Supply chain issues continued to plague the world in 2021, but Hawkins’ efforts to diversify Charter’s suppliers have paid off. But it’s not always been smooth sailing with some suppliers questioning her authority simply because of her gender. “I’ve been fortunate to have many Charter executives redirect suppliers back to me to ensure I can be effective in negotiating the best deal for Charter,” she says. She’s stayed in close contact with all of Charter’s suppliers, working with them to not only negotiate the best deals but also to gain insight into the challenges they’re facing in securing components. The information she gathered helped Charter remain agile through a time of great uncertainty, making it invaluable.
What’s one way your company has broadened the recruiting process to ensure greater diversity?
Charter has increased our (talent attraction) recruitment marketing and social media efforts in key talent segments such as women, military and technical talent which shows in that our % of People of Color and Women are applying and are being hired at the same rate of representation in our applications. This means that our talent attraction strategy is working to attract the workforce we need to realize our goals around Diversity and Inclusion.
Do you have an example of male allyship that made a difference to you?
In leading strategic negotiations with Charter’s suppliers, it is not unusual for suppliers to question your authority and role. I’ve been fortunate to have many Charter executives redirect suppliers back to me to ensure I can be effective in negotiating the best deal for Charter.
