Sushin Suresan

Sushin Suresan is the Director of Product Management of Optical Systems, at Cisco, where he has spent 19 years driving innovation across networking and telecommunications. He leads product strategy and execution for optical connectivity solutions that enable global service providers, hyperscalers, and enterprise customers to build AI-ready, cloud-scale, and resilient digital infrastructure.

What technology breakthrough would pave the way for the ICT industry?

SS: The integration of AI enables smarter, more secure, and efficient ICT systems that transform industries globally. Cisco’s strategic shift towards software, cloud-native applications, AI, and cybersecurity are key enablers for the future of ICT, driving innovation and digital transformation at scale.

How can telecommunications technologies help humanity?

SS: Cisco believes telecommunications are foundational to securely connecting everything, making anything possible. This connectivity fosters inclusion, education, healthcare access, and economic opportunities worldwide. Cisco’s networking solutions empower billions of devices, enabling remote work, telemedicine, and bridging digital divides.

What network-related development will have the greatest impact in our industry?

SS: An AI-native operating layer that could unify management across networking, security, observability, collaboration, compute, and cloud domains, would enable teams and AI agents to work from a shared, consistent context. This network-related breakthrough could help reduce operational complexity, improve time to insight and resolution, and support governed agentic operations where AI agents can investigate, decide, and act alongside human operators with appropriate oversight.

Is it important for companies to continue to innovate their organization or offerings, and why?

SS: Continuous innovation is essential. AI capabilities foster innovation in the ICT industry by enabling organizations to simplify operations, reduce manual effort, and accelerate the adoption of new technologies.

What value does PTC hold for you/your company?

SS: Cisco values industry forums like PTC for fostering collaboration, innovation, and addressing global telecommunications challenges, aligning with Cisco’s mission to help organizations connect, protect, and thrive in the AI-driven world.

How does PTC fit your company’s goals or career purpose?

SS: Cisco sees participation in global telecommunications councils as vital to advancing industry standards, innovation, and partnerships that support Cisco’s strategic goals building the critical infrastructure for the AI era.

What advice would you share with current and future graduates interested in this field?

SS: Graduates should embrace continuous learning especially in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies, and demonstrate passion and adaptability. Future professionals should understand technology’s transformative power and engage in lifelong learning to thrive in a dynamic industry.

What has been a positive outcome organizationally or individually given the current state of the world?

SS: Cisco’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing has fostered resilience and engagement during global uncertainties. Initiatives enhancing employee experience and culture have contributed to Cisco’s recognition as a top workplace.