Alumni Voices | Microsoft Alumni Voices

Hear stories that shaped the future

To honor Microsoft's 50 years, we are launching Alumni Voices with oral histories from 50 people representing pivotal periods across the five decades. The stories shared by these alumni take us through the early days, the Internet era, global expansion, and the innovation that drove the democratization of computing and changed the world. This is the first time such a collection of stories has been unveiled, and it's just the beginning. Join us on the journey and have a listen.

Windows

Brad Chase recounts his journey at Microsoft, starting in 1987. From his early days in sales to becoming a key player in the launch of Windows 95, Brad shares his insights on business strategy, the importance of making the right bets, and the transformative experiences that shaped his career. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic marketing campaigns and the evolution of Microsoft.

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Photo courtesy of Brad Chase

Rosie Perera was an early software design engineer at Microsoft, joining the company in 1985 and staying there for more than a decade, where she worked on Microsoft Word for Windows and Microsoft Money. Features she created are still used by millions of people every day. Rosie shares her fond memories of the creative atmosphere, working on a corporate campus, the culture during the company’s early days, excitement around Microsoft’s IPO and more.

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Photo courtesy of Rosie Perera

Brad Silverberg joined Microsoft in 1990 and is best known for his work on Windows 95. The Windows 95 project was guided by principles that emphasized building a modern, integrated, 32-bit reliable operating system that was easy and fun to use. Brad emphasizes the collaborative effort and the innovative spirit of the team that made it possible, transformed technology and changed the world.

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Photo courtesy of Brad Silverberg

International Expansion

Orlando Ayala shares his incredible journey from Colombia to becoming a key leader at Microsoft. Discover how he helped shape emerging markets, opened new subsidiaries, and championed technology's role in societal development. Hear firsthand about his pivotal moments, including standing up to leadership and driving Microsoft's mission to empower people globally. Don't miss this inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and impact.

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Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network

From his early days as a sales engineer to becoming the President and Executive Vice President of Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing, and Operations, Jean-Philippe Courtois shares his journey and insights of his 40-year career with the company. Discover how his passion for software led him from a startup in France to a global role at Microsoft. Learn about his leadership in shaping Microsoft's presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and his dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of curiosity and excellence world-wide. Jean-Philippe reflects on Microsoft's mission to empower every person and organization on the planet, and the impact of AI in transforming lives.

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Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network

From pioneering multimedia systems to driving the .NET platform, Sanjay Parthasarathy’s Microsoft journey is one of innovation and impact. Learn how he transformed India's tech landscape, balanced technology with empathy, and led Microsoft's global initiatives. This narrative showcases inspiring leadership and the role of humanity in technology.

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Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network

The Early Days

Steve Ballmer reflects on his remarkable 34-year career at Microsoft, from his early days alongside Bill Gates to leading as CEO. Steve shares how his passion for math, a chance meeting with Bill Gates, and a bold decision to join a small company in Seattle led to the creation of one of the most influential tech giants in the world. Through candid stories and key milestones, Steve reveals the principles and values that fueled his leadership and drive for excellence.

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Photo courtesy of Steve Ballmer

Bill Neukom reflects on his passion for justice and equality, and how it influenced Microsoft's legal strategies. As Microsoft’s general counsel, Bill navigated pivotal moments, including the company’s IPO, the landmark Apple litigation, and the formation of Microsoft's law department. Through stories of strategy, resilience, and groundbreaking decisions, Bill offers an inside look at how legal leadership shaped one of the most influential companies in the world.

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Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network

Bob O'Rear takes you on a journey from his humble beginnings in Wellington, Texas, to his groundbreaking work at Microsoft. Learn about his early days working with computer languages like BASIC, FORTRAN, and COBOL, and his pivotal role in developing the operating system for the IBM PC. Hear firsthand accounts of his experiences with Bill Gates and Paul Allen, and his contributions to establishing Microsoft's global presence. Don't miss this inspiring story of innovation, dedication, and success.

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Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network

Scott Oki shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to turning Microsoft into a global powerhouse. Scott's story explores how he shaped Microsoft’s international strategy and fostered a culture of bold ideas. Hear about the pivotal moments, strategic decisions, and relentless work ethic that defined his career. This candid interview offers a never-before-seen look into the life and legacy of this industry leader.

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Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network

Mark Zbikowski recounts his transformative years at Microsoft, where he played a role in shaping its early successes. From joining the company in 1981 to pioneering projects like DOS and OS/2, Mark shares how he helped build the foundation of one of the world's most influential tech companies. Hear about the challenges, innovations, and camaraderie that defined his career, and gain a deeper appreciation for his lasting impact on technology.

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Photo courtesy of Microsoft Alumni Network