Latest from Columnist

Photo 111717978 © Sarawut Nirothon | Dreamstime.com
Photo 280787037 © Dzmitry Dzemidovich | Dreamstime.com
Dreamstime L 280787037
Photo 186133805 © Auremar | Dreamstime.com
Dreamstime L 186133805
ISE Columnist Sharon Vollman, Editorial Director

Closed-Door Policy

Dec. 1, 2019
At ISE EXPO 2019, I had the pleasure of moderating our annual closed-door roundtable event. Why was it closed-door? Because we wanted to create an environment for our ICT Visionaries […]

At ISE EXPO 2019, I had the pleasure of moderating our annual closed-door roundtable event.

Why was it closed-door? Because we wanted to create an environment for our ICT Visionaries that encouraged them to talk to each other in an unguarded manner about the challenges associated with transforming the telecom/ICT network.

We highlight some of their conversations and the key takeaways from the discussion on pages 10-14 of the print issue or CLICK HERE.

What we can’t share is the richer part of the gathering. We can’t share it because it can only be felt when peers (who are also competitors) talk face-to-face about processes that work, and about processes that don’t work, in their world.

The moments when they say, "You too?" The knowing nods when an answer resonates with the group. The light-hearted laughter about an industry absurdity followed by a request to chat later about a shared frustration.

When I witness those connections, I am grateful that the ICT Visionaries trust our team. They are comfortable bringing their unedited concerns about the future of network evolution and transformation to the table. They know we’ll do our best to connect them with colleagues who understand from firsthand experience that there’s nothing simple about network automation and simplification.

If you want the benefits of this experience, nominate yourself or someone you respect, to be one of our 2020 ICT Visionaries.

Remember, there’s nothing to lose — except the opportunity. Email me ([email protected]) and we’ll go from there.

Thank You to Our 2019 ICT Visionaries.

About the Author

Sharon Vollman | Editor-in-Chief, ISE Magazine

Sharon Vollman is Editor-in-Chief of ISE Magazine. She oversees the strategic direction and content for ISE Magazine. She also leads the educational content development for ISE EXPO. Vollman has created educational partnerships with the major communications and entertainment providers including AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, Frontier Communications and Cincinnati Bell. She has covered the telecom industry since 1996. Prior to that, she worked in advertising with Ogilvy & Mather and CME. Vollman has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Advertising from the University of Iowa.