“X Chromosomes” Gather for a Fun Evening of Networking in NY

~~~ Sharing an article that was just posted on the IBM intranet (Profiled for NY Area “Work” Tab):

Over 100 current and former IBMers of the X Chromosomes type
gathered recently at a networking event in Somers, NY for an evening of
drinks, dinner and the opportunity to share personal thoughts and
experiences about the value of being an IBMer.

Sharon Nunes, IBM Vice President, Big Green Innovations and Jane
Scandurra, a former employee who is back at IBM as a contractor, teamed
up recently to host a special networking event for ladies of IBM.
Sharon and Jane used to work together in the Life Sciences EBO
organization. They are also both members of the Greater IBM Connection,
the official social and business network for current and former IBM
employees – and the team that Jane is working with now.

The event was a special version of Sharon’s X Chromosomes, a network
gathering that she’s held for a number of years for IBM’s female
employees, the clever name inspired by the Life Sciences department
where she and Jane once worked.

A unique collaboration of current and former IBMers

“Sharon’s events were a great way to get to know some dynamic ladies
of IBM in a friendly after work setting. I missed being able to attend
these gatherings after I left IBM in 2006,” says Jane. “So when I came
back in June to work on the Greater IBM Connection, I approached Sharon
about co-hosting an X Chromosomes event to also include ladies who left
IBM.

“These events are important and help keep IBM a close-knit
community,” said Sharon. “Not only do we get the chance to reminisce
with friends, but also with current and former colleagues. And, we have
the chance to expand our professional networks.”

Inna Kuznetsova, VP, Marketing and Sales Enablement, IBM Systems
Software, Systems and Technology Group who also attended, agreed adding, “Networking events like
this create a great venue for keeping in touch with former colleagues
and fostering new contacts – a perfect foundation for building new
business, expanding your view of the industry and creating mentoring
opportunities for women across IBM.”

Shara Sokol, a former IBMer and now President of her own company, S2
Creative Communications was glad she attended. “I truly enjoyed the
event. It was great to actually meet former and current IBMers in such
a convivial atmosphere. There was such an exchange of stories, advice
and information. There were women who were really proud of their
accomplishments at IBM, who were reaching new professional heights in
post-IBM positions, as well as current IBM women excited to talk about
new projects.”

Blue blood runs deep

After dinner, a raffle was held, and Pauline Garry, (retiree 1993)
one of the winners, took the opportunity to share her IBM experiences.
She grabbed the microphone and told her story about the influence IBM
had in her hometown of Susquehanna, PA. “I grew up without a telephone,
without electricity, and without indoor plumbing. Where would I be
without IBM? When I was growing up in Susquehanna, PA, we knew two
things: God and IBM.” The Garrys are a true IBM family. Pauline met her
husband while working at IBM, and their daughter, Julianne, currently
works in Systems & Technology Group Marketing. Click on the video for Pauline’s comments.

Diane Topkis, who left IBM earlier this year and has since become
certified as a Life and Career Transition Coach is also a member of the
Greater IBM Connection.” I think the IBM Alumni program is brilliant.
Everyone I know who has left IBM has a soft spot for it. Blue blood
runs deep – It never leaves you…”

Sharon and Jane plan to host another networking event in the spring
of 2010. “Maybe we’ll even invite the Y chromosomes to join us next
time,” Jane said. Jane has also just created a group called “Greater IBMers
of Greater NYC” on the Greater IBM community site, where there will be opportunities where IBMers, past and present, can engage
in more locally oriented business and social activities.

(Added Note: Stay tuned on developments for the “Greater IBMers of Greater NYC” group…just created, so please join the group and contact me if you’d like to help participate!)

Jane Scandurra

IBMer 1995 – 2006

Co-Producer/Co-Director, “Single”

Fostering a New Generation of Innovators to Build a Smarter Planet

Global Entrepreneurship Week – Nov 17-23, 2008

One of the most interesting and rewarding jobs I had when I worked for IBM was Global Marketing Manager for Women Owned Businesses. I had the opportunity to build relationships with women’s associations around the world and to meet many dynamic and passionate women who dared to venture out on their own and make a difference – not only in their own lives but in lives that their businesses touched.

If history is any guide, the current economic crisis will provide entrepreneurs new opportunities while others decide to retreat and call it a day. Let’s remember, it was during the economic downturn in the 1970′s when an ambitious little venture called Microsoft got its start. Clearly, what we knew and things we thought we could count on yesterday have changed. And from this environment of uncertainty, one key to our recovery and towards building a smarter planet will be to nurture entrepreneurship and innovative thinking so that new leaders of change can emerge.

Having recently caught the entrepreneurial bug myself, I was pleased to learn that this week (Nov. 17th – 23rd), the first ever Global Entrepreneurship Week is being held in 56 countries around the world.  Not surprisingly, IBM is one of the global sponsors…and it’s even hosting a webcast with a panel of women business owners to show how women are taking a leadership role in bringing innovation to the marketplace.

The purpose of this week is to engage young people around the world to encourage them to pursue entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities through activities and with the support of entrepreneurs, government officials, non-profit leaders and educators.

I believe everything happens for a reason, so I know my IBM experience with women owned businesses was probably one of the catalysts that inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and embark on an entrepreneurial venture of my own – producing an independent documentary film.

As IBM leads the charge to create a smarter planet today, its support of initiatives like Global Entrepreneurship Week is also helping to foster the environment needed to nurture young people to become the next generation of innovators we’ll need to build an even smarter planet tomorrow.

So what can you do to help foster a positive entrepreneurial spirit in the young people around you?  Think about it – because the quality of our future will likely depend on it.

========================

Jane Scandurra (IBM’er ’95-’06)

Co-Producer / Co-Director

Single – a documentary film

How are Greater IBM’ers Connecting? Here’s a film that was made….

I would like to see more GIBM blog posts, articles, and overall communications about how Greater IBM’ers are connecting and collaborating with each other in unusual ways to make a difference.  That’s what this is all about, right?

OK, here’s one for you…

After 11 years at IBM (’95-’06), I spent 18 months producing my very first (but hopefully not my last) feature length documentary film. Yes, IBM marketing chick turns filmmaker.  Some people take up knitting. Me? I make a movie, go figure. J I have to say, it was probably one of the most complex projects I’ve ever tackled and yet the most creative, rewarding and fun.

Our film, “Single” (www.singlefilm.com) is about the growth of the unmarried population and the complexities of finding and maintaining a lasting relationship in today’s crazy world. We even explore how technology has helped and hurt us in this regard. My film partner, Richard Atkinson, and I completed it earlier this year and I’m pleased to say that feedback from initial audiences has been *overwhelmingly* positive. We are still in the early stages of public awareness and promotion, but the film seems to strike a strong personal chord with all viewers – regardless of age, gender, and relationship status.

And I have to thank a number of IBM’ers – past and present, and on both sides of the Atlantic – for playing a role (figuratively and literally!) in my wonderful filmmaking adventure.

• One current IBM VP (and former manager) introduced me to an author who wound up being one of the star experts of the film.
• One current IBM’er composed and recorded some instrumental music to help set the mood in a few key scenes. Funny thing, I worked with him for a couple of years and didn’t even know he played a musical instrument till now!
• One current IBM’er (and former manager) saw an early preview of the film and blogged about it at her online journal – and her posting generated over 250 comments and led to a huge spike of hits to our web site.
• And possibly the coolest thing: A few IBM’ers (past and present) can now add “movie star” to their professional resumes.  How many IBM’ers can say that?!  J Watch the trailer below and you might spot some familiar faces (including mine)!

Without the contributions of these GIBM’ers, I can honestly say that “Single” would be a very different film.

So for me, this is what the Greater IBM Connection is all about. And we need to enable more of it.  More ways to make and maintain connections with each other and collaborate.  Do — or create — "business unusual."  Most importantly, continue to make a difference in some way…together. My example shows that the relationships we build during our time as IBM’ers can transcend the limits of our formal employment ties. And I’ve got a great movie to prove it! J

Got a similar story to tell? Let’s hear it!

Jane Scandurra

IBM’er ’95-’06

Single – a documentary film

www.singlefilm.com

31 Days and Counting… How About You?

Today is February 1^st  and I am very happy to say that, for the first time ever, I have been able to stick to my new year’s resolutions through the entire month of January. In fact, I pat myself on the back just now. Quite an accomplishment for me, as I normally don’t make it past the first week.

So, what’s different this year? How come I’ve been able to stick with it for a whopping 31 days so far?  I think it’s because I took a new approach. It’s so simple, something we all know already, that it’s almost silly to write about it. But I’ll share it anyway because it’s a good reminder.

It comes down to this: “99% is a b*tch, 100% is a breeze.”

I read that phrase over the holidays in Jack Canfield’s book “The Success Principles.”  Jack writes:

“Successful people adhere to the “no exceptions rule” when it comes to their daily disciplines. Once you make a 100% commitment to something, there are no exceptions. It’s a done deal. Non-negotiable. Case closed! Over and out. If I make a 100% commitment to monogamy, that’s it. I never have to think about it again. There are no exceptions no matter what the circumstances. It ends the discussion, closes that door, permits no other possibility. I don’t have to wrestle with that decision every day. It’s already been made. The die has been cast. All the bridges are burned. It makes life easier and simpler and it keeps me on focus. It frees up tons of energy that would otherwise be spent internally debating the topic over and over and over, because all the energy I expend on internal conflict is unavailable to use for creating other achievement.”

Duh!  What a concept.  So simple.  So true.  And 100% effective.

There is a huge difference between interest and commitment.  When you’re interested in doing something, you tend to do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses.  So, I call this year’s resolutions my “No Exceptions / No Excuses” list. And (miraculously), they’re sticking.

Most people also make resolutions that are too big, too overwhelming, or too unpleasant to tackle and that’s why they don’t stick. So this year, I made my resolutions more “bite size” in nature – because even small victories are better than no victories at all. Small steps towards positive change can hopefully become habitual.

Here are a few of mine, these just happen to be health-related. They’re not exciting or even enjoyable, but I know they’ll deliver long term benefits for me.

• I will drink at least 2 liters of water every day. (I highly recommend this one)
• I will eat breakfast every day and it must include protein. (coffee only has been my daily ritual for a long time. ok, maybe a cookie too sometimes. yeah, I know…real healthy)
• My kitchen officially “closes” every night at 7:30pm – that means no big meals or even snacking after that time (I stole that one from Oprah)

One week into the new year, I met a friend for cocktails after work. I told her about my new resolution approach. She was intrigued by my enthusiasm and resolve. So I challenged her to join me and make a daily commitment for herself – just one. On the spot, she came up with three!  I noticed the bartender eavesdropping on our conversation (don’t they all?), so I challenged him too. And he was happy to commit as well (wait a minute…. a guy happy to make a commitment to a woman??  what?!  ahh, i digress — that’s another blog for another day). I toasted them both with a 16 oz glass of water to make sure I met my quota for the day and wished them luck.

So, here it is Feb 1. And guess what? Both my friend and the bartender have made it through the first month too! Of course, they could be lying to me, but I don’t think so. Because both of them said they had actually passed that challenge on to others in the following days of seeing me. Talk about making a “greater connection!”

So, how about all of you out there? Are you sticking to those New Year’s resolutions? 

It’s never too late to start (or start again), so I’ll challenge you all right now. Pick 1 or 2 “bite size” things that you will commit to do on a daily basis – 100%, with no excuses, no exceptions. Write them down and check them off before bed each night. And don’t go to bed until you can check them all off as completed! I promise you, once you make that decision, you’ll be amazed at how easy and freeing it really is.  And I assure you the daily victories will be energizing.

btw, one of my other resolutions was to get more involved with the Greater IBM Connection effort. And I’m sticking to that as well.  Care to join me in that one?

Interesting coincidence, as a final note: Yesterday, as I was drafting this blog entry, a friend of mine who knew nothing about my resolution thing, emailed me a link to a video clip of her CEO’s tv appearance on NBC’s Today Show just a few hours earlier. She works for First 30 Days, a new and very cool web site designed to help people get through the first 30 days of various life transitions, as those initial days are the toughest. Guess what her CEO spoke about on national tv with Al Roker? Yep, that’s right: How to stick to your New Year’s resolutions beyond the first month. Pretty cool – what synchronicity! I love when that happens. Watch her interview here for more help on keeping your resolutions.

Good luck!! J

——————-

Jane Scandurra

IBM’er: 1995 – 2006

Make the Connection: Greater IBM and “It’s a Wonderful Life”

It’s that time of year again… Over the next two weeks, you can turn on your television at any time of the day or night and likely catch some station showing the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” — which by the way, is not only one of my favorite films, but is also widely considered to be one of the best films ever made. Now you can even watch it online (for free), courtesy of Google.

Despite it’s popularity, some of you outside of the US may not be familiar with "It’s a Wonderful Life." So for you and those 3 or 4 people here that have never seen or heard of it, the net takeaway is that everyone you meet can have an impact on your life.  I’m sure everyone would agree with that, but this film really drives the point home in a big way.

In short, the star of the movie, George Bailey (played by the great Jimmy Stewart), falls on hard times. On Christmas Eve, in his greatest moment of despair, he wishes he was never born.  Enter Clarence, George’s guardian angel who grants his wish and erases his existence in an instant.  In a series of flashbacks, we then see all the people whose lives have been touched by George and the difference he has made to the community in which he lives.

OK, so it’s a great movie but what does it have to do with the Greater IBM you ask?

Everything. Because it’s quite remarkable for me to think about all the IBMers who have made some difference in my life – and vice versa – simply by connecting and sharing our thoughts and ideas in some way.

So during this holiday season, try this: Apply the message of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and think for a few moments… 

• What would life be like if you were never an IBM’er? 

• What if you never met all those people you worked with? If you didn’t give or receive that little piece of guidance, work on that project, hire that person, have that one particular meeting? What would have changed in your life – personally and professionally? And how might someone else’s life be different if you were never an IBM’er?

Some of you wouldn’t have met your spouse / significant other! Hmm, I suppose there might be a few that would’ve actually preferred that. J 

But seriously… Once you “get it,” you start to become more aware of the long lasting value of all the personal connections and relationships you made – and can continue to make as part of a Greater IBM.  Interesting thinking, isn’t it?

On that point, I’m very fortunate to live in NY where there is a huge concentration of IBMers so it was truly energizing to attend the Greater IBM event in NYC last month. The place was buzzing with so many smart, interesting, and friendly people. I got the sense that everyone came to be part of something bigger than just another great IBM party. I left that evening wanting to build on the “wonderful” interaction that occurred that evening, knowing lots of folks were making an impact on each other.

So, here’s a question for all you Greater IBM’ers in the NYC, Westchester and Fairfield County areas:

• Would you be interested in a NY/CT Greater IBM group — leveraging collaborative online tools and having a local calendar of more in-person business and social (pay as you go) gatherings?

Tell me what you think. Post a reply here, or email me directly. If there’s enough interest, I’ll be happy to propose it to the Greater IBM management team.

Happy Holidays!  Remember, it’s a wonderful life!

Jane Scandurra

IBM’er from 1995 – 2006

P.S. Click here if you’d like a more humorous summary of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s a 30 second synopsis as told through animated bunnies (I don’t get the bunny thing, but it is cute).