The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 17, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is Chief Diversity Officer finalist in the Public & Private Company category Terri Hatcher, chief diversity and inclusion officer for NTT DATA Services. Here, she talks career turning points, primary focus areas going forward, career advice and more.
What has made you successful in your current role?
I can engage others, recognize their passion and terrific ideas, and support them. Moving towards our mission and what we’re trying to do, in unison with the passion surrounding the project, I love working to support these teams and help incorporate that into impactful programming for our company and maintaining the momentum with these projects and ideas.
What was a turning point or inflection point in your career?
I have had a few, and they have centered around someone in leadership putting me into a newer or nonexistent role, and I built that role up successfully. Whether it’s been in management or Human Resources, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with many people in the field and listen to their interests and passions. Employees have shared ideas about something they want to do or where they’d like to make an impact.
When those ideas and ambitions align with NTT DATA’s goals, I can bring them in and explore the possibilities. It is something I have always loved, which may be why I’m in the role I am in today.
Overall, I have loved being in positions that give me access to a broad range of employees and the ability to listen to them and hear their stories. My current role presents an incredible opportunity to listen to people of NTT DATA.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the nation’s future?
Our primary focus areas are embedding inclusive tools, processes, and practices into every significant element of our business, especially where our people are concerned and how we approach our client solutions.
If we collectively approach vital actions and goals as an industry with transparency, our industry will be more inclusive.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Be a continuous learner, have confidence, build a network, and have fun. Early in my career with what was then Keane, I visited our headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. During one of my first meetings with my former CEO, he told me, “When it stops being fun, tell me.”
To this day, I hold that with me and have never forgotten that. It’s important to enjoy what you do while having fun doing so.