cfx_september-2024 - 21

TECH TRAILBLAZER
LEading ThE
ChargE
for Amdocs' Tech Transformation
By E.B. Moss
True trailblazers don't just forge new paths-
they run ahead, alerting others to obstacles
and opportunities on the horizon. For Iris
Harel, Amdocs Regional VP, Customer Business
Executive, blazing trails is more than just
a metaphor.
" Three or four years ago, Iris was running
through our halls, telling everyone 'the fiber
and satellite business is coming, and this is
how it's coming!' " recalls Pablo Cella, Amdocs
General Manager and Division President. " And
today, thanks to her foresight, we have solutions
catering to that business. "
Harel's determination is evident: " Everyone
would look at me as if I were from the moon,
but I'll keep on doing it because if we don't do
this visionary work, we would cease to exist.
Stagnation is the worst thing ever. "
Cella says Harel has paved the way for other
invaluable major transformations at Amdocs,
thanks to both her ability to anticipate industry
shifts matched with an executive mindset
for implementation. So, whenever Iris runs
through the corridors-most recently advising
about the coming convergence of fiber with
utilities, or fiber moving beyond broadband-
Amdocs listens.
" Her vision and operational excellence certainly
defines a trailblazer, " Cella praises, " and
she leads with empathy, but when she starts, "
he jokes, " she goes and goes-like a mechanical
bull. " Harel doesn't disagree. " I truly would
run through walls to achieve what I believe
is correct, especially for my customers, " she
says. " Listening to customers, understanding
what they really need, helping fix their problem
and giving them peace of mind, is what
it's all about. "
She believes the key to foretelling tech futures
requires a dedication to listening, reading
and learning, not only in her professional
life, but also outside of the office. Harel is tryCablefaxTopOps.com
September
2024
ing to instill the same curiosity she has into
her children, challenging them to push themselves
continually to learn more and understand
new concepts. " Even try things that you
don't feel comfortable with, because this will
help you, " she says.
Amdocs has gone through its own uncomfortable
transformations throughout the
years, and Cella recalls one as the shift away
from trying to sell solutions for problems they
thought needed fixing. There was a realization
that more communication needed to happen
with its customers' customers and their employees
to understand their needs.
That mindset shift wasn't easy, he acknowledges,
" but Iris led by example from day one
with her laser focus on a customer-centric
approach, which translates perfectly into our
mission to 'Make it Amazing.' " Her diligence
has been crucial to several key initiatives,
including Amdocs' satellite communications
program and facilitating the integration of
SuddenLink and Cablevision into Altice USA.
While Harel says she has never personally
perceived any barriers at the 30,000-employee
company, which is steeped in diversity
and inclusion initiatives, Harel aims to make
her leadership style " amazing " as well, particularly
as one of the tech industry's too-few
female executives.
" As leaders, our job is to train the next generation, "
Harel emphasizes. " There's no difference
between men and women in this regard.
You have to earn respect, not just from your
team, but from your family too. It's work, and
you need to invest in it. The best way is by
example-it speaks louder than any words. "
While she is a woman of action, Harel loves
quotes, citing one by the author George Eliot:
'Blessed is the man, who having nothing to
say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of
the fact.' "
Cella emphasizes the positive in Harel's approach:
" In driving major projects, you have to
be decisive - it's not a popularity contest. But
Iris compensates that professional intensity
with deep empathy. She's a great person and
even a great cook! We can have a very difficult
meeting, and then she'll send you pictures of
the amazing cakes she's made. "
Coincidentally, another of Harel's favorite
quotes is from the 2022 best seller, " Lessons
in Chemistry " about a scientist turned chef:
" Courage is the root of change, and change is
what we're chemically designed to do. "
Harel joined Amdocs in December
2008 in a customer operations
role before rising through the
ranks to her current position.
She has been instrumental in
developing innovative programs like
Amdoc's satellite communications
program, fiber propositions
and solutions tied to the FCC's
Affordable Connectivity Program.
Top Ops 21
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