TELUS reposted this
🌈 We’re inspired by Brandon Henderson —a Senior Product Manager and regional co-chair of TELUS’s LGBTQ support group, SPECTRUM—who exemplifies the future-ready skills today’s youth need. In his role, Brandon brings together a powerful blend of strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. As a Senior Product Manager, he doesn’t just manage products; he drives innovation, aligning diverse teams like our technical teams, branding and sales, ensuring that everyone works toward a common goal. His ability to think critically about market needs and adapt quickly to changing landscapes is essential for creating relevant, user-centered solutions. At the heart of Brandon’s work is empathy—a skill that ensures every decision he makes centers on people’s real experiences and needs. Individuals like him show youth that success is not just about technical expertise; it’s about understanding people and solving meaningful problems. Adaptability and resilience are also crucial, as product landscapes shift rapidly, and Brandon’s experience illustrates how being flexible and solutions-oriented helps meet these changes head-on. For youth preparing to enter the workforce, these skills highlight the importance of combining technical knowledge with a deep, people-centered approach. But Brandon’s dedication to inclusivity extends well beyond his role. Although he isn’t part of the LGBTQ community himself, he advocates for safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can belong. Having close family and friends who face exclusion, he’s seen firsthand the need for environments where people can be their authentic selves. This understanding drives his commitment to allyship and shows youth the transformative impact of using one’s privilege to support others. Brandon exemplifies the power of active allyship. He uses his position to elevate underserved voices, showing youth that allyship is about using your platform to enact action, support, and create lasting change. At Ladder2Rise, we strive to instill this sense of belonging in youth, helping them find careers where they can bring their whole selves to work. Brandon’s journey demonstrates that inclusivity isn’t just a value—it’s a way of being, and a reminder that every individual can make a difference in building a world where everyone thrives. 🌍✨