EP 16 - Former Microsoft VP's Best Career Advice: Take Your Shot | Dametra Johnson-Marletti

In this episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I sit down with Dametra Johnson Marletti—former Microsoft Corporate Vice President, entrepreneur, board member, and community leader.After spending more than 24 years at Microsoft, rising from an individual contributor to Corporate Vice President of Digital Gaming, Dametra is embracing a new season of leadership through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community impact.Our conversation explores what it takes to build confidence, find your voice, navigate corporate leadership, and create opportunities for others. Dametra shares the lessons she learned from professional basketball, corporate America, executive leadership, and why believing you belong in the room can completely change the trajectory of your career.Today, she's redefining success by building businesses that serve people, investing in underserved communities, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and proving that leadership isn't about a title—it's about impact.If you've ever struggled with confidence, questioned whether you belong at the table, wanted to grow into leadership, or wondered what's possible after corporate success, this conversation is for you.IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:• Rising from entry-level employee to Corporate Vice President at Microsoft• Why you already deserve a seat at the table• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship• Transitioning from corporate executive to entrepreneur• Building a business that serves the community• Representation, legacy, and creating lasting impact• Reinventing your career after corporate successGUESTDametra Johnson MarlettiFormer Corporate Vice President, MicrosoftEntrepreneur | Board Director | Executive Leader | MentorConnect with Dametra on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetrajohnsonmarlettiCONNECT WITH MICHELLE'S SEAT AT THE TABLEInstagram:https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetableApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableLinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneySubscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for more conversations about leadership, executive leadership, career growth, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, sponsorship, corporate success, reinvention, confidence, community, and purpose.The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney