Muchiu (Henry) Chang, PhD. Cantab (Cambridge, UK)’s Post

"What are you thinking of doing after this role?". It was three minutes in to my first interview with Microsoft, and the question caught me off guard. Surely the answer is, "I want to do this role first", right? We all know and dread hearing "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" in an interview, but this time it felt different. What followed was both enlightening and harrowing, as the hiring manager took over half the interview to run through his own career development plan, his planned time to move, and which roles were next for him. Afterwards he again asked me: "What comes next?". This formed the foundation for what became my own lived truth: The best time to develop your career is while you’re happy and inspired in your current role. The best time to learn skills for what’s next is while you’re feeling fulfilled. The best person to own your career growth is you. Even today - I catch myself forgetting it. In a world where we're ruled by KPIs and leading indicators, QoQ growth % and RoBs, top line vs bottom line revenue - the day-to-day grind can be all encompassing. But the reality is that our impact is dictated by the most important thing of all: our own growth and development. I’m a constant - and unapologetically loud - voice for the importance of career development. I’ve been lucky over the last 20 years to have peers, managers, mentors, and friends help me on that journey; not by providing me answers but by holding me accountable and giving me a push or perspective where needed. There aren’t many companies in the world where you’re given a platform that not only facilitates career growth, but makes it an obligation fundamental to our mission: "To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more". The best time to start your growth is yesterday, the second best time is today. If you're ready to develop and build your career - I believe Microsoft can be the platform for you. Check our postings for your location at https://lnkd.in/gAAMb_w6, set the right Job Alerts, and I look forward to seeing you rise and thrive.

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

🎉 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

Every time I speak at a Microsoft event, it feels like reaching a new milestone, and this one promises to be no different 🙏🏼: In my NEW talk, “Irreplaceable,” I’ll encourage thousands of Microsoft’s new hires to embrace what makes them UNIQUE and leverage their individuality to drive innovation. At a company where creativity and diverse thinking are core to success, it’s not about fitting into a mold, but about standing out and bringing your authentic self to the table. By sharing my journey and insights, I will show how their personal quirks, perspectives, and strengths are their biggest assets, not just in their career but in shaping the future of technology. They’re not just another hire—they’re irreplaceable, and that’s exactly what Microsoft needs to lead the way forward.

🚀 Microsoft just changed hiring rules – no degree needed, just real-world experience! 💼💡 Spread the word and follow us to stay on top of all tech trends and insights from industry pros! 🔍💼 #TechIndustry #WomenInTech #JobTrends

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

When I left Microsoft, I had a bold vision: I wanted to build an impactful, big business with a small team. The conventional wisdom? Hire experienced professionals, and follow industry-standard practices. This approach didn’t resonate with me. Instead, I hired recent college graduates. No industry experience. No preconceived notions about how things "should" be done. I wanted to take a bunch of super-talented folks and train them and share with them the best practices I'd learned at Microsoft. I also wanted to share what they should avoid—things that can affect team culture or slow own our velocity. And it's worked out for us. We have a full-time staff of just 5 people. Every single one of those people is at the peak of their performance. I don't need to be available to them 24/7. We chat once a day to check if they need anything urgent and identify the most impactful tasks for the day. And because everyone is crystal clear on the vision, they're all highly motivated to achieve it. It's been an incredible journey so far—and we're just getting started.

On my first day at Microsoft, I didn’t even finish my sentence before I was shut down. "Whatever you want, the answer is no." Fight back? Risk making an enemy? Walk away and lose respect? Microsoft was under Satya Nadella’s leadership when I joined in 2016—but the cutthroat culture from the pre-Satya era still lingered. It was a gladiator pit where backstabbing wasn’t just common—it was the daily special. Trust? Forget it. Collaboration? A joke. Survival? Non-negotiable. Most new hires were either chewed up or joined the game. But I had a different plan. I didn’t fight harder—I played smarter. By flipping the system on its head, I not only survived—I thrived. And along the way, I learned how to turn office enemies into allies, earning the nickname: "People Whisperer." If you’re stuck in a toxic workplace, you can thrive too—even when the knives are out. I break it all down in my latest newsletter post: How to Survive (And Thrive) in a Toxic Workplace. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/g5Fqj_uZ

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

Special moments #3: This time its from my #microsoft journey I joined Microsoft after a long stint at my previous company. I was definitely getting out from my comfort zone. Product was different, People around me changed and expectations were different. While I was navigating this chaos in the initial couple of weeks, I was asked to present our product's achievements and roadmap to the extended PM group. I had two options at this point - 1️⃣ Give away the opportunity stating am too new to take this ownership 2️⃣ Accept the opportunity. It helps you to announce yourself at your workplace. I chose the later as it helped me in so many other ways - 1️⃣ Motivated me to learn about the product, competition and other research. 2️⃣ Helped me to connect with my peers and my seniors much faster. 3️⃣ Allowed me get the confidence needed to start my job on a positive note. Whenever you get a new assignment - a project to lead, deliver a presentation or meet a customer - Its upto you to take it as an opportunity or decline it thinking it as a burden! #microsoft