Your Career: Is it Choice or Chance?

“The Human Core of Disruption” with Manisha Pathak, Yael Shur, Michael MacDade and Anjali Mahajan

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:20:22 -0400

What does it really take to lead through disruption and stay human along the way?

In this finale episode of Guided Disruption in the Workplace, the full host team reflects on a season full of insights, innovation, and bold ideas. From AI ecosystems to skills-first organizations, and from Gen Z to Boomers, the message is clear: disruption is most powerful when it is grounded in humanity.

In this episode you will discover:

The common thread that connects every conversation this season
Why the most successful leaders do not have all the answers but ask better questions
How trust, diversity, and conscious strategy fuel meaningful transformation
Bold predictions for the future of work in 2030

This episode is short, sharp, and essential listening.

Tune in and close the season with the clarity and inspiration to lead change thoughtfully.

Learn more about Anjali Mahajan

Learn more about Yael Shur

Learn more about Manisha Pathak

Learn more about Michael MacDade

This podcast is produced by Quill.

“Leading with hope” with Yael Shur and Dr. Tomer Bakalash

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 21:00:17 -0400

Hope. It's not the first word that comes to mind when we talk about leadership in times of uncertainty, but maybe it should be.

In this episode of Guided Disruption in the Workplace, Yael Shur welcomes social psychologist and neuromarketing expert Dr. Tomer Bakalash to unpack the role of hope in modern leadership. With decades of experience helping global organizations understand human behavior, Dr. Bakalash explains how hope is not just a feeling, but a powerful skill leaders can develop, model, and embed into culture.

What “leading with hope” really means
Why hope is different from optimism - and more effective
Practical ways to train your “hope muscle”
How to build cultures of psychological safety in uncertain times
The role of hope in navigating disruption, including GenAI

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this conversation will reframe how you lead in times of change.

Tune in and discover how to harness the strength of hope, right when it matters most.

Learn more about Dr. Tomer Bakalash

Learn more about Yael Shur

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Bridging the Gap: Navigating Generational Dynamics in the Workplace with Clint Runge, CEO & Founder of Archrival

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Five generations. One workplace. Endless opportunities—and plenty of friction.

In this episode of Guided Disruption in the Workplace, host Manisha Pathak is joined by Clint Runge, CEO & Founder of Archrival, to explore the powerful potential of multi-generational teams. Clint, a seasoned strategist on generational behavior, shares how organizations can move past stereotypes and harness generational diversity to spark innovation, strengthen culture, and lead with empathy.

Why generational differences matter now more than ever
How Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers view work differently
Real strategies to close communication gaps
How tech, culture, and leadership can bridge divides

If you're leading people, managing change, or part of a diverse team—this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now and turn generational tension into a strategic advantage.

Learn more about Clint Runge

Learn more about Manisha Pathak

This podcast is produced by Quill.

The Future of Work: Skills First with Sachit Kamat, Chief Product Officer at eightfold.ai

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Wed, 21 May 2025 12:01:00 -0400

Is the traditional job role becoming a thing of the past? In this forward-looking episode, host Yael Shur, joined by co-host Asaf Jackoby, welcomes Sachit Kamat, Chief Product Officer at Eightfold.ai, to unpack the bold move toward skills-based organizations.

Together, they explore how organizations are shifting focus from rigid roles to dynamic skill-based models, leveraging AI to match talent to opportunity with greater agility and purpose. From real-world case studies to enterprise-wide transformation strategies, this episode is packed with insights for leaders reimagining the future of work.

What a skills-based organization really looks like
AI’s role in uncovering hidden talent and accelerating agility
Metrics that matter when shifting from roles to skills
How to unlock workforce potential at scale

Listen now and future-proof your talent strategy!

Learn more about Yael Shur

Learn more about Asaf Jackoby

Learn more about Sachit Kamat

This podcast is produced by Quill.

The Power of AI Partnerships with Mike MacDade and Lilac Ilan

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 21:06:00 -0400

As Generative AI redefines industries, strong partnerships have never been more critical. In this episode, host Mike MacDade, Head of Operations at Amdocs Strategy and Technology, is joined by Lilac Ilan, Head of Global Telco, AI-Powered Operations at NVIDIA, to explore the unique dynamics of AI partnerships and ecosystem building in the Gen AI era.

Lilac shares insights from her experience leading innovation at both AT&T and NVIDIA, and offers practical advice for organizations looking to forge meaningful, high-impact AI collaborations.

What makes AI partnerships different from traditional tech alliances
How telcos and AI players are reshaping the future together
Success stories and challenges from real-world Gen AI ecosystems
How to balance innovation with execution in AI collaborations

Whether you're in telecom, tech, or transformation—this conversation is packed with insights for building smarter, more agile partnerships.

Learn more about Mike

Learn more about Lilac Ilan

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Beyond Exponential: Navigating the Future of Business Transformation

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

How are exponential technologies reshaping industries, leadership, and the way businesses operate? In this episode, host Anjali Mahajan, VP - Head of Engineering Services at Amdocs, speaks with Yahli Admati, Head of Business Development UAE at Quris AI, to explore the impact of cutting-edge innovations on business transformation.

From AI and automation to biotech and quantum computing, Yahli shares insights into how these breakthrough technologies are disrupting traditional models, the biggest challenges companies face in adopting them, and what leaders must do today to stay ahead.

The most impactful exponential technologies driving change today
Real-world examples of businesses transformed by innovation
The challenges and opportunities of integrating disruptive tech
How leadership and company structures must evolve for the future

Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation on how to future-proof your organization in the age of exponential change.

Learn more about Anjali

Learn more about Yahli

This podcast is produced by Quill.

The Path Forward: Women Entrepreneurs in Tech with Tal Elor & Maya Elor

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ever wondered, what does it take to leave the security of a corporate career and dive into entrepreneurship? In this episode, host Mike MacDade speaks with Tal Elor, Co-founder & CPO of Athena, and Maya Elor, Co-founder & CEO of Athena, to discuss their inspiring journey from a military intelligence unit to launching their own startup.

They share their experiences navigating challenges, overcoming self-doubt, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. From the realities of fundraising as women entrepreneurs to the impact of innovation on product management, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone considering a leap into entrepreneurship.

The toughest moments of launching a startup
How military experience shaped their leadership approach
Tackling biases and reshaping the narrative for women in tech
The future of tech innovation and guided disruption

Tune in for an empowering discussion on breaking barriers and driving change in the industry!

Know more about Mike

Know more about Maya

Know more about Tal

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Season 3 Kickoff: Guided Disruption in the Workplace

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:27:00 -0500

Welcome to season 3 of the podcast Your Career: Choice or Chance?—where we explore the powerful concept of Guided Disruption and how AI is reshaping the workplace.

Join our hosts Yael, Mike, Manisha, and Anjali as they talk with industry leaders, sharing real-world success stories and practical strategies to help you lead with confidence in the age of AI.

Whether you’re a leader looking for ways to embrace innovation or a professional adapting to a fast-changing world, this season is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Subscribe now and discover how to thrive in a world of change!

Learn more about Anjali

Learn more about Mike

Learn more about Manisha

Learn more about Yael

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Reflecting on GenAI in the Workplace: Season Recap and Insights

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:05:35 -0400

Join Alex, the AI co-host of "Your Career: Choice or Chance?” for a special recap episode as we wrap up the second season. Alongside hosts Mike MacDade, Reetu Raina, and Yael Shur, we reflect on the key insights and memorable moments from our discussions on the intersection of GenAI and the workplace. From evolving attitudes towards AI to challenges and opportunities for professionals in various industries, this episode offers a comprehensive review of the season's highlights and the future of work in the age of AI.

Key Takeaways:

Evolution of AI Acceptance: Witness the transformation of attitudes towards AI from skepticism to acceptance, influencing workplace dynamics and interactions.
Trends and Patterns: Discover emerging trends in the GenAI discourse, highlighting the emphasis on collaboration, upskilling initiatives, and ethical considerations for responsible AI integration.
Challenges and Opportunities: Uncover the significant challenges and opportunities presented by GenAI for professionals across various industries, from addressing job displacement concerns to harnessing AI's potential for enhancing productivity and driving innovation.
Personal Perspectives: Gain insights into the hosts' personal experiences that have shaped their perspectives on GenAI and its profound impact on the future of work, reflecting on successes, challenges, and lessons learned.
Looking Ahead: Peer into the future as GenAI continues to shape the workplace landscape, offering guidance and advice for listeners navigating this dynamic environment with resilience and adaptability.

Learn more about Yael

Learn more about Mike

Learn more about Reetu

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Skills First: Redefining How We Work

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 13 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Join Yael Shur, Alex, the AI co-host, and Ora Nussbaum, a program manager in Amdocs People leading transformation Projects in HR, as they dive into the paradigm shift towards Skills-Based Organizations. Gain valuable insights into the fundamentals and practical applications of skills-based organizations, exploring their implementation and the benefits they offer. From understanding the core principles to real-world examples at Amdocs, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the future of work.

Key Takeaways:

Definition of Skills-Based Organizations: Learn how a skills-based organization structures itself around the skills and knowledge of its employees rather than traditional job roles or hierarchies.
Practical Implementation at Amdocs: Discover how Amdocs is leveraging Eightfold's Career Hub to empower employees by recognizing and utilizing their skills effectively.
Benefits for Employees: Explore the personalized learning and development opportunities offered by a skills-based approach, as well as the potential for gig economy-style projects within the organization.
Benefits for Managers: Understand how managers can leverage insights into their team's skills to foster individual growth, close knowledge gaps, and support career aspirations effectively.

Learn more about Yael

Learn more about Ora

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Guided Disruption™ in Action: Transforming with GenAI

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Join Mike, Reetu, and Yael as they explore the concept of Guided Disruption™. Discover success stories, data-driven insights that guide ongoing improvements, and strategies for ensuring AI-driven disruptions align with company goals and values. Don't miss our AI co-host Alex's final out-of-the-box question, which will leave you thinking about the future of AI-driven disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

Guided Disruption™ involves the strategic implementation of AI to bring about innovation and positive changes in the workplace.
Balancing the need for disruption with addressing employee and customer concerns is vital for successful AI integration.
Data-driven insights and metrics play a crucial role in measuring the success of Guided Disruption™ initiatives and driving ongoing improvements.

Guided Disruption™ is a term coined by Amdocs and is currently going through the trademark process.

Learn more about Yael

Learn more about Mike

Learn more about Reetu

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Navigating Privacy in the GenAI era

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this enlightening episode of "Your Career: Choice or Chance – GenAI in the Workplace," host Mike MacDade and Zvi Joseph, Deputy General Counsel, embark on a journey to unravel the intricate relationship between GenAI and individual privacy rights. With the expertise of Zvi, they explore the evolving landscape of privacy concerns amidst the rapid advancement of GenAI technologies. From data collection practices to regulatory frameworks, they examine the key challenges and opportunities presented by the intersection of GenAI and privacy.

Key Takeaways:

Background on GenAI and Privacy: Gain insights into how GenAI and privacy intersect and the implications for individuals and organizations in the digital age.
Fostering a Culture of Privacy-Consciousness: Explore strategies for organizations to promote a culture of privacy-consciousness and data stewardship among employees, including training, accountability mechanisms, and incentives.
Advocating for Privacy Rights: Learn how individuals can advocate for their privacy rights and navigate privacy concerns in GenAI-enabled workplaces, addressing issues such as privacy erosion, power dynamics, and regulatory gaps.
Balancing Benefits and Ethical Considerations: Consider the delicate balance between the potential benefits of GenAI advancements and the ethical considerations regarding individual privacy, exploring topics such as data collection, ethical dilemmas, regulatory frameworks.

Learn more about Zvi

Learn more about Mike

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Multimodality in AI with Itay Gadot

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of "Your Career: Choice or Chance – Gen AI in the Workplace," host Yael Shur welcomes Itay Gadot, Marketing Strategy Executive, to explore the transformative impact of Multimodality in AI. Together, they delve into the intricate world of AI, unpacking the concept of Multimodality and its profound implications for the future of work. With the insightful perspective of Alex, our AI co-host, the conversation navigates through the nuances of Multimodal AI, from its definition and differences from traditional single modal AI to its diverse applications across various industries.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the essence of Multimodality in AI and its role in seamless reasoning, decision-making, and analysis across various data types.
Explore diverse use cases of Multimodal AI, from enhancing learning and healthcare to revolutionizing customer service and entertainment.
Gain insights into how Multimodal AI will influence the future of work, fostering enhanced collaboration, communication, productivity, and creativity.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Itay.

Learn more about Yael.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Software Development Life Cycle in the AI Era - A New Design Process with Jeremy Smith

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Mike MacDade and Jeremy Smith, CTO-Engineering discuss the impact of GenAI on Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Together with AI co-host Alex, they dive into various phases of SDLC affected by GenAI, touching on planning, development, testing, and human collaboration aspects. They explore challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations arising from the integration of AI into the SDLC.

Key Takeaways:

Integrating Generative AI in SDLC demands new skills from developers and prompts changes in team dynamics, fostering a collaborative relationship between human developers and AI systems.
Incorporating Generative AI in SDLC influences end-user interactions, emphasizing the importance of responsible and unbiased AI usage to address ethical concerns regarding fairness, accountability, and transparency in decision-making algorithms.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Jeremy.

Learn more about Mike.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Exploring Gender Bias in GenAI with Laila Sprejer

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Join host Yael Shur, for a special episode as we celebrate International Women's Day by diving into the intriguing world of GenAI and gender bias. Yael welcomes Laila Sprejer, an esteemed leader in data science and AI teams, to uncover the risks associated with biased data and the challenges faced by women in tech leadership roles. With the insightful perspective of Alex, our AI co-host, the discussion navigates through the impact of gender biases in AI algorithms and strategies to bridge the gender gap in tech-related positions.

Key Takeaways:

Gen AI Impact: Understand how Gen AI affects our lives, from content creation to automation, and the risks of biased data.
Bias Origins: Examine gender bias origins in AI, from skewed datasets to gender underrepresentation in tech, impacting economic and social equality.
Empowering Women: Discover the importance of women's engagement in Gen AI and strategies to bridge the gender gap in tech roles. Bias Mitigation: Learn methods to identify and mitigate gender bias in AI, from data selection to fostering diverse teams and promoting transparency.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Laila.

Learn more about Yael

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Reskilling in the Age of AI with Mary Tsilov

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Mike MacDade and Mary Tsilov, Product Strategy Manager, dive into the impact of AI on traditional roles, focusing on the importance of reskilling in the product management landscape. They discuss the challenges faced by professionals and organizations and delve into strategies for effective reskilling initiatives. Throughout the conversation, Alex, the AI co-host, brings a unique AI perspective, emphasizing the benefits of reskilling and sharing insights into successful reskilling endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

Evolving product management roles in the AI era.
The significance of reskilling and challenges faced by professionals.
Strategies for driving impactful reskilling programs.
Real-life benefits and outcomes of reskilling in product management.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Mary.

Learn more about Mike.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

The changing employee experience in the era of AI with Tzvia Reinhold

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Reetu hosts Tzvia Reinhold, an Organizational and Occupational Psychologist and a manager in the Talent Management Team. In this episode, they explore the impact of AI on the employee experience, rethinking AI's role in the workplace, and addressing common fears and misconceptions employees have about AI and automation. With his last question, Alex, our AI co-host, brings his unique AI perspective into the discussion, understanding AI's collaborative potential and coping mechanisms to thrive in a technologically advancing world.

Key Takeaways:

Reimagining AI as a collaborative partner, not a competitor, in the workplace.
Addressing common fears and misconceptions about AI and automation among employees.
Coping strategies for employees and employers in a technology-driven world.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Tzvia.

Learn more about Reetu.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Augmenting Ourselves with AI: A Design Revolution with Mirit Cohen and Andrew Weigand

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Mike MacDade and Alex, the AI co-host, dives into the groundbreaking world of AI's influence on design with industry experts Mirit Cohen, an Interactive Designer, and Andrew Weigand, a Multimedia Professional. The episode navigates through reshaped creative processes, challenges faced in working with AI, opportunities arising, and strategies to adapt to an AI-influenced industry landscape.

Key Takeaways:

Reshaping Creativity: AI integration prompts workflow adaptations, leveraging AI's unpredictability strategically and redefining success metrics in design projects.
Challenges and Adaptations: Managing unexpected AI-generated designs, ensuring design coherence, and adapting feedback to AI content remain pivotal challenges.
Opportunities and Career Growth: Continuous learning in AI-integrated design, identifying career prospects, and upskilling strategies amid AI advancements.
Future Design Trends: Embrace AI as a design tool, stay competitive in AI-integrated design, and enhance skills for an evolving landscape.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Mirit.

Learn more about Andrew.

Learn more about Mike.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Managing a Team of Humans and Machines with Esty Liani

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Reetu Raina and Alex, the AI co-host, meet Esty Liani, Head of R&D, to explore the complexities of managing diverse teams of humans and machines. The discussion navigates the transition from technical expertise to leadership roles after AI advancements.

Key Takeaways:

Transitioning from technical expertise to leadership roles amidst AI advancements.
Principles for holistic management of diverse technical teams.
Strategies for talent retention and motivating AI teams.
Overcoming challenges and fostering trust in mixed AI-human teams.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Esty.

Learn more about Reetu.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Gen AI in the Service of Talent Acquisition with Adam Rogers

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Reetu Raina welcomes Adam Rogers, Talent Strategy Lead, for an insightful discussion about how Gen AI is revolutionizing talent acquisition.

Don't miss our AI co-host Alex's final out-of-the-box question, which will leave you thinking about the future of talent management with AI.

Key Takeaways:

AI-driven tools are transforming talent acquisition by personalizing career development and enhancing the recruitment process.
AI fosters diversity and inclusion in talent acquisition, contributing to more successful and sustainable organizations.
Organizations that strategically integrate AI into talent management gain a competitive edge and improve their overall success.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Reetu.

Learn more about Adam.

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Thriving with New Skills with Vilma López Lemoine

amdoccareers@gmail.com (Amdocs) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode, our host, Yael Shur Shmueli, Head of HR Amdocs technological and Corporate units welcomes Vilma López Lemoine, Technical Program Manager- Data Scientist, to uncover the skills and qualities individuals need to thrive in an AI-driven workforce.

Don't miss our AI co-host Alex's final out-of-the-box question, which will leave you thinking about the transformative power of acquiring new skills in the era of AI and automation.

Key Takeaways:

Higher cognitive, social, emotional, and technological skills are key for thriving in an AI-driven workforce.
Professionals can develop these skills through continuous learning, adaptability, and leveraging AI-driven skill development programs.
Adaptability is a crucial skill in a dynamic job market, allowing individuals to navigate change and seize opportunities for career growth.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Yael.

Learn more about Vilma.

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Exciting new season is out!

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Yael Shur Shmueli, Head of HR Amdocs technological and Corporate units, Mike MacDade, Head of Operations, Amdocs Strategy and Technology, and Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management, come together again to set the stage for an exciting exploration of Gen AI's role in reshaping the workplace. Discover what to expect in the upcoming episodes and why the future of work is a topic that impacts us all. In this episode, you’ll get to know a new, exciting addition to this season! Alex, our new AI co-host, who adds a unique, out-of-the-box perspective to the discussions! Get ready to embark on a career transformation and innovation journey in a GenAI workplace.

Subscribe today to be the first to know about new episodes.

Learn more about Yael.

Learn more about Mike.

Learn more about Reetu.

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

Boomerang employees: a chance or a choice to come back?

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Yael Shur Shmueli, Amdocs Head of HR Strategy and Technology Units hosts the final episode of the first season. Join her as she interviews her co-hosts Mike MacDade, Executive Chief of Staff, and Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management Organization. Together they explore the growing trend of boomerang employees in the workplace.

Key Takeaways:

The choice to leave:

Reetu found her career at Amdocs inspiring but after some time she felt she needed something more holistic and broader.
Mike, thoroughly enjoyed his position but the direction the customer was headed in didn’t align with what he wanted both personally and professionally.

Why come back?

Reetu admits that even after she had left Amdocs she still carried Amdocs with her. She would mention Amdocs in her new work environment to the point that her new colleagues said she loved Amdocs.

The experience of coming back:

Mike describes it as an “odd familiarity”. On the one hand you’re back at Amdocs but on the other there are new people and working relationships to be forged. In his case, coming back to a different part of the organization, felt like a different experience.

Advice from Mike and Reetu

In both cases, the choice to return was both choice and chance. A choice to return followed by a chance opportunity.

Navigating the workplace without a formal degree

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management, interviews Ayana Gisser, Head of Israel Communications and Social Media, about navigating the workplace without a formal degree. Ayana believes in the importance of formal education but notes that experience is just as important. Her career journey has been filled with opportunities and her willingness to open the door when they knock.

Key Takeaways:

A journey to self-discovery:

The truth is that Ayana had no idea what she wanted to do with her career 20 years ago.
She learned what her skills and passion were in the course of her career and decided to hone in on them.

Is a formal education important?

Ayana’s story is not to disregard the importance of a formal education and she will encourage and empower her own children to complete their education.
It’s important to note that studies are showing many organizations believe that experience is equally important.

There are two factors to consider:

A person’s personality and the formal education they carry are the two components of success.

A choice and a chance:

Ayana’s direction into storytelling may have happened by chance but she has made choices about where she could best use her skill. Amdocs has been one of those choices.

Unit Shuffles: Navigating the Organizational Maze with Ela Radzi

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Mike MacDade, Executive Chief of Staff, interviews Ela Radzi, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Programs and Operations, Saas and Data business unit, about the opportunities of moving in between units. Ela speaks about her career journey and why she finds internal mobility exciting.

Key Takeaways:

Moving has always been a choice:

Ela says that twice in her career she had to move due to customer needs, but it was never imposed on her. The choice to move in between units has always been hers.

Why does Ela enjoy moving in between units?

Ela is passionate about her work and enjoys change. She’s excited at the prospect of building something from scratch. It increases internal networking because moving within Amdocs exposes you to different units and departments.

The advantages of moving in between units:

It offers the opportunity to harness new skills for example, the skills needed in the technology units are different from those in customer-facing roles. You need to know and understand the latest technological advancements in technical units. In customer-facing roles, you need more soft skills like presentation skills and executive speaking.

Fear is normal and good:

If you take a new role that you’re not even a little scared of then you won’t find it exciting. A little fear is a good thing, it keeps the work interesting and will push you to learn new things.

Learn more about Mike MacDade

Learn more about Ela Radzi

This podcast is produced by Quill

Beyond the Acquisition: Embracing New Beginnings with Fiona Malone

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Yael Shur Shmueli, Amdocs Head of HR Strategy and Technology Units, talks to Fiona Malone, Amdocs Network Business Operations Project Manager, about embracing new beginnings after an acquisition. Join them as Fiona shares her unique career journey, organization change and the opportunities and challenges that go with it.

Key Takeaways:

Career life after a merger

There are significant unknowns, with positives and challenges to being acquired by another, larger organization. While change involves a significant learning curve, this can be viewed as an opportunity.

Embracing new beginnings and the positives

Fiona unpacks the opportunities of moving to Amdocs, a multicultural organization with global reach. There is increased interaction with colleagues all over the globe. Amdocs is people and environment centric, with a significant focus and investment on wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, CSO and volunteering. Greater internal movement possibilities and improved benefits, competitive compensation plans, learning and development and employee share purchase schemes.

The challenges of transitioning into new ways of working

Coming from a smaller company and moving into an organization of 28000 people, can feel slower and less agile. This shift entails establishing new people networks very quickly and working relationships, understanding who’s who and who does what, and learning new platforms and new processes.

Learn more about Yael Shur

This podcast is produced by Quill.

The Upskilling Edge: Excelling in the Digital Age with Itzhak Tueg

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management, talks to Itzhak Tueg, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) Implementation Manager, about the opportunities for upskilling and why it’s valuable to our careers. With a more than twenty-year career in software, Itzhak started in the testing domain and today manages production. Itzhak believes that his progress is due to upskilling which added knowledge to his career.

Key Takeaways: Itzhak has constantly made choices to look at where he wants to be and what he needs to get there. He uses learning tools, learning courses, and learning from those around him with more experience to reach his career goals.

Challenges to upskilling: Some companies find it challenging to create upskilling programs which employees feel are connected to their job or career. In the case of Amdocs, the company does offer upskilling but the challenge for the employees is to dedicate the time to upskill themselves.

Why should employees upskill? Employees need to think of their long-term goals for their careers. Where do they want to be in five years and how upskilling can help them reach that goal? Technology is always changing such as with the introduction of Generative AI, and everyone needs to constantly learn new tools to improve themselves and stay relevant.

How can employees get upskilling? Managers are aware and able to offer advice about upskilling and employees should feel free to speak to them first to get the necessary guidance.

Learn more about Reetu Raina

Learn more about Itzhak Tueg

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Maternity Leave and Back: Navigating the Transition with Iuliana Secrieru

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Mike MacDade, Executive Chief of Staff, talks to luliana Secrieru, Product Manager in Digital Brands and Youth Product, about coming back and embracing leave. In this episode, luliana shares her personal experiences, talks about the different types of leave, and shares insights for colleagues who are considering taking leave.

Key Takeaways:

Embrace whatever kind of leave you have when you take it. Uncertainty is a common feeling surrounding taking leave, but employees shouldn’t worry as most of the time there are many opportunities after they return.

Paternal vs maternal leave:

There are differences in countries and regions in terms of duration and payment however more can be done to encourage men to take advantage of paternity leave. Parental leave should be viewed as a positive commitment to a man’s family and establishing a good work/life balance.

Do colleagues experience discrimination when coming back from leave?

luliana didn’t experience any discrimination because she felt that Amdocs fosters an environment that supports leave. Unfortunately, discrimination still exists in society as a whole with many women feeling that taking maternity leave works against them. Due to this, Iuliana did feel a certain amount of guilt around taking leave, regardless of the company.

The challenges coming back from maternity/paternity leave:

Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming, challenging, and stressful. New parents now have increased responsibilities therefore time management can be a challenge. A lot of attention is needed on both sides, professional and personal.

Learn more about Mike MacDade

Learn more about Iuliana Secrieru

This podcast is produced by Quill.

The Art of Leadership versus Management with Sumit Kaul

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In the sixth episode, Yael Shur, Amdocs Head of HR Strategy and Technology Units, talks to Sumit Kaul, Director of Service Delivery and Solution Sales, about the difference between management and leadership. Hear Sumit’s career journey and how working with multicultural teams has helped him better understand people.

Key Takeaways:

Management vs Leadership:

Management is orientated towards the execution of daily tasks and ensuring that we deliver what is needed to our clients. Leadership is more about influencing people for a bigger cause. This is not just about getting work done, but about motivating people and thinking about the future of the work we do.

Maintaining a balance:

Sumit believes that both leadership and management are equally important, and we must learn to balance the two. Management of daily tasks is important, but so is seeing the bigger picture and thinking of future and long-term risks. It’s also important to keep people motivated in their roles.

One model does not fit all:

People are different and some may prefer a management style with set guidelines, while others want to connect to a higher purpose and understand what they are doing and why they are doing it.

Learn more about Yael Shur

Learn more about Sumit Kaul

This podcast is produced by Quill.

Unleashing your Professional Potential with Career Coaching ft. Hela Shaked

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Mike MacDade, Executive Chief of Staff, interviews Hela Shaked, HR Partner, about the importance of career coaching. Join them as Hela shares her personal journey and how career coaching helped her grow and develop.

Key Takeaways:

Career coaching- It’s an amazing opportunity that allows employees to stop and check if they are on the right path. It allows employees to ask themselves if they are still happy and passionate about their roles. Both Mike and Hela urge people to look internally as to what motivates them in their current roles and in their future aspirations.

A pleasant surprise- Hela admits that she learned more than she expected about herself via career coaching. She thought she had a good idea of what she wanted but having a career coach gave her more direction. It helped her realize what is good for her and what to look for in her next role. Hela joined Amdocs because it allowed her flexibility to work and complete her Masters. She chose to stay because she wanted to add value to Amdocs and because of the opportunities that were available.

It’s a good thing for Amdocs employees- Career coaching in most companies, is not offered internally. At Amdocs, when coupled with robust internal movement opportunities, the internal career coaching makes employees feel valued and are more likely to stay.

Get to know Mike MacDade

Get to know Hela Shaked

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Relocation for a Better Career and Self with Nati Oz Sinay

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Join Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management, and Nati Oz Sinay, Global Business Vice President, as they talk about relocation. Nati shares his personal experiences and what he thinks the advantages of relocation are. Nati relocated from Israel to the Philippines five years ago and this is his first relocation.

Key Takeaways:

Relocation is good for your career - Research shows that people believe that international assignment experience has real value. Employees learn different perspectives and are exposed to different cultures. Employees who have relocated also stand a better chance of being promoted.

Relocating with a spouse and children - Children find it easier to adapt to a new environment. Relocation can educate children about embracing different cultures and people. It can enrich their lives and make them more inclusive. It can also benefit spouses and the person taking up the relocation to become open to celebrating other cultures.

It’s not just about the job - There are advantages to relocation for a person’s career and gaining international experience while it may not be the intention, it is an added bonus. It presents an opportunity to explore another culture. Getting to know, interact, work and cooperate in a multicultural environment has been exciting for him

Get to know Reetu Raina

Get to know Nati Oz Sinay

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The many paths to growth for technologists with Lalit Kale

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Yael Shur Shmueli, Head of HR for Media, Network, Technology, Next & M&A, interviews Lalit Kale, Lead Platform Architect, on leading development - career growth for technologists without people management. Lalit has been working in IT for more than 17 years with different technologies. He shares what he finds exciting about his position and the world of growth for people specialized in technology.

Key takeaways:

We have so many talented people at Amdocs who do not want to manage people but want to move forward in their careers.

We should all take part - The tech path program allows technologists to have a positive influence on the company without doing people management. This allows technologists to be technological contributors and have an impact on the organization. At Amdocs, there is a career path for those who don’t want to do people management. It is also a great forum for brainstorming and learning from colleagues.

Research shows that grooming talent benefits the company -Companies that invest and develop technological talent, get more innovation from employees and are able to adapt better to changes in the market. It doesn’t just influence the company but the whole industry.

Managing people was not part of the plan - Lalit explains that he didn’t want to manage people. His passion is technology and contributing as a developer, engineer or designing solutions to complex business problems.

Get to know Yael Shur

Get to know Lalit Kale

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Diving into the Gen Z perspective with Shir Erlichman

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 01 May 2023 00:02:00 -0400

Join Reetu Raina as she interviews Shir Erlichman, an HR Partner at Amdocs who has been with the company for three years. Shir most recently completed her MSc in Organizational Behavior at Tel Aviv University. As a Gen Z herself, Shir discusses with Reetu her career at Amdocs and shares some of the challenges that she has faced and how her career is a combination of both choice and chance.

Key Takeaways:

Born into technology. Gen Z has a fearless approach to technology because they were born in a generation where “everything is a Google away”. They don’t fear technology because they are confident that they can search for whatever information and tools they need.

The desire to grow careers quickly. There’s a want for fast growth so Gen Z communicates regularly about opportunities and personal aspirations. Shir shares that she was unintentionally doing her check-ins very frequently and when speaking with her Gen Z colleagues, she discovered that they were doing the same.

Recognizing general differences. Many Gen Z don’t put up their hands for tasks for fear of being accused of acting in a condescending manner. They fear appearing overly confident or boastful and need encouragement and feedback. In the same breath, older Amdocs employees shouldn’t fear the new generations and the changes that come with it.

Get to know Reetu Raina

Get to know Shir Erlichman

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Navigating internal movement: What you need to know with Daphne Gottschalk

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Join host Mike MacDade as he interviews Daphne Gottschalk, a business consultant at Amdocs who has been with the company for 19 years. Daphne has worked in a variety of roles, including as a VP of marketing, in talent management for HR and in mergers and acquisitions, and has the opportunity to live and work in the US and Israel. She shares her insights into the challenges, and the many advantages, of moving roles internally.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s not a vertical movement, it’s a zigzag! Daphne shares how her journey at Amdocs has never been about vertical movement, rather exploring what she was interested in and wanted to do next.

• Movement gives you perspective. Moving roles in a company gives you better insight into how subunits you’ve never worked with before operate, and allows you to make new connections. This ultimately expands your network and gives you an advantage when you’re up for promotions or need advice.

• Being close to your client builds understanding. When you relocate, it’s often for a client. Working alongside your client really helps you build your understanding of what Amdocs does, and also how your client operates- which helps you better serve them.

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Learn more about Mike

Learn more about Daphne

Introducing- Careers: is it choice or chance?

amdoccareers@gmail.com (amdocs) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:34:51 -0400

Yael, Mike and Reetu come together to introduce you to Careers: is it choice or chance? Learn about each host’s unique perspective and get excited about this season's roster of guests. Throughout the upcoming episodes, your hosts will explore upskilling, moving between units, working with Gen Z and more!