Podcast: Women in ERP Series: In collaboration with SAP Business Women's Network Host: Abigail Allman | Guest Co-Host: Meena Confait, Co-Chair, SAP Business Women's Network

Keywords: active listening, psychological safety, women in tech, ERP careers, inclusive leadership, SAP Business Women's Network, career inflection points, senior allies, HR strategy, enterprise leadership, S/4HANA, SAP ecosystem

This episode explores how being truly listened to can become the most defining moment in a career — particularly for professionals in enterprise technology, ERP, and SAP environments. Host Abigail Allman and guest co-host Meena Confait are joined by senior SAP leaders to examine how listening, belonging, and inclusive leadership drive individual career growth and measurable business performance.

Manos Raptopoulos Global President, Customer Success — Europe, APAC, MEA, SAP

Carla Masperi Managing Director, SAP Italy

Yvonne McArdle Global HR Business Partner, SAP

Claire McPeak Director of Communications, SAP Middle East & North Africa

• What is a career inflection point? A moment — often triggered by a leader genuinely listening — that unlocks confidence, opportunity, and professional momentum.
• How does active listening affect performance in tech? It builds psychological safety and trust, often achieving more than a formal promotion ever could.
• What responsibility do senior leaders carry? Manos and Carla explore how executives shape environments where diverse voices are amplified, not just invited.
• How can HR drive talent acceleration? Yvonne McArdle examines how HR identifies potential, creates stretch opportunities, and turns listening into action.
• Why does internal storytelling matter? Claire McPeak on how narrative and visibility inside organisations shapes who gets heard — and who progresses.

🔹 Listening as Leadership — Active listening is a leadership competency. Career acceleration often begins with "I hear you," not a promotion.

🔹 Belonging as Commercial Advantage — Inclusive environments where people feel safe to speak and challenge translate belonging from aspiration into business outcome.

🔹 Senior Allyship — Executives in the SAP ecosystem have outsized influence over whose voices are amplified. This episode makes the case for intentional allyship at the top.

🔹 HR as Strategic Catalyst — HR can identify high-potential talent and create conditions where listening becomes tangible opportunity.

🔹 Narrative & Visibility — How stories are told inside organisations directly impacts career progression for underrepresented professionals in tech.

Whether you work in S/4HANA implementation, customer success, enterprise HR, or communications, this episode reframes inclusion as a commercial and operational priority — not just a cultural one. Essential listening for anyone navigating leadership and career growth in the SAP ecosystem.

The first episode in a series produced in partnership with SAP's Business Women's Network — a global community advancing women in technology and business. Grounded in practical action, honest reflection, and shared accountability.

"The most career-defining conversation isn't the one where you speak the loudest. It's the one where someone truly listens."

Related: SAP S/4HANA | Women in ERP | Enterprise Leadership | Psychological Safety | SAP Partner Ecosystem | Inclusive Culture | Career Development in Tech

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded in 2024 live from SAP Dublin as part of the SAP Business Women's Network sessions, Meet two trailblazing women, Elmarie Caniffe of Heineken and Maria Jose Loret Crespo formally of Aptiv, who are breaking barriers in male dominant industries and redefining leadership in the ERP industry.

Elmarie shares her transformative 25-year journey at Heineken, revealing how innovative projects like SAP implementation have been pivotal in her career. Meanwhile, Maria invites us into her world, reflecting on how a childhood fascination with thunderstorms in Spain sparked her passion for numbers and logic. Together, their stories illuminate the profound impact of personal experiences on professional growth, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping successful careers.

The episode also unpacks the complex landscape women navigate to balance professional ambitions with family responsibilities. Through candid conversations, we explore the pressing need for supportive networks and organizational flexibility, which are crucial in building confidence and encouraging women to pursue their career goals.

The discussion brings into focus societal expectations and childcare costs, advocating for policy reforms to ensure that women aren't sidelined in the workforce due to these challenges.

We emphasize the necessity of strong allies, both male and female, in fostering an environment where women can thrive and overcome self-doubt.

As we shift gears, we delve into Heineken's ambitious digital transformation through its Evergreen strategy, highlighting how AI and ERP innovations are revolutionizing the brewing industry. This journey isn't just about technology; it's about cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and productivity. From the impact of diverse teams at Murphy's Breweries in Cork to the global efforts in achieving gender balance, we reveal how embracing diverse perspectives leads to better business outcomes.

By creating spaces for growth and collaboration, Heineken showcases the immense value of a diverse workforce in navigating complex transformation journeys.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging episode of the Women in ERP podcast, hosted by Abigail Allman, we are joined by Kelly Dowling, the Director of Strategic Topics and Communities at ASUG (the American SAP User Group). Kelly shares her inspiring journey from event coordination at the University of Notre Dame to becoming a pivotal figure in the SAP community. She emphasizes the transformative power of community in navigating the complexities of SAP transformations and how ASUG serves as a vital resource for SAP users.

Kelly discusses the crucial role of SAP user groups in providing invaluable resources and expertise, streamlining access to critical information, and saving valuable time for organizations. Through real-world examples, she illustrates how community guidance has significantly benefited businesses, including assisting volunteers in attending impactful SAP events. The episode also highlights ASUG's dedication to fostering connections at the Sapphire conference and empowering women in the SAP community.

Listeners will explore how embracing change and continuous learning can be superpowers in the ever-evolving world of enterprise technology. Packed with insights, the episode delves into how businesses can navigate the overwhelming landscape of AI through SAP solutions, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and networking. Kelly encourages women in enterprise technology to embrace curiosity and seize new opportunities, sharing her personal superpower of embracing change.

Join us as we delve into the essential value of community in the SAP world, the empowering initiatives of ASUG, and the promising future for women in enterprise technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of SAP transformations and community engagement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live from the Next Generation Enterprise Architect Forum at SAP, Newtown Square. Kristen Scheffler, Vice President of Customer Engagement for SAP North America, joins Abigail Allman for a compelling discussion on transitioning from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, shedding light on both the fears and opportunities this move presents. Many businesses grapple with the daunting prospect of change, often shackled by the mantra of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Kristen shares her journey from Business Objects to SAP leadership, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and utilizing existing resources within SAP to their fullest potential. Her insights into the evolving world of customer interactions will have you rethinking the way you connect in today's digital age.

We explore the critical balance between technological upgrades and business functionality improvements, encouraging companies to see beyond the technicalities and envision a future with enhanced capabilities. The looming end of mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC highlights the urgency of planning a seamless transition to S/4HANA. With the SAP Customer Evolution Kit offering invaluable tools like Process Insights Discovery Edition, Kristen assures listeners that it's not too late to prepare for this pivotal change. The importance of strategic collaboration between IT and business units shines through our conversation, as we stress the need for alignment in the face of organizational transformation.

In a personal and inspiring segment, Kristen opens up about her experiences as a woman in the predominantly male realm of enterprise tech. Her journey from feeling overlooked to confidently asserting herself underscores the value of having allies and mentors. We discuss the significance of speaking up constructively and fostering an inclusive environment where contributions are recognized regardless of gender. As we wrap up, the power of networking through platforms like LinkedIn and ASUG surfaces as a key tool for industry connection, leaving listeners ready to embrace new opportunities with open arms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on Judy Asher's episide, Pioneering Change, Empowering Women, and Balancing It All, where we explore the inspiring journey of a pioneering woman in the tech industry. This episode delves into the life of Judy Asher, Senior Director of Baxter International, President of The Michigan Council of Women in Technology and Michigan State University alum who skilfully merges her passion for computational math and computer science with a fulfilling career at Ford. Discover her strategies for managing childcare while advancing professionally, emphasising the value of flexible work arrangements and a supportive network.

As an influential leader with the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation, Judy Asher shares her dedication to fostering diversity and empowering women through initiatives like the "Girl Solve It" virtual robot competition. We discuss the significance of male allies in creating inclusive workplaces and the transformative potential of diverse perspectives in tech. Tune in to gain insights into authentic leadership, the importance of experiential learning, and the continuous journey of blending personal and professional ambitions in the technology field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Abigail Allman and Emma Chambers, in this empowering episode of Women in ERP podcast, we are joined by three influential women from NTT Data Business Solutions: Karen McLaughlin, Erin Cairns, and Stephanie Hills. Together, they share their experiences and insights into the transformative power of gender equality in the tech industry.

Karen, Erin, and Stephanie discuss the significant impact of female representation in leadership roles and how it fosters more inclusive and collaborative workplaces. Karen delves into the ripple effects of having women in key board positions, drawing parallels to the increasing diversity seen in global politics and its positive societal impacts.

We explore their unique career journeys, including transitions, the importance of inspirational figures, and the critical role male allies play in promoting gender equality. The conversation also highlights the value of communication and language skills in managing change in a global business environment, as well as the nuanced nature of positive discrimination and career development.

In the later segments, we examine the intricacies of technology adoption and the empowerment of women in tech roles. The episode underscores the importance of selecting the right partners for transformative success, particularly through digital adoption platforms like WalkMe. Our guests from NTT emphasise the need for supportive networks and the power of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and success in the tech industry.

Join us for an insightful and inspiring discussion on breaking barriers, building networks, and championing women in tech. This episode celebrates the strides being made toward gender equality and the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of technology.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Stephanie Poore, now the MD of IFS, who shares her captivating journey within the ERP industry. Stephanie opens up about the personal and professional hurdles she has overcome and how redundancies led her to an unexpected crossroads between software and pharmaceuticals. Her eclectic background, spanning economics to e-commerce, offers a unique perspective on her rise to success. The panel also delve into the inspiration behind the Women in ERP podcast and how it has been an eye-opener for women's experiences in a predominantly male sector.

Listen in as the panel tackle the complex topic of gender diversity in the tech industry. Stephanie, Emma and Abi discuss how growing up in a gender-neutral environment contrasts sharply with the stark realities of the tech world, where the imbalance in gender representation is glaringly apparent. We touch on the power of visible female leaders in shaping the future for aspiring women in tech, debunk the myth of needing a "Prince Charming," and celebrate the significant career milestone of stepping into a managing director role. Our conversation also extends to the importance of a strong company culture and the challenges the ERP industry faces, from AI integration to data security.

Wrapping up this insightful discussion, the panel reflected on the pivotal moments and failures that have sculpted their careers. From tales of resilience and adaptability to the transformative influence of supportive relationships, they underscore the profound impact of authentic leadership. Stephanie imparts wisdom for those eyeing leadership roles in ERP, emphasising the necessity of maintaining engaging dialogue and offering actionable insights. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that not only highlights the challenges within the ERP industry but also offers encouragement and guidance for the next generation of leaders.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.