Martina Vollmer’s Post

I started working at Microsoft in 2001, fresh out of college, and left in 2012. My biggest frustration back then was the stack ranking system, the lack of collaboration, and poor management. Even if you were doing great work, you could still end up at the bottom of the stack. Technical folks were promoted to management roles, but the human side of leadership was often missing. It felt more like a "favorites" game. There were no rewards for teamwork, so it was almost like a "Squid Game" where everyone did what they could to rise to the top. That was a long time ago, and now I hear Microsoft has evolved into a more collaborative culture under Satya’s leadership. Having worked on 4 different product teams, I know a lot of people from Microsoft, and it’s been interesting to see where their careers have gone over the last 23 years. About 25% of the people I worked with are still there and have reached partner/principal levels. The other 75% are now leaders in small to mid-sized companies, not always in tech. And it got me thinking—why did so many people move on? Three main reasons come to mind: 1️⃣ Work-life balance – Big tech isn’t always work-life balance friendly. While it works well in your 20s and 30s, priorities change as you get older. 2️⃣ Meaningful work – In big companies, you can sometimes feel like a small fish in a huge ocean. As we get older, many of us want to make a more direct impact, not just make money for someone else. 3️⃣ Limited growth opportunities – In big companies, as you grow more senior, the ladder gets narrower. A friend at Google for 20 years told me that at some point, you hit a ceiling because so many talented people are competing for just a few top roles. So, what do you think? Is staying at a big corporate company for 15-20 years still worth it? PS: The picture is from the 10-year anniversary party at Microsoft. The bar made out of ice was impressive at that time. #CareerGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #TechLeadership #Microsoft #MeaningfulWork #CareerDevelopment #BigTech #Leadership #GrowthOpportunities #CorporateLife

Last week marked my three-year anniversary at Microsoft. Reflecting on this journey, I've gained invaluable insights which I am sharing below: 1. Culture of Innovation: After spending 3 years here, I can safely say that nothing beats this company at its culture. I've had the freedom to explore new ideas and take risks in a respectful and encouraging environment. 2. Leadership and Support: The company's emphasis on employee well-being is evident in the approachable and supportive leadership. This is vastly different from many other workplaces where the lip service takes precedence over actions. 3. Unique Work Opportunities: Working on groundbreaking projects has been incredibly rewarding. The chance to build something from scratch and contribute to industry-first initiatives is unparalleled. 4. Continuous Learning: Microsoft's commitment to innovation keeps employees at the forefront of technological advancements. This constant exposure to new tools and trends has been instrumental in my professional growth. 5. Managing Complexity: While working at a global scale offers immense opportunities, it also presents complex challenges. Balancing cross-functional collaboration, managing ambiguity, and delivering results under pressure has been a valuable learning experience. I hope this overview would be helpful for individuals seeking roles in product-based organizations and understanding the challenges and rewards of such environments. Thanks.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Microsoft, I’ve come to learn the immense value of clear communication and the subtle nuances of unconscious bias. The culture here is robust, a nurturing ground for learning and an opportunity for profound personal transformation. On this day, a personal milestone intertwines with my professional narrative. Twenty-six years ago, my wife and I welcomed our son Zach into the world. His life, though tragically brief as we lost him on the third of May, has been a beacon of inspiration. Zach’s legacy urges me to savor every second, to relish each smile and laugh, and to embrace every chance for joy and connection. Today, I choose to share this intimate part of my story openly, stepping into the vulnerability that Microsoft’s culture has taught me to value. It’s a step towards healing, understanding, and fostering deeper connections within our world wide community as I continue to learn. As we continue to support one another in our individual and collective journeys, let us remember the lessons from the lives that touch us. Zach’s memory is a powerful reminder to make the most of every moment and to approach each day with gratitude and openness. I’m fortunate to be at Microsoft, where I can share this day with my teammates. We’re spending it at a school, sharing what Microsoft offers to the community. Later, we’ll strengthen our bonds through a team-building exercise—a bake-off competition. #MicrosoftCulture #PersonalGrowth #Openness #Vulnerability #TeamBuilding

Since joining Microsoft, I’ve heard the phrase “drinking from a fire hose” so many times and it couldn’t be more accurate. Starting in a new role comes with a flood of information, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the moving pieces. Early on, I realized how tempting it is to dive straight into the technical aspects of the job, products, technologies, and strategies while overlooking the importance of understanding the company’s & team’s culture. I’m learning that successful transitions require balancing both. It’s about taking the time to absorb not just the technical knowledge, but also the unwritten rules and relationships that drive a company forward. I’m grateful to be surrounded by mentors and colleagues who help me navigate this journey. For anyone stepping into something new, remember that success lies not just in mastering the hard skills but also in understanding the people and dynamics around you. Stay curious and embrace the learning process! #Microsoft #Leadership #Growth #NewBeginnings

Reflecting on last week's inaccurate media reporting of the 'death of D&I' at Microsoft, especially since it elicited a call from one of my brother's asking 'what was going on with Microsoft??', I feel compelled to share my thoughts. I have been at Microsoft almost 19 years now - and I can't begin to express how much this company has taught me about diversity & inclusion. I believe, and see it as part of my position on the leadership team, that D&I is the responsibility of every single person at this company. It isn't just 1 team that is in charge of it. And while I feel for the team that was impacted - it is important to note that every single person at this company has a commitment to improve the culture & D&I here - for the benefit of all employees and all customers. When you think about where a person would and should learn how to be inclusive and positively impact others & the culture around them, you think of the learning done under your parents, friends and family as you grow up. You think about the learning done in a school environment and how your religion impacts you and your behavior towards others. You don't really - or at least I didn't ever realize it - that the company you work for would be a HUGE part of this learning. The fact that Microsoft spends real dollars on the training they create for D&I - from covering to allyship, to diversity in hiring practices, to diversity & inclusion in the products we create for every single human on the face of this planet - the HOURS they require every person at this company to spend training on these real topics - it is hard to add it all up. But I know it has a made a difference for me and in me. And it is a large part of why I stay at this company, committed to the mission, committed to the people I work with every day, committed to doing good in the products we create for the world. Sorry for the long post. And again, I feel for the teams that were impacted. But please don't let that diminish the value and impact this company makes on D&I. #microsoftadvocate #microsoft #culture

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 Microsoft 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞. 👌 👏 😍 𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 ❤️ !!! 🫧 🏅 It was an incredibly insightful 🔥 experience, and I gained a much 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒓 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒐𝒇𝒕’𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒔. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. ( 2 questions I always wanted to ask about technological advancements answered precisely with absolute patience )♥️ 🌟 I appreciate learning about the company's approach to embracing innovation and advancing technology, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅. 🌟 The ordered discussions and an open conversation offered valuable perspectives on how to continuously evolve with technological advancements, and 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚’𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔. 💡 🌟 The depth of knowledge and experiences shared provided an inspiring view of the impactful insights and functionalities at Microsoft, and 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 !!! 🤞✌️ 💯 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 ❤️ 🔥 💯 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞. 🤝 🙌 🫶 Thank you once again for your time and for such a warm, informative conversation Microsoft . 😊 👍 #Microsoft #beginnings #insights #technology #impact #corporatelife #lifeatmicrosoft #advancements

Celebrating Microsoft: A Beacon of Innovation and Opportunity Working at Microsoft is more than just a career move; it's a privilege and a dream come true for many aspiring professionals. As one of the leading tech giants in the world, Microsoft has consistently set the bar high for innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. 😁 Innovation at Its Core: Microsoft is synonymous with cutting-edge technology and transformative solutions. From revolutionizing personal computing with Windows to advancing cloud computing through Azure, the company has been at the forefront of technological advancements. Working at Microsoft means being part of a legacy that shapes the future of tech, contributing to products and services that touch billions of lives globally. 👨💻 💻 Culture of Inclusivity: What sets Microsoft apart is its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. The company believes in empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. This ethos is reflected in its workplace culture, where diverse perspectives are valued, and employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. 👩👩👧👦 🌐 🖱 Professional Growth and Development: Microsoft offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth. With access to a wealth of resources, training programs, and mentorship opportunities, employees can continually enhance their skills and advance their careers. The company’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that every team member can stay ahead of industry trends and innovations. Making a Global Impact: At Microsoft, the work you do has a far-reaching impact. Whether it’s developing software that boosts productivity, creating tools that foster collaboration, or driving initiatives that address global challenges, employees have the chance to make a difference on a global scale. Microsoft’s philanthropic efforts and sustainability initiatives further amplify this impact, making it a company that truly cares about the world. A Privilege to Work Here: Joining Microsoft is not just about being part of a renowned tech company; it's about being part of a family that values your contributions and supports your aspirations. It’s a place where your ideas are heard, your skills are honed, and your potential is unleashed. For anyone passionate about technology and innovation, working at Microsoft is indeed a privilege. It’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger, to be part of a company that is changing the world, one innovation at a time. #Microsoft #Innovation #CareerOpportunity #InclusiveWorkplace #TechGiant #GlobalImpact #ProfessionalGrowth

🌟 Reflecting on an Inspiring Experience at Microsoft 🌟 I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend an event hosted by Microsoft, and it was truly inspiring! 💼💻 From engaging conversations with passionate professionals to insightful presentations about the company's innovative projects, my time at Microsoft left me feeling motivated and excited about the future of tech. 🚀 One of the most rewarding aspects was learning about the diverse career paths available at Microsoft. As a first-gen Mexican-American with a background in political science and navigating a seizure disorder that can make STEM fields more challenging, I found it especially empowering to see how the event showcased opportunities for individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences. Despite these challenges, I'm eager to pivot to data analytics, and the event showed me that this transition is possible. 📊 I had the pleasure of chatting with some truly inspiring individuals who left me feeling motivated and eager to pursue my dreams. Let me share a bit about the fantastic people I met: 🌟 Brendan Hancock's journey from working at Microsoft's retail stores to becoming a Principal Technical Architect is like something out of a movie! His story is a testament to how much Microsoft values talent and nurtures growth. 🎉 Samantha Falcucci blew me away with her achievements! Not only did she excel in her role as Senior Customer Success Account Manager at Microsoft Federal, but she also shared insights into the amazing work environment at Microsoft and the company's unwavering support for career pivots. 🚀 Taylor Ford O'Malley showed me that a career in tech is anything but boring! Her path to success proves that there's no one-size-fits-all approach in the tech industry, and I'm here for it! 💡 Ziwei (Sylvia) Deng Deng and Santiago Valdes shared invaluable advice on how to strengthen my data skills and leverage my transferable skills. Their guidance has given me a newfound confidence in pursuing a career in data analytics. 🔥 Shab J.'s passion for Microsoft's sales side was contagious! Her enthusiasm reminded me of the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in our work. Overall, my time at Microsoft was nothing short of amazing! I'm bursting with excitement for the future and can't wait to see where this journey takes me. Thank you to everyone I met for making this experience so unforgettable! 🌈 #Microsoft #Tech #CareerGoals #Inspiration #Diversity #Innovation #MicrosoftMagic #DreamJob #TechTales #InspirationOverload

🎉 Celebrating 4 Years at Microsoft! 🎉 Thank you for your Wishes! This Week marks a significant milestone in my journey at Microsoft, and I couldn't be more proud of the impact and growth I've experienced over the past four years. From leading innovative projects to collaborating with brilliant minds across the world, it's been an incredible ride. Learn it All!! 🚀 Key Highlights: Atscale Automation: Spearheaded the at scale, ensuring seamless Capacity and integration across various platforms. This initiative has significantly improved our operational efficiency (Multi Million $$) and reduced manual intervention with minimal investment. Delivering Platform Firmware: Successfully led the delivery of Hardware platforms supporting our new Azure VM SKUs that has positioned us at the forefront of AI innovation and customer success. Building High Performance Teams: Bootstrapped 4 different teams with amazing engineers (security firmware, At Scale automation, UEFI development, and FW deployment) built new capabilities, enhanced collective intelligence and applied 3-box strategy. Collaborative Leadership: Worked closely with cross-functional teams to drive impactful projects. These collaborations have fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Innovation 1 approved patent , Bootstrapping AIOps and GenAI firmware code generation strategy and plan. Mentorship and Growth: Mentored and guided team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. This has not only contributed to the team's success but also to my personal growth as a leader. 🌍 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: GLEAM Proposal: Co-authored the GLEAM Proposal, which aims to provide a supportive community for our Asian colleagues, share region-specific resources, and foster an inclusive environment. This initiative has enhanced engagement and well-being for our Asian employees and strengthened our global commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mentorship and Advocacy: Actively mentored and supported diverse talent within the organization, contributing to the development of a more inclusive workplace. This includes driving cultural transformation and championing diversity and inclusion efforts across various teams and projects. I am grateful for the support and opportunities provided by amazing Mentors, Engineers, colleagues and leaders. Here's to many more years of innovation, growth, and success at Microsoft! 🌟 #Microsoft #Anniversary #Innovation #Leadership #AI #CustomerSuccess #Diversity #Inclusion #Awards

Why I Aspire to Work at Microsoft 🌐 As I navigate my career journey, one company consistently stands out to me: Microsoft. Here’s why working at Microsoft is a dream of mine and why I believe it’s the perfect place to grow and make an impact: 1.Innovation at Its Core: Microsoft has a long-standing reputation for innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of technology. From pioneering personal computing to leading advancements in AI, cloud computing, and more, the company is at the forefront of technological evolution. I’m excited by the prospect of contributing to groundbreaking projects that shape the future. 2.Empowering Every Person and Organization: Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more resonates deeply with me. The company’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and making technology work for everyone aligns with my values and passion for creating positive change through tech. 3.A Culture of Learning and Growth: Microsoft fosters a culture where learning and professional growth are highly encouraged. The opportunity to work alongside talented individuals, access to vast resources, and the support for continuous learning make it an ideal environment for personal and professional development. 4.Global Impact: Microsoft’s products and services have a profound impact globally, influencing industries, businesses, and everyday life. Being part of a team that drives such significant change and innovation is incredibly inspiring and aligns with my desire to contribute meaningfully to the world. 5.Diversity and Inclusion: Microsoft is a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. The company’s dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone’s voice is heard and valued is something I deeply admire and want to be a part of. 6.Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Microsoft’s efforts in sustainability and social responsibility, from carbon-negative goals to ethical AI practices, reflect a strong commitment to making the world a better place. Being part of a company that takes these issues seriously is important to me as I consider the broader impact of my work. I am eager to bring my skills, passion, and dedication to a company that not only leads in technology but also stands for values that I believe in. Working at Microsoft represents an opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself, contributing to a future where technology empowers everyone. #Microsoft #CareerGoals #Innovation #Empowerment #Learning #Diversity #Sustainability #TechIndustry