Context
Under the premises of globalization, a European identity is now being reconstructed. In many aspects, its strength indicates the potency of Europe itself. Nowadays leaders face a complex environment that challenges them constantly to initiate and respond to multifaceted situations with decisions having consequences not only in their sector but in other areas of society as well. While the current context demands more responsibility, higher conciseness, and greater expertise, we are faced with decreasing levels of highly qualified individuals capable of taking of leadership positions. This threatens to result in a severe crisis in Europe for the next 20 years. The Women Talent Pool Program was designed as a viable solution to the concerns raised by the WiL network regarding the scarcity of new generation leaders, the need to strengthen the European consciousness and the deficient representation of women in leadership positions.
"We are pleased to bring our support to the Women Talent Pool Program, as part of
our goal to attain 35% of women in our leadership by 2015, and attracting more women
in scientific and technical careers. Part of our long-term strategy has consisted
in shadowing actions enabling female students to find out about the day-to-day life
of the Group’s women engineers and to incite them to join them in the future, in
light of the “European Code of Best Practices for Women and ICT".
Brigitte Dumont, Deputy Group HR, Executive Vice-President France Télécom-Orange
"Microsoft's mission is to help people
realize their potential. Emerging leaders deserve early investment both in terms
of human and financial capital. Let’s not wait until tomorrow. We do influence a better
tomorrow by starting action today. Our goal is to empower emerging leaders and help
them overcome the challenges we face today. This is core to society’s sustainability,
to innovation, growth and inclusion..."
Elena Bonfiglioli, Senior Director, Health, Public Sector Microsoft Europe Middle
East and Africa, Co-Founder WiL
