In this exclusive interview, Charles Stevens shares how one conversation with Steve Ballmer changed everything. Charles reflects on his 22-year career at Microsoft, beginning in 1984 as a product manager for Microsoft Word. He played a pivotal role in launching and growing Microsoft Office, leading the creation of Access, and expanding Enterprise Sales globally. His leadership extended to running Microsoft’s Far East operations, where he championed localization and cultural integration.
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Michelle September is a trailblazer who rose from apartheid-era South Africa to become a global leader at Microsoft. In this interview, Michelle shares how curiosity, resilience, and a passion for public service shaped her career—from her first IT job to influencing government policy and empowering communities through technology. She testifies about the transformative power of opportunity, the enduring impact of mission-driven work and lifting others as you rise.
Photo courtesy of Michelle September
