no means lose sight of the final word goal in healthcare IT. On the finish of the day, our job is to make sure the well-being of others. We will not be on the entrance traces of affected person care, however out function is to facilitate the work of those that are, making certain that folks can lead completely happy, wholesome, lives.

 

Learn extra advocate interviews

You would possibly get pleasure from this interview with Cisco Insider Wouter Hindricks.

Be a part of us!

For our prospects who’ve already joined our Cisco Insider Advocates group, say whats up to Tim should you haven’t met but. And should you’re a Cisco buyer however aren’t a group member, think about becoming a member of. You’ll be capable to:

  • Join with friends in a gamified, on-line group
  • Have a chance to satisfy with Cisco’s executives
  • Share your suggestions, questions, and greatest practices
  • Get entry to ‘insider’ content material and assets
  • Develop your skilled and private model
  • Amplify your organization’s success story with Cisco know-how

Able to get began?

Head over to the Cisco Insider Advocates Neighborhood and say whats up!

(Requires registration / login)

 

 

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