Lifting Up: Lessons From Verizon Women Leaders

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

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

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

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.

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! 

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.  

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.