Women In ERP Abigail Allman

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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On the sixth episode of Women in ERP series 2. Abi and Steph are joined by an Award winning woman in ERP, Vicki O'Neill-King, COO of Sapphire Systems. The panel discuss inequalities in the workplace and learn how having supportive peers can make all the difference to a successful career trajectory. Vicki tells her tale from being a PMO resource to COO. As a single parent Vicki had worked incredibly hard to build an amazing life for her family, she has broken stigmas whilst breaking the glass ceiling. Vicki has a huge appreciation for the day-to-day challenges women face and has been a driving force behind female centric policies such as a groundbreaking Menopause policy, developed by men and women, that aims to alleviate the business impact when an employee or employees partner is going through the menopause. Vicki's dad clearly had a profound impact on the family as Great Britain's Olympic rowing coach as Vicki tells us all about her competitive family of sisters, all whom are working in ERP. There a certainly a few laughs a long the way as well as some experiential advice for listeners, including the direct correlation between baby Guinness and being barefoot at The CRN Awards... Not one to miss!
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