“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs.
This powerful quote captures the essence of true leadership—leadership that goes beyond the ordinary and inspires others to reach new heights.
If you’ve been a part of the tech world, you’d know that loving what you do is not just a mantra; it is a necessity. Leaders who genuinely love their work can inspire teams, drive transformation, and make a meaningful impact on society. Moreover, female leaders in the tech space today are redefining industries, challenging the status quo, and using their passion to create positive change.
Ana Casillas, the Public Sector Industry Digital Strategist (WWPS IDS) at Microsoft, is one such exemplary leader. She embodies the spirit of loving what you do. Her work is about more than just technology; it is about using technology as a tool to empower public sector organizations, improve citizen services, and inspire the next generation of women in technology.
The Path to Leadership
Ana’s professional journey began with a desire to harness technology for the greater good. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, driven by her vision of transforming public healthcare in Mexico. This early focus on societal impact shaped her future endeavors, and she continued to develop her expertise by earning an MBA specializing in Integrated Management Systems from the Instituto Europeo de Posgrado, as well as a Master’s degree in General Management from Universidad Metropolitana de Educación Ciencia y Tecnología. Further demonstrating her dedication to continuous learning, Ana also acquired certifications in internal auditing and health service management from Bureau Veritas and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
Her career began in the medical devices industry, where she worked at renowned companies such as Eli Lilly, Boston Scientific, and Stryker. During this time, she honed her skills in sales and product management—skills that would later serve her well in driving strategic initiatives. After years in the medical field, Ana transitioned into consulting, taking on roles at KPMG and Deloitte, where she worked on large-scale projects involving mergers and acquisitions as well as strategic planning for major corporations.
In 2019, Ana joined Microsoft as a Digital Advisor, where she worked closely with organizations to transform their customer engagement, employee experiences, business models, and operations. This experience laid the foundation for her current role as the Public Sector Industry Digital Strategist at Microsoft, where she now focuses on empowering government clients worldwide.
Ana’s work touches critical areas such as public safety, public health, tax administration, and sustainability, always with the goal of helping public institutions leverage technology to improve citizen services. Moreover, she carries a personal mission to inspire young Latin women, demonstrating that they, too, can thrive in the tech industry and make a meaningful impact on the world.
Built on the Foundations of Empowerment
What sets Ana apart as a leader is her commitment to empathy, inclusivity, and innovation. She believes in understanding and valuing the perspectives of her team members, creating an environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated. Ana emphasizes the importance of encouraging creativity and new ideas, fostering a culture where integrity and growth are at the forefront. At Microsoft, she champions an environment where innovation thrives, and every team member feels empowered to bring their unique insights to the table.
Ana’s leadership approach is deeply rooted in fostering both personal and professional growth within her team. She values the contributions of every individual and strives to maintain an atmosphere where collaboration is key. Her guiding principles of empathy, inclusivity, and integrity are the cornerstones of her leadership style, enabling her to inspire and motivate her team to excel in every endeavor.
The Spirit of Collaboration
One of the significant challenges Ana faced in her role at Microsoft was aligning diverse stakeholders on a unified digital transformation strategy. This challenge required not only strategic insight but also a deep understanding of the different needs and perspectives involved.
To overcome this, Ana initiated regular collaborative workshops and open forums, ensuring that every stakeholder had a voice and a clear understanding of the shared goals. Her inclusive approach fostered buy-in from all parties and led to innovative solutions that addressed various concerns. Additionally, she leveraged Microsoft’s vast resources and expertise to provide tailored solutions that met the unique needs of different government entities.
Ana’s ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and a collaborative spirit has been a defining aspect of her career. By focusing on open communication and inclusivity, she has been able to bring together diverse groups to work towards common objectives, ultimately driving successful digital transformation initiatives.
Within her team, Ana promotes continuous learning, encourages experimentation, and implements agile practices. She believes in creating a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing and testing new ideas, knowing that their contributions are valued. By embracing agile methodologies, Ana ensures that her team can quickly adapt to changing circumstances, allowing for flexibility and resilience.
The Ripples of Excellence
Ana considers one of her most significant professional achievements to be leading a national digital transformation initiative for a major government agency. This project not only modernized the agency’s IT infrastructure but also significantly improved citizen services, showcasing the power of technology to make a tangible difference in public service delivery. The initiative involved implementing advanced analytics, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and promoting digital literacy among public servants.
Her work has demonstrated how technology can be leveraged to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in the public sector. By focusing on impactful projects, Ana has consistently shown her dedication to using technology as a tool for positive change, benefiting both government institutions and the citizens they serve.
A Cause for Progress
Ana is a passionate advocate for the empowerment of women in STEM disciplines. She believes in creating opportunities and supportive environments for women, which includes mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and policies that promote work-life balance. Ana actively participates in initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of women in technology and supporting their career growth.
She is particularly committed to inspiring young Latin women to pursue careers in STEM, showing them that they are capable of making a significant impact in the tech industry. For Ana, empowering women in STEM is not just about fostering diversity—it is about driving innovation, creativity, and progress by ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
Learning through Experience
Personal growth and development are integral parts of Ana’s journey as a leader. She prioritizes her growth by setting and regularly reviewing personal and professional goals, engaging in courses, certifications, and workshops, and actively seeking feedback from peers and mentors. Ana also takes time to reflect on her experiences, learning from both successes and setbacks.
Networking is another key strategy Ana employs to enhance her skills and leadership abilities. By building a network of industry professionals, she gains insights and support that help her navigate the complexities of her role. Her dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement is a testament to her commitment to being the best leader she can be.
Setting Benchmarks of Success
Awards and recognition serve as affirmations of Ana’s hard work and dedication, but what truly keeps her motivated is the impact of her work on improving public sector services. The recognition she receives is a testament to the collaborative efforts of her team and the support of Microsoft’s extensive resources. Ana is driven by the opportunity to innovate, empower others through technology, and make a difference in the lives of citizens around the world.
Ana is also motivated by her mission to inspire young Latin diverse women, showing them that they can achieve greatness in the tech industry. For her, the real reward lies in the positive change she can bring about and the lives she can touch through her work.
For Future Leaders
When asked for her advice to the aspiring women leaders who strive to carve a place in the world, Ana says, “be confident in your abilities, seek out mentors, and never stop learning.” She encourages them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to always advocate for themselves and others. Ana believes that diversity is a strength and that every unique perspective is valuable.
At Microsoft, Ana works to empower women leaders by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. She hopes to inspire young Latin women to see that it is possible to work for a company like Microsoft and make significant contributions to the global community.
Moving Ahead with A Strong Resolve
Looking ahead, Ana envisions her future as a continuous journey of learning and growth. She plans to stay ahead by embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and remaining committed to empowering her team and clients. For Ana, adaptability and resilience are key as she navigates the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Ana is excited about the future possibilities and the continued impact that digital transformation can have on the public sector. She remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of women leaders, particularly young Latin diverse women, to pursue their dreams in the tech industry. Her vision is one of empowerment, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.
