A Journey from D.C. Politics to Tech at Microsoft episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 12, 2025 · 37 MIN

A Journey from D.C. Politics to Tech at Microsoft

from Tech in the Right Direction · host Jennifer Didier

Enjoy this podcast replay: This week on Tech in the right Direction, we’re joined by Kalin McKenna who joined Microsoft in 2011 leading the marketing efforts for Windows Phone and Surface devices, and later transitioning to the AI and Sustainability Market Development Team. Listen in to hear about Kalin’s journey from working in politics to joining the tech world, and her thoughts on the employment, pay and culture gap in the tech industry, how the industry is moving forward, and how discrimination plays a role despite these positive changes. Career Update: I am an award-winning marketing executive with strong customer obsession and 15+ years of experience leading strategy, execution, and high-performing teams. I believe in fostering team environments where team members feel empowered to share ideas, take calculated risks, and collaborate fearlessly. I believe customer centricity is the cornerstone of every successful marketing campaign and product success. I believe in the power of clarity, in leading with empathy, and in celebrating wins big and small. When not working you can find me chasing around my two young children, exploring the beauty of the pacific northwest, or seeking out an opportunity to dance. Kalin McKenna is part of the Lumen Technologies team.  She is Vice President brand, product and solution marketing and Analyst Relations. 

Enjoy this podcast replay: This week on Tech in the right Direction, we’re joined by Kalin McKenna who joined Microsoft in 2011 leading the marketing efforts for Windows Phone and Surface devices, and later transitioning to the AI and Sustainability Market Development Team. Listen in to hear about Kalin’s journey from working in politics to joining the tech world, and her thoughts on the employment, pay and culture gap in the tech industry, how the industry is moving forward, and how discrimination plays a role despite these positive changes. Career Update: I am an award-winning marketing executive with strong customer obsession and 15+ years of experience leading strategy, execution, and high-performing teams.I believe in fostering team environments where team members feel empowered to share ideas, take calculated risks, and collaborate fearlessly. I believe customer centricity is the cornerstone of every successful marketing campaign and product success. I believe in the power of clarity, in leading with empathy, and in celebrating wins big and small.When not working you can find me chasing around my two young children, exploring the beauty of the pacific northwest, or seeking out an opportunity to dance. Kalin McKenna is part of the Lumen Technologies team.  She is Vice President brand, product and solution marketing and Analyst Relations.

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A Journey from D.C. Politics to Tech at Microsoft

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This episode was published on August 12, 2025.

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Enjoy this podcast replay: This week on Tech in the right Direction, we’re joined by Kalin McKenna who joined Microsoft in 2011 leading the marketing efforts for Windows Phone and Surface devices, and later transitioning to the AI and Sustainability...

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