Empowered - Vol 14/2023 April 2023

WHO WE ARE

A global network of individuals who believe that everyone has some unique skill.?We just PowerUP!?We consist of a group of passionate individuals (of all genders) who are positive, with make-it-happen and lead-by-example attitudes. A peer-to-peer network to support and PowerUP each other! Do I need to be an expert to be a part of this group? NO. We just need to be good enough. Good enough to own up to our limitations, be willing to respond to others, and be social and acceptable.

Find below a visual representation of our theme this month by?Fernanda?Thank you! Fernanda

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK -?Olufunke Adio-HR/Agile Culture

In this edition, we're creating new paradigms, we're shifting perspectives, we're innovating and creating new pathways!

From Grace Johnson 's deeply insightful piece on how leaders enable innovation to Dr Lipika Sharma who provides a snippet of her unique contributions at the United Nations to 'Lara Yeku who authored the first ever, visionary, mentoring-through-storytelling concept book which has now evolved to a highly successful virtual series.?Talk about innovative evolutions!

We're not yet done! A Day in Space - Breaking paradigms beyond the space -Women in Aerospace event is sure to be a true exploration of innovative possibilities! We can't wait for Giovanna Estefania Ramírez Ruiz - the very first Columbian lady in space to take us on a trip to space! Event is 6th May 2023. Registration link is here

We promised to keep you up to speed with insights from the Thought Sketching - Visuals for ideation, capture and reflection event facilitated by Dr. Jill Greenbaum You may access the recording here

LEADER'S SPEAK: LEADERS AS INNOVATION ENABLERS-Igniting Creativity and Driving Progress [1] Grace Johnson

At the heart of development, innovation has become a key enabler of today's ever-evolving world. organizations involved in the desire to keep up with change are increasingly adopting an innovation lifestyle. This compelling article delves into the exciting realm of innovation, exploring the profound impact of innovation on business and society through compelling examples. In addition, it can dissolve the leader's core function as an innovation enabler, igniting the spark of creativity and harnessing innovative development.?

Ignite the competition.?

Innovation drives organizations to outsmart their opponents in the constant battle for market dominance. Don't just look at the amazing uptrend of Apple Inc. In a landmark move, Apple revolutionized the mobile phone and smartphone business with the breakthrough iPhone. By combining the latest technology, an intuitive user interface, and a relentless pursuit of advanced talent reports, Apple has disrupted markets and forced competitors to assert themselves. By continuing to push the boundaries of innovation, Apple has built an unwavering position at the helm of some of the most aggressive technology companies.?

Unleash your customer's delight.

#innovation enables companies to develop services and products that no longer just meet, but exceed, customer expectations. #amazon , the preeminent e-commerce giant, is constantly challenging the traditional question-asking situation, taking buyer reporting to new heights. A prime example is the creation of #amazonprime . Amazon Prime is a subscription provider that gives you access to super-fast shipping, unique deals, and a wide range of entertainment. Discovering an insatiable need for convenience and customized reporting, Amazon has reshaped the online shopping landscape and set an astronomical benchmark for shopper satisfaction. Driving a wave of social change: The energy of innovation pushes the boundaries of a company with the potential to address serious societal challenges. Enter #tesla , the pioneering electric car maker carving out a sustainable destiny. By expanding its range of high-performance electric vehicles and spearheading the expansion of its charging infrastructure, Tesla has pushed the sector towards greener transportation. Today, their commitment to innovation has not only revolutionized the automotive industry, but also played a key role in reducing CO2 emissions and fighting climate change.?

POWER CONNECT: A Day in Space - Breaking paradigms beyond the space - Women in Aerospace

Space trips are becoming more and more frequent and involve more than just the launch of a rocket. As they are manned missions, the astronauts require arduous training, in addition they carry technological experiments of which it must be certain that they would work in other climatological, atmospheric and gravitational conditions.?

In this session, we will be exploring the incredible life of astronauts! And who better to tell the story than Giovanna Estefania Ramírez Ruiz the very first Columbian lady in space! Date is 6th May 2023. Registration link is here

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Dr Lipika Sharma

SPECIAL FEATURE: MY HR STORY BOOK!

The story that birthed MY HR STORY BOOK is an interesting one. It is one story that emanated from the need to contribute and to create a pathway for others. Earlier in her career, 'Lara Yeku had trouble navigating her HR career. She admits to making several mistakes and failing along the way. She also confessed to the hassle that came with finding a mentor who could dedicate enough time to provide some form of guidance.?

As she progressed in her career it became evident that there were many younger colleagues who were finding it difficult navigating the HR field. What she did to proffer a solution? She created MY HR STORY BOOK. The goal was simple; to make career success principles very palpable. Her approach consisted of three concepts:?

1. Story telling for relatability and authenticity.?

2. Mentoring on the go for accessibility and self leadership.?

3. Collaboration for impact, growth and opportunity to give back for professional advancement.?

This innovative vision has evolved from a story book into a live interactive series with seasoned professionals across the world sharing their unique stories hence giving a platform for live pain point conversations.?

Experience a recent Live Interactive session?here featuring Bankole Williams a Career Coach and Member of the Forbes Coaches Council.

ABOUT Coach CLY 'Lara Yeku

Omolara Yeku is a global HR leader, HR strategist, career coach, speaker, and author who is well recognized for her immense contributions to the current trends and practices in the evolution of Human Resources Management in Nigeria.?

A recognized and highly-respected HR thought leader with several awards under her belt like, 2020 Talent Management Strategist, 150 Global Women B2B Thought Leadership to follow in 2020 & 2021 and 2nd LinkedIn top 10 women thought leaders to follow in 2020.?

An accomplished HR Field Specialist from Cornell University, USA, Lara joined the HR team at Accenture in 2008 and rose to the position of Country HR Lead for Accenture in Nigeria where she honed her HR capabilities and provided strategic direction for the global brand until 2019. Fondly known as ‘Coach Lara’ by her protégés, she is a Certified Professional Coach, a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), USA, and the founder of HR GEMs Coach Network (Human Resources Great, Excellent Minds Coach Network) – a platform that offers a haven for HR professionals to learn, thrive, share and build life transformational skills.?

Lara currently sits as the Head of HR, Food Commercial Division, at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. In this capacity, she is responsible for providing strategic HR leadership to position the conglomerate as the leading food and agro-allied group in Africa.

She sits on the advisory board of two NGOs and is the Lead Sponsor at Enipro Academy Women in Data Analytics.

Omolara Yeku lives in Lagos State, Nigeria, and is happily married and blessed with three children.

Access to other live interactive sessions is available here

NEW STRIDES!!! Partnership with SCRUM Day London

Scrum Day London is an entity that is committed to 'creating organizations that are best suited for human beings to thrive'. With such a mission, little wonder why we're supporting this cause?

WOMEN POWERUP TEAM