Inspiring Voices IBM

Brought to you by IBM’s Executive Search & Integration team, Inspiring Voices is a podcast series that showcases great leaders who tell their personal life story, career trajectory and how they’ve made an impact throughout.

In this third episode, we uncover the exciting journey of Maurice Blackwood, Vice President of Americas zSoftware and co-chair of the Black Executive Council within IBM. Maurice has 20+ years of experience at IBM, and while telling his story he truly demonstrates how executives are set up for success by a great support system of mentors, advisors, and leaders, as well as an environment of never-ending opportunities. He also elaborates on what true mentorship is for him, his strong belief in the need for work-life balance in order to thrive, and shares his tips: work hard, stay balanced, and put some fun into it. This episode also offers Maurice's reflections on what a diverse culture truly is and what a company can and should do more of to embrace it fully.

Listen for:
[00:07 - 00:43] Welcome to episode three of Inspiring Voices[00:46 - 03:30] Why IBM and Why still here after 20+ years[03:40 - 05:47] Being co-chair of the Black Executive Council[05:47 - 10:10] Reflectons about diveristy and inclusion and what we could do more of[10:10 - 12:07] Being set up for success as a senior leader. Livning on the messy edge.[12:07 - 16:00] Reflections on mentorship and menteeship, and the importance of books as part of the equation.[16:00 - 19:22] Sources of inspiration[19:22 - 21:39] Opportunities for leaders, such as being on an acceleration team[21:39 - 23:08] About those pivotal moments[23:08 - 26:33] "You have to ensure a healthy work life balance"[26:33 - 29:42] Advise to the 21-year-old self, how to Work hard, stay balanced, and put some fun into it.

Brought to you by IBM’s Executive Search & Integration team, Inspiring Voices is a podcast series that showcases great leaders who tell their personal life story, career trajectory and how they’ve made an impact throughout.

Join us for this episode as we dive into the fascinating journey of Dr. Nicola Hodson, Country General Manager UK & Ireland. Nicola reflects on IBMs culture and provides valuable insights into her experience as a new executive at IBM and how she navigates her path to success. Additionally, she tells us about her deep-rooted passion for science and technology, and how it intertwines with her commitment to sustainability. Nicola also sheds light on the importance of listening to your inner well-being and intuition while highlighting the impact of surrounding oneself with the right people—both personally and professionally. Her story serves as an inspiration, encouraging us to trust our instincts, embrace our beliefs, and persist in our pursuits.

BRG = Business Resource Groups

Brought to you by IBM’s Executive Search & Integration team, Inspiring Voices is a podcast series that showcases great leaders who tell their personal life story, career trajectory and how they’ve made an impact throughout.
In this episode, we listen to the story of Kitty Chaney-Reed, IBM’s Chief Leadership, Culture and Inclusion Officer. In her own inspiring and humble words, Kitty shares her journey, her aspirations, inspirations, mentors and – ultimately – how she got to where she is today. She also provides her view on leadership and success factors, inspiring us to make an impact both personally and professionally.

If you want to hear more from Kitty Chaney Reed, check out her interview about allyship in the BE EQUAL podcast.

Key Takeaways:
[00:08 - 00:25] Welcome to Inspiring Voices[01:47 - 04:59] Why IBM, and Why IBM still.[04:59 - 06:14] What stands out in the IBM culture[06:14 - 11:14] How being set up for success can look like[11:34 - 14:18] One of those defining moments[14:54 - 18:00] The power of mentorship[18:11 - 20:57] Where inspiration comes from[21:09 - 23:30] Making an impact as a leader[23:33 - 26:25] There is no such things as a Healthy work life balance[26:24 - 27:45] Our guests advise to her 21-year-old self