From wonder to breakthrough: Behind Outshift by Cisco’s team anthem video

Every great leap starts with a stumble. To create what has never been accomplished before, follow your innate curiosity. Pushing boundaries means embracing failure as a launchpad to innovation. These sentiments are at the heart of Outshift by Cisco’s newest team anthem video, now viewable on the Outshift YouTube channel.

Why innovation requires risk 

As part of Cisco, Outshift is dedicated to chasing innovation despite the challenges of incubating solutions to problems two to five years into the future. Our bold initiatives, such as building the Internet of Agents and developing a prototype quantum network entanglement chip are driven by sparks of our team’s curiosity and commitment to emerging technology. Without experimenting and taking informed risks, we can’t progress. 

“We iterate at the risk of no outcome; it’s the pursuit here that matters,” Cindy Duong, Creative Director at Outshift says.

The Outshift mindset 

The Outshift mindset combines a venture into the unknown, a celebration of resilience, and a dedication to remaining obsessively curious.  

Researchers, strategists, and builders within an incubator validate their concepts with inquiry, examination, and data. This often means going where many haven’t yet dared to explore, but they know that outcomes aren’t certain until pursued. Developing at the very edge of technology isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s for Outshifters.

Creating an anthem for Outshifters and beyond

Led by Duong and Creative Producer, Gina Mainwal, Outshift’s latest visual project marks a significant milestone for the brand, using live-action storytelling to capture the incubator’s spirit and unique story. This story inspires the audience to accept failure as part of innovation, while maintaining curiosity and wonder.

During the making of the video, the team analyzed dozens of existing anthem videos. They continually asked themselves how they could stand out and what feelings they wanted to evoke.  

Additionally, the team specially sought directors who could visually tell stories by leaning into imagery instead of relying on dialogue. This intentional creative strategy was meant to capture the essence and feeling of Outshift to evoke an impactful and memorable emotional connection. 

“If you think of your own past, you may not remember exactly what was said, but what sticks with you is how you felt when you were around someone,” Mainwal says. “That’s the feeling we wanted to capture.” 

The anthem video depicts an engineer in the thick of the innovation process. Flashbacks from her childhood and education reveal how she’s overcome self-doubt and perfectionism to embrace perseverance and curiosity. Every stage and emotion are part of the process that propels her forward. She learns innovation means walking alongside your failures but not letting them define you. Despite setbacks, her intrinsic nature drives her to continue chasing the spark to solve impossible problems and building new solutions. 

“This anthem video is as much, if not more, a heartbeat for the people at Outshift, as it to share our sentiment outwardly,” Duong says.  

Going first because we must  

Following your proclivity for innovation means existing in constant juxtaposition. The thrill of breakthrough is inspiring, but the frustration of failing can be disheartening.  

The video's narrative initially included scenes where the engineer’s mother played a significant role in helping solve her daughter’s challenges. Duong made the choice to instead focus on the engineer’s journey of self-reliance and perseverance.  

“We wanted to emphasize that innovation means figuring it out as you try new things," she says. “As an incubator, there’s no one to solve problems for you and no one saving you, you have to find your own way.” 

There's rarely a safety net when you’re taking bold bets. The mother figure in the video has experience and answers for her daughter, but incubation doesn’t have that kind of precedence. By showing the engineer challenging herself to resolve obstacles independently, the video captures Outshift’s true way of working. There isn’t a playbook or manual to follow when building new products.  

Follow your spark 

Outshifters are comfortable with the uncomfortable. We know that with taking risks, there are unknowns and potential setbacks ahead. But, without struggle, we haven't truly redefined what's possible. So, we take the leap. 

And that's the sign of true innovation.

Outshift invites its team and the world to witness the unfolding of new possibilities as we follow our spark to new developments. Join us as we dare to innovate at every step, stumble, and triumph.

Watch now: Inspiration unleashed: The power of bold risks