Recorded in 2024 live from SAP Dublin as part of the SAP Business Women's Network sessions, Meet two trailblazing women, Elmarie Caniffe of Heineken and Maria Jose Loret Crespo formally of Aptiv, who are breaking barriers in male dominant industries and redefining leadership in the ERP industry.

Elmarie shares her transformative 25-year journey at Heineken, revealing how innovative projects like SAP implementation have been pivotal in her career. Meanwhile, Maria invites us into her world, reflecting on how a childhood fascination with thunderstorms in Spain sparked her passion for numbers and logic. Together, their stories illuminate the profound impact of personal experiences on professional growth, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping successful careers.

The episode also unpacks the complex landscape women navigate to balance professional ambitions with family responsibilities. Through candid conversations, we explore the pressing need for supportive networks and organizational flexibility, which are crucial in building confidence and encouraging women to pursue their career goals.

The discussion brings into focus societal expectations and childcare costs, advocating for policy reforms to ensure that women aren't sidelined in the workforce due to these challenges.

We emphasize the necessity of strong allies, both male and female, in fostering an environment where women can thrive and overcome self-doubt.

As we shift gears, we delve into Heineken's ambitious digital transformation through its Evergreen strategy, highlighting how AI and ERP innovations are revolutionizing the brewing industry. This journey isn't just about technology; it's about cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and productivity. From the impact of diverse teams at Murphy's Breweries in Cork to the global efforts in achieving gender balance, we reveal how embracing diverse perspectives leads to better business outcomes.

By creating spaces for growth and collaboration, Heineken showcases the immense value of a diverse workforce in navigating complex transformation journeys.

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In this engaging episode of the Women in ERP podcast, hosted by Abigail Allman, we are joined by Kelly Dowling, the Director of Strategic Topics and Communities at ASUG (the American SAP User Group). Kelly shares her inspiring journey from event coordination at the University of Notre Dame to becoming a pivotal figure in the SAP community. She emphasizes the transformative power of community in navigating the complexities of SAP transformations and how ASUG serves as a vital resource for SAP users.

Kelly discusses the crucial role of SAP user groups in providing invaluable resources and expertise, streamlining access to critical information, and saving valuable time for organizations. Through real-world examples, she illustrates how community guidance has significantly benefited businesses, including assisting volunteers in attending impactful SAP events. The episode also highlights ASUG's dedication to fostering connections at the Sapphire conference and empowering women in the SAP community.

Listeners will explore how embracing change and continuous learning can be superpowers in the ever-evolving world of enterprise technology. Packed with insights, the episode delves into how businesses can navigate the overwhelming landscape of AI through SAP solutions, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and networking. Kelly encourages women in enterprise technology to embrace curiosity and seize new opportunities, sharing her personal superpower of embracing change.

Join us as we delve into the essential value of community in the SAP world, the empowering initiatives of ASUG, and the promising future for women in enterprise technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of SAP transformations and community engagement.

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Recorded live from the Next Generation Enterprise Architect Forum at SAP, Newtown Square. Kristen Scheffler, Vice President of Customer Engagement for SAP North America, joins Abigail Allman for a compelling discussion on transitioning from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, shedding light on both the fears and opportunities this move presents. Many businesses grapple with the daunting prospect of change, often shackled by the mantra of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Kristen shares her journey from Business Objects to SAP leadership, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and utilizing existing resources within SAP to their fullest potential. Her insights into the evolving world of customer interactions will have you rethinking the way you connect in today's digital age.

We explore the critical balance between technological upgrades and business functionality improvements, encouraging companies to see beyond the technicalities and envision a future with enhanced capabilities. The looming end of mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC highlights the urgency of planning a seamless transition to S/4HANA. With the SAP Customer Evolution Kit offering invaluable tools like Process Insights Discovery Edition, Kristen assures listeners that it's not too late to prepare for this pivotal change. The importance of strategic collaboration between IT and business units shines through our conversation, as we stress the need for alignment in the face of organizational transformation.

In a personal and inspiring segment, Kristen opens up about her experiences as a woman in the predominantly male realm of enterprise tech. Her journey from feeling overlooked to confidently asserting herself underscores the value of having allies and mentors. We discuss the significance of speaking up constructively and fostering an inclusive environment where contributions are recognized regardless of gender. As we wrap up, the power of networking through platforms like LinkedIn and ASUG surfaces as a key tool for industry connection, leaving listeners ready to embrace new opportunities with open arms.

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