On May 19th, ITAC’s leadership series featured Women at Microsoft. A panel of speakers in different stages of their careers offered their perspective on today’s challenges, embracing technology, and pushing the boundaries.
Moderated by Microsoft Canada’s Director of PR Chitra Anand, the panel included:
Laurie Roseland-Barnes, Director, Central Industry
Reemah Khalid, National Account Executive
Katia Houbiguian, CMO Lead
Róisín Bonner, Social Media Lead
Hilary Burt, Audience Evangelism Manager
These inspirational speakers talked about the opportunities in today’s industry. Laurie discussed how the fast-pace changes in market trends have created a need for constant innovation, resulting in an openness and acceptance to new ideas that have positively changed the way we work with people. Laurie also touched on the importance of work-life balance and keeping in line with your core values. Key success indicators are doing something you enjoy, and feeling like you have an impact and are making a difference.
Reemah referenced the democratization of technology and how it has enabled us to do 
more than we’ve ever done before. In her gracious and well-articulated manner, she also shared that regardless of technology, nothing will ever replace human connection. Face-to-face and in-person relationships allow for more effective collaboration and next-level success.
Róisín discussed embracing unexpected opportunities and how this can lead to professional development and success. She originally started her career in writing and content creation but acted on an opportunity to help out on the digital side of the business learning about and implementing programs and systems like CSS and HTML. She discovered that she loved this new realm, and she eventually gained the knowledge and confidence to pitch a digital content plan which led to her role today as social media lead at Microsoft. Katia also talked about seizing the moment and following through on what you believe in which has led to no regrets for her both personally and professionally.
Hilary feels that the sky is the limit at Microsoft where she’s able to express and assert her opinion, as well as feel part of a collaborative team. She feels the biggest boundaries are the ones we impose on ourselves.
The lively and inspiring chat with the Microsoft panellists instigated thought-provoking questions and conversation from the audience, and presented a panel of role models who are inspiring women and paving the way for the next generation of leaders.
WCT member Kim Cooper is a freelance writer and is the Director of Communications and Engagement for FIRST Robotics Canada – a non-profit encouraging kids and youth in STEM.
Fuente: WCT (Women in Communications and Technology) www.wct-fct.com
