One of the greatest things about our work at Unloc is getting to know, and work with such a wide and diverse range of people from all corners of industry. The kinds of people that we could have only ever dreamt of working with when we were at school ourselves – and each and every one brings something so unique to the table, contributing their own energy, interests and passion to the work we do with young people.
One of those individuals is Shelly Ashwill-Powers, a new member of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance family. Shelly has had such an interesting career journey as she has been with the same (sort of) company since college starting in 1989 with MCI. MCI was acquired by Verizon in 2006 and then created a partnership with HCLT in 2023. Shelly currently leads the role of SVP Client Services and Portfolio Management at HCL Technologies Limited.
We wanted to get to know Shelly better and find out more about her career journey, what’s inspired her, and what’s brought her to her current position. Our Marketing Manager Stu and Shelly spent some time getting to know each other and talking through the amazing career journey that Shelly has been on.
.
Firstly, Shelly thank you for speaking with me today, I know how busy you are. It’s such a pleasure to have you working with us at Unloc. You’ve had such an impressive career and we’d love to hear more about your journey and success. Could you tell us about your early career and the key moments that helped shape your path to success?
.
“It’s great to be with you Stu! I joined MCI right out of college as a National Accounts Service manager. My objective in obtaining my first professional job was to join a company that was in the tech industry and that had strong potential for growth. I have since been with MCI now Verizon (and now via a partnership between HCLT and Verizon) for 36 years!
I’ve worked in many aspects of Verizon including marketing, program management, sales, operations, enterprise and public sector. I would not change anything from a career perspective. I learned very early on that your attributes, capabilities, work ethic and commitment are incredibly important in your long term career.
One of my early executive senior leaders stated that you want to always be one of 5 people that a leader wants to work with. If that is true, you will always be in demand. That shaped my early years in wanting to always be one of the top employees that people wanted on their team. Later that shifted to inspiration in coaching my team.“
.
Was there anyone who inspired you when you were young? And were there any pivotal mentors or role models who influenced your professional development, especially in your early years?
.
“My father was a CFO for many successful companies. He was born into a family with little money. My dad and his 2 brothers all had an incredible work ethic. They each put themselves through school and each ended up being very successful. They each made a name for themself and created opportunities for their families and the next generation of leaders. They were each determined to make a better life for themselves and their families.
It was this work ethic that I picked up from my father and carried with me in my own career. I also have felt strongly that I never want to have any regrets. I genuinely strive to make a difference every day.“
.
Looking back, what skills do you wish you had developed earlier in your career?
.
“I didn’t have a technical degree. I had an English degree with a Marketing minor. I wish that I had majored in the tech industry, as I think my value would have been higher. Certainly I learned to be technical, but that was one learning that I had earlier in my career.“
.
Why do you believe upskilling young people is so vital in today’s rapidly evolving job market?
.
“Being adaptable to the market and understanding where the trends are heading is super important. If you’re not moving forward you are behind. There is a quote I love that says “the pace of change will never again be this slow”. This is so true. Things are happening at a rapid pace and as a result, your skills, capabilities, and value need to constantly be evaluated and refined. Being a “curious learner” is critical in today’s market.“
.
.
What are some of the most critical skills you think young people need to succeed in the workplace today – and in the future?
.
“In my opinion, success and happiness come down to the basics. Are you a good person? Do you make those around you better? Do you work hard? Do you create value? Do you work with integrity?
I find those leaders that are truly successful are humble, they are smart, they take care of people, they learn. It’s really not complicated but it does require consistency and effort.“
.
How do you think businesses can better support the transition from education to employment, especially for young people from underserved communities?
.
“The internet is such a gift. It really levels the playing field for everyone. We can all learn, we have the same 24 hours in a day. Businesses are looking for people that do their homework. They prepare for interviews, they have done the research on the business and the people at the company.
They have researched their earnings, they have read their annual report, they understand how the business makes money and why their service or products matter. Being prepared is a must in today’s environment.“
.
What advice would you give to a young person today who feels unsure about their future career path?
.
“It’s all ok! Every professional experience shapes who you are as a person. I would very much encourage young people to take risks, find people you really want to work with… those that inspire you. If you’re excited to go to work every day, you are at the right place. I remember being so excited to go to the office when I first started working. I loved to dress up, have my own desk, work with people, have projects etc. It just made me so happy and I felt needed and important.“
.
Your support for Unloc is so appreciated, we know that you champion equal opportunities for all young people. Why is this mission important to you personally?
.
“Young people are the future of our world. They see things differently than the last several generations. I’m so excited to help them build the next chapter of what matters. If they can leverage our experiences to improve how we live and work, that’s magical. I also feel very strongly about diversity in the workplace and leveraging different minds to build a better future. A homogenous world is boring and won’t drive the results that are needed.“
.
What motivates you to give back and invest in the next generation of professionals?
.
“I’m more motivated than ever to assist the next generation of leaders in achieving their goals and making room for creative innovation and change. I’m inspired by global challenges that require collaboration and new ideas that spark solutions.“
.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
.
“I don’t really have any regrets. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had a vibrant career. All experiences are positive because you learn. Even if a negative situation happens, it makes you stronger.
Perhaps I should not have worked so hard 🙂 That might be one thing I would change, but it’s in my DNA.“
.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind—not just in business, but in terms of impact on young people’s lives?
.
“Oh, this is easy. That you remember me for being a caring person that wants every interaction to be memorable and that you feel special.”
.
Shelly thank you so much, that was really insightful, and there’s some wonderful advice in there for the young people we work with (and for us as well!). I know how super busy you are, and I really appreciate you taking some time out of your busy schedule to meet with me today. We can’t wait to work more with you now that you’re a part of the Unloc family, and we look forward to getting to know you better as we move forwards!
Watch this space for more motivational interviews with inspiring professionals, young people, entrepreneurs and organisations who are changing the game for young people.
.
To find out more about the Unloc Changemaker Alliance click here
