The Future of Work and Leadership

I’m talking to New Yorkers from different professions and walks of life to glean perspectives on the evolution of work, and the real meaning of leadership.

Lauren: New York City Elementary School Teacher

This conversation with Lauren who has been a teacher in public and private Manhattan schools reminds us of the great and powerful role of educators. Education is increasingly using technology and students and teachers are adapting rapidly. Teachers are using creative ways to stay engaged, build the connection and keep young children focused in the classroom.

“We still get to keep on learning, we still have expectations, we have to keep moving forward....we still have responsibilities....Being a New Yorker is special..stay strong together and we're all here to help each other”.

In this crisis, our teachers are our heroes - they keep our children engaged, motivated and inspired - to maintain standards, they keep the flag flying high.

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese

Ramu Damodaran: Chief - United Nations Academic Impact Initiative

This conversation with Ramu Damodaran uncovers how the Pandemic is democratizing expertise. In the past 8 weeks we have seen accelerated transformation in the scale and access of digital collaboration. There is the opportunity for “true global discovery and scholarship” along with the serendipitous uncovering of real talent.

Ramu is a New Yorker who moved here as a diplomat over 25 years ago, and has lived through many crises. He reminds us that true leadership provides hope, confidence and sustenance. He sees the spirit of New York shining through this pandemic.

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese

Mary Huff: Artistic Director, New York City Children’s Chorus.

This conversation with one of NYC’s heroes reminds us how love for the arts can inspire great things. Mary Huff talks about how music transcends crises and brings people together.

Even as Mary recovers from Covid-19, she teaches over 150+ choirsters virtually, and enjoys the lightness brought by the optimism and fearlessness of children. She talks about how her job today is about “instilling love”.

Mary anticipates creativity blooming in this crisis, and sees us emerging from the pandemic to experience the richness of the resulting artistry.

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese

David Reid: Director of Foundation and Corporate Philanthropy, The Asia Foundation.

Today’s conversation is with a multi-generational New Yorker - David who has lived and worked in New York his entire life. Currently, he works with the Asia Foundation which has been working for over six decades to help marginalized communities.

David showcases the work being done across borders and geographies to support those impacted by the Pandemic. The use of technology is allowing and accelerating how communities and families engage in learning. They have also operationalized the Rapid Response Fund to combat gender-based domestic violence.

David reminds us about what is important in times like these - reach out to people and take care of oneself and family.

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork #covid19

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese

Dr. Anitha Srinivasan: Surgeon and Dy. Chief Medical Officer, Metropolitan Hospital, New York City.

This eye-opening conversation is with one of NYC’s heroes on the front lines of the pandemic. She touches upon the flexibility and transparency that allowed the leadership team at the Metropolitan Hospital to collaborate and develop new methods of care, while battling the surge of patients. They were agile and able to extend beds, setup 4 ICUs, add palliative services overnight, and retrain doctors to staff ICUs.

Dr. Srinivasan talks about the new normal for the medical profession and the expectations of service across different generations of doctors. She highlights the need for multiple stakeholders to collaborate to reset the healthcare industry, and maintain healthy communities.

Dr. Srinivasan is a New Yorker, and mother of two young children. She has been on the front lines every day, working through weekends, isolating from her family to care for her patients and save lives.

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese

JENNIFER INGRAM: Real Estate Agent, Manhattan.

This conversation highlights how the real estate business is changing. Jen talks about how the confluence of the Pandemic along with the connectivity provided by technology has quickly changed how work is getting done. The processes of customer interaction, information sharing, negotiation have all moved to be done remotely. Jen reminds of the need for adaptability and grit, the drive to keep at it – that are the hallmarks of success in times like these.

Jen talks about how New Yorkers have "short memories of bad events”, how we are “New York Strong” and determined to come out of this together.

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork #covid19

Dr. Noreen Brennan: Chief Nursing Officer, Metropolitan Hospital, New York City.

This rich and inspiring conversation during #Nursesweek highlights the invaluable contributions of this heroic and resilient professional. The themes of service and purpose shine through - as Dr. Brennan talks about her team's care for those who need the most support.

As the pandemic unfolded, Dr. Brennan saw leaders emerge – people who rose to the challenge, broke silos and rules; and reskilled themselves because they wanted to contribute. She shares moving stories of caregivers choosing service over comfort and safety.

Dr. Brennan and her team used a values and purpose based approach to keep the human need at the heart of their care strategy, and balanced the surge in patients with developing new models of care in a very challenging environment.

A New Yorker who was born and raised in the Bronx, Dr. Brennan reminds us of the globalization of our world, and the need for humor and family.

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork #covid19

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese

Mary Chung: Media & Public Relations Expert. Lansons Intermarket

Mary from Lansons Intermarket shares her insights on how technology can make everything possible. Teams are working and collaborating seamlessly across geographies and time zones. During this pandemic, Mary and her colleagues are focused on helping their clients connect and communicate with stakeholders.

She discusses the need for connection with leaders in times of crisis, and talks about how she coaches CEOs and leaders to share personal stories and challenges. She also encourages us to check on people, support each other and reminds us of the importance of staying connected.

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork #covid19

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese

Suzan Wollard, PA-C: Chief Physician Assistant, Dept. of Neurological Surgery & Neurology. New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Suzie, who was one of the first Physician Assistants hired at NYP, talks about NYP’s team of nearly 600 PAs. During the pandemic, the Physician Assistant team was on the front lines along with nurses and doctors - opening up new ICUs to deal with the surge in patients. The entire ecosystem of caregivers collaborated to quickly transform their skill sets and learn the nuances of a new specialty. Adapting to treat and manage a disease about which information was still emerging required them to be flexible, creative and process new information constantly – and “understand the scientific piece and the humanity..and make the connections”

Suzie sees this fight against Covid-19 as a marathon where small acts of kindness and gratitude fuel everyone. She reminds us to heed medical and scientific advice, and believes that “New Yorkers are going to get through this together”.

#leadership #futureofwork #bethesolution #ibmtalent #newyorknewyork #covid19

You can also watch this video at www.linkedin.com/in/elizebethvarghese