Tami Erwin, a former Verizon veteran who spent 35 years working for the carrier including a stint as CEO of Verizon Business, has written an open letter to the 13,000 Verizon employees who were recently let go in the largest layoff in the carrier's history. "The news this week has weighed on me deeply," Erwin wrote. "As I reflect on it tonight, on a quiet Friday night, I'm thinking about the people behind the headlines.
The former Verizon CEO wrote her open letter on LinkedIn
Erwin, who posted her emotional letter on LinkedIn, admitted that Verizon needs to continue to stay current with its technology in order to compete in a fierce battle for leadership of the U.S. wireless market. Recently, T-Mobile surpassed Verizon in customer count to become the largest wireless provider in the U.S. completing an amazing climb that started with T-Mobile as the least capable carrier among the nation's Big 4.
Should Verizon have laid off 13,000 employees?
Yes. In a competitive business, you must remain lean.
42.86%
No. The company is panicking.
57.14%
I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express. I don't know.
0%
Despite making an admission in writing that at Verizon, "technological advancement is needed," Erwin writes, "But here's the truth. Technology doesn't transform a company. People do." She also states that "people remain the heart of every great company." If you consider the recent news out of Verizon, one might say that the carrier has a lot less heart today. Erwin is more sensitive to these matters because she started her career at Verizon as a customer service rep before working her way up the corporate ladder and eventually getting access to the executive washroom as CEO of Verizon Business.
Former CEO of Verizon Business Tami Erwin. | Image credit-LinkedIn
Erwin tells those who lost their job at Verizon, "Hold your head high"
Writing about the emotions that those receiving pink slips are feeling, Tami's open letter says, "To those impacted, from someone who will always bleed Verizon red: Give yourself permission to grieve. A job is identity, relationships, pride. Losing it is personal." She also leaves the 13,000 former Verizon employees with some hope for their future. "Your Verizon experience is meaningful and will open doors," she says.
As for her personal journey, Erwin wrote, "After three and a half decades, my love for Verizon hasn't faded...as someone who left Verizon 3 years ago, I can tell you that your next chapter will be equally as fulfilling!" Writing to those who have lost their job at Verizon, the former CEO has more advice. "Hold your head high. No one can take away the impact you've had. Build a framework for your next chapter-and go forth and conquer."
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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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