Hear stories that shaped the future
To honor Microsoft's 50 years, we are launching Alumni Voices with oral histories from 50 people representing pivotal periods across the five decades. The stories shared by these alumni take us through the early days, the Internet era, global expansion, and the innovation that drove the democratization of computing and changed the world. This is the first time such a collection of stories has been unveiled, and it's just the beginning. Join us on the journey and have a listen.
Philanthropy
As Microsoft’s Senior Director of Community Affairs, Akhtar Badshah helped transform the company’s approach to philanthropy. Akhtar championed programs like Dollars for Doers and the Employee Giving Campaign, empowering employees to support causes they care about through both donations and volunteerism. His leadership unified disparate efforts into a global movement, fostering a culture where empathy and innovation go hand in hand. Akhtar’s vision reframed giving at Microsoft—not just as writing checks, but as showing up in communities and leveraging technology for real impact. Today, he helps others to have a “purpose mindset” and continues to change the world.
Photo courtesy of Akhtar Badshah
Campus
Lisa Brummel’s 25-year Microsoft career is a masterclass in curiosity, courage, and connection. From her early days in product development to an unexpected pivot into HR leadership, Lisa shares how she helped shape Microsoft’s culture—one listening tour, whiteboard session, and bold idea at a time. In this candid and inspiring Microsoft Alumni Voices story, she reflects on the power of people, the evolution of technology, and the legacy of learning that defined her journey. Watch now to hear how a floppy disk sparked a career—and how a putter sealed her next chapter.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Brummel
Office
From drying silverware at his family’s Boston restaurant to becoming Microsoft’s Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Capossela’s journey is a masterclass in humility, hustle, and heart. In this episode of Microsoft Alumni Voices, Chris reflects on his 32-year Microsoft career—from driving a U-Haul across the U.S. to demo Office, to working alongside Bill Gates, to helping shape the company’s cultural and cloud transformation under Satya Nadella. Hear how a waiter’s instinct to read the room became a leadership superpower, and why Chris believes the best legacy isn’t a name on a product, but the people you help rise.
Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network
Customer Ecosystem
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
Microsoft Research
Dennis Adler played a pivotal role in shaping Microsoft's iconic products like Windows 95 and TrueType. From his early days in Los Angeles, Dennis shares his journey to working at Microsoft and “smoke jumping” from challenge to the next to solve problems and advance many of the company’s products to his final role in Microsoft Research.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Adler
Internet
John Ludwig shares his journey from Ohio to becoming a key figure at Microsoft. He started at Microsoft in 1988, initially working on network products before moving to the Windows group. John played a significant role in developing Windows 95 and Internet Explorer, contributing to Microsoft's success in the PC and internet markets. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of these projects, including the rapid growth of the browser team and the competitive landscape with Netscape.
Photo courtesy of John Ludwig
Windows
Brad Chase recounts his journey at Microsoft, starting in 1987. From his early days in sales to becoming a key player in the launch of Windows 95, Brad shares his insights on business strategy, the importance of making the right bets, and the transformative experiences that shaped his career. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic marketing campaigns and the evolution of Microsoft.
Photo courtesy of Brad Chase
International Expansion
Orlando Ayala shares his incredible journey from Colombia to becoming a key leader at Microsoft. Discover how he helped shape emerging markets, opened new subsidiaries, and championed technology's role in societal development. Hear firsthand about his pivotal moments, including standing up to leadership and driving Microsoft's mission to empower people globally. Don't miss this inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and impact.
Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network
The Early Days
Steve Ballmer reflects on his remarkable 34-year career at Microsoft, from his early days alongside Bill Gates to leading as CEO. Steve shares how his passion for math, a chance meeting with Bill Gates, and a bold decision to join a small company in Seattle led to the creation of one of the most influential tech giants in the world. Through candid stories and key milestones, Steve reveals the principles and values that fueled his leadership and drive for excellence.
Photo courtesy of Steve Ballmer
