Ask Me Anything: Microsoft Execs Share their Experiences with Asian Youth

Have you ever wanted to ask a corporate executive exactly how they got their start? Wondered if they had any regrets? Or wanted advice on planning your career? This week, in partnership with the Microsoft Asia Citizenship team, 51 youth from five cities across Southeast Asia, specifically Hanoi, Ho Chi Min City, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Singapore, got the chance to do just that.

In the global launch of YouthSpark dialogue sessions called ‘Ask Me Anything’, two Microsoft executives, Rich Sauer, Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Legal & Corporate Affairs, and Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore, were connected via video call to young people across the region  to talk about their personal career journeys and to offer advice on education, being a manager, working in the IT industry, maintaining personal integrity, how to be successful and balancing work and family.

The audience was aged between 18 and 30 and are involved with various YouthSpark programmes such as Innovate for Good, YouthSpark grants, Imagine Cup, Microsoft Student Partners or hackathons. Singapore youth participated live at the Microsoft Technology Centre and Jessica stayed for an hour past the scheduled end of the event sharing her experiences.

Jessica’s advice included: “Recognise those who have helped you become successful.” And, “You have the power of choice when it comes to work-life balance.” She concluded by saying, “To succeed, remember these three things: the impact and influence you make, collaborate with colleagues and be confident in your ideas.”

Rich declared from the start, “Live a life of no regrets,” and explained that he has always kept himself open to new opportunities and takes them when he sees a chance to try something new that will enhance himself personally and professionally. He concluded by saying that, “There is no compromise when it comes to establishing your reputation based on trust and integrity.”

Thank you to everyone who participated in this first dialogue session!