Avanade’s Leadership Strategy framework is built on 5 pillars: Align, Grow, Inspire, Leverage, Engage. (A.G.I.L.E.) These five pillars, and the supporting initiatives, have been created to help us reach our “Imagine 2020” strategy and support our vision to be the leading digital innovator. We have big goals ahead of us, and the passion to bring them to life, but we also need critical skills and strategic leaders to keep us competitive and make this happen.

This is where the A.G.I.L.E. Leadership Framework comes into play. Developing our people, at all levels, is critical to us as a consulting organization. Developing our leaders is no exception. We have robust offerings that directly impact each of the five pillars, including those that address operational leadership, career management, client centricity and many others. But in developing our leadership strategy we cannot ignore the significant role women play in the success of our organization, and the challenges they face in the technology sector.

At Avanade we have an ambitious goal to increase the number of females in leadership roles. One way that we can meet this goal is to make an investment in our female talent to better prepare them for the future. The first program delivered as part of the A.G.I.L.E strategy is the Avanade Leadership Program for Women (ALPW). The inaugural ALPW took place this year, and twenty five female managers enthusiastically participated in this global program designed to build skills that will enhance their ability to communicate, network, and negotiate.  Other elements include collaborating on a global team to solve problems, and create leadership and business goals.

The kick-off occurred in January with Adam Warby, CEO, Pamela Maynard, President of Europe, Stephen Kelly, Executive VP of HR, and Toni Handler, Corp. VP of Organizational & Leadership Development bringing their unique insight and commitment to the program as well as leading experts in women’s leadership. The approach is not “one and done." The program spanned four months and participants continued to build skills and community through webinars, personal coaching, and working within a small global team on a challenge before reconvening for the close in May. They are also encouraged to “pay it forward” by becoming a mentor through the Aspire Foundation virtual mentoring program (open to all Avanade employees).

ALPW is just one of several programs and initiatives Avanade has in place to help further the careers of women in technology. Our commitment, backed by Adam Warby and reinforced at all levels of the organization, is one of the reasons why, as a woman, I am so proud call Avanade home!