The Greater IBM Connection Blog

Quick Screencast Overview of the SmarterCities Scan

A quick screencast overview of the Smarter Cities Scan project, created with the excellent new service/tool Screenr.

LEADERSHIP and DIVERSITY Gathering

We continue to prove the value of the Greater IBM Connection each time we find a way to gather across the world. Last week, we did it again!

Over 490 IBMers past and present from 28 countries signed up to meet each other ONLINE at an appointed time and place to participate in a conversation with IBM Vice President of Diversity & Workforce Programs, Ron Glover. Our purpose in meeting was to explore the topic of LEADERSHIP and DIVERSITY in a CHANGING ECONOMY.

GETTING ACQUAINTED
We started the dialogue by first learning a little about who showed up. This seemed to create a sense we were connected in the distance. We had a chance to plot ourselves on a world map, shared why we were drawn to be there in a POLL, and got a glimpse of how we had described our unique roles in life and work. When each of us registered for the event, we also were asked to identify one DISTINGUISHING QUALITY we had as leaders or innovators. We shared the list with everyone. It had hundreds of unique expressions--- a little peer-to-peer sharing across cultures and twenty-eight countries. Nice!

CONVERSATION WITH RON GLOVER
Ron Glover spent the first hour with us and generously offered his stories and insights. We had received hundreds of questions from participants at registration. Our Greater IBM WIN-L Co-Founders, Cécile Demailly (France), Shara Sokol (New York), and Jane Scandurra (New York), joined me to field the questions submitted. The questions covered four key themes: Ron's LEADERSHIP JOURNEY, his thoughts on BEING A LEADER, the status of DIVERSITY at IBM in this changing economy, and Ron's SEND-OFF for us. We hung out together for another thirty minutes or so to discuss questions, reflect on what we learned, and share stories and perspectives. 

As a Greater IBMer, I admit I was honored to have the opportunity to welcome IBMers past and present to our Global Dialogue Center ONLINE Conference Center and experience the power of connecting in still another way. As someone reflected on the event: "This was a one of a kind opportunity to connect with IBMERS from so many parts of the world and with so many views." 

RECORDED HIGHLIGHTS, HANDOUTS, RELATED LINKS:
We captured the highlights of this global Greater IBM gathering at the Global Dialogue Center.
We invite you to share in the experience too...
Go here for RECORDED HIGHTLIGHTS:
http://globaldialoguecenter.com/events/gibm-june2009.shtml 

It meant a lot to me be involved in this event. It was a special gathering that emerged through the Greater IBM Women's Network for Leadership (GIBM WIN-L) from other online experiences we created together. It was produced in partnership with the Greater IBM Connection team. Together --- Ron Glover, everyone who shared in this gathering, and our global team --- we created a moment in time that would not have been possible at one time...a memorable one!

From the reflective writings of those attending...

"It's very nice to have the opportunity to share ideas among all levels. It's not very common in other companies to have this kind of opportunity."

"...it is nice to see so many locations working to make the world and IBM a better place."

Best...
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection Blog
Co-Founder, GIBM Women's
International Network for
Leadership(GIBM WIN-L)

Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Companies
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
Video Book Review by futurist Joel A. Barker 
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco
www.globaldialoguecenter.com

What happens when GIBM LEADERS and INNOVATORS gather ONLINE?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOIN US AND FIND OUT!
On Thursday, JUNE 18, IBMers past and present will be gathering from regions around the world to explore the topic of LEADERSHIP and DIVERSITY in a CHANGING ECONOMY. The first hour will include a personal, up-close conversation with Ron Glover, IBM Vice President of Diversity & Workforce Programs. We've been inviting GIBMers to offer questions as they've registered, so we are able to weave key themes into our dialogue with Ron to explore issues that are real and relevant to all of us.

WHO's JOINING US? 
So far, we know it's going to be a remarkable, diverse group of innovators and leaders from across the world --- GIBMers and current IBMers that have registered from many different business vantage points, describing themselves in roles such as...

business analyst - communications manager - consultant -contract administrator - customer service - director -entrepreneur - program manager -  executive assistant - sales executive - manager - web production lead - HR manager - IT analyst - IT architect - IT professional - IT specialist - Internet manager - project manager - president - founder - co-founder - owner - principal - global web production lead - program director - program manager - organizational change consultant - HR professional - IBM retiree - senior support manager - assistant vice president - senior support representative - marketing communications consultant - and other interesting roles...

What we have learned from Greater IBM ONLINE Events is that it is our DIFFERENCES that make for an interesting conversation --- and every time, we affirm that "something special" we all seem to have in common --- a little of BIG BLUE in the DNA that always seems to come out in the process.

THE INSPIRATION for GATHERING:
It came from Sam Palmisano's bold vision of "A SMARTER PLANET: The Next Leadership Agenda" which he shared in his address to the Council on Foreign Relations in NYC. "...a period of discontinuity is, for those with courage and vision, a period of opportunity." He defined current realities for leaders and innovators, painting a vivid picture of a SMARTER PLANET. We plan to explore what we all need to do to be one of those leaders that will "change the game."

This special ONLINE EVENT is sponsored by the Greater IBM Women's International Network for Leadership(GIBM WIN-L) for IBMers past and present in partnership with the Greater IBM Connection team. As a Greater IBMer myself, I'm honored to be participating and to be partnering to host the event at our Global Dialogue Center.

Hope you can be with us!  Learn more here 

REGISTER HERE:  http://tinyurl.com/GIBMJUNE18Registration
Allow a few seconds for the URL to open.

Best...
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection Blog
Co-Founder, GIBM Women's
International Network for
Leadership(GIBM WIN-L)

Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Cos.
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
Video Book Review by futurist Joel A. Barker 
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco
www.globaldialoguecenter.com

Contributing to the Success of Others

There is a new call for leadership and service all around the world. Eleanor Roosevelt reminded us...

"Our own success, to be real, must contribute to the success of others." 

Recently, Jasmin Tragas, author of Wonderwebby and Managing Consultant with IBM Human Capital Management in Australia, brought this wisdom to life in an innovative and deeply meaningful way. I wanted to share this unique Greater IBM story...

When you put your heart and talent into a project, wonderful things can happen. Jasmin proved this. In an invitation to women, she promised, “By writing a single sentence"for her special Wonderwebby project, we could contribute to empowering other women, make a difference, and speak out against poverty. “You can change the lives of a group of women in the Philippines,” she explained. ...and twenty-six women showed up to share their insights.

“The reason I am asking you, Jasmin wrote, "is because I believe you are a woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. Along the way, you made an investment. It may have been words you spoke, a course you undertook, a gift you gave, a smile, a risk or an adventure. Perhaps another woman made an investment in you."

 

Jasmin turned the insights from the twenty-six women into a beautiful slideshow with stories and wisdom to share with the world. It was one of the most inventive, mutualistic fund raising ideas I've seen. It is a win, win, win. Our Greater IBM connection across the world, offered an opportunity for Jasmin and I to team up, share our resources and showcase Jasmin's project in a special way.

The online WOMEN's GALLERYat the Global Dialogue Center, which I founded in 2003, is honored to share this special self-learning exhibit, WOMEN's INVESTMENT: A tribute to the Entrepreneurial Spirit. The exhibit features the slideshow Jasmin created with beautiful photographs by Amy Palko (lessordinary.org.uk) that tell mini-stories from twenty-six women around the world taken from their personal experience of WOMEN's INVESTMENT. Jasmin also tells the story of the project in a personal audio message.

THREE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SPECIAL EXHIBIT:

1. Visit the exhibit and take insights of twenty-six women.
   Click through the visual exhibit.
2. Tell your story or share your insight;
   Leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
3. Make a donation...a small contribution empower another woman

Greater IBM Side-Story:
Jasmin and I have never physically met. I live in San Francisco and she is in Australia as I mentioned. We met one another through Greater IBM and have supported one another's events, projects, and contributions. This special story serves as an example of what we can do by putting our differences, experiences, and resources together to create a better world.

Have you joined Greater IBM? Do it NOW...

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection
Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Cos.
author, Putting Our Differences to Work 
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco 

The Power of Expressing GRATITUDE

I've thought so much about Greater IBM's Global Holiday Party at Second Life. It  wasn't just an ordinary party by any means and its rippling influence continues to live on in the hearts 
and minds of those who experienced it. We've been talking about it...

The setting was nothing less than a winter wonderland that reflected the hundreds --- perhaps even thousands of fingerprints; mind-boggling brilliance and innovation; mounds of thoughtfulness and care ... and of course, IBM execution second-to-none. The party was also a testament for how far we've come as a Greater IBM community in being able to share such  experiences across cultures and the world.

We seemed friendlier. More of us, found a way to be there in avatar or on the phone.
We were bolder. It wasn't so scary to say hello or volunteer to take a picture of a group.
We're getting polished at VIRTUAL. We saw a whole new level of virtual spirit.
We were more connected. You could feel the JOY we felt to see so many friends honored.

 

Passing the Test of Time and Technology
All my thinking affirmed again a trait of IBM's that is forever burned into my consciousness: We 
are all well-taught about the power that comes from saying THANKS! After I left IBM, I realized many  times that this is not an attribute of every company. Certainly, not today. It is something special.

Fast forward nearly two decades...and the Greater IBM's Global Holiday Party at Second Life was another shining example in a totally different virtual dimension. The party was not only a celebration, but our Greater IBM  leadership and the whole Greater IBM team invested, significantly, in making this event A BIG THANK YOU to our growing community from the moment we arrived. Beyond all I've mentioned already, there was a  treasure hunt with gifts, holiday drinks, huge chocolate chip cookies, and a turkey with all the  trimmings. 

We all gathered for a "recognition and award" ceremony, complete with custom-made "Greater IBM medallions"  for each award recipient --- with plenty of time for clapping, jumping up and down, and  dancing for JOY over the acknowledgment of the global winners in categories like...Greater IBM  Relaters, Greater IBM Community Builders, Greater IBM Evangelists, Spirit of Greater IBM Awards. 

GIBM Awards - Meet the Greater IBMers who drove community growth in 2008
Read about all the award winners in GIBM online article

Each presentation was so thoughtful and specific to the person, helping us all remember so many  contributions that have made it possible for us to be together as a Greater IBM Community across time, difference, and distance. I admit it, I was so  deeply touched to be honored in such a personalized way as one of the "Spirit of Greater IBM" award recipients. I couldn't  believe it. I won't forget it --- especially, imagining that technology was able to teleport me to a place where I got all choked up looking at desktop in San Francisco. :-)

Essential Ingredients of GRATITUDE
In the book, Thanks! by Robert Emmons, he points out two stages of gratitude that can easily be applied to the Great IBM Global Holiday Party at Second Life and all our contributions as we work to put our differences to work to help create a better world than we know today.

1. acknowledging the goodness in what has been achieved, and
2. recognizing the source of this goodness has come from the talents of many.

Emmons also helps us helps us understand what the essential components are to expressing gratitude in a meaningful way, using the French expression “je suis reconnaissant,” looking closely at the translation in three parts: “(1) ‘I recognize’ (intellectually), (2) ‘I acknowledge’ (willingly), and (3) ‘I appreciate’ (emotionally). Only when all three come together is gratitude complete.”

On December 18, 2008 at the Greater IBM at Second Life, all three essential components of GRATITUDE came together. It was complete!

Have you joined Greater IBM?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection
Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Cos.
author, Putting Our Differences to Work 
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco 

GATHERING Matters When It's Genuine

Wow! There is something about GATHERING that matters. People like it, especially when it is genuine. It was especially meaningful today when Greater IBM women (and men) came together to put the spotlight on "learning from each other's role models". The event was sponsored by the Greater IBM Women's International Network for Leadership (GIBM WIN-L) and was held online at my company's Global Dialogue Center CONFERENCE CENTER.

Personally, I am still coming down from the quite remarkable experience. We've not added up all the numbers and details, but we know Greater IBMers showed up from around the world and by all the personal reflections shared at the event, we had an exceptional time together. If you attended, chime in! :-)

Amparo Moraleda, IBM President of Spain, Portugal, Greece, Israel, and Turkey was a "bright light" for us all. She sat with us in our "virtual living room" for the first hour and answered our many questions about her leadership journey, her life and work demands, and offered many powerful ideas for us to take away as a personal gift. People called it "intimate" "personal" and "close". She is a remarkable role model for us all. We can't wait to share a summary of what we learned from her experience and wisdom.

We also shared our own stories about our role models and other leadership insights--- and seemed to discover how much we have in common. It meant a lot to have men demonstrate their support and interest in women's leadership by showing up. Enrique from Argentina shared openly how much he learned from Amparo and having a chance to learn from women's perspectives. We learned from him too. All the way around we mentored each other across differences, distance, generations, and cultures.

To top it off, I had the honors of planning, co-hosting, and producing the event with five remarkable GIBMers: Nuria Carretero (Spain), Cécile Demailly (France), Linda Griffin (Virginia-US), Gagan Rudra (Canada), and Shara Sokol (New York). We all met each other at the Greater IBM Connection --- we've never physically met, but our months of virtual collaboration across the world has in itself been a great JOY!

A very special feature was having Nancy Marguiles, well known as the "godmother of graphic recording" join us to do real-time illustration of all we were hearing and learning together. Her unique artistry was a big hit at our first event and by popular demand, she generously showed up to support this "BIG DREAM" that emerged from GIBM women worldwide.

I would have to say it was truly a "peak experience" to connect with others in such a genuine way. I loved standing on the summit together to see the view of what we accomplished in a short time.

A favorite POEM below came to me when we said good-bye...

"You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again...So why bother in the first place? Just this: what is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above.

One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer but one has seen. There is an art to conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know." --- Rene Daumal, Mount Analogue

TO DO's...

If you attended, tell us about your experience!

If you didn't, tell us how much you wish you had :-)

We invite you to join GIBM WIN-L on Facebook.

Have you joined the Greater IBM Community at our new HOME?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection
Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Companies

author, Putting Our Differences to Work
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco 

Learning from Our Leadership Role Models

UPCOMING Greater IBM Online Event
Women's Global Leadership Gathering
"Learning from Each Other's Role Models"
THURS, October 23, 2008 - 9:30 am-11:30 am ET
Keynote executive interview...
Amparo Moraleda
IBM President of Spain and Portugal.
Learn more below...

The need for leadership seems to be calling out to us from many directions. Over the years, I've learned so much from other leader's journeys and from the wisdom they have generously shared. Haven't you?

On Thursday, October 23, the Greater IBM Women's International Network for Leadership (GIBM WIN-L) is sponsoring a very special online event, creating an opportunity for a broad conversation centered around learning from each other's leadership role models from around the world around the world.

The dialogue will be seeded by a keynote leadership interview with Amparo Moraleda, IBM President of Spain and Portugal


Learn about HOW TO ATTEND at one of the links below:
Xing: https://www.xing.com/app/events?op=detail;id=253998
Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=31658476862&ref=share
GIBM Community Site: https://www.ibmconnection.com/network/events/215

Who's Coming???
Well, it is still early, but so far we have Greater IBMers, current and former that have added their names to the list from twenty countries spanning every region of the world. Imagine the leadership lessons that will be shared across cultures!

Getting Ready to Share with Others
It has been very exciting to think about what we will learn from Amparo's story and her unique leadership journey. The process has also given me flashbacks of my own:
Early in my IBM leadership career women role models were few and far between. One woman who helped me truly understand my power as a leader is Frances Hesselbein, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Leader to Leader Institute (formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management). Initially, I only knew her through videos and books. However, through a series a unexpected twists and turns, I ended up meeting her and learning from her. She taught me three enduring leadership lessons:

1. Leaders, at their best, are unpretentious, warm, and friendly to everybody.
The ability to connect with others; to nuture; to encourage; to be real enhances your leadership influence.
2. Every person is important.
Great leaders put a high value on each and every person that makes the team operate.
3. Being accessible and ready to help is an exceptional leadership quality.
The first time I talked personally with Frances, I called at her office in New York and got right through to her. She made me feel welcomed and talked with me as if I was surely her most important caller that day.

Do you have a leadership role model?
Do you have a leadership lesson to share?

Join us on October 23 to share your story! ...or tell your story here and we'll share it at the gathering!

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection
Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Companies


author, Putting Our Differences to Work
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco

OLYMPICS: What did you take away?

We have Baron Pierre de Coubertin to thank for bringing back the ideals of Olympic Charter...

"...Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example, and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."

What will you take away from the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games?  The spectacular opening or ending? Inspiration from the many powerful stories of individuals reaching inside themselves to discover their personal best?  The near magical idea of seeing all the countries come together?

For me these Olympic Games ended up having a special meaning. Earlier this year at a dialogue we held on International Women's Day at the Global Dialogue Center, I met a young Masters Student. In English, her name is "Shiny." She lives in Shanghai and is studying in Munich. She returned home to China for the summer to be with her family. In a message she wrote to me as the Games were unfolding, she offered new meaning about what Olympic GOLD is when it comes to friendship and what we can take away from the games and apply to our lives. Her words also seemed to relate to the community and relationships we are building at Great IBM Connnection. Shiny wrote:

"Somehow we are doing the same thing in a different way, to know each other, to listen, to share, to grow and pass the torch of knowledge throughout nations. Let us enjoy the Olympics and pass on the friendship and peace with our hearts and souls!"

I see now that with all its joys, tragic disappointments, new levels of excellence, and even a few imperfections, for a couple of weeks, we've had an opportunity to come together, to witness the best of what the human spirit can produce.

What did you take away?

debbe Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection
Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Companies
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco

A Greater IBM...

It's nice to reminisce about the IBM of years ago. I have many cherished memories that stay with me. It was different. It also wasn't perfect. There were struggles and deeply felt changes---and big giant transitions that shook the very soul of it all. Sound familiar? What I remember most in 21 years is that it taught me that things were most fun when they were dynamic --- in the constant state of renewal and IBM became very good at reinventing itself and taught many of us how to do ourselves.

Today, the IBM's global strategy, new products and services, and IBM's continued leadership, reveal the new promise in the future and a whole new host of opportunities. Additionally, I personally see a more open, friendlier, more hip IBM. The Greater IBM Connection is a good example. It is hard to imagine if the old IBM would ever have built a business and social network that included current and past IBMers --- "outsiders!” And an innovative IBM Business Center at Second Life? Can't imagine it!

On July 18, I had a chance to personally experience this new hip IBM first-hand at an event that was hosted by Greater IBM. It had some very special attributes. First, it reflected IBM’s world-renown pioneering spirit. It demonstrated global collaboration and leading-edge technology that brought Greater IBMers together across the world. It also was a shining example of an act of pure kindness and consideration I will never forget.

Greater IBM hosted a "virtual book party" for me at IBM's Business Center at Second Life to help me celebrate the release of my new book. It was a perfect reflection of a putting-our-differences-to-work experience. There were a few IBM Second Life experts mentoring and teaching as this grand experiment came to life. At the helm was a master IBM Intern, Esteban (from El Salvador) leading the way for everyone. For the most part, it was a group of pioneering innovators from our Greater IBM community across the world showing up to step inside a new way to experience connecting with one another. Adventuresome. Curious. Willing to explore --- willing to be vulnerable to go where you might not be an expert. That is what it took.

We all had to learn how to operate in this 3-D environment --- how to show-up, invest ourselves, talk with one another, experiment with dialogue, and have a  party with free-Putting Our Differences to Work-T-shirts they made for the day, refreshments, and even learning to dance. Imagine that!!!

Flor Estevez, Greater IBM Operations Manager and Producer hosted the event (at the mic). Add to that special guests speakers, Mike Wing, IBM VP of Strategic Communications, J.T. (Ted) Childs, former IBM VP, Global Workforce Diversity, and futurist and filmmaker, Joel A. Barker. All three of them, along with Greater IBM, are featured in my book as exemplary leaders of innovation in the art of putting differences to work. Each of them helped to seed the beginning of a conversation. Most of all, seeing Greater IBMers gather from places around the world to be there to share the conversation and experience was truly moving.

It was a special gathering of firsts for everyone at a Greater IBM! History recorded it...and it touched my heart! Thank you!

Did you attend? What was your experience?

Have you joined our growing Greater IBM community? Learn more here...

We've got some new events coming up you won't want to miss!

debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection
Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Companies
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco

WHEN WOMEN GATHER

We did it! Last Friday at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, Greater IBM women came together from around the world for our first Women's Leadership Gathering. It was an online dialogue event hosted by my company's Global Dialogue Center CONFERENCE CENTER. The theme for our first conversation was Leadership Lessons: Missteps, Miracles, and Milestones. Shara Sokol, Greater IBMer (1999-2004) from New York and president of s2 Creative Communications, joined me as co-host. We were also very blessed to have Nancy Margulies, who worked with us in the initial pilot (see "related article" below) and is well-know as "the godmother of graphic recording". She did live illustration to bring our dialogue to life. It wasn't just the two-hour conversation experience we shared together, there was a magic in the preparation in the days leading up to the event that counted too.

As women from around the world, including Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Spain, and from every region of the United States, made their way to the gathering, some were stepping up to put their fingerprints on our dialogue in meaningful ways long before the actual day. It started with three Greater IBM trailblazing women, who volunteered to serve as "conversation starters." Each of them found a unique way to share their thought-provoking messages.

Linda Griffin from Virginia started the dialogue by telling us, "I spent 30 wonderful years in my career with IBM. I loved my job!" She followed with her story of how she turned her experience into a leadership coaching career in 2006, as founder of ClearWind LLC. Her warm and generous sharing provided  "pearls of wisdom" for all of us to take home.

Orsoyla Selley, Greater IBMer from Hungary, wasn't able to be with us for the event. However, she gave me the honor of carrying a message from her to the meeting. This demonstrated how even when we can come to an event, we can still make a contribution by sharing ourselves.

Jane Scandurra, Greater IBMer from New York, and contributing author to the Greater IBM BLOG, wrote to say she wouldn't be able to attend as she was heading out on vacation --- but this didn't stop her from "being there" with us. You see, Jane Scandurra is owner of Go Pictures and Films, LLC with a new documentary film just launched, called "SINGLE". A few days before our Women's Leadership Gathering, a video arrived in my email from Jane. As I watched her clever message --- I was so touched at her efforts to support our first gathering. In the great tradition of IBMers, she "leaped over a few buildings" to deliver her brand of excellence as she talked with us via video at the event.

WHAT DID OTHER WOMEN HAVE TO SAY ?
Here is a small sampling of the words Greater IBM women chose to share about the experience before leaving the event...

-- "So refreshing to meet in a place where everyone had your best interest in mind."
-- "Gave me lots of food for thought when I really needed it!"
-- "Appreciate the experience so much. It was wonderful!"
-- "Invaluable. Please continue. Taking home some great pieces of wisdom."
-- "A suprise due to the original and fun format!!
I will promote this forum!!!
-- "Appreciate IBM offering us an opportunity to network with
IBM and IBM alumni women; we share a common link."

In one of my cherished books, I re-read this passage the week before our first Greater IBM Women's Leadership Gathering: "...miracles always will happen if you believe them to be possible." This was truly a small miracle for which I am so grateful to have been apart.

We recorded the event to share with other Greater IBM women. It will be available shortly for replay with visuals, video and audio too! Watch for an announcement on Greater IBM on Xing; I will post on our forum. Most of all, there will be more! This was just a first in a series. Our next event Greater IBM Women's Leadership Gathering will be announced shortly. It will have wonderful theme that emerged from ideas during our dialogue at the first event. You won't want to miss it!

Have joined the Great IBM Connection?
...our a business and social network for current and former IBMers

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Contributing Author
Greater IBM Connection
Founder, President & CEO
Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Companies
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
author, Putting Our Differences to Work (Berrett-Koehler June 2008)
IBMer 1970 - 1991 L.A.; Anchorage; Seattle; San Francisco

RELATED ARTICLE:
"Women's Jam --- just a beginning of online synergy"
Greater IBM Connections eMagazine
http://www.ibm.com/ibm/greateribm/connections/connections_article24.shtml