Dr. Sanja Cancar-Todorovic
Dr. Sanja Cancar-Todorovic is a globally recognized business executive and supply chain leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning the telecommunications, finance, and technology sectors. She currently serves as a Principal at Microsoft within the Global Commercial Cloud and AI Data Center Integration team, where she leads complex, large-scale supply chain initiatives supporting hyperscale and colocation data center projects. Her expertise includes data center integration, vendor and category management, third-party risk, and the strategic application of AI in business, positioning her at the forefront of innovation in cloud infrastructure and digital transformation.
Driven by a deeply personal mission to become the leader she did not have early in her career, Dr. Cancar-Todorovic has dedicated more than two decades to advancing female mentorship and leadership. Her work began in global supply chain, where she created opportunities to elevate women and minority-owned businesses, and has since expanded into global collaborations with nonprofit organizations, policymakers, academic institutions, and corporate leaders. A passionate advocate for diversity of thought and equal representation, she has worked tirelessly to increase the presence of women at senior leadership levels while fostering inclusive, forward-thinking environments across industries.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Cancar-Todorovic is highly accomplished academically, holding a Doctor of Business Administration along with multiple advanced degrees. She completed her doctorate while balancing a full-time executive career and family life, a testament to her discipline and resilience. A published author, keynote speaker, and award-winning changemaker, she continues to influence the future of leadership through her thought leadership in AI, cybersecurity, and organizational strategy. Through every facet of her work, she remains committed to empowering others, breaking barriers, and shaping a more inclusive and innovative global business landscape.
• Doctorate in Business Administration
• Capella University
Doctoral Degree, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a specialization in Strategy and Innovation
• Harvard Business School
Executive Education
• University of Victoria
• Wilfrid Laurier University
Leadership Program
• Lansbridge University
eMBA, Executive Master of Business Administration
• Post University
MM, Master of Management
• York University
BA (Hons), Honours Double Major Bachelor of Arts
• Canadian Society of Safety Engineering
Certified H&S Consultant - (CHSC) designation
• Women Changing the World Award (Americas)
• Women Changing the World Global Awards Finalist
• Female Mentorship and Leadership Development (25+ years)
• Partnership with Nonprofit Organizations for Female Entrepreneurs and Minority-Owned Businesses
• Collaboration with Policy Makers and Academia for Gender Diversity in Corporate Leadership
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, clarity of vision, and a strong support system. Completing my doctorate while maintaining a full-time career and being present for my family required discipline and intentional focus. I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my spouse and extended family, which made it possible to pursue my goals without losing sight of what matters most. Staying grounded in my vision and remaining consistent in my efforts has been key to navigating both personal and professional challenges.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to stay focused on your vision and not be distracted by external noise or detractors. There will always be opinions and barriers, but it’s important to remain confident in your path. Set clear boundaries early in your career to protect your time, energy, and well-being, as burnout is a real risk in high-performing environments. Equally important, don’t hesitate to ask for help—building and leaning on a strong support network is not a weakness, but a critical component of long-term success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most persistent challenges is the underrepresentation of women at the executive level, where in many cases, women still make up less than 30 percent of leadership roles. However, there is also a significant opportunity emerging with the rapid advancement of AI. AI has the potential to act as an equalizer, but only if we intentionally redesign traditional, often male-dominated processes and structures. Success in this space will depend not just on the technology itself, but on how we build human-centered systems and leadership approaches that enable it to thrive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are diversity of thought, equal representation, and a deep commitment to mentorship. I believe that innovation and progress are driven by inclusive perspectives and empowering others to succeed. I am also passionate about ensuring that technology remains human-centered, serving people rather than replacing them. Finally, maintaining clear boundaries is essential to sustaining both personal well-being and professional effectiveness, allowing me to show up fully in every aspect of my life.
