
Sam Gersten
Break into Corporate Strategy | Cisco Senior Manager, Corporate Strategy
Studied at Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Works at Cisco
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Sam's Offerings
Custom hourly · $79/hr
Get help with AI Automation, AI Fundamentals, and .
Sam’s Business Operations & Strategy Qualifications
Experience level: Director
After starting out in consulting (Strategy&), I'v since moved to in-house Corporate Strategy (Cisco) while advising startups on growth & operations. I have a Kellogg MBA, a UPenn BA, and can help you make the transition from consulting to tech strategy! As a Senior Manager in Corporate Strategy at Cisco, I lead teams in developing growth strategies across domains, including AI, cloud data centers, and supply chain management. My experience extends to advising startups on strategic finance and business operations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both corporate and entrepreneurial landscapes. Having coached startup founders in business strategy and operations, and regularly helping Fortune 500 executives solve strategic questions in my work, I bring passion and experience about helping clients navigate complex challenges and achieve their professional goals. Let's connect to tailor a strategy that aligns with your aspirations!
Sam can help with:
AI Automation
AI Fundamentals
Business Strategy Development
Competitive Analysis
Cover Letters
Financial Analysis
Interview Prep
LinkedIn Review
Market Research
Negotiation Skills
Networking Strategy
Operations Management
Process Improvement
Project Management
Resume Review
Work Experience

Growth Advisor
Juno
September 2025 - April 2026

Senior Manager, Corporate Strategy
Cisco
September 2025 - Present
Interviewer
Lead project teams to develop growth strategies for executive priorities across: - GTM (international growth, sales resource prioritization, sovereign / neo cloud deals, services, renewals, business models, licensing, forecasting/planning) - Product (AI, cloud data center, enterprise networking, observability) - Supply chain (silicon, memory, thermals, etc) - Inorganic motions (M&A, partnerships, investment opportunities, divestiture) ... and more (competitive response, thought leadership, annual planning)
Growth Advisor
MEDPREP
February 2024 - June 2024

Corporate Strategy Manager
Cisco
October 2023 - September 2025
Interviewer
Strategic Finance & Business Operations Advisor
Gobekli
July 2022 - November 2022

Corporate Strategy Manager
Cisco
October 2021 - September 2023

Growth Advisor
Inspirit AI
April 2021 - July 2022
Strategy & Program Management Office
University of California Office of the President
March 2017 - August 2019

Experienced Associate / Associate
Strategy&
August 2014 - February 2017
Sam was also given offers to work at

Amazon

Workday

Payoneer

Verizon
Education

Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Master of Business Administration - MBA
Triple Major: Finance, Strategy, Management | Technology Pathway

University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's degree, Philosohy, Politics, Economics
Grade: magna cum laude, with honors