9 Key Observations from meeting Microsoft Senior Leaders ??

"Trees grow root, not humans" - Ahmed Mazhari

In March 2022, I was nominated to attend the Early in Career roundtable with other Aspirers to meet with:

• Ahmed Mazhari, our President of Asia
• Vanessa Sorenson, Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand
• Steven Worrall, Managing Director of ANZ
• Sharif Khan, General Manager of HR for Microsoft Asia

My boss rang me up and asked whether I wanted to fly to Sydney now that Western Australia is open up. I was YASSS BOSSSSSS. After being with Microsoft for 2 years, it was my first time to meet our leaders who are high up in the organisation, visit the Microsoft offices in Sydney and see my colleagues in 3D. Beyond surreal ??.

The roundtable discussion was 45 mins which focused on the insights to make the onboarding experience of Aspirers (new grads of Microsoft) to the next level as well as improve the growth and retention of Early in Careers. As someone whose mind thinks of 80,000 thoughts in an hour, I did my best to ground myself in the present moment and cut out many distractions as possible. I printed out a note to remind myself the points I wanted to get across. I also jotted down notes so I could read and live this inspiring experience all over again.

I've recently read the note which crystalised my thoughts. And I'd to share words of wisdom and my observations on meeting leaders with high calibre like Ahmed, Vanessa, Steven and Sharif.

1. They learn and embrace new cultures to expand global awareness and worldview ??

Although travelling has become the new luxury during the pandemic, wherever possible we should learn and take in new cultures to cultivate richer life experiences and increased compassion instead of judgement. This reminds me of the time I left Thailand to live in France. My first time living in a foreign land and having homesickness plus culture shock when the French kissed me on my cheek and walked into my apartment with their shoes on. But I saw the world and learned so much about acceptance and beating discrimination.

2. They face challenges head-on to acquire new skills??

Ahmed shared his story of packing his bags and leaving India for Hungary without knowing what was the path ahead and not being able to converse in Hungarian but turned out it gave him the best opportunity to grow personally and professionally. The only way out is in!

3. They have conviction and advocate for what they believe in ??

I've been following Vanessa for a while now through social media and company Town Hall. I smile every time when she speaks Māori?and proudly present initiatives/projects coming out from New Zealand. Meeting her in person, I was fully convinced that she is an advocate and the driver of Diversity and Inclustion for Maori and Pacifica representation within technology and business.

4. They reciprocate ??

Ahmed shared one of his observations from travelling the world that regardless of culture and background, he found people are generally nice and helpful. People want to progress and they want to learn but remember they only do it when they're reciprocated.

5. They show us they care by listening and confirming their understanding ??

I love how Sharif was patiently listening to our feedback on the growth and retention of the Early in Careers. His response made me feel that our message was well understood because his first response was summarising and paraphrasing our feelings that weren't verbalised. It made me feel hopeful and looking forward to the solution in the making.

6. They let your energy introduce themselves?

Energy is what all the these leaders have in common! They radiate and I don't know how to capture it in words but the way they conduct themselves and tell stories move me as if they get me to vibrate on the same frequency as theirs.

7. They influence audiences through captivating storytelling ??

What I noticed from Ahmed is his ability to tell story - strategically and vibrantly. It connects and establishes trust at a speed of light as well as influences and inspires us to live the recent released #WorksForMe campaign. He told us about how he loves running and that he took Sharif for a run on the Sydney bridge the first day they got to Sydney despite their full-on travel schedules. My interpretation of his story was we adapt to the situation right in front of us and we do what works for us to become a high performer. Guess what? The next day I went for a 10km run first thing in the morning too :)

8. They are human too, just like us, only with more experience and a wider worldview ??

The idea of meeting big and important people gave me sweaty palms. I was excited, rushed and nervous. I lost my words. I read my notes all over again so that I made the most out of the opportunity to have a discussion with people who have excellently navigated through obstacles to be where they are. I admitted to them that I felt the psychosocial distance between Early in Careers and the leaders. Vanessa assured us that the door is open and she doesn't want us to feel that they were far away. And only then I realised leaders are just like us.

9. Honest feedback helps them make a difference ??

Sometimes I sugarcoat feedback because, as an Early in Career, EVERYTHING IS AT STAKE. Meeting people with titles got me thinking about there's no time to waste. Once in a lifetime kind of opportunity doesn't come by often... They can truly use power and influence to make a difference at the organisation level. My purpose of being there wasn't to please them but help them solve the problem by sharing insights from the ground and suggesting potential solutions. Today, I've also come to the conclusion that nothing should be at stake. I'm not a guest at Microsoft, I love this company. I own it as much as everyone else, with every small or big interaction/decision I have with customers and fellow Microsofties. It's mine and I can help make it even better.

I don't get to meet high calibre leaders every day and when I do I appreciate the opportunity to expand my worldview and think about why should anyone be led by me.

I THANK my fellow Aspirers, Geneve Estrada and Emily Ho for inviting me along and my bosses, Morgan Price and Bia Adib for giving me unique opportunity to experience and reflect on what type of leader I can aspire to be.