Embarking on my inaugural readiness and change management project with Verizon Business Backbone Network in Asia and Australia, was a defining moment in my career. The task at hand was formidable: navigating the convergence of seasoned voice engineers transitioning to data/IP networks and fresh IP/data engineers grappling with legacy Voice PBX systems. Compounded by intergroup distrust and skepticism towards my capacity as a 25-year-old female engineer, the challenge was daunting, to say the least.

My mission was clear: distill a month-long Nortel Networks training regimen into a condensed, yet comprehensive, week-long program encompassing both lecture and manuals for both voice and IP engineers. It demanded not only expertise but also finesse in bridging divides and fostering trust amidst organizational transition.

What ensued was a journey of perseverance and triumph. Conducting training sessions across Verizon hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of effective communication and tailored training materials. Engineers embraced the lectures and found solace in the concise yet comprehensive manuals, paving the way for successful implementation.

The impact of our work reverberates to this day. Nineteen years on, the manual I crafted remains the cornerstone of Verizon’s Standard Operating Procedure for their VOIP Backbone, a testament to the enduring relevance of our efforts in driving change and fostering readiness.

This project epitomizes my unwavering commitment to catalyzing transformative change, overcoming challenges, and leaving a lasting legacy of excellence.

The detailed training plan is here.

Read More about my Transition Back to Corporate Readiness and Change Management (2024)