Women In ERP

Recorded live from the Next Generation Enterprise Architect Forum at SAP, Newtown Square. Kristen Scheffler, Vice President of Customer Engagement for SAP North America, joins Abigail Allman for a compelling discussion on transitioning from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, shedding light on both the fears and opportunities this move presents. Many businesses grapple with the daunting prospect of change, often shackled by the mantra of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Kristen shares her journey from Business Objects to SAP leadership, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and utilizing existing resources within SAP to their fullest potential. Her insights into the evolving world of customer interactions will have you rethinking the way you connect in today's digital age.

We explore the critical balance between technological upgrades and business functionality improvements, encouraging companies to see beyond the technicalities and envision a future with enhanced capabilities. The looming end of mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC highlights the urgency of planning a seamless transition to S/4HANA. With the SAP Customer Evolution Kit offering invaluable tools like Process Insights Discovery Edition, Kristen assures listeners that it's not too late to prepare for this pivotal change. The importance of strategic collaboration between IT and business units shines through our conversation, as we stress the need for alignment in the face of organizational transformation.

In a personal and inspiring segment, Kristen opens up about her experiences as a woman in the predominantly male realm of enterprise tech. Her journey from feeling overlooked to confidently asserting herself underscores the value of having allies and mentors. We discuss the significance of speaking up constructively and fostering an inclusive environment where contributions are recognized regardless of gender. As we wrap up, the power of networking through platforms like LinkedIn and ASUG surfaces as a key tool for industry connection, leaving listeners ready to embrace new opportunities with open arms.

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Join us on Judy Asher's episide, Pioneering Change, Empowering Women, and Balancing It All, where we explore the inspiring journey of a pioneering woman in the tech industry. This episode delves into the life of Judy Asher, Senior Director of Baxter International, President of The Michigan Council of Women in Technology and Michigan State University alum who skilfully merges her passion for computational math and computer science with a fulfilling career at Ford. Discover her strategies for managing childcare while advancing professionally, emphasising the value of flexible work arrangements and a supportive network.

As an influential leader with the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation, Judy Asher shares her dedication to fostering diversity and empowering women through initiatives like the "Girl Solve It" virtual robot competition. We discuss the significance of male allies in creating inclusive workplaces and the transformative potential of diverse perspectives in tech. Tune in to gain insights into authentic leadership, the importance of experiential learning, and the continuous journey of blending personal and professional ambitions in the technology field.

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Hosted by Abigail Allman and Emma Chambers, in this empowering episode of Women in ERP podcast, we are joined by three influential women from NTT Data Business Solutions: Karen McLaughlin, Erin Cairns, and Stephanie Hills. Together, they share their experiences and insights into the transformative power of gender equality in the tech industry.

Karen, Erin, and Stephanie discuss the significant impact of female representation in leadership roles and how it fosters more inclusive and collaborative workplaces. Karen delves into the ripple effects of having women in key board positions, drawing parallels to the increasing diversity seen in global politics and its positive societal impacts.

We explore their unique career journeys, including transitions, the importance of inspirational figures, and the critical role male allies play in promoting gender equality. The conversation also highlights the value of communication and language skills in managing change in a global business environment, as well as the nuanced nature of positive discrimination and career development.

In the later segments, we examine the intricacies of technology adoption and the empowerment of women in tech roles. The episode underscores the importance of selecting the right partners for transformative success, particularly through digital adoption platforms like WalkMe. Our guests from NTT emphasise the need for supportive networks and the power of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and success in the tech industry.

Join us for an insightful and inspiring discussion on breaking barriers, building networks, and championing women in tech. This episode celebrates the strides being made toward gender equality and the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of technology.

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Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Stephanie Poore, now the MD of IFS, who shares her captivating journey within the ERP industry. Stephanie opens up about the personal and professional hurdles she has overcome and how redundancies led her to an unexpected crossroads between software and pharmaceuticals. Her eclectic background, spanning economics to e-commerce, offers a unique perspective on her rise to success. The panel also delve into the inspiration behind the Women in ERP podcast and how it has been an eye-opener for women's experiences in a predominantly male sector.

Listen in as the panel tackle the complex topic of gender diversity in the tech industry. Stephanie, Emma and Abi discuss how growing up in a gender-neutral environment contrasts sharply with the stark realities of the tech world, where the imbalance in gender representation is glaringly apparent. We touch on the power of visible female leaders in shaping the future for aspiring women in tech, debunk the myth of needing a "Prince Charming," and celebrate the significant career milestone of stepping into a managing director role. Our conversation also extends to the importance of a strong company culture and the challenges the ERP industry faces, from AI integration to data security.

Wrapping up this insightful discussion, the panel reflected on the pivotal moments and failures that have sculpted their careers. From tales of resilience and adaptability to the transformative influence of supportive relationships, they underscore the profound impact of authentic leadership. Stephanie imparts wisdom for those eyeing leadership roles in ERP, emphasising the necessity of maintaining engaging dialogue and offering actionable insights. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that not only highlights the challenges within the ERP industry but also offers encouragement and guidance for the next generation of leaders.

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Could you strike the perfect balance between a dynamic career and a fulfilling personal life? Julie Weir, the passionate Head of Community Development for the UK and Ireland SAP User Group, is a testament that it's entirely possible! Join us in an enlightening conversation with Julie, where she shares her unique journey into the world of ERP, and how she deftly balances working in a demanding field with her personal commitments.

We all need a community that uplifts us, encourages us, and makes us feel seen and heard. The UKISUG does exactly that, particularly for women in the ERP sector who often require a distinct level of support. Hear about the group's commendable initiatives to champion both women and men. Julie also delves into how she fosters diversity and ensures a work-life balance, despite the extensive travel her role entails.

Your fitness and body confidence needn't take a backseat while you navigate the challenges of a demanding job. Julie's dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is sure to inspire you. Tune in as we discuss tips on establishing an easy exercise routine, the importance of creating new habits for staying fit, and how to strike the right balance between work, family, and fitness. This final episode of series 2 is a treasure trove of valuable advice and a source of motivation for anyone seeking to thrive in a fast-paced industry.

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Raised as the youngest among five siblings in a family with deeply committed parents, particularly a father who transitioned from the priesthood to IT, life was always dynamic. Ann Blakely of Milwaukee, USA, joins us to shed light on how this unique family backdrop paved her path, leading her from the University of Wisconsin to becoming a pivotal figure in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) domain.

Ann's passion for creating a profound societal impact shines through in her leadership role in a child welfare information system project in Alaska. This significant undertaking was aimed at enhancing the prospects for at-risk children. While juggling professional demands with parenting her two kids, Ann has adopted the principle of establishing clear boundaries and refraining from guilt for being a working mom. This philosophy has notably shaped her children's ambitions.

Currently, as the Managing Partner of Baker Tilly Digital at Baker Tilly, Ann champions the causes of gender diversity and adaptability in work setups. She's a staunch advocate for diverse viewpoints within consulting groups and is on a mission to foster a more inclusive workspace. As our conversation with her unfolds, you'll discover that this episode is not merely a narration of Ann's story but a motivational roadmap for all Women in ERP.

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Join us for an inspiring discussion with our special guest, Michael Ouissi, the Group Chief Operating Officer at IFS. Listen in as he shares his unique journey from growing up as the son of an immigrant in Germany to becoming a leading figure in the tech industry. Hear about the profound impact of his parents' values of hard work and self-determination on his life, and how his early exposure to technology sparked his interest in the field. Michael also reflects on the unconscious bias he faced and the importance of seizing opportunities to create change.

Our conversation with Michael takes a fascinating turn as he talks about his tech career transition and his day-to-day role as COO at IFS. Hear about his strategies for navigating challenges, dealing with unconscious bias, and having a seat at the table. Learn about the demanding nature of his customer-facing role that requires discipline to juggle different global time zones. He also sheds light on how IFS Cloud has revolutionized the upgrade experience for customers, turning it into an incremental update process rather than a major release cycle. We discuss the shift in customers' mindset and how IFS Cloud is tailored to meet their unique needs.

In the final part of our conversation, Michael takes us through IFS's commitment to promoting gender equality in the workplace. Listen in as he talks about the importance of openness and integration in enterprise architecture, and how IFS Cloud is making it easier for customers to integrate into larger infrastructures. He further examines the inequalities that exist in the workplace, especially in terms of gender and the steps IFS is taking to ensure fair opportunities for everyone. We conclude with a powerful discussion about the need for more diverse teams and the importance of taking the initiative to seize opportunities, both globally and locally.

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Ever dreamed of a career that encompasses global travel, technology and sociological studies? Meet Kate Waterton, the SAP Alliances Lead and Associate Partner at EY, who has lived this dream and more. From an early life of global travel to a successful career in tech, Kate's journey is a testament to adventurous spirits and the power of adaptability. This episode captures her unique life trajectory, providing a glimpse into her passions for diverse cultures, recruitment, and SAP consulting.

Can women truly have it all? This question often comes up in discussions around work-life balance, and Kate Waterton has some powerful insights to share. As a successful professional and mother, she shares her strategies for juggling high-profile alliance roles with motherhood. Reflecting on the influence of both male and female mentors on her career, she provides a candid perspective on this oft-debated mantra. Whether you're a working mother or aspiring to be one, Kate’s insights are nothing short of inspirational.

Finally, we talk about promoting women in alliances and careers. With Kate’s involvement in the EY EMEA Women for Alliances Communities, we get an insider’s look at their initiatives to empower women in the field of alliances, providing visibility, role modelling, and a safe space for learning and sharing. We also delve into early development influences, examining how parents and teachers can inspire kids to pursue careers in tech. And if you've ever wondered about the actions taken by such communities to ensure progress, tune in for a robust discussion on this and more. Prepare to be inspired and empowered by Kate's remarkable journey and the exciting opportunities within the tech alliance space.

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For International Womens Day 2023 Abi & Steph hosted a live recording of WERP for Linkedin at the IFS UK Head office. The WERP co-hosts were joined by Emma Chambers, Head of NATS Integrated Business Systems (NIBS), UKISUG Director and co-chair, SAP S/4HANA an Women in SAP SIG's. NATS is the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services. In a typical year pre-Covid, they handle over 2.5 million flights and 250 million passengers traveling over the UK and across the North Atlantic. If you’ve been a passenger on a commercial aircraft flying in UK airspace then it's highly likely that they’ve handled your flight. The panel discusses Emma's journey into ERP and her experience as a female leader in a male dominant field. They explore Emma's initiatives to drive positive change within the ERP community, her personal drivers, and how Emma actively supports and promotes inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

For International Women’s Day this year the theme was Embrace Equity. Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have and a focus on gender equity needs to form a part of every society's DNA. The panel will help you to understand the difference between equity and equality.

This live Episode is sponsored by leading independent ERP Advisory, Resulting IT.

Resulting IT have made a substantial donation to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust for International Women’s day, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity.

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On the third episode of series 2, Abi and Steph are joined by SAP Centre of Excellence Manager, Fiona Warburg from Dwr Cymru, Welsh Water. The panel discuss their experience of gender pay disparity and why it is still an unconscious bias within the industry. Fiona tells the panel how she found her path into ERP, following in her fathers footsteps from Accountancy to coding within SAP. They discuss the trials and tribulations of being a minority and the conscious effort Fiona makes to help to improve the diversity within her own organisation and the wider ERP network. The panel explore the importance of the SAP user group and user groups in general. It's clear that strong networks and having the right support in and outside of work are imperative to career consistency and progression and Fiona places a huge importance on people. Being our first female guest working within SAP, Fiona gives her key tips for effective project management within an SAP project setting, moving to Azure and future planning for S/4 Hana. The highly driven Fiona certainly knows her worth, the importance of equality and the value of the team around her. An episode that truly empowers and makes a leap towards positive change and real impact within the ERP industry by calling out inequality.

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On the second episode of Series 2, Abi and Steph are joined by senior IFS recruitment consultant, Emily Hunter, from Cubiq. The panel has an in-depth exploration into the world of ERP recruitment, dispelling the myths around recruiters and recruitment. Emily advises how, out of all the candidates she has placed in recent months within ERP, only 20% were women. The women in ERP discuss how we can improve this figure and help promote ERP as a credible career path for young women and girls in order to fill the current skills deficit. We discuss how to get your CV into shape, key search terms to be found for the right roles, and how to be confident enough to step up a rung on a ladder and nail that next interview. An educational episode that really opens up a deeper thought process around how we can attract more female talent into the ERP pool.

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In the tenth and final episode for series one of WERP, Abi & Steph are joined by Davina Webb, Lead Functional Consultant for Dynavics. The panel discuss low diversity in IT roles and possible solutions to make tech more inclusive for the black community. Davina tells her story of growing up in a predominantly white community to then progressing to the top of a predominantly white career sector. Davina continues to defies convention through continual education and inspiringly made the transition from industry to technology by self teaching. Davina is an incredible black woman in technology, a powerhouse who's paving the path for future generations and her current mission is to get more finance professionals to transition into ERP consultancy to fill the rising demand. This episode is inspiring, motivating and a great way to conclude series 1 of WERP.

SERIES 2 COMING AUTUMN 2022

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