Verizon's former CEO wrote a supportive letter to the 13,000 employees recently laid off.

In an emotional LinkedIn post, former Verizon Business CEO Tami Erwin acknowledged that Verizon must advance its technology to effectively compete in the U.S. wireless market. T-Mobile recently overtook Verizon in subscriber numbers, becoming the nation's largest wireless provider after starting as the weakest of the major carriers.

Erwin stated that while "technological advancement is needed" at Verizon, "Technology doesn't transform a company. People do," emphasizing that "people remain the heart of every great company." Her comments come after recent Verizon news, alluding to the company's recent layoffs. Erwin, who began as a customer service representative and rose to CEO of Verizon Business, is particularly attuned to these issues.

Addressing the laid-off employees, Erwin wrote, "To those impacted...Give yourself permission to grieve. A job is identity, relationships, pride. Losing it is personal." She offered encouragement to the 13,000 affected individuals, saying, "Your Verizon experience is meaningful and will open doors."

Reflecting on her own career, Erwin shared, "After three and a half decades, my love for Verizon hasn't faded...your next chapter will be equally as fulfilling!" She advised those who lost their jobs to "Hold your head high...Build a framework for your next chapter-and go forth and conquer."