Lifting Up: Lessons from Verizon Women Leaders

And that's a wrap (with a bow on it!)  Gabrielle, Jacinda and Adriana share personal highlights from Season 6 - filled with lots of powerful collisions, varying lived experiences and embracing the power of the pivot. Including pivoting into our final episode, with Wendy Taccetta and Sonia Murray. Wendy and Sonia bring a powerful episode sharing their journey and stories of the importance of owning your own personal operational excellence, while paying it forward. Through the power of community, vulnerability, and fearlessness these ladies share how they have achieved many professional wins, while managing all the challenges and joys life brings with perseverance.  “I always embrace challenges. Sometimes when I do something I'm like, Oh wow, I did that. But I know I can do it.” -Sonia Murray “If you're living your life fully, you're gonna make mistakes, and you're gonna fall down. Falling down, doesn't matter. It's getting up.” -Wendy Taccetta “I try to challenge myself to be in rooms where the information is new, the perspective is different, where I expect someone to disagree with me. Because I find that it helps me either clarify what I believe, or it expands what I know to be true.” -Wendy Taccetta   “We need to be curious. We need to be learning from each other. We need to be inspired by this next generation. Not threatened by it. We still need to learn from our elders. We need to be curious about each other. And if everyone you know thinks the way you think, you are not in the right ones.” -Wendy Taccetta Wendy Taccetta Instagram: vztaccetta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendytaccetta Sonia Murray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-murray-25132576/

Kuulei Jacubczuk (Director - State Government Affairs; Tribal Liaison) and Alecs Lifschultz (Senior Director - Great Lakes Market) get real about how meaningful their work is to them, the strengths they finetuned by taking risks and breaking barriers on their journey, and the very real sacrifices made along the way. Both women share setbacks, caretaking challenges, and how they navigated it all to become the leaders who inspire so many others today.   On becoming a role model: “These were women who stood up in ways culturally, but also professionally, to break barriers and to do things. And they were my role models. So that was something that I think is in the core of me, but I never realized how much it was part of the core of me until I started getting into the professional world.” - Kuulei Jakubczak On being authentic to stay inspired: “So showing up and having the ability to be me, keeps me going and keeps me inspired. And hopefully by me showing up as me that inspiration is allowing others the space to show up as themselves as well.” - Alecs Lifschultz Alecs Lifschultz Instagram: alecs_southsidechi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecsandria-lifschultz-ma-4654327b/ Kuulei Jacubczak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuuleijakubczak/    

Jenny Weeditz (Associate Vice President - Global Corporate Security Operations) and Susan Kim (Finance Senior Director) bring unending energy to this episode of Lifting Up, where they share how they have earned the admiration and credibility of the business teams they support - and so many others. Despite sitting in two very different organizations - security and finance - they are united in their focus on authenticity, learning from setbacks, and delivering value - and a vision for what is possible.   On confidence: “Some of the benefits of getting older and having experience is having more comfort and confidence in yourself and being self secure. And it allows you to be vulnerable…. And so when you start doing that, I think you're just natural, and people respond to your natural authenticity, and it feeds into that self. And then you just develop more credibility, and it builds trust.” - Susan Kim  On collaboration: “it's a lot of negotiation, and making sure you're being the best version of you to get the best out of them.” - Jenny Weeditz Susan Kim Instagram: susan_kim_vz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kim-b78628a0/ Jenny Weeditz  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-weeditz-7b7660184/

In this episode of the "Lifting Up" podcast, Christina Gonzalez (Marketing Director) and Adriana Dawson (Director of Community Engagement) discuss their journeys to Verizon and the challenges they faced along the way. Adriana overcame her initial fear and self-doubt by embracing curiosity and giving herself permission to step into a new career path. Christina stepped outside of her comfort zone by taking on a new role in an unfamiliar industry while pursuing her doctorate degree. Both speakers emphasize the importance of challenging oneself, having a growth mindset, and not being afraid to take risks.   Quotes "I muted that voice of uncertainty and really bolstered that, hey, I can do it, I can figure it out." - Adriana Dawson Just keep swimming. - Christina Gonzales "Try me, not why me."  I gave myself permission to just be curious.  if I'm having a really tough day, but I have something really important. I say to myself, I just need to be great for one hour. LINKS  Christina Gonzalez Instagram: @christina.gonzalez.trojanmami   Adriana Dawson Instagram: @adriana_in_rhody LinkedIn: .linkedin.com/in/adrianadawson/

Ask people across Verizon who inspires them, leads authentically, and/or has given their career a boost, and you'll likely hear the names Kelley Kurtzman and Kathy Grillo. These two legendary leaders unite in this episode, and share how connection and seizing the narrative has powered their success and impact - and how the ability to connect and tell your story has never been more important. On cross-organization connections: “I think when you have someone that's in a very different part of the business, you learn so much from them” On authenticity: “Being authentic, being open, being grateful for the work that other people do is so important” On leadership: “I've always felt like if you treat people right, they're gonna treat you right. And if you show up as a real authentic person, then they're going to feel more comfortable being authentic.” On organizations: “Not just people - organizations have their own dynamic as well” On broad horizons: “That external connection, I think is so important. Making sure you're connecting outside of Verizon in different ways will help you be a better leader will help you be a better person, we'll help you feel like your heart is full, because you've done volunteer work, or you've been able to bring an idea from another company into your business.” On self-knowledge: “I feel like the real path to leading people well is to know yourself very well, first.” LINKS  Kathy Grillo, S1 E1  - Apple Podcasts | Spotify Donna Epps, S1 E2 (as mentioned by Kathy) - Apple Podcasts | Spotify Kathy Grillo Instagram: @kathy.grillo LinkedIn: .linkedin.com/in/kathleengrillo/  Kelley Kurtzman Instagram: @kellyakurtzman LinkedIn: .linkedin.com/in/kelleykurtzman/

Take a hike - on the trails of encouragement, with Pacific Retail Vice President Ana Aguilar, and Mountain Retail Senior Director Monica Pate! Ana and Monica have not just been shining examples to scores of the people they lead - but shine on each other to super (and solar) charge each other. Including when the trails get extremely rocky - and Ana and Monica get real and vulnerable sharing personal struggles they navigated while still climbing, inspiring, and lifting others. On openness: “if you invite others onto your trail in life, as I say, look where that brings us”  On the trails of encouragement: “And so the journey, we're still on the trail together in life, its ups and downs, peaks and valleys. Sometimes we're running fast together. And sometimes we're taking it easy on the trail. That is where it began. We're still on that today, as encouragers. And partners may be in a different capacity now, but still there.” On comparison: “Instead of in that moment feeling like oh, I should be where she is. Or why haven't I made it: clap!” On connection: “It's not overcomplicating things. It's simplifying things for people, whether it's,how was your day, what brings you to work and tell me a little bit about you know, your, your holiday and your weekend.” On action: “things that were frustrating to see Monica and I decided we're going to stop being frustrated about it, and we're going to do something about it.”  On lifelong learning: “make sure that your mind is always creating new neurons and new ways to keep your mind healthy is staying a learner” Ana Aguilar Instagram: @ana_aguilar_pm  Linkedin:  linkedin.com/in/ana-aguilar-8b73b625/ Monica Pate Instagram: @monica_gruenewald_pate LinkedIn:  .linkedin.com/in/monica-gruenewald-pate-1a114260/ https://www.trailsofencouragement.com/  

One of the biggest sports fans you'll ever meet, Market President Leigh Anne Lanier lands gems of wisdom like Steph Curry lands free throws in this elite episode. Bobbing and weaving between the importance of agility, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change, Leigh Anne lays out how to build self-mastery and a winning team - with an emphasis on thinking bigger and playing bigger.  

Weaving together the threads of gumption, going-after-it, grace, and gratitude — Market President Michelle Miller kicks off the expanded and reimagined Season 6 of Lifting Up with her own colorful story (from obtaining a Kinesiology degree, to defying expectations rocketing to the top as a successful leader in the telecommunications industry, and hard-earned lessons along the way) with her amplifying the call to action to share yours! 

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Season 6!  Introducing new hosts Jacinda Jack from the business, Adriana Dawson from public policy, and Gabrielle (Gaby) Kohlmeier from legal dishing on what brought them together as the new hosts for a new Lifting Up Season, with a new cross-organization focus, and even more guests than ever before sharing stories and uplifting insights - inspiring us all to lift as we climb.

Nasrin Rezai is Chief Information Security Officer at Verizon. As a 25 year veteran in the tech sector - including 17 years in cybersecurity - Nasrin has learned to embrace the benefits of a broad and non-linear career that gave her the ability to learn a little bit about everything. This curiosity coupled with the power of asking “why” opened up opportunities and she urges others never to shy away from asking questions. Nasrin shares how the evolution of her career was also sparked by taking courageous risks, curiosity, and coloring outside of the boundaries.

Karen is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Business Transformation and Customer Operations. In this episode, Karen describes how she surrounded herself early on with risk-takers and people who wanted to see one another succeed. She shares the value of stretching into new areas and making lateral moves into different business areas to build a more expansive professional portfolio towards new leadership opportunities. Karen also gets candid about her journey to learning to extend herself grace and setting boundaries - reminding us that pauses and boundaries are sometimes what allow us to be great.

Sue Vinci proudly states she has the best job at Verizon as its Chief Privacy Officer. Little did she know a fateful conversation with a headhunter that was supposed to be eight to 12 weeks of litigation support over the summer would turn into a 20+ year career with Verizon. In this episode, Sue candidly shares decisions she's had to make about her health and the mantra she held onto during that journey. She shares the wisdom and insight she has gained as a result of honoring her whole lived experience - including honoring the fear.

After a 20+ year career as a legal assistant, Jeneen Harris decided to take on a new challenge when she joined Verizon three years ago. Jeneen, a Sr. Analyst, describes how she had to refresh her mindset and learn how to embrace tackling new challenges and situations, pushing through that imposter syndrome. She highlights the critical role mentors have played along her journey that have helped her realize that leadership is woven and demonstrated at every level. Jeneen reminds how valuable these relationships are and the importance of recognizing your gifts as a leader, at every stage of your career.

Kristi Midboe Miller was General Counsel of Verizon New Business Incubation, until recently jumping out of the legal arena that she has dominated for decades to a brand new adventure.   Presciently, in this episode, she speaks about allowing herself to take a leap of faith into new spaces - including when new corporate spaces opened up new opportunities.  She shares about discovering and flexing transferable skills while leaning in and developing new ones. Kristi reminds us to be open to new conversations and opportunities because you never know where they might lead us!

Sheryl Suarez is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel in Verizon's Public Policy Law and Security Group. She spent numerous years practicing general commercial litigation, before her interest and openness to learn about corporations and corporate practice led her to Verizon. In her time here, she has become a more collaborative problem solver as both a legal counselor and business partner in numerous roles.. Sheryl reminds us to inhale confidence and exhale doubt, while resisting the urge to underestimate our abilities: if there's an opportunity that you think you can manage, raise your hand and pursue it!

Karen Zacharia is Chief Privacy Officer at Verizon. Karen followed her childhood aspiration of becoming a lawyer and shares her multifaceted (and globetrotting!) experiences, as she transitioned to working in house at Verizon over 27 years ago. The wisdom she gained during her career shines through, as she shares the importance of building confidence, asking for help, overcoming imposter syndrome, and taking care of your well being. While reflecting on her journey, Karen recommends maintaining a kitchen cabinet of advisors with whom to share goals and create accountability with each other, serving as a constant reminder of your collective priorities. 

Nia Mathis is Vice President for State and Local Government Affairs at Verizon. Nia shares how the wisdom and stories passed down from generations before her empowered her experiences as a professional woman of color and working mother. Describing the power of envisioning a long runway, Nia describes what she gained from practicing patience during difficult times, how learning new things and adding different skills can enhance your knowledge base, the importance of appreciation and gratitude, and the dynamism of the journey and relationships. Her story shows that you can excel no matter the boundaries or expectations set by others. 

Petra Fioretti is the Director of Legal Projects & Strategy at Verizon Media. Throughout her journey, she's learned the advantages of being flexible instead of rigid with career goals and plans. She is not a lawyer, but provides great value to the legal organization and has positively impacted the Verizon user experience over the past 15 years. Her love of learning led her to her current role, where she leads Project & Change Management in the global internet media industry. Reflecting on her career, Petra shared the importance of knowing yourself and embracing the valuable perspective and diversity that you bring to the table. What stood out most was her ability to tap into her superpowers, bring calm to chaos, the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and overcoming self-limiting views that often hold us back in our careers. She challenged listeners to identify their superpowers and trust their strengths and talents - reminding us how far it can take you along the way.

Lily Yu is the Lead Counsel for Customer Experience & Strategy at Verizon. From leading a news room to being on the cutting edge with AI initiatives, Lily knows about delivering under high pressure situations. But she also has been on the vanguard of leading with empathy and love, long before today's influencers brought those approaches in vogue. In this episode, Lily reflects on her decision to pivot to law, the new opportunities and challenges she experienced while working at the intersection of law and technology at Verizon, and her love of learning. Lily shares the wisdom she gained throughout her journey of being intentional about work-life balance, trusting the process, and the everlasting impact of kindness.

Andrea Short is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Verizon's Public Sector business unit. In this episode, Andrea shares how important flexibility over fragility has been in her career, as well as the significance of paying it forward. Inspiring with her insights, Andrea shares her experiences from working in a law firm to joining Verizon as an inhouse attorney, to building a strong sense of self, while avoiding burnout. She reminds listeners to ask themselves what's important in their lives and to dig deeper on their pursuit of achieving their goals.

Michelle Goldman is Senior Vice President of Human Resources Operations at Verizon. In this episode, Michelle shares some of the many lessons she’s learned along the way, as she transitioned from her legal career as an Associate and Labor and Employment Attorney to Senior Vice President of Human Resources Operations. Michelle shares the wisdom she’s gained from stepping out of her comfort zone as she’s learned and evolved in her career. She reminds listeners of the importance of being open to new opportunities and having the courage to challenge and push yourself, no matter how bold or unconventional your path might seem.

Fiona Taylor is Head of International Public Policy at Verizon. In this episode, Fiona reflects on her fascinating and immensely rewarding career across international policy, telecoms and contemporary affairs. Fiona shares so many lessons she’s learned along the way, including the importance of thorough and hard work, remaining authentic, and investing in personal development throughout your career. Fiona’s insight gained while collaborating internationally highlights how impactful recognizing, learning, and appreciating the diversity of others is to truly support one another.

Tonya Rutherford is Managing Associate General Counsel at Verizon. Tonya shares empowering advice learned while navigating her varied and never boring professional path. Her insight gained from being intentional and thoughtful about her career journey, while not allowing fears to limit her, has shaped her experiences tremendously. Through one incredible experience after another, Tonya models indomitable will: if there’s something you want to master, you can do, and the grace of giving back and making an impact while we can.

Ellen Cummings is Regional Director for External & State Government Affairs at Verizon. In this episode, Ellen shares some of the many lessons she’s learned along the way, including the importance of asking for help, collaborating with others and advocating for herself while navigating her career. Ellen’s wisdom encourages listeners to be a sponge and learn as much as possible - not just through traditional means such as books, news articles, professional resources - but also from relationships with peers, mentors, and supervisors in your career.

Rachel Juliana is Public Sector Counsel at Verizon. Prior to joining the Public Sector group, she worked with the Wireline Product Marketing Legal Team after coming to Verizon from other tech companies. In this episode, Rachel shares her resilient story of adapting to change, navigating her career path, honoring her late daughter, and campaigning for her position as an elected official. Rachel is truly a champion in all that she's overcome and accomplished, reminding us how change has the power to energize and grow us.

Julie Hines is Chief of Staff to the General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer at Verizon. She is also the head of Legal Operations and Innovation. Julie shares her unpredicted journey of creating a fascinating career across many areas from business development to legal operations management. In this episode, Julie shares her nonlinear path that started in business school, leading her to the next challenge and innovating positions and titles along the way. Julie is a trailblazer that's illuminated an incredibly unique career path. The wisdom she's gained reminds us to follow your passion and strengths - even if that leads you outside of the box.

April Boyd is VP and Head of Global Public Policy At Verizon Media. April shares her fascinating career in politics, from working as Press Secretary and Chief of Staff for Rep. Tauscher, to Chief of Staff for Sen. John Kerry, to being appointed as Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Commerce Department. She shares her story of being the then-youngest Senate-confirmed nominee while having a newborn baby. As she explains, work-life balance isn't something that comes with a job, but rather something you have to create for yourself. April gives advice on the importance of being bold, decisive, and taking pride in your work - with a dash of modesty for grounding. 

Kacey Hall, an attorney in Verizon's litigation group, can only be described as resilient, determined and full of grace.  In this episode, Kacey shares her inspiring story of crafting her own career path, even after life interfered and put her on a different timeline. Shaped by the resilience she developed as a gymnast competing on the world stage, Kacey describes dealing with major injury, the role of mentors in her career, and how she builds confidence and tackles self-doubt to help her succeed to this day.

Beth Sasfai is VP and Associate General Counsel of Corporate Governance at Verizon. In this episode, Beth shares the many jumps she's made in her career to thrive in her current role - but that her proudest accomplishment is in helping bring other women into new roles and opportunities. Beth explains how she learned the importance of getting comfortable not knowing the answer, and being vulnerable in asking for help and not hiding her weaknesses - and how that has become a powerful tool. 

Laura Stolpman is Associate General Counsel at Verizon, where she has spent fourteen years as a deal attorney, is on the board of directors of the LGBTQ employee resource group, and has developed an expertise in privacy issues. In this episode, Laura talks about how she escaped the "imposter syndrome" and being paralyzed with perfectionism. She talks about diving into the uncomfortable and acknowledging what you need as an individual to be your best. And she shares how her hobbies - including food photography and fishing - help her recharge and feed her lifetime love of learning.

Caren Khoo is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Verizon. In this episode, Caren shares that she is not a believer of the typical "find your passion" career trope, but provides advice on how to have an interesting, challenging and satisfying career. Caren shares her experiences with having a personal board of directors, getting comfortable with not knowing the answer, and having a learning mindset. Ultimately, Caren explains that the greatest pride of her career has been helping others achieve their goals, while learning a lot about herself in the process.  

Vandana Venkatesh, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Verizon, shares how curiosity and an eye for macrotrends and emerging issues has driven her career journey. She talks about the importance of being vulnerable and knowing there are no stupid questions, and shares advice on leaving perfectionism behind and giving up on the mythical idea of balance. Rather, Vandana recommends living in the mess, identifying tasks that can be delegated by asking, "Is this something only I can do?," and focusing on what matters most.  

Stacee Carson, Global Trade Compliance Manager, shares her story of advancing at Verizon by seizing every opportunity.  Moving up from contractor, then executive assistant, Stacee impressed in every position and worked her way all the way up to her current position -- which she applied for even though she didn't meet all of the criteria in the job description. Never letting fear stand in her way, Stacee says, "Even if I felt like I was afraid, I would just do it afraid." Listen and get inspired to take a leap of faith and go for it!  

Michelle Ifill is the Senior VP and General Counsel for Verizon's Corporate Services Group and the Information Technology Organization. Michelle shares the evolution of her career, and how she is channeling her inspiring energy not just into work, but also efforts to lift up other women. Learn how to make boundaries to help discover what brings you joy and professional fulfillment.

Micki Chen is Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Verizon Global Network and Technology Organization, supervising the attorneys who support the wireless and wireline networks, technology and IT. Among the projects that her team supports are One Fiber, 5G, Network Transformation, and Big Data/Artificial Intelligence. In this episode of Lifting Up, Micki describes the zigzagged road of her career, the difference between school and the real world, and the power of learning/curiosity. Hear how Micki pushed herself to go outside of her comfort zone to find fun and success in her career journey. 

Allie Kline is the CMO of Oath, the parent company created by Verizon to house the AOL and Yahoo assets.  She also heads up MAKERS, an Oath brand focused on empowering women and the next generation through video, sharing the experiences and stories of trailblazing women leaders, past and present. Allie shares her fascinating career journey and lessons learned as she ascended to the C-Suite. Learn about the importance of using your mind to its maximum potential rather than letting your thoughts hold you back and why everyone should get comfortable being uncomfortable!    

Donna Epps is Verizon’s Vice President for Public Policy and Strategic Alliances. She manages Verizon’s domestic public policy efforts and relationships with strategic partners. In this episode, Donna shares how relationships have been key to her career success: building relationships counts as one of Donna's super powers, having started to develop her skills from a young age as the daughter of a United Methodist minister. Learn about the twists and turns of Donna's career path and why you should take that stretch assignment!

Kathy Grillo is Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Public Policy and Government Affairs, with responsibility for Verizon's public policy, federal and state legislative and regulatory affairs, antitrust and privacy, and strategic alliances. Listen to get inspired by Kathy's career journey, and learn the tricks she uses to stay centered. Hear how Kathy doesn't let fear stand in her way and learn why you should just "buy the ticket"!