Want to LEAD Like a Pro? Lessons from a Microsoft VP (EP 09, Ch 1)

Diana Gibson shares her extensive experience in organizational growth and capability building, particularly in tech-driven companies like Microsoft. She discusses the various strategies organizations can adopt when scaling, including acquiring new capabilities, building them internally, or partnering with other organizations.

Diana emphasizes the importance of integration planning, change management, and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout these processes. She also highlights common pitfalls that can lead to failure, such as lack of leadership buy-in and neglecting the human aspect of integration.

Key Topics

• Acquisitions often include integrating consulting and support services.
• Building capabilities internally requires careful planning and skill development.
• Partnerships can be more efficient than building capabilities in-house.
• Integration planning is essential for successful acquisitions.
• Technical skills can be taught, but customer-facing skills are crucial.
• Leadership buy-in is necessary to avoid friction during integration.
• Failing to manage change can lead to talent loss.
• The 'Not Invented Here' mentality can hinder organizational growth.

Guest

Diana Gibson is a retired Vice President of Microsoft Services and Customer Success, with a career dedicated to empowering people, delivering customer value, and driving business results through leadership and team development.

Diana currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Elevator 321, where she contributes her expertise in strategic growth and revenue enhancement.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Diana Gibson and Her Background
00:30 Building New Capabilities in Organizations
01:37 Risks and Rewards of Partnering
02:46 Lessons Learned in Integration and Change Management
04:26 The dangerous 'Not Invented Here' Mindset

Host

Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.

About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches

We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business.  We should talk.  Reach us at Elevator321.com.

#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales