Microsoft Spotlight Podcast

The Microsoft Spotlight shines brightly today as it welcomes Rakhi Sachdeva, a dynamic force within Microsoft. Hailing from a background rich in culture and tradition, Rakhi's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of familial influence. Born into a family deeply rooted in values, Rakhi credits much of her success to the strong model provided by her mother. Her mother's unwavering support and guidance molded Rakhi into the driven individual she is today, instilling within her the belief that no dream is too grand to pursue. Rakhi's path to the United Kingdom where she now resides with her husband and young child comes from an arranged marriage. Far from her familiar surroundings, she embraced this new chapter with an open heart, navigating the challenges of adaptation and cultural integration with grace and poise. Her journey didn't stop there. With a thirst for knowledge and a passion for technology, Rakhi found her calling within the realms of Microsoft. Rising through the ranks, she now stands as a beacon of inspiration, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in the male-dominated tech industry. Through her story, Rakhi Sachdeva exemplifies the transformative power of embracing change, the importance of familial support, and the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to chase their dreams, no matter where they may lead.

Tune in to a special episode of the Microsoft Spotlight podcast as we honor International Women's Day by featuring a remarkable guest, Umayal Palaniappan from Rolls Royce. In this inspiring episode, Umayal takes us on a journey from her roots in Malaysia to her current role in Derby, reflecting on her impressive 19-year career with the prestigious company. Join us as Umayal shares insights, challenges, and triumphs from her professional journey, offering valuable perspectives on leadership, diversity, and breaking barriers in the corporate world. This episode serves as a tribute to the achievements and contributions of women in technology and beyond, celebrating their resilience, innovation, and determination. Don't miss this empowering conversation with Umayal Palaniappan, as we amplify her voice and recognize her outstanding accomplishments on this International Women's Day.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Microsoft Spotlight podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Rachel Irabar, a remarkable individual with a unique journey from her native Nigeria to the picturesque island of Malta. Rachel brings to light her experiences and insights into the dynamic world of the Microsoft Student Ambassador program, showcasing her deep affection for the Microsoft community. Tune in as Rachel shares her story, her passion for technology, and the transformative impact of being part of a global network dedicated to innovation and collaboration. Join us as we delve into Rachel's inspiring narrative and uncover the invaluable contributions she makes to the tech ecosystem. You won't want to miss this enlightening conversation! For more information on the Microsoft Student Ambassador program, visit https://mvp.microsoft.com/studentambassadors.

Dive into the heart of innovation with Chris Wheeler, a Senior Technical Specialist at Microsoft, as he takes center stage in the latest installment of the Microsoft Spotlight series. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of southwest England, Chris's journey into the dynamic realm of Information Technology.In his candid interview, Chris unveils the path that led him from his upbringing in the southwest of England to his esteemed position at Microsoft. Along the way, his passion for technology was ignited, propelling him toward a career dedicated to driving innovation and transformation within the industry.However, what truly sets Chris apart is his unwavering commitment to championing diversity and inclusion, particularly through his support for Women In Tech initiatives within Microsoft. Embracing a "mentor to one, mentor to many" approach, Chris has played a pivotal role in empowering and uplifting women in the tech community, serving as a guiding light and source of inspiration for countless individuals.Through his dedication to fostering talent and nurturing a culture of support and collaboration, Chris embodies the values of inclusivity and empowerment that are at the core of Microsoft's mission. His belief in the power of mentorship to effect meaningful change underscores his efforts to create a more diverse and equitable tech landscape, one where every voice is heard and valued.Join Chris Wheeler on the Microsoft Spotlight as he shares his insights, experiences, and vision for a future where diversity is celebrated, and opportunities abound for all who dare to dream and innovate in the world of Information Technology.

Step into the dynamic world of IT with Peter Rising, a trailblazer in the field, as he takes center stage in the 2023 Microsoft Spotlight. In a captivating interview, Peter shares his remarkable journey into the realm of Information Technology, shaped by a Women In Tech at his first organisation. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, he has actively recruited and mentored a significant number of talented women at Insight, contributing to the empowerment and representation of women in the tech industry. As a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience, Peter Rising not only excels in his role at Insight but also extends his influence to the online realm as a prominent YouTuber. With a keen focus on Microsoft content, his YouTube channel is a treasure trove of valuable insights, tutorials, and expert commentary. Whether you're an IT enthusiast, a budding professional, or someone looking to enhance their Microsoft skills, Peter's channel is a go-to destination for engaging and informative content. In the interview, Peter generously shares his expertise on crafting standout CVs, offering invaluable tips for those navigating the competitive landscape of the IT job market. His commitment to fostering talent and promoting inclusivity echoes not only in his hiring practices but also in his dedication to providing resources that empower individuals to stand out in their professional journeys. Join Peter Rising on the Microsoft Spotlight as he unravels the layers of his inspiring career, sheds light on the impact of Women In Tech, and imparts practical advice for those aspiring to make their mark in the ever-evolving landscape of Information Technology. Whether through his thought-provoking interviews or his engaging YouTube channel, Peter continues to be a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in the world of IT.

In our final episode of 2023 we were joined by Alejandra Leon, industry Solutions World-wide Delivery Lead  @Microsoft  in Australia.

In today's episode, Andrew interviewed Harpreet Kaur, a Principal Technical Program Manager from Microsoft. In this episode, we discussed her move from India to the United States with her husband and young child and her side hustle as a Speaker/Career Coach.

In today's episode, Andrew was joined by Priyanka Sharma from Microsoft. This was her very first time speaking on a podcast episode and she was incredibly nervous but once we got going the conversation was very natural. Priyanka talks about her move from her native India to the UK and childcare challenges as her support network from family is back home in India.

In today's episode which was recorded a while ago but we seem to have lost the recording for some time. We welcome our biggest fan Areti Iles to the show. Areti is now Head of Professional Service at Incremental Group and knows for about our podcast history than Andrew/Jon together.

In today's episode we are joined by Onyinye Madubuko, she is a Consultant in Modern Workplace at Avanade Irelands. Onyinye shares with us her drivers for moving from her native Nigeria to Ireland and the reasons why she got involved in the Microsoft Community. Note: