Empowering Career Growth: Insights from Nielsen's WIN Summit
In 2023, for the third consecutive year, Nielsen employees had the chance to engage in the Women in Nielsen (WIN) Leadership Summit. This summit serves as a platform bringing colleagues together through interactive panels, discussion groups, and webinars aimed at mutual learning and sharing of inspiring stories to nurture the upcoming generation of leaders. Organized by WIN, a Business Resource Group dedicated to fostering an inclusive business environment valuing women's talents and perspectives, the Summit encapsulates the theme of emPOWERment under the slogan "Choose Your Yes".
Attendees left the event feeling empowered to seize control of their careers, understanding that they play an active role in shaping their professional paths. Angela Povia, VP of Client Consulting and a Regional Co-Lead for WIN, highlighted,
"It’s a reminder that our career doesn’t happen to us; we are active in our pursuits and can make different choices if we aren’t aligned with where things are headed." Nicole Cetta, Process Lead, emphasized the timeliness of discussing empowerment amidst Nielsen's period of change, stating, "Nielsen is going through a time of change, and with change often comes some feelings of uncertainty. Honing in on your value and how to convey that value to others is empowering."
Despite the prevailing changes and uncertainties, women exhibit unwavering ambition and drive across all stages of their careers. According to McKinsey & Company’s "Women in the Workplace 2023" report, young women, in particular, demonstrate high levels of ambition, with 9 in 10 aspiring to be promoted to the next level and 3 in 4 aiming for senior leadership positions. In an effort to create a supportive environment where individuals can confidently navigate their career paths, the WIN Summit featured 11 panels covering various aspects of empowerment and career advancement strategies. From discussions on cultivating a healthy relationship with career ambitions to strategic timing in career moves, the Summit catered to the diverse needs of attendees at different career stages.
One noteworthy session, "Stretching for Growth: Assignments that Expand Your Potential," featured panelists sharing their experiences with stretch assignments and their facilitation.
Gomes–Abreu, serving as Client Services Manager and a key organizer of the session, emphasized the importance of taking a broader perspective on one's career amidst daily responsibilities. She stated, "Often, we become overly absorbed in our daily tasks and overlook the significance of viewing our career trajectory from a holistic standpoint. Engaging in stretch assignments empowers employees and instills a sense of ownership in their career progression."
Aligned with Nielsen’s core values of inclusion, courage, and growth, the WIN Summit served as a platform to unite employees from diverse business units and backgrounds, fostering a collaborative learning environment that welcomed participation from all genders. One attendee shared their post-summit reflection, expressing, "The summit left me feeling empowered to advocate for myself. It was inspiring to be surrounded by individuals striving to advance their careers, yet still open to offering assistance and support. The sense of connection with fellow attendees has remained with me."
Despite the presence of change and uncertainty, individuals possess the agency to chart their desired career paths. Acknowledging that our professional journey is shaped by the choices we make, self-awareness, readiness, and deliberate actions are pivotal for achieving success. Rich Tunkel, SVP of Sales, WIN sponsor, and a panelist at the WIN Summit, highlighted the importance of focusing on controllable factors and proactive preparation amidst challenging transitions. He remarked, "Prioritizing our efforts towards what we can control and how we can equip ourselves, our colleagues, and the industry to navigate through tough changes is paramount."
Attendees left the event feeling empowered to seize control of their careers, understanding that they play an active role in shaping their professional paths. Angela Povia, VP of Client Consulting and a Regional Co-Lead for WIN, highlighted,
"It’s a reminder that our career doesn’t happen to us; we are active in our pursuits and can make different choices if we aren’t aligned with where things are headed." Nicole Cetta, Process Lead, emphasized the timeliness of discussing empowerment amidst Nielsen's period of change, stating, "Nielsen is going through a time of change, and with change often comes some feelings of uncertainty. Honing in on your value and how to convey that value to others is empowering."
Despite the prevailing changes and uncertainties, women exhibit unwavering ambition and drive across all stages of their careers. According to McKinsey & Company’s "Women in the Workplace 2023" report, young women, in particular, demonstrate high levels of ambition, with 9 in 10 aspiring to be promoted to the next level and 3 in 4 aiming for senior leadership positions. In an effort to create a supportive environment where individuals can confidently navigate their career paths, the WIN Summit featured 11 panels covering various aspects of empowerment and career advancement strategies. From discussions on cultivating a healthy relationship with career ambitions to strategic timing in career moves, the Summit catered to the diverse needs of attendees at different career stages.
One noteworthy session, "Stretching for Growth: Assignments that Expand Your Potential," featured panelists sharing their experiences with stretch assignments and their facilitation.
Gomes–Abreu, serving as Client Services Manager and a key organizer of the session, emphasized the importance of taking a broader perspective on one's career amidst daily responsibilities. She stated, "Often, we become overly absorbed in our daily tasks and overlook the significance of viewing our career trajectory from a holistic standpoint. Engaging in stretch assignments empowers employees and instills a sense of ownership in their career progression."
Aligned with Nielsen’s core values of inclusion, courage, and growth, the WIN Summit served as a platform to unite employees from diverse business units and backgrounds, fostering a collaborative learning environment that welcomed participation from all genders. One attendee shared their post-summit reflection, expressing, "The summit left me feeling empowered to advocate for myself. It was inspiring to be surrounded by individuals striving to advance their careers, yet still open to offering assistance and support. The sense of connection with fellow attendees has remained with me."
Despite the presence of change and uncertainty, individuals possess the agency to chart their desired career paths. Acknowledging that our professional journey is shaped by the choices we make, self-awareness, readiness, and deliberate actions are pivotal for achieving success. Rich Tunkel, SVP of Sales, WIN sponsor, and a panelist at the WIN Summit, highlighted the importance of focusing on controllable factors and proactive preparation amidst challenging transitions. He remarked, "Prioritizing our efforts towards what we can control and how we can equip ourselves, our colleagues, and the industry to navigate through tough changes is paramount."
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