UPWARDS Microsoft Aspire Experience

It’s a big rock we live on, but it can definitely feel smaller when you’re able to connect with different people from around the world and learn about each other’s experiences, celebrating what makes each of us different, and unique. Not only does that connection support empathy and understanding, but it also helps us understand ourselves better, too. Join us as we conclude Season 2 of UPWARDS with a special, global episode featuring four guests from around the world.

How do you take the experiences and skills you have and align them with your passions for a more purposeful career? Jessica Afeku has navigated an exciting and varied career journey and has managed to meet challenges head on while not compromising on her ideals and interests outside of work. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how to find motivation and purpose on your career journey and the encouragement to share your talents in both your professional and personal life.

As a seasoned veteran of the federal space, Ted has witness countless instances of lack of awareness in navigating certain client interactions. Having mastered the skill of Diplomacy, critical for personal and professional growth, Ted has a passion for making sure others are well-versed in how to effectively navigate in these spaces. Join us on this episode to hear ways we can all improve our diplomatic skills when we are caught between a rock and a hard place!

Are you worried that you're going to stay static in your career? Worried that you won't be able to explore other industries? Have no fear, Juliana Tioanda, Chief of Staff and Director of Business Strategy for Gaming, is here (and has been in your exact shoes). Listen in to learn how you can consistently make an impact no matter where you are in your career, and how to dynamically shift paths to new areas of exploration!

Healthcare to Sid is not just our eating fitness habits, but also everything in our environments: the air, soil, and everything around us. Sid is a strategist, a dot-connector, and a mastermind in health-tech. Listen in as we pick Sid's mind on how he fully utilizes his network and innovates with concepts from other fields to create a FitBit for the planet. 

Most of us love learning, but what goes into a healthy learning environment that might be below the surface? Join us this episode to learn about Chris Shaffer's journey to discover what goes into effective learning and how he has started to lead Microsoft's effort to redefine learning culture!