Her Story
About Michelle
I started out in banking ending as vice president in data and advanced analytics before the bank was bought by Citibank. In 1999 Microsoft tapped me and I built a deliberate career across IT organizations for tax HR Xbox and Professional Services then moved to product including the Xbox 360 launch team where I was featured as the Xbox mom in Working Mother Magazine. I delivered 2.5 billion dollars in projects became one of only five female CTOs out of 1800 at Microsoft and ended as CTO of Professional Services tax and modern finance overseeing work with the big four accounting firms. After a break I consulted via Technology Trailblazers LLC on AI strategy for companies like SC Johnson and ServiceNow before joining CDW to lead AI and automation platforms.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
Grit. Just living life and living through the hard times. My nickname was The Closer. Work hard but also take care of yourself never miss the mani-pedi.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
From my dad: your health is your wealth. Because if you're not well you can't do your job.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Women have to stop thinking they're an imposter in their industry. You're not. You got there for your skills not because you're an imposter. Never let anybody put you down because you don't have a piece of paper.
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