Barbara Poremba Talks About the Value of Women in Business
Companies win by rewarding and recognizing women
Different perspectives and teamwork are often marks of female leadership, and companies that recognize and reward women are better able to retain this valuable talent.
This formed the basis of the Network of Executive Women’s (NEW) presentation during the NACS Show educational session, “Women 2020: Leadership of the Future.” Barbara Poremba, Vice President, National Retail Sales, The Coca-Cola Company, who leads the Food Service Center of Excellence, participated in a panel discussion about supporting women leadership. Following are her insights, which are relevant for any organization.
Q. Why are you passionate about women executives?
A. I have seen the benefits to our business and our customers when The Coca-Cola Company invests in the professional development of our people.
Q. Women's leadership styles tend to be more collaborative, compassionate, inclusive and creative. How do you and The Coca-Cola Company leverage these traits?
A. When people are seeking solutions, diversity of thought is critical. Having different perspectives on strategy, execution and how it will impact customers and consumers is always more powerful.
Collaboration is also essential – both internally and with customers – to grow business. My team listens to our customers’ priorities and goals. Then we determine what we can offer to help them reach their objectives. This generates win-win solutions.
As mentioned, internal collaboration is important. We’re a company set up to serve customers and consumers, so we work across departments and functions with one goal in mind: to grow customers’ business by meeting their needs. With this focus, it’s easier to get everyone aligned to deliver the best solutions our customers can use.
Q. Millennials share many of the job expectations desired by women, such as flexibility, alternative career paths and development opportunities. How does The Coca-Cola Company address these issues?
A. Following are ways we work to advance women in business:
- Coca-Cola Vision 2020, our vision for the future, focuses on three major commitments: women, water and wellness
- The 5x20 program goal is to economically empower 5 million female entrepreneurs across the company’s global value chain by 2020
- There is a system-wide commitment to professional development; it is a strategic priority to invest in the next generation of leaders at all levels
- Women’s LINC (Lead Inspire and Connect) features live and webinar educational programs
Q. Do you have a mentor?
A. I have what I refer to as my personal board of directors. They are people I go to for counsel and ideas about how to solve an issue or get advice from about how I can do better. They are also my advocates. I believe in surrounding yourself – in your business and personal life – with people who think differently and provide candid feedback.
Q. How can people be change agents for women's leadership?
A. Be diligent with career and development plans, including regular check-ins. Also employ cross-functional teams by pulling together people with different experiences to solve business problems. Ask developing talent to lead discussions and stretch their abilities.
Q. Any other advice?
A. Get involved in organizations that provide education, networking and training. NEW serves women in retail and Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) helps women in the foodservice industry. Both groups offer a wealth of content and learning tools – such as lunch-and-learns, regional connects and webinars – that can be utilized by any company.
Explore training and development opportunities at NACS, NEW, WFF. You can also download NEW’s report, Women 2020 for more information about developing women leadership.