In Episode 80, “Moving the World Forward,” Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Tami Erwin, Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Business.

At the helm of a $32bn business employing 26,000 people across 50 countries, Tami gives us a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s largest communication technology companies, and shares the key tenets behind her impressive rise within the ranks of Verizon and the story behind her moniker, “The Velvet Hammer.”

As the world ushers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and continues to unlock cutting-edge technology, from 5G and edge computing to artificial intelligence and big data, Tami brings to the fore the endless opportunities available to us to address and overcome the challenges individuals, companies and societies face.

Alongside her current position as an Executive Vice President of Verizon Communications Inc., Tami also serves on the Boards of Deere & Company, The Paley Media Center and the Verizon Foundation. Having started as a customer service representative, she has gone on to hold senior leadership positions within the Group, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and heading Verizon Fios, America’s largest residential and commercial fibre network.