Women in Red Vodafone Power to you - Celebrating inspirational women - Gender Networks
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Women in Red Celebrating inspirational women Compiled by Siobhan Brookman Vodafone Power to you
Why diversity matters – a message from Vittorio Colao
At Vodafone we recognise the importance of I have also set a goal of increasing female I hope that it will provide a platform for them
gender diversity and the fact that women, representation throughout the company, to pass on their tips to others around them
both as our customers and employees, are particularly within the senior leadership and highlight the key value and outstanding
one of the keys to our successes in the future. teams and in other key leadership and contribution that our female employees are
management positions. bringing to the company, around the World.
In Vodafone’s latest annual report I
emphasised our commitment to women, how We are making good progress in this area, and I look forward to seeing Women in Red
we are addressing the gender gap in mobile I am excited by this initiative to highlight and develop and continuing to reflect the
phone ownership in emerging economies, recognise the skills and expertise of women expertise, talent and increasing value those
and the social and economic impact of within Vodafone. women are bringing to Vodafone.
extending women’s access to mobile phones.
Women in Red is an excellent initiative that
The Connected Women report found that will showcase some of our female workforce
stabilising the gender gap in our markets who have been nominated by their
could have an economic benefit for women colleagues as ‘inspiring’ individuals.
Vittorio Colao
and society of more than US$22.3 billion
Chief Executive, Vodafone Group
annually from 2020.
2
Contents
Introduction 4 Katherine Bennett 23
Alessandra Di Cosmo 6 Katherine (Kit) Haines
Anja Wuebbeling 7 Bornheimer 24
Annette Sorraine 8 Kathryn Holmes 25
Candice Pearce 9 Linda Chemtai 26
Dana Berceanu 10 Megan Doberneck 27
Eileen Fetchick 11 Natalie Longhurst 28
Elaine Gunaydin 12 Nataliya Kudlayeva 29
Elizabeth Rumsey 13 Nikki Dicks 30
Ferhan Gunen 14 Nitu Kaushal 31
Fiona Chalk 15 Sandra Healy 32
Ghada Adel 16 Sandra Jones 33
Guia Lanciani 17 Simone Moors 34
Hamshy Raveendran 18 Siobhan Brookman 35
Helga Bauer 19 Victoria Reis 36
Jane Brownsord 20 Zoe Garner-Glowski 37
Jeni Mundy 21 The Vodafone Group
Women’s Network 38
June Sugiyama 22
3
Introduction
Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to meet, I took their inspiration and applied many of their principles to
and to work with, women who seem to manage a successful my own life, and somehow found ways to get this balance
career, sometimes married and bringing up children, or right. I can now reflect and be proud of what I have achieved.
simply balancing the demands of a hectic personal life.
My children are now old enough to fend for I then asked them to nominate two more and so Within this booklet I have attempted to capture
themselves, ‘on track’ and ‘doing well’, so I have we organically grew to reach our initial group. some of the reasons why individuals have been
time to see how I can help others to find that nominated, and that is not for us to contest or
Many of you will ask ‘what is the definition of
balance. debate, but for us to embrace.
inspiring?’ Well, from my perspective this is clear
The initiative to create Women in Red is my and, whilst there are many definitions that could If the Women in Red pilot is a success, my vision
simple offering to women in business to see how be applied, for Women in Red I have taken a is to pass this initiative over to the Women’s
we can help them find inspiration and guidance, broad view. Network and we will then, hopefully, see this
by benefitting from the journeys of some of our managed by an online voting tool, resulting in
Inspiring may mean that the individual has
successful and inspirational women, sharing an annual publication of 50 of Vodafone’s most
managed a successful career and a family; they
their knowledge and their top tips. inspiring women, around the globe.
may have raised money for charity; they seem to
This first publication is a pilot, accelerated manage multiple activities within their business In this way, we can then recognise, showcase,
somewhat from my original timeline, so we role, but at the same time they manage their and celebrate the growing influence of women
could launch on international Women’s Day on work-life balance; they may have undertaken in our business, at all levels over the coming
the 8th March. The result is a showcase of 32 some exceptionally brave and courageous years.
women in Vodafone who have been nominated activities in their personal life that have given
as ‘inspiring’. them a strength of character that others admire;
and they have done this all with a smile and a
I started within my own network and selected
positive approach to life!
four people around me who I admired and who
had inspired me and many around them.
4
I hope the legacy will be to show everybody
what is possible. This collection of advice will,
I hope, help the readers (both men and women)
map their own journey with more speed, less
complexity and, most importantly, be able to
create a network of trust and collaboration
with their fellow colleagues.
Happy reading and thanks to all who
participated in making this happen and special
thanks to Margaret I’ons for her effort in
designing this booklet.
Siobhan Brookman
Sales & Commercial Operations
Vodafone Group
5
Alessandra Di Cosmo
Head of Post-Paid & Family CVM, Consumer Division
Vodafone Italy
Nominated for her passion, drive and making an impact
Alessandra joined Vodafone in January 2006 and Alessandra started her career at Accenture She is happily married and she shares with her
is currently head of Post-Paid & Family CVM in (formerly Andersen Consulting) where she husband a great passion for travelling around
the Italian consumer division, with full worked for five years on several strategic the world.
responsibility for fixed and post-paid customer consulting projects in TLC industry.
base management activities.
Enthusiastic, passionate, extremely focussed on
Prior to this Alessandra performed different people management, Alessandra is recognised
positions in Vodafone marketing teams with as being an inspiring leader and a strong
increasing exposure and responsibilities. achiever.
Alessandra’s top tips
Be fully aware of your strengths and Always engage people working with Be curious and open minded. Don’t
leverage on them. you and make them feel part of it if forget we all need to learn to reach
you want to maximise their higher levels.
contribution.
6
Anja Wuebbeling
Cloud & Hosting Services
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her passion and commitment to the development of women in sales
Anja is currently working in the Central & Anja is passionate about people and the encourage growth through personal
Southern Europe Team in Cloud & Hosting potential of growth on a personal level and she development and the exchange of best practise.
Services with accountability for channel gives lectures on various sales and performance The initiative has now spread to other areas of
development and reselling activities within the related topics. Anja established the Women & Vodafone.
transformational partner landscape. Enterprise Sales programme for Vodafone
Anja studied Market Communications and HR,
Germany in 2013, she is a strong believer that
Prior to that Anja was leading the strategic graduating in 2003.
diverse teams deliver better results.
customer retention “Must WIN” programme
During free time she loves travelling, sports
within Enterprise Germany. Anja was nominated in 2014 as a Vodafone Hero
(diving and trekking), mental health, and body
for her work in strengthening the female sales
Anja started her career in the financial sector at balance sessions such as yoga and pilates.
force with the aim to help them operate
Deutsche Bank from 1997 to 1999 before
successfully in the current enterprise
joining Vodafone.
environment, increase their visibility, and
Anja’s top tips
Be confident about the present and of Go and find your garden of growth. Be clear in what you want to achieve.
the qualities that make you lively, Manage your environment – challenge Make decisions. Give people pictures,
respectful and shine. Be trustful and yourself every day finding and facing so they understand what you want
pro-active in how you discover and things that make you go to the next them to do. Speak up if you think
show these qualities. step of developing yourself and the something is not right or efficient.
organisation and inspire others Treat others as you would like to be
around you. treated.
7
Annette Sorraine
Head of Ireland and the Nordics
Vodafone Global Enterprise
Nominated for her passion, attitude and being genuine
Annette joined Vodafone in 2013 and her day- geographical boundaries, Annette delivers Annette believes balance is important and that
to-day job involves constant focus on revenue financial and operational results. your career has to work for all the elements of
growth within her regions, relationship your life and have the right intensity at the right
She was brought up believing there should be
development between Vodafone Global time. Push to do something bigger or be in a
no limits so be whoever you want to be and
Enterprise and its customer base, and devising holding position.
place no boundaries on yourself.
sales strategies tailored to each customer.
Annette lives in Ireland with her 7 year old son
Whilst Annette does not have a long term plan,
Being a people person, Annette dedicates much Finn.
she has thought through the next two steps for
of her time to coaching and people
the coming three to five years.
development.
The roles Annette has performed have not
With a successful track record working in teams
necessarily been bigger but have given her a
and collaborating across departments and
rounded set of experiences.
Annette’s top tips
Be flexible, have an open mind, and Trust your instincts – it’s about Be genuinely interested in people and
look at every opportunity for what it is situations not just about people. I treat them as you find them.
rather than trying to follow a believe in trusting your instinct, Remember how you made them feel
predetermined plan. background, morality and ethical not what you told them. Treat each
experience so trust yourself and your person individually, don’t make
own judgment. Believe in yourself. assumptions, and try to understand
them and their position.
8
Candice Pearce
Proposition Manager
Vodafone Global Enterprise
Nominated for her passion and efforts on employee engagement and charity work
Candice is a Proposition Manager in the Candice has also been an Employee On a personal note, Candice was born in
Vodafone Global Enterprise marketing team and Engagement Champion for the past two years Johannesburg, South Africa and lived in Dublin,
has a key focus on Enterprise Mobility and led the first ‘Regional Relay’ charity initiative Ireland before moving to the UK in 2012.
Management and Bring Your Own ‘everything’ in Group Enterprise with nine volunteering days
She loves dancing and has performed in flash
(BYOx). completed across six regions including the UK,
mobs in Dublin including the performance of the
South Africa and India.
She joined Global Enterprise in 2012 as part of ‘Haka’ to promote a New Zealand versus Ireland
the graduate scheme and has completed roles She is passionate about team work and finding rugby match.
in the product team and partnering team where platforms which encourage engagement, such
she was responsible for the development of the as her charitable projects, which have raised over
partner portal and product performance £5,000 during her time at Vodafone.
reporting.
Candice’s top tips
Make a difference; think about your Look out for others and take time to Have a work-life balance. It is
legacy in your current role and what get to know your team and build a important to make sure you find
you want to be remembered for. good network. something you enjoy outside of work
that you’re passionate about and
commit to spending time on it.
9
Dana Berceanu
Head of Enterprise Mobility Product Development, Enterprise Products & Services
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her determination and drive and for achieving an admirable ‘diverse’ career
Dana joined the Vodafone family in October After three years, the average revenue per Dana joined Vodafone Group in 2010 as part of
1997 (in Romania) just after she graduated with business user was four times larger than for a the Vodafone Business Services team leading
a degree in Maths and Computer Science. normal user and the solution was awarded “The the development and implementation of
Best IT&C Service in Romania”. processes and associated governance
She started her career in the Technology
instruments to deploy and lifecycle manage the
department being involved in network rollout Dana’s role for the next three years was Director
enterprise portfolio.
and the setting up of the technical programme of Fixed-Mobile Convergence & Corporate
for entering the fixed wireless data business. Solutions for Vodafone Romania where she was Dana moved to her current role in January 2013
accountable for developing and executing to build differentiated mobility products and to
In 2002 Dana moved to product management
Vodafone’s strategy to become a total address the needs of enterprise customers.
for business, having the opportunity to be part of
communications provider for business
the team that developed the Integrated Services She is happily married and has two children,
customers.
Strategy concept. Matei 16 and Ioana 10, that are ‘enjoying’ their
mother’s maths skills!
Dana’s top tips
Have the courage to look for the Be clear about what are you trying to Trust is hard to build and easy to lose.
opportunities that could bring change achieve and shape your way – scope Keep your promises or reset the
and try to be in the middle of the possibilities and take action. If a expectation.
something new. path is blocked, try another until you
achieve your goal. This is not just about
your career, it’s about everything you
do.
10Eileen Fetchick
HR Business Partner
Vodafone Americas
Nominated for her empathy and displaying strong emotional intelligence
Eileen is a US-based HR Business Partner Prior to joining Vodafone, Eileen helped build Eileen’s favourite pastime, fitting for an HR
assigned to the Vodafone CSSO Americas Team. the US business for Australian-based Brambles professional, is reading biographies.
Industries’ Security Transport Division, managing
She supports a number of functions and teams Her love of cooking, shared by her daughter
inside sales and operations.
including: VTMP, Bank of America Operations, Kristen, keeps her front and centre entertaining
Service Management, and the Design and Before this Eileen spent several years in her extended family.
Delivery Americas teams. Corporate Communications for Air Express
Over the last few years, Eileen has morphed into
International headquartered in Darien,
Eileen joined Vodafone through the Telecoms a motocross cheerleader, having joined her son’s
Connecticut.
Management Practice in 2002. and husband’s passion for racing motocross.
Eileen lives in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.
Eileen’s top tips
Be true to yourself: never compromise Learn to trust your inner voice as it Be prepared and always do your
your values, integrity or the fabric of will be the voice that leads you to the homework, properly prepare and be
who you are. Apply your true self to right decision. ready for any situation.
every situation in your daily life.
11Elaine Gunaydin
Americas Bid & Pricing Team Leader, Sales & Commercial Operations
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her resilient character and getting the job done no matter how tough the ask
Elaine is Bid and Pricing Team Leader for She was recognised as one of the first women to In her spare time, she enjoys travel, cooking and
Vodafone Global Enterprise Americas, and has successfully manage an engineering division volunteering at a community children’s charity.
been with Vodafone for four years working out of and significantly improve performance.
the New York office.
Elaine moved to the USA in 1996 with BT Global
She has over 20 years’ experience in the global Services and has extensive experience in bid
telecommunications market and has worked management, project management, service
with global and multinational customers for management and strategic partnerships.
most of her career.
Elaine is originally from Scotland, but now
Elaine previously worked for BT and was enjoys living in New York with her husband.
successful in many different roles, including
managing 90 field engineers early in her career.
Elaine’s top tips
Take risks – if you have never failed at Bring people with you on the “Dare Greatly – have the courage to
anything, you haven’t reached high journey – making others successful show up and be seen” (Brene Brown).
enough. is hugely rewarding.
12Elizabeth Rumsey
Global Bid Manager, Sales & Commercial Operations
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her drive, commitment and capacity to deliver
Elizabeth joined Vodafone in October 2012 and Elizabeth's career began in investment banking, Elizabeth grew up near Nashville, Tennessee in
is currently in a player/coach role leading a where she worked for five years in UK mergers the United States, but is an ardent Anglophile
team of bid managers supporting Vodafone and acquisitions for both Lehman Brothers and after nearly fifteen years in the UK.
Global Enterprise accounts headquartered in JP Morgan Cazenove.
She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband,
Northern Europe. She is also Chair of the
She then joined Richard Branson's Virgin Group, three year old son, and the first of what she
Vodafone Group Women’s Network.
initially providing commercial support to the hopes will become a succession of happy au
She has represented both the Pricing and Bid group's Investment Advisory Committee before pairs helping to give her family a better work-life
functions in the Global Enterprise Rapid Win being chosen to lead the finance function for balance.
Room over the past two financial years and was Virgin Galactic, where she successfully
recognised by her peers and the senior completed a fundraise valuing the company at
leadership team as one of the SHINE award c.$1 billion.
winners for 2014.
Elizabeth’s top tips
Take strategic decisions about your life Attitude can make the biggest Believe in yourself and don’t be too
as you would your job. Decide what you difference – try to move in the self-critical. People notice when you
want to achieve and what changes you direction of working for good people. are afraid – act confident even if you
need to make. Don’t be afraid to move Who you work for can make or break don’t feel confident. If you don’t show
in a different direction if that suits your your success. Make choices based on confidence in yourself, people won’t
life and make your own choices. people. have confidence in you.
13Ferhan Gunen
Head of Service Operations
Vodafone UK
Nominated for being brave, customer focussed and driven to succeed
Ferhan joined Vodafone in 2006 when Vodafone In 2011, Ferhan joined Vodafone UK as Head of Since December 2013 Ferhan has been Head of
Turkey was being established and spent five Core Network. It was a very exciting time and Service Operations for Vodafone in the UK which
years there in different operational and strategic Vodafone UK had an unbeatable experience in includes mobile network operations and fixed
planning roles. delivering network assurance with both quality and mobile service assurance.
and availability during London 2012 Olympics.
She led the technology programme for 3G Ferhan enjoys joining yoga classes, is happily
changing Vodafone’s position in the Turkish 2013 was the year of 4G and Core Network married, and has a 10 year old son, Baturalp.
market completely. accelerated the 4G launch dramatically with its
agile delivery.
Ferhan’s top tips
Listen to your gut, heart and mind. You Build the team and support them. Be authentic, explain yourself and if
know what is correct and what is Without a team we cannot be where we English is a second language don’t be
needed so listen to it and ignore the are so support them on the way. scared to open up to who you are
noise around you. interacting with to create a platform to
move forward from.
14Fiona Chalk
Programme Manager
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her focus and ability to prioritise on what is important
Fiona has been with Vodafone for 14 years in a In addition, Fiona is responsible for Vodafone’s Fiona enjoys being outdoors, running, skiing and
number of roles including procurement Cloud & Collaboration programme, which sailing, as well as cooking for friends and family.
specialist, sales manager, strategy, product delivers conferencing products.
She recently combined her love of wine and
manager, and business manager to Board
Fiona is currently in a job share, working three running by completing the Marathon du Medoc,
Director.
days a week, so she can spend more time with a marathon through the premier vineyards of
Fiona is currently the Principal Programme her young family, Henry 5 and Florence 3. Bordeaux with 22 wine tasting stops at the
Manager for One Net, working with product chateaux.
This means Fiona has to be absolutely focussed
managers, operating companies, and Group
on lining up the programme deliverables for the
Technology to deliver new features into
first three days of the week. Then the team have
Vodafone’s One Net portfolio. She is also
two days to execute before Fiona returns to
responsible for launching One Net in new
chase them up!
markets.
Fiona’s top tips
Be clear about the role and Be focussed on what matters, Do business with a smile and a
responsibility you are fulfilling. prioritise ruthlessly. positive attitude – it helps achieve
results and is more fun into the
bargain.
15Ghada Adel
Head of Enterprise Marketing & Products
Vodafone Egypt
Nominated for her strength of character
Ghada started in Vodafone Egypt’s Technology Ghada graduated from Cairo University and then She was selected for the first Inspire program
department in 2003 and then moved to Finance went on to complete an MBA. which enabled her to develop and head the
where she was heavily involved in rolling out the Customer Insights initiative turning it from being
She launched the Vodafone One Loyalty
Sarbanes Oxley program across Vodafone. data focussed to being customer and
program that reduced high value customer
intelligence focussed and, thereby, supporting
Ghada performed various roles including CRM churn by 30% and created the CVM function in
Vodafone Egypt to gain leading market share.
senior manager before moving onto her current Vodafone Egypt.
role as Head of Enterprise Marketing & Products, Ghada lives on the outskirts of Cairo and works in
where she led and launched the marketing the Smart Village location.
transformation program that enabled Vodafone
Egypt to achieve double digit revenue growth in
enterprise.
Ghada’s top tips
Be determined and don’t let anything Embrace teamwork and collaboration Network well and stay in touch.
prevent you from reaching your – it is key to success.
potential.
16Guia Lanciani
Head of Customer Solutions & Service Operations, Southern Europe
Vodafone Italy
Nominated for her drive, energy, persistence and being customer obsessed
Guia started her career 15 years ago with Guia feels lucky that Vodafone has given her the She also has a physics degree from the
Vodafone Italy focussing mainly on the opportunity to move every three years and she University of Rome and two high school
enterprise market. now has a significant breadth of experience that degrees, one of which is from Iowa City, USA
she would not have otherwise gained. where she spent a year.
She has, however, gained experience across
many disciplines, notably product and offer Prior to Vodafone, she worked as a consultant in In her spare time Guia enjoys playing tennis,
marketing, sales, customer service provisioning, IT security with Securteam, a small company reading biographies, and travelling.
and product delivery. that was later bought by Atos Origin.
Guia is married and has two daughters who are
It was during her time in customer service In 2003 Guia, took part in a Vodafone talent aged 4 and 13.
provisioning where she was accountable for the programme and this gave her the opportunity to
design and delivery of fixed line services that complete an MBA at Henley Management
gave her a passion for providing excellent College.
customer services.
Guia’s top tips
Persist, persist and persist: failure is Choose your battles: keep your focus Be curious and always question if
not an option and moving forward does on what matters and be sure you can there is a better way. Don’t accept
not always have to be upwards – make a difference – less can be more when people say “this is how we have
sideways roles will enable you to learn. so it is important to prioritise. always done it”. Keep an open mind to
change.
17Hamshy Raveendran
Global Account Manager
Vodafone Global Enterprise
Nominated for her determination, effectiveness and courage
Hamshy joined Vodafone in July 2013 and is Hamshy was part of the team that launched On a personal level, Hamshy was born in Sri
currently a Global Account Manager based in BlackBerry in the Middle East and was Lanka and moved to Toronto, Canada when she
New York. nominated by her industry peers for the 2011 was nine years old. Her parents migrated from
Channel Sales Manager Award at the Annual Sri Lanka to Canada during the civil war to give
Previously, Hamshy was in the wireless industry
Middle East Retail Awards. their children a better life.
based in the Middle East and Asia Pacific where
she was responsible for BlackBerry’s commercial Incredibly passionate about empowering To date, she has lived in Sri Lanka, Canada,
strategy and sales, focussed on UAE, Lebanon, women. Hamshy is the co-chair of the Americas United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and the USA.
Jordan, Oman, Bahrain and Malaysia. Women’s Network and is a key member leading
In her spare time, Hamshy enjoys travelling,
the strategy for the initiative.
reading, yoga, kizomba, and Barry’s bootcamp.
Hamshy’s top tips
‘Fake it until you make it’ – don’t be Be comfortable with being You have a responsibility to pave the
scared to voice your opinion or be uncomfortable – push yourself and way. I believe it’s everyone’s
fearful of making the wrong decision. you will learn from uncomfortable responsibility to achieve their
Be empowered and believe in yourself. experiences. They will prepare you for ultimate potential and set an example
a world that’s ever changing. for other men and women.
18Helga Bauer
Bid Lead, VSSB
Vodafone Hungary
Nominated for her leadership, engagement with her team and being authentic
After an intermezzo at the European Parliament After achieving the highest award with her bid She has a great passion for the nature and
in Brussels Helga decided to gain experience in management team supporting Middle East and people of Africa and loves to cook and bake –
the corporate world. Africa on client satisfaction – since you should often for her team.
always leave on the top – she decided to pursue
She joined IBM as a bid manager but changed Fond of languages, besides speaking Hungarian,
new challenges at a start-up company based in
her role quickly after to lead the same team. Slovak, Czech and English, she is learning now
Slovakia setting up processes from scratch and
Swahili.
In the 3½ years at IBM’s shared services centre in defining measurements as an Operations
Budapest she grew her responsibilities from 12 Manager. Helga is a proud mother of her daughter Katinka,
to 32 people and from 8 to 62 countries. aged 14.
Missing the buzz of corporate life Helga decided
to move back to Hungary and joined Vodafone
in June 2014.
Helga’s top tips
Small things can go a long way – don’t We all make mistakes – don’t be afraid, Everyone has an invisible sign
ever assume that they are not give your best, and if you made a hanging from their neck saying “make
important, or are worthless, however mistake learn from it, that’s all you me feel important”. Never forget this
small. can do. message when working with people.
19Jane Brownsord
Global Bid Manager, Sales & Commercial Operations
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her commitment to customers
Jane joined Vodafone in September 2012 as a to studying as a mature student for a Masters in Bid Management benefits from Jane’s strong
proposal writer (on contract for maternity cover). Marketing at the University of Portsmouth. communications skills, both internally with the
She quickly stepped into bid management, bid team and through stakeholder engagement,
A career break to have children followed, with
initially through a job share role before and importantly through articulation of the
two years living in New Zealand before returning
transferring to full time. value proposition to the customer.
to the UK to set up in business as a freelance
After an early career in book publishing, public marketer working for small technology/ Jane was recently recognised by one of our
relations and marketing, Jane became a partner consultancy firms who needed web site customers who said they chose to stay with
in a graphic design business which she creation, marketing collateral, social media and Vodafone because of their engagement with
developed into a successful B2B full-service PR support. Jane.
agency.
Jane then moved back into PR working for Jane is married with three children (Eliza 15,
An interest whilst studying Chartered Marketing Achilles Group as their Global PR and Brand Luke 13 and Gabby 10).
Institute qualifications at night school, led on Manager.
Jane’s top tips
Adopt a mentor – find somebody whom Ask questions and really listen – stay Help people without the expectation
you respect and have an affinity with. open to all different kinds of of anything in return. Be generous
It’s great to have a sounding board, to information and your conclusions will with your skills and knowledge. It
safely road-test ideas and to be be better formed as a result. reinforces and strengthens your skills
challenged to look at your behaviour Sometimes asking the really obvious and feels good in the process.
differently. questions gets people to open up.
20Jeni Mundy
Group Enterprise Product Management Director
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her reputation, achievement and being a great role model
Jeni is responsible for building and lifecycle Prior to this, Jeni was Chief Technology Officer Before beginning her career, Jeni took time out
managing a market-leading product portfolio for Vodafone UK for five years with from college to sail around the world. She
worldwide across all Vodafone’s enterprise accountability for running the IT systems and achieved distinction as a professional
customer sets. mobile network for the architecture through to yachtswoman, being a member of the first all-
design, delivery and operation of the mobile female crew and competing in two Round The
In 2012, as part of the Vodafone Global
network and all IT systems. World Whitbread/Volvo Yacht Races.
Enterprise team, she led the Northern Europe
Sales function in parallel with being Director for Previously she was Chief Technology Officer for
Product & Innovation focussing on multinational Vodafone New Zealand rolling out 3G across the
corporate customers. country.
Jeni’s top tips
Don’t try to be someone you are not. Constantly challenge yourself to work Build a strong network of contacts
at a level higher to where you operate. around you. Network for a reason.
21June Sugiyama
Director of the Vodafone Americas Foundation
Vodafone Americas
Nominated for her successful leadership of the Americas Foundation for 15 years
June is Director of the Vodafone Americas competition designed to seek the best wireless and leading through innovation and disruption.
Foundation, holding the corporate philanthropy technology solutions to address critical social
June has served on several community boards
role for over 15 years. issues around the world.
and is active with the local Giving Circle for her
Previously, she worked for AirTouch and Pacific June enjoys the challenge of developing current hometown community of Oakland,
Telesis International who were acquired by alignment between corporate philanthropy with California.
Vodafone. corporate strategy.
Born in Japan, June plays the Japanese harp
She most recently led the transition of the Her latest efforts are focused on women and called the Koto. She runs, loves art and jazz.
Foundation’s strategy towards technology for girls in sciences and technology, and
“How can we get there together?” is the
social impact. connecting employees with their communities.
question she asks most when talking to her
She also developed the Vodafone Americas She’s listed in 40 Women to Watch Over 40, as non-profit partners.
Foundation Wireless Innovation Project, a one of the leaders dispelling the myth of ageism
June’s top tips
Listen first, think of what value you can Ask your friends, colleagues, your Don’t underestimate yourself, you
bring in what you say or do. boss even, for help, opinions and never know what you can accomplish
advice; they may have that jewel of until you try, just take it one step at a
wisdom for you. time.
22Katherine Bennett
Head of National Sales
Vodafone Global Enterprise
Nominated for her focus, drive and not being scared to show her feminine side
Katherine joined Vodafone in January 2013 as Before joining Vodafone, Katherine was a Katherine won numerous awards during her time
the Head of National Sales and has made a Regional Director reporting directly to the CEO at Dell. In 2008 she was awarded “EMEA Sales
significant impact on the business including a at Star Technology Services. Director of the Year”, in 2007 “EMEA Services &
significant transformation of her team through Solutions Director of the Year”, and in 2005
Earlier, Katherine’s career at Dell saw her excel in
upskilling and recruitment drives. “EMEA Annual Sales Achievers Award – UK Sales
various sales roles including Director & General
Manager”.
Katherine has also set up, from scratch, a desk- Manager for UK Corporate Accounts, Director of
based account team in Budapest which will UK & Ireland Services, and Solutions Director. Katherine is happily married and spends what
significantly improve the support of the spare time she has keeping fit and walking her
Previously as Sales Director in the Global
Vodafone Global Enterprise customer base. dog.
Segment, Katherine closed a significant
managed and consulting services contract that
was in excess of $200m.
Katherine’s top tips
Find a good mentor who will give you In your career don’t be frightened to Don’t be frightened to take risks and, if
some guidance and advise on your look at the experiences you haven’t you are hiring, consider thinking
career plan. had. Try and get yourself into a role outside of the box and recruit on
that will test you and enable you to competencies. Look for people who
learn new skills. have the ability and can show they’ve
done new things and been successful.
23Katherine (Kit) Haines Bornheimer
Field Marketing Lead
Vodafone Americas
Nominated for successfully changing the brand perception of Vodafone in the US
Kit has spent her career in technology marketing Prior to joining Vodafone, Kit was the Director of In her spare time Kit enjoys cooking with her
or, as she likes to put it, “making tech talkable”. Marketing at Motorola Mobility overseeing a husband and two daughters, where together
portfolio of video infrastructure and distribution they write a food blog, The Stout Sprout.
Kit joined Vodafone in July 2014 and is the Field
technologies.
Marketing Lead in the Americas. Kit’s passion for sustainable, local agriculture
Before that she was the Director of Global means Saturday mornings are often spent with
She has an accomplished background and is
Enterprise Advertising for AT&T. her 4 and 7-year-old at the farmer’s market, and
passionate about the brand perception of
Saturday afternoons in the kitchen.
Vodafone achieving success with new initiatives. Kit has over 20 years of experience leading
worldwide teams in the delivery of integrated
Kit is also recognised as a promoter of gender
marketing and advertising campaigns.
diversity and empowering women.
Katherine’s top tips
Be curious. Curiosity is an amazing When someone tells you something Find new ways of doing things – don’t
thing. It means you’ll ask why isn’t possible, consider that but find just settle for good enough and have
frequently enough to get a real answer. the answer that’s right for you. the confidence to believe it is right.
24Kathryn Holmes
Regional Change & Operations Manager
Vodafone Americas
Nominated for her energy and commitment to the Americas Women’s Network
Kathryn joined Vodafone in July 20011 and has She is a fervent supporter of women’s rights and Kathryn loves yoga and meditation and she will
held several positions from Global Service co-chairs the Americas Women’s Network. complete her Master’s Degree from Harvard
Manager to Regional Operations Manager. University this May.
In her personal time, Kathryn mentors and cares
She has over 19 years’ experience in for some of the 100,000 foster youth in US state Kathryn lives off Cape Cod Massachusetts, with
telecommunication and mobility, beginning at custody. her fabulous son and two dogs.
Cellular One and later joining AT&T
She is passionate about animal rights and
implementing frame relay networks.
advocates changing the cruelty laws in her
As the industry evolved, she worked with iBasis, home state of Massachusetts.
implementing the first VoIP Networks in many
countries around the world.
Kathryn’s top tips
Be the master of your own fate and Trust your own instincts as they are Attitude is everything. If something
don’t place boundaries on yourself. often right. doesn’t work, don’t be discouraged,
take a different direction, and try
again.
25Linda Chemtai
Commercial Manager, Sales & Commercial Operations
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her enthusiasm, flexibility and joyful approach
Linda works in the Commercial team in the Before that Linda forged her career at DHL after She is a big fan of art and when she was younger
newly formed Sales & Commercial Operations her bachelor’s degree in Economics and doing a wanted to become either a painter or writer –
function in the Africa Region. She works in the variety of roles covering customer service, retail the latter still being her unfulfilled dream.
Nairobi office in Kenya. sales and commercial – before leading pricing
Linda is an enthusiastic fan of NBA and the All
for DHL Express (logistics) across Equatorial
Linda has a unique mix of experience in Blacks rugby team and she also enjoys travelling
Africa for four years.
commercial strategy, strategic pricing and bid and reading.
management with a successful track record in Networking is key for Linda as the teams across
Linda is married and her pillars in life are God,
every domain. Africa are widespread and the ability to network
family and work.
effectively is key to making things happen.
Linda joined the Vodafone Global Enterprise
Africa team from Safaricom, where for 1½ years
she focused on pricing and planning for the
Enterprise Business Unit.
Linda’s top tips
Find a passion, something on which Seek out a mentor who allows you to Find a way of giving back and help
you can focus and feel proud of. ask practically any question and one others find their passion in IT through
who gives you sound guidance. mentoring, coaching and teaching.
26Megan Doberneck
General Counsel and Company Secretary
Vodafone Americas
Nominated for her passion and continued efforts to empower women
Megan joined Vodafone Americas from a fixed Megan sits on our US Board of Directors as well Megan swam competitively for 19 years and was
line broadband provider in January 2007 where as on the Board of Directors for the Vodafone a member of the US national team and an All
she was the Regional Vice President for Legal Americas Foundation. American collegiate swimmer.
and Regulatory Affairs.
She attended the University of California at She has recently broken her bad habit of running
In addition to serving as General Counsel and Berkeley for her undergraduate education and marathons but remains an avid skier.
Company Secretary for the Vodafone’s Americas earned her law degree from Columbia University
Megan lives in Denver, Colorado, has been
business, Megan was responsible for our US in New York, NY.
married to Jon for 15 years and they have two
holding companies from November 2008
Megan is a key supporter of being yourself and sons, Owen (11) and Sebastian (10).
through February 2014, when Vodafone closed
trusting yourself to make the right decisions.
the sale of its ownership interest in Verizon
Wireless.
Megan’s top tips
Trust the head on your shoulders. You Take advantage of every job you have. Embrace who you are. Understand
will always have to make decisions Good, bad or ugly, you can take how and where you are at your best;
outside of your comfort zone so trust something valuable away from every everyone has his or her own style so
yourself enough to make smart step along your professional path, find the style and ways of working that
decisions – because you will. even if it’s knowing that you never, bring out your strengths.
ever, ever want to do that job again.
27Natalie Longhurst
Commercial In-Life Team Leader for the Americas, Sales & Commercial Operations
Vodafone Group
Nominated for the focus and discipline that enables the achievement of a work-life balance
Natalie joined Vodafone in January 2003 and Lead, Pricing Operations Leader, and She has a husband, two children, Samuel aged 3
works in the Commercial In-Life team, leading Commercial In-Life Manager for a large fast and Charlotte aged 1 who like to keep her very
the Americas region. moving consumer goods company. busy, and Pringle – a very friendly black
Labrador.
After gaining her degree in Business, Natalie Natalie spent a sizeable part of her youth
started her career as an HP finance graduate. growing up in the Middle East where she made In her free time, Natalie plays tennis and has run
Before moving to Vodafone UK, she performed a some great friends from around the world and the 10k Race for Life. She likes to try new things
number of finance and commercial roles. learnt about a very different culture. and has also dabbled in aerial hoops, skiing,
sailing, golf, and even knitting!
In June 2006 Natalie joined Vodafone Global Natalie is known for her straight talking
Enterprise and has had a number of commercial approach, high energy, passion and high heels
positions including Commercial Lead for and also for her ability to balance her personal
Vodafone Global Enterprise’s first managed life and her work life.
mobility deal, Northern Europe Pricing Team
Natalie’s top tips
Love what you do – the more you enjoy Balance – know your work-life Self-awareness – know yourself.
what you do the more successful you balance. It varies by person so choose Commit to spending time
will be. your balance and be honest with understanding your motivations and
yourself if you’re not hitting it –take that will point you in the right career
control of those decisions. direction. Focus on your strengths and
not your weaknesses.
28Nataliya Kudlayeva
Principal Deal Architect, Sales & Commercial Operations
Vodafone Group
Nominated for commitment, drive and enthusiasm
Nataliya joined Vodafone Americas over three Nataliya started her telecom career with a small Nataliya and her husband are very active
years ago and in her current role leads a team of wholesale VOIP carrier and then accepted a members of NYC’s Ukrainian-American
commercial managers supporting high-value position with a top US telecom services provider community with a very busy social schedule.
opportunities for US-based accounts. managing a team of analysts responsible for
Nataliya is an avid skier in the winter months,
pricing IPVPN and hosting product sets across
Born and raised in the Ukraine, she holds an M.S. enjoys hiking in the Catskill mountains and
federal and enterprise sectors.
degree in Applied Math and Computer Science. appreciates spending summer weekends on the
Long Island’s south shore.
Nataliya’s top tips
Do not get comfortable – whenever you No regrets – you cannot change the Dare to go for it – whatever “it” is.
feel that way in your role, it means you past, but be sure to learn from it.
are not challenging yourself enough.
29Nikki Dicks
Head of Insurance
Vodafone Global Enterprise
Nominated for her energy, passion, attitude and being customer obsessed
Nikki is a sales and service professional, she has Nikki has a proven track record in delivering Prior to this Nikki was Head of Delivery where
an extremely strong background in the business change across corporate environments she was responsible for the transition of services
successful delivery of all components in the and an effective, accurate programme delivery into Cable & Wireless ensuring the smooth
sales, service and programme life cycle. that has consistently conveyed tangible delivery of fully outsourced Managed Services
business growth. transformation.
She is a confident leader and has superb
customer relationship skills and this is reflected Nikki transferred over from Cable & Wireless Nikki has a personal interest in the management
in her current role as Head of Insurance at where she was Client Managing Director for of people and teams, specifically in the context
Vodafone Global Enterprise. Enterprise responsible for two large customers of customer relationship management
in the media and financial industries. excellence.
Nikki’s top tips
Be authentic, be yourself, and don’t be Build a network and have your own Diversify in your career to get a good
afraid to take to take risks. Be brand but don’t let that brand take respect for everyone in the
respectful of other people’s points of over your value. Don’t let the organisation and you will become a
view; put yourself in their position importance of being thought well of more rounded individual.
before you respond. Think of everyone overtake doing the right thing.
as a customer.
30Nitu Kaushal
Principle Product Manager, Cloud & Hosting
Vodafone Group
Nominated for her professional approach, with determination and focus
Nitu is Principle Product Manager for Cloud & Nitu has a broad skill-set, developed from Nitu then joined Level 3 Communications. As
Hosting Group Enterprise. Her primary previous managerial experience in technical, their Senior Portfolio Product Manager, her
responsibility is for productising service commercial, sales and strategic roles. aptitude at rationalising and joining portfolios
experience, taking it from defining a market together to build winning solutions was noted
She began her career as an engineer, building
leading strategy, right through to with her winning Employee of the Year, EMEA
Transport For London's broadband network at
commercialisation. award.
United Networks.
In parallel to this, Nitu is also ambassador to all In her personal time, Nitu enjoys endurance
Moving to Interoute Communications, she held
people champions within Enterprise Product based sports for charity, including long distance
a series of roles, from senior sales engineering,
Management, facilitating step changes towards cycling and practices hot yoga on a regular
to global account management, as well as
further speed and simplification initiatives. basis.
product management and development – Nitu
was the link that launched and maintained
Interoute's highest margin performing products.
Nitu’s top tips
Don’t be afraid of change, be afraid of Build your own brand and bring in your Communicate simply – personal
missing the chance to make things style of working. success relies largely on our ability to
better. communicate. Be clear on what you
want and what you want others to do.
31Sandra Healy
Head of Retention & Growth Business Sales
Vodafone Ireland
Nominated for her energy and focus to drive the diversity agenda inside and outside Vodafone
Sandra joined Vodafone in March 2014 to deliver Sandra’s main areas of focus and expertise are Ireland, Sandra has recently been appointed to
the transformation of the Project Spring motivation, leadership, and innovation in the chair the Vodafone Women's Network with a
investment into Enterprise Business Sales and workplace and her dissertation research will be core focus on advocating real change and
she currently leads the Retention & Growth on Vodafone Ireland. gender equality in Ireland.
Sales team.
Sandra is a member of the Vodafone Ireland She also represents Vodafone on the Steering
With over 20 years’ experience in the telecoms Diversity & Inclusion team and the Ibec Diversity Council of the 30% Club in Ireland.
industry, Sandra has a core background in Forum (Ibec is the national voice of business in
Sandra is happily married, with two beautiful
technical engineering, presales customer Ireland) and she is a founding member of EU
Cocker Spaniels – Molly and Ralph.
solutions, and business transformation. She Diversity Charter for Ireland.
progressed into people leadership four years “For me it's about people first – be the change
Offering consultancy and advice on diversity and
ago and is in the final stages of a Masters degree you want to be in the world and let your life
inclusion best practice for organisations across
in Work and Organisational Psychology. speak.”
Sandra’s top tips
Grow – do one thing that scares you Be true to yourself – bring your whole Enjoy – it’s only a job!
each day, small step changes that push self to work and be authentic. We need
you forward. to embrace being different.
32Sandra Jones
Head of Customer Solutions & Service Operations
Vodafone Carrier Services
Nominated for strength of character and getting the job done
Sandra joined Vodafone Carrier Services in June Sandra brings extensive experience in customer Sandra enjoys riding horses and specialises in
2013 and leads the global development and service within the ICT industry and has dressage, training with Olympic gold medallist
delivery of customer solutions and service successfully managed a number of business Carl Hester. She attempts to ride 3-4 times a
operations. transformation programmes, including the week and is a keen competitor.
customer service integration for Cable &
As well as leading the service management To quote Sandra, “I’m a doer, not a watcher.
Wireless Worldwide and Vodafone.
capability and managing customer contracts, Downtime is doing things, not vegging. I’m a
she is accountable for Vodafone Carrier Services’ Sandra has more than 12 years of experience in country girl at heart. I am a gadget junkie – a big
customers’ technical support and design, the the ICT industry as well as previous global Apple fan and anything that makes life
primary aim of which is to ensure the consistent experience in the oil and gas sector. manageable.”
delivery of an excellent customer service
She holds a degree in Business Management.
experience worldwide.
Sandra is married with one son who is currently
studying in the USA.
Sandra’s top tips
Always be proactive in networks and Recognise you are not superwoman Some people want it to happen, some
never be frightened to ask for advice. and surround yourself with good wish it to happen, some make it
people (but you must not hold them happen – go and make it happen.
back). Also ‘buy in’ all the help you
need to make it happen.
33Simone Moors
Head of Northern Region
Vodafone Global Enterprise
Nominated for her drive and demonstration of how to have a global career and find the right
balance
Simone returned to her native New Zealand in Prior to this Simone was responsible for the USA Enterprise CEO where she lead a number of
2015 to become the Head of Enterprise & and Latin American enterprise partnerships for strategy and transformation programs.
Government Sales for the Northern Region and Vodafone Global Enterprise which included the
Prior to Vodafone, Simone started her career in
Vodafone Global Enterprise supporting the Verizon Wireless relationship.
broadcasting in New Zealand before moving to
largest 50 customers.
Simone joined Vodafone in 2003 initially in London to work in financial services.
Most recently she was based in New York City for Technology in New Zealand reporting to the
Simone has an MBA from Auckland University
five years where she was Vice President of Sales CTO. She then moved to Germany in 2005 to
and is passionate about people and leadership.
for Vodafone’s key accounts leading a global take on a global technology planning and
sales team managing the top 100 USA- strategy role. She is married and has three year old twins.
headquartered multinational customers.
In 2007 she joined Global Enterprise Sales based
in the UK reporting to the Vodafone Global
Simone’s top tips
Aim high and follow your dreams. Don’t Continuously challenge yourself to Find or create a ‘circle of trust’ (people
let plans for children or marriage stop develop and adapt – I’ve learned more you can go to) so that you can bounce
you going for jobs and don’t discount about leadership from my teams over ideas off them or get advice.
yourself – you have a career for a long the years than they’ve learned from
time. me as their manager!
34Siobhan Brookman
Northern Europe Bid Team Leader, Sales & Commercial Operations
Vodafone Group
Siobhan initiated this project and is a champion of ‘employee engagement’ and diversity
Siobhan joined Vodafone in June 2012 and Since then Siobhan worked for T-Systems as a On a personal level, Siobhan has a passion for
currently leads the Northern Europe Bid Business Development Manager, Interoute as challenging and exhilarating sports – she
Management function. Vice President of Business Operations, and BT crossed the Atlantic, from Bermuda to Gibraltar,
Global Service as a Deal Maker. aged 21 in a 49 foot yacht.
Prior to this Siobhan ran her own consultancy
firm delivering international business Siobhan is recognised as having an inspiring She is a keen skier and spends much of her spare
improvement and growth initiatives (BIG) and management style and excels at building high time competing her 17.3hh (1.8 metres) event
placed a number of senior executives in the performing teams. horse, Spruce.
telecommunication industry.
Siobhan believes that good leadership, as part of Siobhan is happily married to Steve and has two
Siobhan started her career at IBM and had 15 an effective and professional team, where children, Alexina 17 and Daniel 19.
successful years before moving to AT&T when individual strengths can be developed is one of
IBM sold their Network Services venture in 1999. the most important elements of creating a
winning culture.
Siobhan’s top tips
Focus on what you can change and Be yourself and be professional but do Take control, you are the master of
remember that small changes can be not lose who you are along the way. your fate so decide what you want and
as effective as big ones. Let your personality shine through go for it.
and make an impact.
35Victoria Reis
National Account Manager
Vodafone Global Enterprise
Nominated for drive, focus and determination to succeed
Victoria joined Vodafone in September 2014 and Enterprise’s largest strategic customers where In 2008 she received commendations from the
hit the ground running obliterating her annual she is targeted on driving additional revenue Lloyds TSB North & West London Business
sales target in record time. streams. Awards for New Business Start Up.
With a cool head, quick wit and steely creative Victoria is passionate about innovation and After three years, when Victoria had cultivated a
vision, Victoria is actively shaping the way that technology, taking pride in adding value to her customer base of more than 370 corporate and
Vodafone partners and works with its clients, customers and developing not only SME clients, she sold the business to Daisy
driving forward innovative ways of working and transformational but sustainable relationships. Telecom giving her the time to complete a full-
adding new dimensions to her role as a National time MBA in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
In December 2007 Victoria set up her own
Account Manager. (for which she received first class honours).
telecommunications business and grew it into a
A highly motivated and astute business woman, reputable and successful independent telecoms Victoria is married, has a 4 year old son, and in
Victoria has appetite for new challenges. She service provider, offering a range of IT services her spare time she focuses on her personal
currently manages five of Vodafone Global and consultancy. fitness and well-being.
Victoria’s top tips
Be able to articulate what you want to Set your goal, be disciplined in your Adapt your approach and take a
achieve quite early on, try to be very approach, be confident about what you helicopter view of things. If you need
specific around it, and be able to want, and don’t be scared to socialise to, take a step back and think about
visualise it. this. Seek out people whole really what your mentor may do in the
believe in you and find someone difficult situation you are faced with,
willing to take a risk on you. and then act.
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