Release:
June 5, 2024

Women of NATE Today Newsletter
Volume 6, Issue 6

Celebrating Strength and Unity

Hello Sunshine! I’m not only referring to the sunny weather ahead, but to the fabulous Women of NATE (WON)! June is not just about sunglasses and sandals, but also about celebrating the brighter days ahead. On June 18, 1928, Amelia Earhart took to the skies as the first woman on a transatlantic flight, a reminder of bravery and daring against all odds. If Amelia were here today, she might tell us, “Why walk when you can fly?" Especially when traffic is a nightmare. Whether you’re flying across oceans or slogging through hundreds of work emails, let’s celebrate each achievement, big or small. A new skill, a new routine, or a project at work. Even making it to Friday with our sanity intact is a victory. We’re in this together, and unity is one of our greatest strengths.

As half the year has already passed, I can’t help, but to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, such as the slowdown in our industry, a period of internal changes, and tough decisions. We’ve had to part ways with teammates, friends, places, and familiar routines. However, letting go creates space for new opportunities and experiences. As hard as it might be, let’s embrace change with courage and optimism. My advice? Utilize time and resources wisely, be productive, and build strong, long-lasting relationships. Let’s lay a solid foundation for the future, refine ourselves, and enhance our strategies to come back stronger than ever.

Embrace the Power of Unity

Starting in June, let’s make an extra effort to provide mutual encouragement, support, and collaboration. Let’s uplift each other with quick suggestions or advice, through mentoring, networking, or perhaps a phone chat about a new anti-wrinkle cream, a class you took, technology, books, or an informative blog. Share an article of interest through email and so much more. Creating a positive impact in another woman’s life not only empowers her but enriches a whole women community. I am a firm believer that all good deeds are returned to us in the most unexpected, best ways.

Laugh and Grow

Laughter is not just refreshing, but essential. It serves as a coping mechanism that improves your mood and helps release tension. Recognized universally as an expression of joy. Laughing is as important as your profit and loss report and this week’s meeting. Imagine the inner giggle from nearly sending an email saying, “I’ll send the flies” instead of “I’ll send the files.” You see, a good sense of humor is a potent tool, allowing us to face challenges with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.

Finally

To WON, the incredible women who inspire me daily and those who make this newsletter possible, thank you! Your stories, successes, and struggles enriched every word I wrote. I am immensely inspired and grateful for your wisdom, kindness, and support, not to mention your incredible advocacy in our industry. WON is bright, WON is special, and WON will be there for generations to come. I couldn’t be happier to explore it with you all.

WON Profile: Erin Smith

What's Happening?

Have a Proud and Happy Juneteenth!

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally/internationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

To read more about Juneteenth, click HERE. 

Upcoming Events

The NATE Annual Marketing Toolbox is a comprehensive resource designed to offer extensive opportunities for companies in the communications infrastructure industry. It encompasses various avenues for marketing and brand exposure including exhibiting at events, sponsorship opportunities, print and digital advertising, as well as options for publishing and speaking engagements.

The Toolbox is aimed at enhancing visibility and engagement within the industry, providing detailed information on the diverse range of meetings, exhibitions, and conferences available for participation. It's an essential guide for companies looking to strategically position themselves in the dynamic field of communications infrastructure. Included in the Toolbox are marketing opportunities for events such as NATE UNITE 2025, the Women of NATE (WON) Women's Leadership Summit 2024, NATE Emerging Technologies EXPO and the WIN Regional Conference 2024.

Highlight your company’s name by sponsoring the Women's Leadership Summit. Recognition is given to the companies and people that support Women of NATE (WON), and your company name and/or logo will be included in the various WON social media platforms, websites, and newsletters.

WON is seeking volunteer subject matter experts for moderated panel sessions or standalone presentations on initiatives which impact women and the evolving industry. If you have unique qualifications to present on this subject matter, and are interested in being selected as a speaker for specific topic, please submit your proposal by clicking on the link below.

Click on the link below to consider registering, sponsoring or speaking at the Women's Leadership Summit!

Tough Tower 2nd Annual Competition

Sponsorships Available Now!

NORTH JACKSON, Ohio – The 2^nd annual Tough Tower competition will be held June 8-9, at 8900 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown, Ohio.

This exhilarating event will showcase eight teams of two tower technicians each from across the United States going head-to-head in a battle of skill and agility. All competitors are professionals in the telecommunications industry.

Sponsorship and competitor opportunities are available. Details and applications are accessible at toughtower.com.

“Last year we held the first Tough Tower event, and it was a great success,” said Chris Thomas, event organizer and president of event sponsor Tri-County Tower. “We are excited to offer more sponsorship opportunities this year and are seeking the best tower techs in the country to compete.”

Tough Tower puts an emphasis on safety and skills while providing a unique opportunity for education and networking.

“We’ve already had a great response from interested sponsors who were either involved last year or heard about the event. The more support we have, the more we can grow the competition in years to come,” Mark Muzzana, event organizer and CFO of event sponsor STG Communications, said.

Challenges will range from rescue and installation to crane maneuverability and knot tying. Spectators are encouraged to attend. The free event will also include kids’ activities and fun for the whole family.

Created in 2023, Tough Tower brings awareness to the vital work performed each day in the telecommunications industry and the rewarding careers available in the trade.

For more information, visit toughtower.com.

Speaking Opportunities and Sponsorships Available for NATE WIN Great Plains Regional Conference

In our mission to educate, inform, unify, and advocate, the Wireless Industry Network (WIN), is seeking subject matter expertise, insights and lively dialogue that will greatly benefit our association and its members.

If you are a qualified subject matter expert, we encourage you to submit a speaker proposal today. For more information on submitting a proposal and to fill out an application, please click on the button below. The deadline to submit is June 15. The conference and social will all be held at Children's Mercy Park Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.

If you are interested in sponsoring or registering for the Great Plains Regional Conference, please visit the Great Plains Regional Conference Portal for more information. Sponsorship opportunities can be found on page 14 of the NATE Marketing Toolbox.

Join us for a Live NATE Webinar

Managing Employer and Manager OSHA Civil and Criminal Liability

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM CDT, Mark A. Lies, II, a Labor and Employment Attorney and Partner with Seyfarth Shaw LLP, and Adam Young, a partner in the Labor and Employment Law Practice Group at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, will conduct a live NATE webinar titled “Managing Employer and Manager OSHA Civil and Criminal Liability.”

OSHA is stepping up inspections in the telecommunications industry and webinar attendees will learn the following objectives:

1. OSHA current enforcement agendas, focusing on those programs that will impact NATE Members, including falls, powered industrial equipment, and electrical safe work practices. 
2. OSHA multi-employer workplace liability issues involving General Contractors and Subcontractors, and potential OSHA liability for employees of other contractors.
3. Emerging OSHA liability issues including workplace violence prevention and heat illness prevention. 
4. Civil and Criminal liabilities, and Employers and Managers. 
5. How to prepare for and respond to an OSHA inspection and limit liability.
6. How to defend OSHA citations. 
7. How to conduct post-accident investigations and create legal privileges to prevent disclosure to OSHA and Third Parties.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Navigating the NATE Portal and Member Resources Webinar

As of June 3, 2024, NATE has moved to a new platform for members to access their account information, member benefits, and so much more. The NATE Portal replaces the previous member login section and contains all the classic resources and benefits, but with more flexibility, access, and control for our members.

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 10 AM CDT Jill Rethke, NATE Member Services Manager, will conduct a live NATE Webinar titled “Navigating the NATE Portal and Member Resources.”

Important Susan Harwood Training Update

We understand that staying ahead in today’s fast-paced environment requires continuous learning and growth. That is why we are excited to extend a special invitation to those who may have missed our previous training courses. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge from the comfort of your own space, ensuring you don't miss out on valuable learning opportunities due to distance.

If you are located more than 100 miles outside of the following cities, we are thrilled to offer you a full day instructor-led remote training option.

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday, June 17, 2024.
• Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
• Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

For those within a 100-mile radius of each city, we kindly require in-person attendance. This is a wonderful chance to engage directly with our expert trainers, network with peers, and experience hands-on learning that is both impactful and inspiring.

Whether you join us remotely or in person, you will gain insights and tools that are crucial for both personal and professional development.

Mark your calendar and take the next step in your professional journey with #NATEsafety.

Investing in employee training is a smart move for any company or organization, especially when it comes to ensuring their safety on the job. Registering your employees for this complimentary, comprehensive PPE training provided by NATE and supported by a U.S. Department of Labor Susan Harwood Training grant (SH-000003-SH3) is a proactive step towards creating a safer workplace environment.

This initiative recognizes the evolving nature of workplace safety and the need to address a wide range of hazards beyond just hard hats. 

The training will provide in-depth education on the applicable Standards, Regulations, and Reference Documents encompassing PPE, JHA Development, Hierarchy of Controls (how to eliminate hazards prior to use of PPE), Fall Protection-specific PPE, Climbing Facilities, Safety Equipment Manufacturers Committee PPE Testing, and the ANSI/ASSP A10.48 - Standard for Telecommunications. In addition, the curriculum will include pertinent OSHA information regarding employer responsibilities, worker rights, and whistleblower laws and complaint procedures (including time constraints). 

On behalf of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, we are encouraging you, your employees, and industry customers/contacts to register for the complimentary in-person or instructor-led remote training PPE for Telecom Workers: Hazard ID, Selection, and Use Training Course.

By providing comprehensive training on hazard identification, proper selection, and use of PPE, telecom workers can better protect themselves from the diverse range of hazards they encounter on the job. Take advantage of this complimentary, industry specific training today by clicking the appropriate option below.

Webinar Registrations

This training is open to NATE members and non-member companies. Please share this information with anyone you think might be interested in attending.

If you have any questions regarding the PPE for Telecom Workers: Hazard ID, Selection, and Use Training, please contact NATE Projects Manager, Kimberly Elliott, at kimberly@natehome.com or 605-882-5865.

Recent Event Highlights

(Above) Leticia Latino of NEPTUNO USA, Corp. and NATE's Manager of Wireless Industry Network (WIN) Megan Reiffenberger join NATE's Legislative Council in Washington D.C. to award Pennsylvania Congressman John Joyce with the NATE Legislative Champion of the Year award. Also pictured (left to right) are: Nathan Leamer of Fixed Gear Strategies, Jimmy Miller of MILLERCO, NATE President & CEO Todd Schlekeway, and Chris Mika of Novotech Construction, Inc.

(Above) NATE Events and Meetings Manager Shari Wirkus, and Amanda Stegall and Jordyn Ladner both of MILLERCO, have some fun at the NATE booth at the UTC Conference in Mobile, Alabama.

4 Keys to Success for Women Leaders

For women leaders today, success is about more than maintaining balance, breaking barriers, and achieving professional goals. Burdened by the effects of the global pandemic and its aftermath, many women are still feeling spread thin, burnt out, and deeply torn between caregiving responsibilities and work.

During the pandemic, women’s labor force participation dipped to its lowest level in over 3 decades, and although numbers are back up again now to pre-pandemic levels, many organizations are still struggling to retain and regain the women who were disproportionately leaving the workforce.

So before we explore these women’s leadership themes that emerged from our research on what an individual woman can do to bolster her own personal chances of success, we first want to emphasize our belief that the larger culture in which a woman operates will have a direct effect on her ability to succeed.

Key Women’s Leadership Topics & Some Larger Context Around Them

That’s why we say that the most effective investments in women’s leadership take a dual-pronged approach, with a simultaneous focus on increasing equity, providing support, and building a sense of belonging at work, while also ensuring that any development opportunities address important women’s leadership topics and equip individual women to recognize and embrace the themes that will enable them to thrive.

Most importantly, enterprise initiatives to support and develop women leaders (or diversity programs in general) are more likely to be long-lasting and successful when they include a focus on increasing equity. Equity is such a critical and foundational piece of the DEI puzzle that at CCL, we urge organizations to reframe DEI efforts as EDI efforts to prioritize equity first.

With all that being said, our research has found that highly successful women leaders often approach their careers and their lives by embracing these 4 keys to success:

• Agency,
• Authenticity,
• Connection, and
• Wholeness.

These 4 themes are woven into their career decisions and leadership styles. Collectively, these themes reveal deeper, more complex images of successful women and offer opportunities for reflection and insight for those who are navigating their leadership journeys. Together, these themes are a useful starting point for individual women to explore, and for organizations to consider as women’s leadership topics to prioritize in their development initiatives and retention efforts.

The 4 Keys to Success for Individual Women Leaders

Women’s Leadership Topics & Themes That Emerged From Our Research

1. Agency.

What do we mean by agency? “Agency” refers to intentional actions taken toward achieving a desired goal. Agency is about taking control of your career, being your own pilot, and feeling as if you’re shaping your job, your leadership style, and your life.

For example, women leaders may decide to take steps toward becoming more comfortable exercising authority or being more politically savvy. Strategies for realizing greater agency include:

• Analyzing your career steps and living with intention, both at work and at home;
• Asking for challenges outside your current functional orientation to broaden your experience and perspective;
• Intentionally cultivating your leadership brand;
• Defining boundaries to help you manage competing responsibilities and seeking out the types of support needed for the work-life juggle; and
• Setting goals that align with your values, and developing a plan for achieving them.

2. Authenticity.

Authenticity is being genuine, and being yourself. As the lines between work and home life continue to blur, it’s more important than ever before for women to resist the urge to comply with policies, expectations, practices, and environments that are in opposition to their needs as leaders.

Authenticity is important for all leaders, but it can be particularly challenging for women to show up as their genuine selves if their organizational culture is rife with gendered double standards. The importance of leading authentically for women in our research study was resounding, whether or not they felt they were living extremely authentic lives.

Authenticity comes from finding your own style, your way of leading. By developing self-awareness, you gain clarity about your values, behaviors, preferences, and skills. You can then determine the gap between “fitting in” and being yourself.

To increase your self-awareness, seek feedback to better understand your own strengths and weaknesses, and to understand the impact you have on others. Evaluate how your needs, motivations, and goals change over time, and continue to reassess what’s of value to you. Look for patterns, but be open to possibilities.

3. Connection.

Connection involves a focus on relationships. A desire for closer friendships and family ties drove many of the goals, choices, and decisions of the women in our study. Even the busiest executives invest in connections, both personally and professionally. To strengthen your professional connections:

1. Slow down and take time for people.
2. Build relationships.
3. Network, network, network.

Relationships and connection are important for all leaders, but they are especially important for women and other historically excluded groups. Learn more about cultivating a network of champions, and if you feel unsure about why or how, explore our networking tips for women. Find a mentor or establish your personal “board of directors” to serve as a support system and sounding board.

4. Wholeness.

Wholeness represents the desire to seek roles beyond work or to unite different life roles into an integrated whole. During these uncertain times, wholeness can sound especially daunting for women who already feel overburdened and/or under-supported at work and home. However, this was the most dominant theme we found in our research.

Some women in our study reported that they were concerned that they had nothing else in their lives but work. Others expressed concern about wholeness because they feel fragmented and divided between work and other life roles. They value multiple roles, life beyond work, and a broader definition of success.

To help you gain a sense of wholeness, let go of the idea that it’s about “balance” and an equitable division of time between work and other roles. Wholeness is about setting priorities and valuing all your commitments. It’s about setting boundaries and saying no to roles or obligations that no longer serve you. Learn more about how to be a holistic leader in every facet of your life.

A Closer Look at These 4 Themes at the Enterprise Level

How Organizations Can Prioritize These Women’s Leadership Topics in Development Initiatives

As noted above, for women leaders to succeed, their organization’s culture must be structured in a way that supports them in cultivating these 4 keys, and that starts with a focus on equity. Once policies, procedures, and behaviors that promote equity have been established, organizations and senior leaders can additionally encourage women (and everyone) to embrace the 4 themes that our research uncovered are often integral to success, in the following specific ways:

• Promote agency by ensuring that bosses give their direct reports as much autonomy as possible. For example, don’t make assumptions about whether a woman on your team might want to take on a difficult new project or role — just ask her directly and let her speak for herself. The key is to cultivate a culture of respect where women leaders feel psychologically safe to share their preferences and perspectives candidly. When individuals feel a sense of agency and control, and psychological safety at work, they’re more likely to stay engaged and committed to their organizations.
• Support authenticity by offering resources, training, and ample opportunities to reflect, so leaders better understand their own preferences, motivations, and the ways that aspects of social identity affect how they lead. Senior leaders should focus on building a culture of inclusive leadership so that all people, including women leaders, feel able to bring their whole, authentic selves to work.
• Build connections by ensuring senior leaders are aware of the importance of coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship for women. You can download our free resources on sponsoring and mentoring women, which include questions and exercises that can help create connection, opportunities, and building those critical relationships.
• Encourage wholeness by making space for your people to gain clarity about what they need and then show support in managing work-life conflicts so they gain greater resilience.

And again, enterprise efforts to develop women leaders in support of these key themes will be most effective if your organization takes a systemic approach to DEI culture change.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Organizations can support women leaders by providing women’s leadership development exploring all of these women’s leadership topics and by partnering with us to create organizational cultures that that help attract and retain more women and people of color with our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion experts and solutions.

This article was originally featured on ccl.org.

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