#189: Microsoft, Circular Economy, and Leadership Principles

June 18, 2024
12:00 pm

In this episode, I interviewed Donna Warton, Microsoft’s CVP of Supply Chain and Sustainability. She shares insights from her career progression across finance, Motorola, and Dell and now leading the supply chain for Microsoft’s Windows and Devices division.

We also discussed Microsoft’s innovations in AI-powered devices, sustainability initiatives focusing on circularity and carbon reduction, practical applications of AI in supply chain management, and Microsoft’s cultural approach to change and how they are structuring teams to adapt to the fast pace of innovation.

Listen to the full discussion here:

Stream by clicking here.
Download as an MP3 here.

Connect with the Guest:

Donna Warton is the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Devices Supply Chain, responsible for managing the end-to-end supply chain for hardware, including Surface, Surface Hub, HoloLens, Xbox, Games, and Accessories. With double-digit business growth, Donna is leading a digital supply chain transformation to scale operations, drive customer satisfaction, and be a showcase for Microsoft. Over the last several years, the device business has become a core part of Microsoft’s strategy to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Questions I Asked:

What were the key moments in your career that made a significant difference, and why were they so impactful?
Can you provide a short commercial about the exciting new Microsoft products on the device’s side?
What are the highlights of Microsoft’s sustainability progress, particularly regarding circularity initiatives? How is Microsoft practically utilizing AI in its supply chain?
What is the significance of the cultural element in AI adoption at Microsoft, and how do you ensure people stay engaged?
Could you provide examples of how Microsoft structures teams and fosters a culture conducive to fast-paced change?
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to become senior executives?

Show notes:

[0:43] What were the key moments in your career that made a significant difference, and why were they so impactful?
[8:05] What are these exciting new products coming out of Microsoft on the devices side?
[10:07] Could you share some highlights from Microsoft’s latest report on your progress in sustainability and circularity, particularly on the devices side?
[15:31] Can you share your thoughts or wins from working closely with suppliers? How did that collaboration come about, and do you have any tips and tricks that our audience can learn from?
[19:05] How are you using AI practically in your supply chain?
[23:20] Could you explain the importance of cultivating a culture that embraces new tools and technologies, like copilot, and integrating them into daily work routines? Also, how do you balance the excitement around emerging technologies like blockchain and AI with a focus on achieving tangible results in the short term rather than long-term speculation?
[28:03] Do you have examples of simple yet effective strategies that have helped your organization adapt to rapid change?
[31:36] What advice would you give to young professionals entering the workforce if you were to share principles of success that could help them become seasoned executives in the future?

Quotes from the Episode:

“If you want to change an organization, you need to create the time and space for people themselves to get involved in the change. And once they’re convicted in the change, then they can lead others.”

“Leave every job better than you found it. Each job gives you an opportunity to learn and grow. And if you leave a job better than you found it, then you’re doing that.”

“If you don’t know it, learn it. You have to be willing to fail but you also have to be willing to just be open to new experiences and learn.”

“Don’t underestimate culture. Culture is a big part of your experience, and I think understanding culture and where you can thrive is important, especially early in your career.”

“It’s not work if you love what you’re doing. Trying to find something that you’re passionate about, where time flies by, and you’re fully immersed – that’s key. When you truly enjoy your work, it shows. Sure, there are aspects you may not like, but the difference it makes is immense.”

About the Host:

What a great discussion I had with Donna Warton. I am your host, Radu Palamariu, Group CEO of Alcott Global, working on C-level and top management executive search assignments with Top Fortune 500 companies and local conglomerates in value chains for manufacturing, logistics, transportation, supply chain management, and e-commerce and also the co-author of “From Source to Sold – Stories of Leadership in Supply Chain”.

Alcott Global provides Executive Search Solutions for key positions at all pillars of the end-to-end value chain: planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, and overall supply chain operations.

In our Makers & Movers face-to-face events, we bring together value chain executives to connect, collaborate, and innovate – a forum focused on business value creation.

Yearly, we celebrate and award the Top 30 Leaders in Supply Chain for their achievements in digitizing operations, decarbonization, and sustainability, as well as in creating a diverse and equitable environment for supply chain teams to thrive and excel.