John Chambers, Executive Chairman of Cisco Systems

FORTUNE Unfiltered with Aaron Task

John Chambers was CEO of Cisco Systems from 1995 to 2005. Cisco’s stock surged over 1400% during Chambers' tenure vs. a mere 350% gain for the S&P 500. But it wasn’t all sunshine and roses for Chambers, who recalls the “life-threatening experiences” the company faced after the dot com bubble burst in 2000 and again after the 2008 financial crisis. Now Cisco's executive chairman, Chambers explains why he’s so proud of how the company navigated those challenges and recalls the advice he got from GE’s Jack Welch during those struggles. Chambers also talks about his personal battle with dyslexia and how he turned the condition into a strength. But he admits "my hands still sweat" thinking about being called on in class to have to read out loud. Note: When this episode was recorded on September 15. Chambers said he was “waiting for the debates” before deciding whether or not to support Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. Chambers, who served as national campaign co-chair for John McCain's 2008 presidential bid and endorsed Mitt Romney in 2012, could not be reached for additional comment.