Diversity & Inclusion
Leading with Empathy
When & Where
05/07/2021
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Hall D
About This Talk
In this unnerving world of social distancing and ever-changing chaos, the clarion call for empathy and inclusivity has never been louder! Making the right managerial and executive decisions are challenging enough during good times — and even harder amid a global pandemic. Teams led by people who possess high emotional intelligence tend to work hard and persevere through rough patches. They also develop deeper bonds of trust, which are essential when employment statuses seem all too fragile.
Speakers
Proven marketing and sales executive with track record of achievement in the Information Technology industry. Blend of strategic thinking balanced with extensive executive and line management experience in both the U.S. and globally. Specialties: Marketing strategy & planning, marketing/brand management, e-relationship marketing/.com, channel enablement, program management, Customer Loyalty, business process reengineering, organizational development, transformational leadership, market development, cultural intelligence, sales and with all size clients in multiple industries.
Rashmi Kumar, SVP/CIO with HPE is a seasoned technology leader with experience in IT Leadership, healthcare, consulting services, electric utilities, financial services, technology, Media & Entertainment and steel industries. Her primary areas of focus include Digital Transformation, AI/ML, Data & Analytics, strategic planning, and large-scale business transformations. She has served as CIO and CTO for many Fortune 50 companies like, McKesson, Southern California Edison, Toyota, HPE, and Tata Steel. Rashmi Kumar is also in Board of Director for Myriad Genetics, and member of Audit Committee, and Nomination and Governance committee. Rashmi Kumar earned a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Bihar Institute of Technology in Sindri, India, and an MBA from UC, Irvine. She is very passionate about the topic of equality, and an active mentor for young resources across the industry.
I first came across this quote in one of the first corporate emails I’d received as an intern: “Vision without execution is hallucination.” - Albert Einstein That was >20 years ago. It resonated with me then and it resonates with me now. Business is my first love, but I’m a closet techie! Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats (and shoes), from web and app developer, to database designer, to marketer, to product leader, to general manager. While on that journey, I’ve had both successes and valuable failures, but two core values continue to define me—don’t forget where you came from and excuses are for wusses. Who am I? I am an achiever, a learner, and a fighter. My purpose and mission is to help others reach excellence and to make every day worth winning. For those who are looking to rise above or beat the odds, I am your fighter and trainer who can energize, motivate, and give teams the courage and techniques to win. Words I live by: "Live as if you will die tomorrow. Learn as if you will live forever."--Mahatma Gandhi I was born and raised on the banks of the Mekong Delta and escaped Vietnam as a young child after the war. I’ve also beat some medical odds that professionals didn’t think was possible. I’m here today amidst the brightest minds in the world, helping to change lives through technology, with two healthy and thriving daughters who believe they are unstoppable. What’s my take-away? Creating magic and defying the odds only happens when a great vision is equally met with action that gets executed with real heart and soul. Corporate stuff here: I'm a marketing athlete and product leader with 20+ years of experience in product management, product marketing, and general management in tech domains spanning enterprise networking, cybersecurity, data & analytics, app integration platforms, video, NW infrastructure, and collaboration. I'm a GTM strategist in the Enterprise & Mid-Market, with successes in new/adjacent market entry and global market expansion. I challenge status quo, get the right things done, and can assemble and grow winning teams.
I believe deeply in the power of connecting activists around the world, linking resources, brainpower and technology to create sustainable, socially just and productive communities. Together we can change the world. Over the past 20 years, I have worked across the public and private sectors, focused on international education, social entrepreneurship, leadership development, women's empowerment and technology. I have had the honor of working with innovative organizations and individuals in Africa, India, Latin America and the Middle East. I excel at conceptualizing programs and building effective, diverse partnerships to launch and support those programs. I've built strong global partnerships with multinational organizations (World Bank, UNDP, USAID), US State Department, and a range of companies, particularly tech companies in Silicon Valley and their global offices. I excel at grant writing and fundraising, and greatly enjoy creating, inspiring and leading teams and establishing alliances with diverse partners working to advance social justice.
A momentum-building leader focused on transformational programs in the software and high-tech industries. Bryan encourages and enable others to tackle tough challenges thought to be impossible, while providing a platform for emerging leaders to rise up and shine. Fostering innovation and disruption, Bryan leverages technology to accelerate achievement of business and social outcomes. Every day Bryan seeks to incubate and work with like-minded champions to increase equality for all at VMware and beyond.