Solutions Engineering | Channel Development | Innovation & Business Transformation | Technology Sales
Today marks the end of a fantastic 23-year run at Cisco. As I move on, I am filled with gratitude, underscored by countless memories and friendships forged with so many amazingly talented people across Cisco, as well as our partners and customers. Although this journey has been with one company, it has encompassed many careers. I am especially thankful for having had the opportunity to be a part of and lead the EMEA Solutions Engineering community - you are phenomenal! I plan to take some time off this summer to pause and reflect before exploring new opportunities and what's next in my career.
Koen, dude, friend, colleague and Mentor! :) Wish you all the best and you use one word in your speech that says everything about you and more. #Phenomenal exactly what your are Koen and have been the many years we could come to you in Cisco. Always open, supportive, embracing, innovative and finding our sparks and igniting them for us to grow into the next level/chapter. Thank you for the years of mentoring, sparring, sharing. You took my greenhorn leadership skills and made me push beyond to something I could never imagine I would have grown into today. You made me better and many others I think can say the same because of YOU my friend :) Thanks for guiding me and showing me the "path" in clear and stormy weather. My favorite book is still "The leader who had no title" and would have not read it if not for you. If you need me I'm here, only a ping away. Wish you and your family all the luck and best. #Legendary is also a word you missed to mention about YOU ;) :) Big highfive from me and the next chapter and company that get's you. Wow! is the word... They are beyond lucky. /Peter Henry
Koen, take care my friend. You have created many beautiful moments among many people. You have inspired huge numbers of colleagues. You have shared your passion and commitment and above all you have left a lot of friends. What awaits you from now on is so wonderful that I can't even describe it to you. The wealth of experiences and knowledge and contacts that you have treasured in this great company are now put at your service to enjoy and continue creating and being a real Maker. Enjoy, Relax ❤️
Although we only crossed paths in the last 7 years, I can hardly remember a single instance of my journey since then that did not include you, as a role model, as a thought leader, as a mentor and as a friend. The #SEMaker community in EMEA grew so much stronger and "louder" under your leadership... and YES! we are phenomenal, because you pushed us to assume our full potential and evolve to be the best version we can be. THANK YOU Koen Jacobs 🤗 Enjoy summer & we'll catch up soon!
Koen, new beginnings are often disguised as painful endings, but am sure with your enthusiasm, drive and leadership you will find a new path that will be as impactful than your career at Cisco. Take some time off, enjoy life and I am sure we will meet again soon. And remember, someone once said : We're here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?
Thank you sincerely for your unwavering commitment to people development, coaching, and sponsorship. Your passion for nurturing others has profoundly impacted countless lives, including mine. Your genuine care and dedication are truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the support and guidance you have provided.
Hi Koen, well, what can I say other than “what a journey”. I am grateful that we walked a few years together and we had the pleasure to work on and with a great team of SEs, SEMs and SEDs. I really enjoyed the teamwork, your leadership and our sometimes challenging discussions :-) All the best for you in the future. But firstly enjoy the summer with your family. Mathias
Koen Jacobs, Congratulations on an amazing 23-year career at Cisco! A journey that started as a Channel SE and led to you raising the voice and impact of the entire EMEA SE community at Cisco and into the industry. You positively impacted so many people along the way. Thank you for your leadership and friendship. Enjoy the summer break with your family.
Bonjour Koen BRAVO 👏Wishing you all the best for your next chapter. You have been one of the best and most inspiring leaders I've worked with. Thank you for your support, sponsorship and impact on the Business Architecture journey at Cisco; loved it and will never forget this amazing adventure. Proud former #CiscoSE and #BAMaker forever 🙂 Merci 🙏🏻
All the best. You have been an awesome leader of our EMEA SE community 👊🏻
What an amazing career you had! I remember your first day at the office at Marcel Thirylaan, working together as Channel SEs, evolving to become conscious leaders, walking the Camino together and having our regular chats, but also the crazy car race to Antwerp, shoarma, laughing until we cried, Rock Werchter and the campfire to close the night next to the pool. Thank you for being so inspirational to the many people you have worked closely with (I consider myself lucky to be part of that group)! You definitely know how to bring out the best in people. I’m sure we’ll keep in touch ;)