At Fujitsu, we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture by embracing the Fujitsu Way.
We respect fairness and equality, and promote diversity and inclusion.
The Generational Pillar, within our Diversity and Inclusion program, aims to nurture and promote connected relationships across all generations at Fujitsu. In this blog, I am thrilled to share the successes in our Reverse Mentoring program, Next Gen Network, internship highlights and employee success stories.
Reverse Mentoring Success Stories
Mentors are typically leaders, who can provide guidance and advice for the next generation. This year, we launched Oceania’s inaugural Reverse Mentoring Program to support the retention and progression of our people across Fujitsu.
Fujitsu’s Reverse Mentoring program ran across six months, from January to June 2020. The group was comprised of seven Mentors, ranging across various career backgrounds, and six Mentees, all of whom were from our Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
Our Mentors and Mentees connected at least once a month to discuss topics including personal experiences, technology, leadership, and communication styles. Whilst these meetings were intended to be face to face, a majority of the sessions were conducted virtually due to the change in circumstances. It was great to see how quickly our Mentors and Mentees adapted to the situation, truly reflecting the flexible work culture that Fujitsu has.
The program gave Mentors the opportunity to share their insights, experiences and bring a fresh perspective to our business, strategy and culture. The program also deepened our leader’s insight into diversity and inclusion at Fujitsu.
A few of our Mentors and Mentees shared their experiences with us during the pilot program. Below are some of the feedback we received:
During my time in EMEA I participated as a mentee in the Reverse Mentoring program and saw the real value that came out of it. As the Executive sponsor for Oceania’s Reverse Mentoring program, I am a strong believer in having connections with others in different roles and stages of their career, allowing me to challenge my own perceptions and understandings as a leader. I had the opportunity to be a Mentee as part of the pilot program which was a rewarding experience that reinforced the importance of sharing different perspectives from across our entire business.
Conway Kosi – Executive Sponsor of the initiative, VP of Sales and Customer Service Management
The Reverse Mentoring program was fantastic as we discovered the exciting projects, initiatives and outlook the finance and ELT team hold going into the future. It was great to provide value and open and honest feedback around the perception and potential improvements across Fujitsu and within the specific business unit. This was also an excellent opportunity to provide input from a different perspective to senior leadership.
Vanessa Elleman and PK Kankanady - Mentors to Neil Lamb, CFO, Fujitsu
From Intern to Graduate…
Last month, we welcomed our 2020 Graduate cohort into the organisation. The Graduates were hired into various roles across Australia and New Zealand, and have demonstrated great tenacity as they participated in a two-day virtual induction, learning about Fujitsu and their roles. The 2020 Graduates will have the opportunity to expand their skill set and knowledge to create impact for Fujitsu’s customers.
In particular, Chloe Dizon and Isabela Hipolito, who had originally joined Fujitsu as interns as part of the UTS Co–Op program, are now members of the 2020 cohort. Prior to their current Graduate role, Chloe and Bela worked part time at Fujitsu, giving them the opportunity to apply their studies to real life scenarios and client problems. From day one, Chloe and Bela focused on creating meaningful experiences using the principles of UX design to work with customers on their digital solutions.
Demonstrating the Fujitsu Way, each graduate will work on building technology and capabilities needed by society in an environment where each individual’s potential is maximised.
Sixty seconds with our Service Desk alumni
Name: Nada Stankovic
Started in Fujitsu as: Customer Service Engineer
Current Role: Account Director
How has your career progressed at Fujitsu? I started in a Level 2 Voice Service Desk role at Fujitsu, before later moving into a Knowledge Analyst role under the IT Service Management team. From there, I won my first Team Leader role and gradually progressed through different Management roles before landing my current Account Director position. I am currently in the Sales and Customer Service Management team, as an Account Director, looking after our National Security portfolio of accounts.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Work hard, always demonstrate accountability and ensure that you are reliable and focused on your role; set goals and don’t be afraid to aim high.
Name: Jacob McLeish
Started in Fujitsu as: Service Desk Analyst
Current Role: Service Delivery Manager
How has our career progressed at Fujitsu? My career has progressed fast and quick. I have learnt and gained an incredible amount of knowledge within my 5 years at Fujitsu.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t listen to those (including yourself) who told you to be patient and that it’s not possible. Listen only to those who tell you it IS possible and believe them! Your career is yours and yours only, take it into your own hands because know that nobody will hand you your career… you need to work for it!
Hear more insights from our other Service Desk alumni here!
Building our Next Generation Network
In 2019, we launched Fujitsu Oceania's Next Generation Network (NGN). With a focus on belonging and inclusion, the NGN runs across both Australia and New Zealand, with fantastic NGN ambassadors leading events for their respective locations. Events include round table, trivia, boxing, fun run, fitness boot camp, pub quiz and speed networking.
Our Fujitsu NZ NGN team participating in the Wellington Corporate Challenge in 2019.
This year, with the move to working from home, we are running virtual sessions to ensure the sense of belonging stays regardless of remote working.
In August 2020, we will participate in the Global NGN Connect Program with over 91 Fujitsu colleagues signed up from Spain, UK & I, Sweden, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands and Oceania. There will be plenty of different insights, stories to be heard and shared. Big thank you and well done to the NGN ambassadors.
Lunch time networking round table event, Macquarie Park Office, NSW
I am very proud of how far we have come and extremely grateful for the team behind these projects. I strongly believe these initiatives will help us create a positive impact on our culture and we will do this by strengthening an inclusive environment where everyone can feel supported to be heard, be seen and be themselves.
I look forward to see what else we can deliver in 2020 and beyond.
