Spotlight on Judges: Insights from Svitlana Samko, Senior Technical Project Manager, Verizon Connect

As part of the Global Spotlight Awards 2026, the Spotlight on Judges Series highlights the experts behind the judging process, those shaping what excellence looks like across technology, AI, data, and cybersecurity.

In this edition, we speak with Svitlana Samko, Senior Technical Project Manager at Verizon Connect, whose perspective is shaped by extensive experience at the intersection of technology, strategy, and large-scale project delivery.

Svitlana Samko is a technology leader with deep expertise in technical project management, product delivery, and innovation at scale. In her role at Verizon Connect, she operates within complex environments where strategic vision, execution discipline, and measurable impact must align.

Her work focuses on delivering scalable solutions that improve operational efficiency, address real user challenges, and create sustainable value. With a strong product-centric mindset and a commitment to practical innovation, she brings a rigorous, impact-focused perspective to the Global Spotlight Awards 2026 judging panel.

What does global excellence mean within your field today?

Global excellence in technology and project delivery is no longer defined by technical sophistication alone. It is measured by demonstrable impact, solutions that perform at scale, adapt across complex environments, and create real-world outcomes. For Svitlana, excellence is rooted in measurable results, not ambition alone. This closely aligns with the mission of the Global Spotlight Awards 2026, which recognises individuals and solutions shaping the future of technology, AI, data science, and cybersecurity through originality, effectiveness, and tangible impact.

What inspired you to join the judging panel?

For Svitlana, joining the judging panel was an opportunity to help distinguish genuine innovation from noise. Working at the intersection of strategy, technology, and delivery gives her a dual perspective: understanding both the vision behind solutions and the realities of execution. She brings an evaluation lens focused not only on ideas, but also on rigour, feasibility, and the leadership required to deliver and sustain innovation in complex environments.

How does technology leadership contribute to global excellence?

Strong technology leadership and product-centric thinking are inseparable in creating meaningful innovation. While technical leadership aligns teams, resources, and execution, a product-centric mindset ensures solutions remain grounded in real user needs. According to Svitlana, the most impactful innovations come from leaders who understand both the “why” and the “how”, bridging technical sophistication with human relevance. This balance is what transforms promising ideas into globally recognised solutions.

What defines successful innovation at scale?

Successful innovation, she explains, is rarely about a single breakthrough. It is often the result of sustained decision-making, strong feedback loops, and disciplined execution. The innovations that deliver both operational efficiency and real-world value share common qualities: a clearly defined problem, continuous iteration, and usability that is never sacrificed for technical complexity. True innovation, in her view, makes people’s lives easier in practical, measurable ways while remaining sustainable for organisations to maintain and scale.

What do you look for when evaluating submissions?

When reviewing submissions for the Global Spotlight Awards, Svitlana looks beyond concepts or demonstrations and focuses on indicators of scalable, sustainable innovation in real-world conditions. These include adoption depth, how embedded a solution is within actual workflows; failure resilience, how systems perform under pressure; team independence, whether solutions can evolve beyond their original creators; and measurable ROI, reflected in independently verifiable improvements to efficiency, cost, or outcomes. She also values evidence of iteration, seeing refinement through real feedback as a key sign of credibility.

How can global platforms help drive greater inclusion in innovation?

For Svitlana, global awards platforms have a responsibility that extends beyond recognition. They shape what the industry values and who is seen as leading the future. By ensuring diverse judging panels, equitable visibility, and meaningful representation, platforms like the Global Spotlight Awards can help remove barriers and expand access to opportunity. As an advocate for women in technology and STEM, she believes inclusion is not about treating people differently, but about ensuring equal access to networks, stages, and credibility. Recognising underrepresented voices, she says, sends a powerful signal to the next generation that innovation belongs to them too.

Closing the Spotlight

Svitlana Samko’s perspective reflects a defining theme across the Global Spotlight Awards 2026 judging panel: innovation must be grounded in execution, impact, and long-term value.

Her focus on scalability, disciplined delivery, and inclusive progress highlights what separates ideas from outcomes. As the awards continue to recognise leaders shaping the future of technology, AI, data, and cybersecurity, insights like these ensure the judging process remains rooted in substance, accountability, and real-world relevance.

About the Global Spotlight Awards 2026

The Global Spotlight Awards recognise individuals and organisations delivering measurable impact across artificial intelligence, technology, data, and cybersecurity. The programme highlights innovation that solves real-world challenges, improves systems, and drives meaningful progress at scale. Through a clear and independent judging process, the awards showcase work that demonstrates strong execution, proven results, and lasting value. By recognising those setting new standards in innovation and performance, the Global Spotlight Awards contribute to a more advanced, secure, and data-driven global future.