66 | Leadership Through Adversity | Encouragement, Gratitude, & Uplifting Others

Today's episode is a Simply Tech LIVE interview recorded February 25th, 2021, featuring my co-host Ali Mazaheri, and our very special guest, Katy Brown, Vice President of US Enterprise for the West Region, at Microsoft.Both Ali and I have shared the distinct pleasure of working with Katy and her senior leadership team professionally at Microsoft, but in preparation for and execution of this very discussion, we had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Katy on a more personal level, and to really understand her own journey of overcoming adversity, and how it has shaped her as a leader.The discussion will cover everything including hard decisions Katy had to make to take better care of her teams and people in the wake of the pandemic, as folks had to really show up more than they ever had for their customers, partners, and families. We will discuss Katy's reflections and adjustments in how she has been taking care of herself and showing up as her best self across the past year, as well as some guiding learnings and perspectives she has developed while navigating through challenges in her personal life.We are so happy to deliver and share a truly, special episode with all of you - we all need to hear more voices of vulnerability, courage, and strength, as we continue to help each other navigate very challenging moments as we move through life and adapt, struggle, and learn through our individual journeys.  Key Takeaways:[09:23] Organizational changes and continuous evolutions in the new normal for the future of work across Katy’s teams at Microsoft.[11:09] Katy’s opinion on the change in the customer landscape due to the Pandemic, and how Microsoft has risen to meet customer and partners with empathy.[13:03] Adapting to changes in environment, stress, and work life harmony - how Katy manages her time efficiently as a leader in the new normal.[17:50] New paradigms for how organizations can give time back to their employees, while increasing productivity and reducing work related stress during a challenging year – Katy’s decisions and perspectives around empowering her organization adopt new ways of working.[18:45] General guidance to maintaining a healthy work and life balance while working remotely.[21:32] The deep life experiences that have shaped Katy as a leader: the importance of co-dependency of courage and vulnerability.[26:21] How to embrace, support, and empower others in ways that guide them to their best selves.[29:41] Katy’s mindset for sharing challenging moments in her life, and how those stories can redefine how others approach their own journeys, to help shape them into stronger versions of themselves. [32:03] The incredible opportunity that presents itself, when someone reaches out from a place of struggle – the opportunity to make a lasting impact in their life. Memorable Quotes[21:42] “I believe that you are shaped as a leader through the experiences that you have in your life. Some good and some hard.“ - Katy Brown[30:40] (on talking about her experiences with others) “It starts with taking small steps. It starts with being authentic. It starts with being vulnerable, which leads to being courageous. And then I think It is an opportunity for me to give back and if I could just help just one other person, then that goes a long way.” - Katy Brown Resources: Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyabrown/ Dare to Lead by Brené Brown: https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/  *The views and opinions expressed in this discussion are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official position of their employer, Microsoft"  ____ Thank you for listening!  -------------------------------- Join the **New Monthly Newsletter** -  Data Binge REFRESH: https://www.derekwesleyrussell.com/newsletter   Interested in starting your own podcast? Some candid advice here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-start-podcast-3-step-gono-go-beginners-guide-derek-russell  Learn more about the Data Binge Podcast at www.thedatabinge.com   Connect with Derek:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekwesleyrussell/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN1c5mzapLZ55ciPgngqRMg/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drussnetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drussnetwork Medium: https://medium.com/@derekwesleyrussell Email: [email protected]