I haven’t worked for Microsoft for almost 20 years. And yet, over 2 days in September, I felt like I had my blue badge on once again.
I flew into Seattle and made the trip over to my old stomping grounds in Redmond for the inaugural gathering of former Microsoft employees from around the globe at the Microsoft Alumni Global Summit – CONNECT 23.
At the event, I was able to reconnect with old friends and learn from some of the world’s titans of industry, who had their own blue badges at some point. People like Jeff Raikes who once ran the Microsoft business division before becoming CEO of the Gates Foundation and ultimately creating his own private philanthropy with his wife Tricia and luminary visionaries like Bob Muglia, former CEO of Snowflake and author of the new book The Datapreneurs: The Promise of AI and the Creators Building Our Future.
At the Microsoft Alumni Global Summit, I spoke on a panel called Maximizing Social Impact and Investing joined by Mike Halvorson and Frank McCosker. We know that meeting today’s social and environmental needs requires innovative ideas and investment strategies. We discussed creative business solutions that maximize impact and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we highlighted large-scale investment opportunities, global development strategies, and upskilling for impact in higher education.
In preparation for my remarks, I jotted down my notes on the hotel stationary. Sometimes, trends move so fast, you need to capture the zeitgeist in motion.
Top 10 Trends in Sustainability
No matter which industries and themes are rising to the top in the sustainability conversation, the momentum has never been more powerful and the stakes have never been higher.
Looking to join in one of these initiatives to have an outsized impact? Contact me for opportunities to get involved with Earth Aid Live or the TEC Summit.