Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella outlined a commitment to increase diversity in representation and strengthen a culture of inclusion. We are fortunate to have two of the thought leaders helping to lead Microsoft's global channel inclusion strategy.
Karen Fassio is the Director and head of Microsoft One Commercial Partner Group and is responsible for digital partner experience and operations, scale partner engagement and channel inclusion strategy. She is also a Co-Founder of Women in Cloud and has oversight of many programs and associations such as the IAMCP, WIC and BPGI. Regina Johnson is the strategy lead for Microsoft’s Black Partner Growth Initiative, an initiative to increase Black representation within the Microsoft partner ecosystem.
Karen believes that as a company, Microsoft holds itself accountable for the kind of impact they want to make in the world, and that includes rethinking their infrastructure, security protocols, as well as their partner ecosystem.
Regina makes a point that you must first admit that there is a problem before you can truly solve or present a solution for diversifying key leadership or senior-level positions. She also believes that having honest conversations are a part of that first step. She makes it clear that for lasting change to take place, you must be ‘intentional’. This encompasses a foundational shift in both the mindset and culture of the organization.
Karen furthers this point by stating how opportunities could be lost and the overall organization affected, including their partner ecosystem, supply chain, and customer base, all because of a lack of true representation. She stated that organizations on this journey cannot just bring in a single minority or underrepresented leader, and then expect there to be a magnitude of impact. The challenge will be to bring in at a minimum 3 key leaders. We must go beyond a quota and bring in the very best talent into these senior-level positions.
We also ask Karen about her work with the Buck Leonard Foundation (www.buckleonard.org/) and to share about future growth initiatives. Please take a moment to listen to Episode 53: Leading a Campaign to rename the MVP, where we speak with Sean Gibson, the great-grandson of the legendary baseball player Josh Gibson.
Microsoft’s channel inclusion strategy is worthy of imitation. Learn more about their commitment by visiting https://aka.ms/partnergrowth and by emailing ptnrsupp@microsoft.com
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If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.
Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice.
Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.
Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.
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