During the hour-long discussion, ABB Strategic Accounts Manager and host of the panel, Annie Pereira, asked guests to comment on topics ranging from mentoring to leading to advocating for their own career growth.
On the 12th March, in celebration of International Women's Day, ABB hosted a panel discussion featuring Tammy Livers, SVP of Sales Enablement and Customer Experience for Sonepar USA, and Stacy Stanslaski, President of Viking Electric, to discuss how they promote diversity, inclusion, and allyship in the culture of their organizations. The panel discussion was promoted through WATT, Sonepar USA's women's associate resource group.
During the hour-long discussion, ABB Strategic Accounts Manager and host of the panel, Annie Pereira, asked guests to comment on topics ranging from mentoring to leading to advocating for their own career growth. On the subject of self-confidence and the importance of seeking advice, Tammy said "My YAGE post-it in my notebook stands for You Are Good Enough. Self-confidence boosting is important and part of your responsibility." She continued, "Feedback is a gift. Seeking feedback is a way to find mentors. If you are intentional about the things you want to work on and find someone strong in that area, never hesitate to ask that person for help. When other members on your team have a skill set you need to understand, let them educate you. Building a roadmap together is a great experience."
When asked about the importance of a diverse working environment, Viking President Stacy Stanslaski replied, "While it is important that Diversity and Inclusion are supported by leadership, they must also be grassroots-led to be sustainable. Having conversations and being vulnerable can lead to better conversations and more inclusion in our industry."
About Sonepar in the USA
Sonepar USA is an independent, family-owned company with global market leadership in the B-to-B distribution of electrical, industrial, and safety products, services and solutions. We are a proud member of the Sonepar Group, the world’s largest privately-held electrical distributor. Sonepar entered the US in 1998 and has continued to grow due to strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Today, Sonepar USA is represented by 14 locally managed operating companies with over 700 locations nationwide. For more information, visit soneparusa.com.
About Viking Electric
Viking Electric was founded in 1964 in St. Paul, Minnesota as a family-owned electrical distributor with 7,000-square-feet warehouse space and a mission to be a leader in the electrical distribution industry. Today, Viking Electric has grown to 21 locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our focus has moved beyond our core identity as an electrical distributor, to delivering exceptional services and logistical solutions for our customers. Viking Electric’s customers include residential and commercial electrical contractors, as well as the industrial market.