Her Story
About Katia
Katia Cavalcanti is a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, where she leads one of the company’s most impactful internal governance initiatives, serving over 190,000 users globally. With over 15 years of experience in enterprise transformation, Katia brings deep expertise in compliance, change management, and digital strategy. Her current role centers on enabling secure and compliant collaboration across Microsoft through scalable solutions powered by AI, automation, and data-driven insights. Known for her clarity, influence, and empathy, she guides a cross-functional team of 55 in reshaping governance models to balance user experience with operational rigor.
Before joining Microsoft, Katia held senior leadership roles across Latin America's top firms, including NEORIS, Bayer, and Embraer. At Neoenergia, she led a $14M IT portfolio, delivering the first SAP HANA utility implementation in the Americas. Her early career laid the groundwork for her reputation as a turnaround expert—recovering complex, high-risk projects with precision and purpose. Katia holds an MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas and is a certified PMP. Driven by a passion for digital ecosystems that uplift and empower, she continues to champion transformation that is as inclusive as it is innovative.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to continuously building knowledge and staying curious, which has allowed me to adapt, grow, and lead effectively throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to persevere—success often comes to those who remain committed, even when the path gets challenging.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Make imposter syndrome your friend, not your enemy—it means you’re growing, pushing boundaries, and stepping into spaces where your voice and perspective are needed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating a male-dominated environment, which also presents an opportunity to pave the way for greater inclusion, representation, and diverse leadership.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the values most important to me in both work and personal life is strengthening my personal brand—staying authentic, consistent, and intentional in how I show up and lead.
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