Thank you to our Newsletter sponsor: |
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Transitions and Growth
by Beth Yglesias, Director of National Sales at Jacobs, WWLF Branding Director
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The wireless telecommunications industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements, market shifts, and intense competition. Consequently, companies within our sector have undergone layoffs and consolidations to maintain efficiency and competitiveness. While these transitions can be difficult, they also present significant opportunities for personal and professional growth. Embracing continuous learning and professional development during these challenging times can lead to enhanced career prospects and resilience in the face of future industry fluctuations.
Personal growth during professional transitions often stems from the necessity to adapt to new environments and challenges. Employees may find themselves in unfamiliar roles or organizations, requiring them to step out of their comfort zones and develop new perspectives and capabilities. This adaptability is a critical soft skill that enhances our ability to thrive in our dynamic industry. Moreover, the process of navigating change can foster increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence, as individuals must manage stress, uncertainty, and the demands of new responsibilities. By viewing these transitions as opportunities for self-improvement, employees can emerge stronger and more capable.
If you are an employee impacted by transition, this may be an ideal time to pursue higher education, certifications, or training to align with the evolving demands of the industry. Networking opportunities abound during periods of change, as professionals connect with new colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Additionally, experiencing different organizational cultures and structures can broaden understanding of our industry, which in turn creates more versatility and value to future employers. In summary, while the wireless telecommunications industry’s current environment of volatility presents challenges, it also offers substantial avenues for personal and professional growth. |
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WWLF Launches Women in Leadership Symposium
by Carolyn Hardwick, 2023/2024 WWLF Vice-President |
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The presence and influence of women executives in telecom are on the rise. As a kick-off event to 2024 Connect (X), WWLF presented its "Women in Leadership Symposium" at the Georgia World Congress Center. In collaboration with the Wireless Infrastructure Association, leaders from across the United States and representing over 30 companies met for the half-day program to learn, share stories, and build relationships in our community.
Sally Williamson, author and communication coach, opened the workshop with a keynote message focused on the power of storytelling to craft a compelling career narrative. Ms. Williamson explained that a well-constructed personal story can be impactful. The core of storytelling is not about the triumphs, but it is the vulnerable story of unexpected twists, struggles, and the experiences earned. Ms. Williamson demonstrated how to take a simplified career story to develop a narrative with a leadership challenge, opportunity for growth, introspective solution, and impactful conclusion. She concluded, "the most marketable and dynamic skill set you can have is a brand and a relatable, compelling story."
Following the keynote message, Lauren Goff moderated a panel entitled "Beyond Perfect: Embracing Vulnerability to Unleash Innovation and Success". Panelists Amanda Cahill, Carrie Charles, Alicia Lucas, and Fisseha Yohanes shared insights regarding authenticity and vulnerability as leadership qualities. When asked how women leaders can create a culture which encourages calculated risks and embraces the possibility of failure, Ms. Cahill stated, "failure is a part of life, business, and an opportunity to grow. When we see failure as an opportunity and not a setback, it can be the differentiator in your career." Panelists also discussed the importance of delegation, showing strength through authenticity, and encouraging others along their career paths. Click to continue to read the full article on the WWLF website. |
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How to Talk About Yourself by Sally Williamson |
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We all do it. We’re asked to step into the limelight from time to time. Most times we’re asked to give presentations on topics we know a lot about. Sometimes we’re asked to give speeches on topics we’ve led or direction we’ve set. But eventually, the journey for all communicators leads to the hardest topic of all: ourselves.
Nobody wants to give this speech. Everybody shies away from this topic. I think it’s because this is the topic we fear will disappoint a group or not live up to assumptions or expectations. And if you don’t consider your career path an incredible journey, you assume it isn’t worth telling. If your experiences can’t fill a best-selling novel, you assume we don’t want to hear them.
But that isn’t so. Everyone has a story or two within them. Talking about yourself helps people get to know you and trust you. Your stories make you real. They also make you vulnerable.
And that’s another reason people don’t like to talk about themselves. Career journeys aren’t limited to successes. In fact, most journeys have more challenges than successes. They’re crooked paths with dead ends, roadblocks and even a few falls. But that’s what we love about them. The career journey helps us relate to someone and potentially see a glimpse of what we have in common.
So, why is it hard? Because many people worry that sharing more about where you’re from, what you’ve tried and where you’ve failed may not justify the success you have now. It may not add up to the spot you’re in today. It doesn’t matter. It’s your journey, and you are where you are for good reason. What does matter is that you understand how to tell your story in a way that’s interesting to others.
And that’s where most people struggle. They don’t know how to tell their stories.
Case in point:
A few years ago, I was giving a keynote at a conference and was scheduled to follow a well-known business founder. I was intrigued to meet him and actually wondered how I would get a group to shift to my topic after his story. I shouldn’t have worried. Unfortunately, he bombed telling his own story.
Here’s why. Click to continue to read the article on the WWLF website. |
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2024 Fellowship Award Recipient
The Women's Wireless Leadership Forum is proud to announce Talisha Germain as the 2024 Fellowship Award winner. Talisha will be mentored by Beth Yglesias.
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As the WWLF City Representative for Sussex County NJ, Talisha not only fosters engagement but also co-facilitates the Member Engagement Team, driving initiatives that empower women in the Telecom Industry. Furthermore, her dedication extends to the New Jersey Wireless Association, where she serves as a Board Member and events committee chair, actively contributing to industry growth and inclusivity.
Talisha’s leadership transcends professional boundaries, as she leads the Youth Department at her church in Harlem NYC. Nurturing the potential of young female leaders, her commitment to mentorship and empowerment permeates every aspect of her life.
Beyond her professional and community engagements, Talisha is a devoted mother and an enthusiastic traveler. Together with her teenage daughter, she explores the world, embracing diverse cultures and flavors. This passion for global exploration informs her advocacy for inclusive, connected societies, both locally and internationally.
Talisha’s journey of growth and learning continues as she pursues her MBA at Louisiana State University. Her commitment to continuous personal and professional development exemplifies her role as a beacon of leadership within the WWLF community. As the 2024 WWLF Fellowship recipient, Talisha’s goal is clear: to embody the values of empowerment, leadership and inclusivity. She seeks to glean wisdom from her mentors, proudly representing WWLF in the collective journey of empowering women to pursue their dreams. |
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The Importance of Cultivating a Growth Mindset
by Rachel Metzler, Crown Castle Manager - Contract Compliance |
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As we navigate through the dynamic landscape of the telecommunications industry, the concept of a growth mindset becomes increasingly vital. This term, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. It's about seeing challenges as opportunities to grow, valuing the process of learning, and understanding that effort and perseverance are key to achieving mastery.
During the July WWLF Motivation & Mugs event, I had the privilege of leading the discussion on the importance of cultivating a growth mindset. One key takeaway is that even though we might occasionally find ourselves stuck in a fixed mindset, it is crucial to shift towards a growth mindset to facilitate personal and professional development. As leaders, we play a crucial role in modeling and fostering this mindset within our teams and organizations. Our ability to embrace and promote a growth mindset can significantly influence our company culture, drive innovation, and enhance overall performance. It's important to remember that leadership isn't confined to titles; anyone can lead and inspire others.
Platforms like WWLF are instrumental in promoting a growth mindset. Tuning into the Monday morning Motivation & Mugs is an inspiring way to start the month, leading to great conversations that can ignite the spark needed to maintain a growth mindset. Attendees range from industry veterans to first-year members in telecom, all bringing a wealth of knowledge. Personally, WWLF has been an excellent association for me, as I've made many valuable connections and look forward to connecting with members – and Motivation & Mugs is one of the events that I eagerly anticipate each month. Visit the WWLF website to continue to learn more. |
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Featured Event: August 5th Motivation & Mugs |
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With all of the transition and new information in our industry, where can we turn our attention for guidance and encouragement? Join your fellow WWLF members for a morning motivation and the opportunity to connect while enjoying your beverage of choice.
Unless there is a holiday, we meet for Motivation and Mugs the first Monday of each month. You'll have the opportunity to introduce yourself and share in a discussion about the overlap of our industry, your professional journey, and any personal details you're comfortable sharing.
We look forward to seeing you on our next call! Registration closes the Thursday prior to the meeting.
Teams Link to be provided prior to the Event
05 Aug 2024, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) |
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Join WWLF for a Charitable Networking Event in Charlotte
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August 6, 2024 | 7:00-10:00 pm (EDT)
Legion Brewing’s location in South Park Charlotte, North Carolina at 5610 Carnegie Blvd in Capitol Towers
The Charlotte chapter of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum will be hosting a charitable networking event on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 7-10 p.m. ET at Legion Brewing’s location in South Park Charlotte, North Carolina at 5610 Carnegie Blvd in Capitol Towers.
In addition to being a networking opportunity, the event will serve as a school supply drive for Classroom Central. We ask that all attendees bring at least one item to contribute. The 9 supplies most needed include pencils, crayons, colored markers, highlighters, dry erase markers, composition books, filler paper, one subject notebooks and pocket folders.
Classroom Central fosters equity in education by providing teachers and students with the free resources they need to succeed. It serves teachers and students in nearly 200 schools across six regional school districts. It distributes supplies through its Free Store, Mobile Free Store, Curbside Pick-Up, Subscription Service and several other community-supported initiatives. Since opening its doors in 2002, Classroom Central has distributed over $74 million worth of free school supplies.
Thanks to our event sponsors: Delta Oaks Group, Harmoni Towers, Inside Towers and Tower Engineering Professionals.
All are welcome (WWLF members, non-members, men and women). Register here or contact Megan Reed for more information. Please note, this event allows for a maximum of 25 guests, so please only register if you’re certain you can attend.
Please register at: https://insidetowers.com/join-wwlf-for-a-charitable-networking-event-in-charlotte-2024/ |
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WWLF Atlanta - Self Defense Class
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Attention Atlanta area WWLF members: please join us for an evening of women empowerment as we learn effective self-defense skills and acquire techniques to improve our situational awareness and reaction times.
We are limited to 20 ladies, so register as soon as you can. Wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes.
Hydrating drinks and snacks will be provided.
07 Aug 2024
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
WWLF Members $25
Krav Maga for Women: 215 Advantage Drive Cumming, Georgia 30040
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Sip & Sail: Professional Mixer on Pittsburgh's Waterfront |
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Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of networking and fun at the Women's Wireless Leadership Forum's "Sip & Sail: Professional Mixer on the Waterfront." This exclusive event will take place on the picturesque Pittsburgh Gateway Clipper, providing a stunning backdrop for a perfect summer gathering.
Highlights of the Event:
Entertainment by Dancing Queen Duo: Get ready to be dazzled by the vibrant and dynamic performances of the Dancing Queen Duo. Their energetic show will keep you entertained throughout the afternoon.
Hors d'oeuvres: Savor various delectable hors d'oeuvres, specially curated to complement your evening experience.
Commander's Host Bar - 3pm-4pm: Start our event with an open bar from 3pm to 4pm, offering spirits, beer, and wine. Afterwards, enjoy a cash bar from 4pm to 6pm, featuring a wide selection of beverages for purchase—perfect for toasting to new connections and opportunities.
Why Attend?
Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with other wireless industry professionals, share insights, and build valuable relationships.
Relax and Unwind: Take in the beautiful waterfront views of Pittsburgh while enjoying great music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks.
Celebrate Leadership: In a relaxed and scenic setting, celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women leaders in the wireless industry.
Don't miss this opportunity to mix, mingle, and make lasting connections. Mark your calendars and set sail with us for an afternoon of professional growth and celebration.
RSVP by August 13th. Location and boarding information will be sent to registrants the week prior to the event. For event questions please email: Heather.Fletcher@everestinfrastructure.com.
We look forward to seeing you there!
15 Aug 2024
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (EDT)
Pittsburgh's Waterfront
Members – $20.00
Non-Members – $30.00 |
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Thank you to our event sponsors!
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Monthly Networking Event: Motivation and Mugs |
With all of the transition and new information in our industry, where can we turn our attention for guidance and encouragement? Join your fellow WWLF members for a morning motivation and the opportunity to connect while enjoying your beverage of choice.
Unless there is a holiday, we meet for Motivation and Mugs the first Monday of each month. You'll have the opportunity to introduce yourself and share in a discussion about the overlap of our industry, your professional journey, and any personal details you're comfortable sharing.
We look forward to seeing you on our next call! Registration closes the Thursday prior to the meeting.
09 Sep 2024, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) |
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Save the Date - Nevada Mixer
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Join WWLF the day before the Nevada Wireless Golf Outing for a Mixer! Enjoy an evening of networking and making meaningful connections! October 2, 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada |
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Thank you to our exclusive newsletter sponsor |
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Connect with WWLF
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WWLF is a proud affiliate of WIA
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Women's Wireless Leadership Forum C/O WIA
2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 210 Arlington, VA 22201
© 2024 Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum All Rights Reserved
WWLF is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are welcome in all aspects of our organization. WWLF values the knowledge and perspectives that our members bring to our organization from their diverse backgrounds. While all members are welcome to participate in both regional and national events, WWLF remains committed to the design and delivery of content to support the development of women in the wireless communications industry. |
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