The 2023 Best of the Best Conference by Avtar and Seramount themed #GlidetoInclusion witnessed a series of conversations exploring multiple aspects of DEI. One of the BOB exclusives spotlighted Verizon’s initiatives, Women of the World (WOW) Program – Developing Next-Gen Women Leaders and the Women Tech Leadership Program (WTLP) – Bolstering Women in Tech Leadership.
Kanakasubramaniam R. Krishnamurthi, Executive Director at Verizon India, articulated the profound commitment with which the organization embeds diversity in the cultural fabric of the workplace through WOW and WTLP. Focused on nurturing learning and development among the women in Verizon’s leadership pipeline, the two pioneering programs highly impact the attraction and retention of women in the workplace.
WOW focuses on cultivating an efficient cadre of women in leadership positions through an extensive 12-month program with direct executive sponsorship. Spearheaded by the CHRO of Verizon, the program offers women a transformative journey into building their brands, mastering self-leadership, and enhancing effective communication and critical thinking, with a set objective of taking ownership of their careers.
WTLP serves as a catalyst to combat the persistent issue of low representation of women in senior tech leadership positions. Women participating in the program get paired with tech mentors in a 1:1 format. Over 6 months, the mentor and participant engage in solution architecture and tech discussions that help women upskill themselves.
Learning and development are the core objectives of both programs. Investment of time and focus are the indispensable requirements for unleashing the potential of the two initiatives. Participants get access to tailored resources and learning material, which they can consume using a segmented approach.
The leadership at Verizon is also sensitized about the learning programs, forming an integral base to motivate participants in achieving set goals. Both programs demand shared accountability and are curated, keeping the balance of progress and flexibility in mind.
