Women in the channel: The Human Network Effect

Toronto – Cisco Systems Canada executive leaders Rebecca Leach and Trina Alexson delivered a highly effective and impactful workshop at the CDN Women of the IT Channel Recognition luncheon.

The two executives called the workshop Women in the Channel: The Human Network Effect and it was developed to be fun, interactive and to bring about new ideas through storytelling and laughter.

There were many themes introduced by Alexson, the vice president of service delivery for Cisco Canada, such as uncivil work environments, sponsors, mentorship, connectors, personal branding and creating your own fan base.

Suzanne MacDonald, the director of National Accounts for Mississauga, Ont.-based Ingram Micro Canada, said that she sponsors a woman worker at the distributor.  She believes that sponsorship of a co-worker is integral to the success of the company.

“Someone in the company has eyes on me and is seeking me out. I sponsor a lady in the organization and I see her with customers, in the boardroom, and with employees. I speak to her about these things all the time. A lot of that is about what she brings to the table. I also say here are the next two things to do. I give her constructive critical feedback because I have invested in her,” she said.

MacDonald added that sponsors give visibility to that person and put the executive’s reputation on the line with the company saying that “I have invested in this person.”