Harish Vellat’s Post

As the year comes to an end, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey 2023 has been as we get ready for the new year. It has been a year of unprecedented challenges, uncertainties, and hardships, but also a year of resilience, adaptation, and innovation.  The past year has been full of highs and lows, successes, balanced with learning moments. An area that I’ve been trying to be more deliberate around in 2023 is the practice of self-reflection with family, health, career, and personal development. Research published by Harvard University shows that employees performed 23% better after only 10 days of practicing reflection at the end of their working day. If we can improve work performance by 23% after 10 days of reflection, can you imagine what you could do in a year – and how that can be amplified when balanced on self-reflection on areas outside of work? While a work in progress, this is something I plan to continue into the new year. I would like to take a moment to share with my professional network one success that I am particularly proud of over the last year. Earlier this month, I was honored with a Microsoft Americas Manager of the Quarter Award. I continue to feel deeply humbled, fortunate and proud to be part of Katy Brown’s leadership team, and the Microsoft family. In my 28+ years at Microsoft, this is the only award that I shared with my parents and extended family 😊   May 2024 bring everyone more joy, more peace, and more success. Wishing everyone a prosperous and rewarding 2024! https://lnkd.in/g-ENha2x

🚀 Leadership Shift at Microsoft: A Look Back at Bill Gates' Decision 🚀 📅 Date: January 13, 2000 🌐 #OnThisDay in Tech: Twenty-three years ago, a significant shift occurred in the tech world that would shape the future of one of the industry's giants, Microsoft. On January 13, 2000, Bill Gates, the visionary co-founder and chairman of Microsoft, took a step that marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the company. Gates decided to step aside as chief executive, entrusting the reins of Microsoft to Steve Ballmer, the then company president. 🔍 Why It Matters: This transition was more than just a change in leadership; it symbolized a strategic shift in Microsoft's journey. Gates, known as a trailblazer in software development, assumed the role of "chief software architect." In this capacity, he continued to drive Microsoft's technological vision until June 2008, when he stepped back from day-to-day responsibilities to focus more on philanthropic efforts. 🌟 Bill Gates' Legacy: Gates' decision to step aside wasn't an exit but a strategic move to foster new leadership while still guiding Microsoft's innovation. His continued role as chairman of the board and later as a technology advisor reflected his enduring commitment to the company he co-founded. 🔗 Steve Ballmer's Leadership: Under Ballmer's leadership, Microsoft witnessed significant growth and expansion, embracing new technologies and market trends. Ballmer's tenure was marked by efforts to diversify the company's product line and delve into areas like cloud computing and entertainment. 💡 Reflection: The leadership transition at Microsoft reminds us of the importance of evolving leadership in tech companies. It shows how fresh perspectives can drive growth and innovation while maintaining a connection to the founding vision. As we reflect on this pivotal moment in tech history, let's celebrate the foresight and strategic planning that have made Microsoft a continual force in the tech industry. #Microsoft #BillGates #SteveBallmer #TechLeadership #Innovation

What do inclusive initiatives look like where you work? Organizations are quietly shutting down their DEIB initiatives, and I'm curious about the next phase of this. Microsoft recently laid off its DEIB team and cut funding. Many leaders who were vocal about DEIB in 2020 have shifted gears. This is a trend I've noticed in conversations with executives and leaders. We can still source inclusive talent, build programs that highlight our diverse teammates, and invest in people. This is great for individuals and for business...I still believe that diverse teams win more deals. I’d love to hear from you: What do inclusive initiatives look like where you work?

🚀 Satya Nadella, the visionary CEO of Microsoft, opened up about the moment he was asked to lead the tech giant. 😮 When a board member popped the question after Steve Ballmer's departure, Nadella's response was a humble one. He said he'd take the role as Microsoft's CEO only if it aligned with the board's vision and goals. 🤝👔 💥 Reflecting on that pivotal time, Nadella revealed that Ballmer's exit came as a genuine surprise to him. 🌟 Leadership born out of a commitment to the greater good! 🌐👏 #MicrosoftCEO #LeadershipJourney #SatyaNadella #SatyaNadella #satyanadella 

"Nokia's Big Lesson: Changing Keeps You in the Game 📱💡" Once upon a time, #Nokia was a big, respected company. But one day, during a big announcement that they were being bought by #Microsoft, the #Nokia CEO said something sad yet true: "We didn't do anything wrong but somehow, we lost." Nokia didn't do anything wrong in their business, but the world changed really fast. Their rivals became super strong, and Nokia couldn't keep up. They forgot to learn and adapt. That's why they missed the chance to make lots of money and stay alive in the business world. This story teaches us something important: if you don't change, you might get kicked out of the competition. It's okay if you don't want to learn new things. But if you don't change the way you think and do things, you might disappear. The bottom line is this: what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Even if you're not doing anything wrong, if your competitors do things better, you can lose. Changing and getting better gives you a chance to stay in the game. But if you're forced to change because you didn't keep up, it's like being thrown away. People who refuse to learn and grow will eventually become useless in their field. They'll learn this lesson the hard way and pay a big price. So, remember: Change is key. Keep up, or you might fade away in a world that's always changing. #Nokia #Microsoft #ChangeIsKey #AdaptOrDisappear #BusinessLessons #EvolveToSurvive #KeepLearning #StayRelevant #IndustryShifts #CompetitiveEdge #BusinessEvolution #TechIndustry #AdaptabilityWins #EmbraceChange #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipLessons #TechEvolution #DigitalTransformation #InnovationCulture #Adaptability #CorporateLearning #IndustryInsights #FutureOfWork #BusinessDevelopment #TechTrends #MarketShifts #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #SuccessMindset

A great example of the need for constant innovation. As with Nokia, you don't even have to do anything wrong - but if your competitors find new and improved ways to move forward, whilst you are standing still - you will become redundant. "the advantage you had yesterday, will be replaced by the trends of tomorrow" There are few better examples of this than those of us in the 90's who thought playing "snake" was the height of phone technology - unfortunately that was actually the case for Nokia and they were soon left behind by Apple and Samsung. When Microsoft can't turn things around, you know it's beyond help! But innovation doesn't just relate to those that reside in Silicon Valley - many companies fail to give it the time and resources it needs, believing it to be mainly tech related, or worse still, not as relevant to companies outside the tech industries. Systems and processes are only as effective as the people who use them, and a strong business will spend as much time and effort innovating it's people as much as it does it's software. Innovation is the foundation for growth across all sectors - and applies to everything that makes a business what it is. The attitude and mindset of your people is the spearhead for all innovation.

Powerful and poignant reflection by Nokia's CEO. This story serves as a stark reminder that in today's dynamic business landscape, adaptability is key. The pace of change can be unforgiving, and companies must continuously evolve to stay relevant. The call to embrace learning and change as a means of self-improvement is not just a corporate lesson but a life lesson. The wisdom shared here is a valuable guide for anyone navigating the waves of change in their professional journey. Merid Tullu Gemechis Ejeta Hambisa Kenna Teferi You may need to read this! #change #technology #dynamic

In fact, Innovation and adaptation are crucial for businesses to remain competitive, especially in industries that undergo significant advancements. Companies that fail to keep up with changing market demands and technological trends may find themselves at a disadvantage. This is the lesson which we can learn from Nokia.

Here's a great 3 minute video that includes some of our customers. Microsoft and our own MVP's explaining why you need #Ergo for your Dynamics, Copilot & BI requirements. #Ergo has won the #Microsoft Partner of the year award for the 6th time because we are recognised by both Microsoft & our customers as being able to successfully deliver complex and enterprise solutions. Reach out to understand why we should be your partner of choice #Ergo #Microsoft #Dynamics #365