Finding Purpose Through Experteering: A Journey of Leadership, AI, and Impact

Meet Phani. He’s the Senior Director, Head of Data, AI, and Innovation at Lumen Technologies — a tech-savvy leader with over 19 years of experience spanning AI, Intelligent Automation, CRM, DevOps, and more. From his beginnings as an ethical hacker to leading teams across multiple corporations and technologies, Phani has always approached his career with curiosity, adaptability, and a “human-first” mindset.

So when Lumen launched its new Lumen Cares Volunteer Sprint Program — a partnership with MovingWorlds that gives employees two weeks of paid time to use their skills in support of purpose-driven organizations — Phani didn’t hesitate to sign up. 

Here’s his story, in his own words.

“Volunteering has always been close to my heart. Even in my previous organization, I actively engaged with MovingWorlds, contributing my time and skills to causes that mattered. So when the opportunity to go Experteering came up just a month after I joined Lumen, I didn’t hesitate — I jumped at it.

Taking the Leap

The timing might have seemed unconventional. I had just joined a new company, was settling into a new role, and building new relationships. But knowing Lumen’s commitment to social impact, I felt empowered to answer the call to give back. I’ve always believed that purpose and passion should guide our professional journeys, and Experteering offers the perfect blend of both.

Through the MovingWorlds matching process, I was fortunate to be paired with Global Leading Light Initiatives (GLLI) — a nonprofit empowering women and youth in low-income communities through technology, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. 

From the very beginning, Allo (the CEO of GLLI) was clear and thoughtful about his expectations, which made it easy for me to plan and deliver meaningful outcomes. His clarity and commitment to his mission were inspiring and set the tone for a deeply fulfilling experience.

Before Experteering

Before this journey, I was focused on building strategic initiatives at Lumen, including leadership development and AI-driven transformations. My professional background is rooted in technology and coaching, and I’ve always sought ways to use these skills to empower others. Experteering gave me a chance to do just that — outside the corporate walls, in a space where impact is measured not only in KPIs, but also in lives changed.

What I Did on My Experteering Project

My initial goal was to mentor one or two aspiring women leaders through leadership coaching. But the scope quickly expanded, thanks to Allo’s vision. I was invited to conduct a session with a larger group of GLLI alumni — women entrepreneurs running small businesses — on how AI could accelerate their growth.

We started by conducting a leadership analysis, which allowed us to identify key improvement opportunities for each participant. Then, we worked on those opportunities with interesting and fun roleplay and mentoring sessions. I was thrilled to hear from Allo that he already could see the difference these sessions made in just 2 weeks! I am sure the leaders will grow even stronger in the days to come.

In addition to the above, I connected with individual Alumni to explore practical applications of AI in their small businesses, from customer engagement to operational efficiency. I shared frameworks, tools, and real-world examples tailored to their contexts. The sessions were interactive, filled with curiosity, and grounded in real challenges they faced.

The Highlight of My Project

The most heartwarming moment came after the sessions, when I received feedback from the women entrepreneurs. They spoke about the impact of the work we did together and how it would shape their future decisions. Their words were genuine, filled with hope and gratitude. They even requested a second group session — which I was more than happy to conduct.

As someone deeply passionate about AI and giving back, this was a moment of deeply fulfilling alignment — where my skills, values, and purpose came together in service of others.

What I Wish I Knew Before Volunteering Across Cultures

One thing I wish I had known earlier is how important it is to stay flexible. While I had a clear plan going in, the real magic happened when I adapted to the evolving needs of the community I was there to serve. Being open to change, listening deeply, and responding with empathy made all the difference.

Also, understanding cultural nuances and communication styles is key. While the mission is global, the impact is always local — and being sensitive to that amplifies your effectiveness as a coach or mentor.

Advice for Aspiring Experteers

If you’re thinking about Experteering, my advice is simple: do it. Don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect project. The opportunity to make a difference is always now.

Bring your whole self — your skills, your passion, your humility. Be ready to learn as much as you teach. And most importantly, stay connected to the purpose that brought you there.

I also want to express my gratitude to those who supported me on this journey. My leader, Soumitra, encouraged me to pursue this even though I had just joined the company. His support meant a lot. I also want to thank Ana White, Chief People Officer at Lumen who always encouraged, supported and motivated me in participating in the first Volunteer Sprint at Lumen.

And to Sim, Siphokazi, and Abongile — thank you for your questions, your courage, and your willingness to challenge me. I’m confident you’ll be successful leaders in the future.”

Bringing it all together

Phani’s journey is a reminder that impact starts with people: one professional, bringing their unique skills, can spark lasting change for entire communities. His experteering project with GLLI shows the ripple effects that happen when purpose-driven organizations and skilled volunteers come together.

Through programs like Lumen Cares, and with the support of the MovingWorlds platform, more professionals are discovering how to align their expertise with global needs. If you’re inspired by Phani’s story, we invite you to join the MovingWorlds Platform and take your own first step toward creating meaningful change.