Yippee!! We are In - that is what my team@Tepper (Colin, Deepthi, Seth, Sebastian and I) thought upon finding out that we had won the Microsoft Services Case competition.   Sure we were “In”, but little did I realize at that point what we were in for!!  From that moment on, I have undergone an amazing leadership development where I was continually exposed to Microsoft’s unique culture.  Sure, cracking an “ambiguous” case competition was fun, but the real eye-opener for me was the 4-day trip to Redmond where we got to work on another live business case, this time with live input from top management within the consulting (Services) arm. 

Having managed my own startup consulting operation before B-school, I was no stranger to real-world ambiguity and the importance of individual initiative in resolving that murkiness.  What was truly amazing to me was that Microsoft could replicate that initiative-driven startup culture at this order of magnitude.  How was that possible?  If you were expecting some mysterious modus operandi, then I am sorry to disappoint you, because it was really painfully simple.  Senior leaders guiding us on the case constantly challenged us on our ideas but then encouraged us to take ownership of our ideas (even the “crazy” ones) and run with them.  Empower Yourself- This is Microsoft!!    

There I said it, those two simple words that to me describe Microsoft to me like no others.   That simple notion resonated so well with me that I ended up interning with Microsoft LATAM Services this summer.  And every single day, I have found myself not just challenged but empowered.  You know why?  Because your boss or GM doesn’t come by to empower you – there is something in the air that helps you do it yourself.  Take charge and make it Your Way.  So what happens when you do that? Try going to a Leadership Development Meeting the second week of internship, as a Coach!!  

Keep tuned to find out where all this empowerment takes me over the summer J