LEAD Awards 2018: Interview with Sharon Johnson, Nationwide

Addressing the Challenges Faced by Women

  Category: Innovation in Deployment of Leadership
  LEAD AWARD RANK: 1
 
  Organization: Nationwide
  Program: INSIGHT Women Alumni
  Program Director: Sharon Johnson
  Visit: www.Nationwide.com
 
 
   
Our editorial team interviewed Sharon Johnson from Nationwide at the LEAD2018 Awards this past February. Here are some excerpts from the exclusive interview.
 
What is the overall objective of your program?
The INSIGHT Women Alumni development program focuses on building a diverse and inclusive pipeline of ready now enterprise talent. The program addresses the specific challenges women face when moving through their career. 
 

Who do you impact with your program?
INSIGHT Women Alumni focuses on high potential women leaders who have participated in our enterprise-wide high potential program and are likely to advance to the executive level.  Through this follow-on opportunity, these women leaders have an opportunity to increase their self-awareness, enhance their executive presence and personal brand, expand their network and participate in executive coaching. 
 
What are the lessons you’ve learned this year from facilitating your program?
The lessons we have learned are that the one on one executive coaching sessions that are part of this 6-month program helps our participants get clear about your personal vision, values and career path.  This clarity enables them to make the best decisions so they can navigate their careers, identify key sponsors and say yes to the community initiatives that support their passions.  
 
How do you measure the return on investment and success of the program?
We measure the success of our program by tracking our participants’ movement in the enterprise such as promotions, lateral moves and special assignments.
 
What lies ahead for the program and how will it continue to succeed?
As the enterprise evolves through our strategic journey, we will continue to enhance and incorporate new content that is relevant for the organization and our women leaders.  We will continue to deliver a program that supports the challenges they uniquely face as they navigate their career.  We will continue to request feedback from this population regarding the program outcomes, and how the program impacts their leadership effectiveness and career advancement.
 

 

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