“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe
Navigating the complexities of corporate tax and finance demands precision, foresight, and unshakable composure. Dr. Robert H. Patterson, the Finance Team Leader – Worldwide Tax & Customs Controllership Team at Microsoft, exemplifies such assured command, seamlessly steering global tax strategies with an intuitive blend of empathy and cutting-edge innovation. Under his guidance, intricate regulatory challenges transform into opportunities for strategic clarity and operational agility.
Having ascended rapidly within Microsoft’s finance ranks, Dr. Patterson’s professional journey is distinguished by transformative leadership and visionary initiatives. He’s pioneered the integration of advanced technologies like Agentic AI to sharpen real-time decision-making, positioning Microsoft’s financial practices at the vanguard of industry innovation. Yet, beyond his impressive resume lies an approach that truly sets him apart: one rooted deeply in intentional growth, collaborative success, and future-focused strategy.
Let’s dive into Dr. Patterson’s life and understand what drives this impactful leader.
A Journey of Purpose and Leadership
After graduating college, Dr. Patterson’s mindset mirrored that of many others—focused on climbing the career ladder and building momentum. He sought opportunities with well-established multinational enterprises, eager to expand his skillset and continue progressing upward.
Then, life shifted dramatically when one of his parents fell seriously ill, altering the course of his life entirely. This deeply personal experience reintroduced Dr. Patterson to a parent not just as the ambitious and career-driven individual they had always known, but as someone determined to apply all the things he had learned toward supporting and extending their life.
For anyone who has walked a similar path, the process involves learning the language of medicine—treatment plans, prescriptions, lab results, and, with the aid of technology, interpreting charts and imaging reports.
Balancing a demanding career with frequent hospital visits became Dr. Patterson’s new normal. Yet, he remained positive and often surprised himself with his own capacity to manage so much at once. Eventually, he moved the parent into hospice care and engaged in deeply human, end-of-life conversations that forever changed his perspective.
Losing a parent became a profound turning point in Dr. Patterson’s life, sparking deep reflection and a renewed sense of purpose. It ultimately guided him toward a more meaningful and intentional career path, one grounded in empathy, resilience, and a clearer understanding of what truly mattered.
Six months later, while attending law school in Kansas and working with the Legal Services Bureau at the State of Kansas, Patterson often found himself at the Capitol building in Topeka.
One day, as a news segment played in the background, a senator remarked, “Satya Nadella is Microsoft’s new CEO, and he’s talking about company culture—smart move.” That comment caught Dr. Patterson’s attention and sparked his curiosity.
He looked up the announcement and came across an article introducing Satya Nadella as Microsoft’s CEO. One line stood out to him: “A meaningful career is rooted in continuous growth and empathy.” These words resonated deeply with Dr. Patterson.
Inspired by Nadella’s vision, Dr. Patterson decided to re-learn what Microsoft stood for, marking the beginning of a shift in his professional perspective. By the summer of 2015, Dr. Patterson, moved by this renewed vision of purpose and culture, decided to apply at Microsoft.
During that summer, nearly a decade ago, Dr. Patterson joined Microsoft as part of its innovative Internal Audit team. At the time, the team had introduced Program Management roles designed to oversee risk management across the company’s diverse functions.
Dr. Patterson’s role was newly created, with a specific focus on Tax and Trade Risk Compliance. Success in this position required a proactive mindset, a strong sense of ownership, and a deeply collaborative spirit. It was an exciting opportunity for him to shape a function that bridged technical expertise with strategic oversight in a dynamic, global environment.
Today, Dr. Patterson leads the Worldwide Tax & Customs Controllership Team at Microsoft Corporation, overseeing a global organization dedicated to driving excellence in tax governance and compliance across international operations.
This wasn’t a role that Dr. Patterson actively pursued. Rather, it emerged as a result of the impact and value he had delivered throughout his journey at Microsoft. It stands as a testament to the power of purpose-driven work and the opportunities that arise when leadership is guided by integrity, curiosity, and collaboration.
Strategic Vision and Collaborative Leadership
Dr. Patterson has consistently received feedback from colleagues and cross-functional partners highlighting his strategic foresight in finance, tax, and customs. His ability to anticipate challenges, connect the dots across complex regulatory landscapes, and align financial strategies with broader business goals has set him apart.
Equally impactful is his authentic, collegial approach; one that fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and creates a sense of shared purpose. This combination of strategic insight and genuine partnership has made him a valued contributor and a go-to resource across the organization.
However, there’s always more than what meets the eye. Dr. Patterson shares intricate details about the guiding principles that he follows in his approach to leadership:
- Purpose Over Position:
Leadership, as Dr. Patterson believes, is not defined by titles but by the impact created. Echoing Arthur Ashe’s sentiment “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome,” Dr. Patterson finds meaning in the work itself, valuing progress, learning, and service over accolades.
- Strategic Foresight with Integrity:
In the complex world of finance, tax, and customs, Dr. Patterson leads with a forward-looking mindset: anticipating change, managing risk, and aligning strategy with purpose. His approach reflects a commitment to being a steady guide through uncertainty, firmly grounded in ethical decision-making.
- Empathy as a Leadership Strength:
For Dr. Patterson, empathy serves not only as a personal value but also as a professional advantage. He leads with authenticity, listens deeply, and builds trust across teams and cultures. This human-centered approach fosters collaboration and drives sustainable results.
- Growth Through Challenge:
He also views every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Whether navigating regulatory shifts or personal loss, he embraces adversity as a catalyst for reflection, resilience, and reinvention.
- Collaboration Over Control:
Dr. Patterson firmly believes in the power of partnership. He emphasizes that great outcomes are rarely achieved alone, working across functions and borders to bring people together in co-creating solutions that are smarter, stronger, and more inclusive.
Fostering Innovation and Adaptability
“A leader fosters innovation and adaptability by creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged, experimentation is safe, and learning is continuous,” says Dr. Patterson. This, he adds, begins with cultivating psychological safety, where team members feel empowered to share bold ideas, challenge assumptions, and take calculated risks without fear of failure.
By modeling a growth mindset and embracing change as an opportunity rather than a threat, a leader must set the tone for agility. They must invest in their team’s development, encourage cross-functional collaboration, and celebrate both progress and lessons learned.
Ultimately, Dr. Patterson believes that innovation thrives when people are trusted to think creatively, supported in their development, and aligned around a shared purpose. Adaptability follows when teams are equipped with the tools, mindset, and confidence to navigate uncertainty together.
A North Star for Future Leaders
We asked Dr. Patterson’s opinion on the key skills that one should possess to become a leader in the finance, tax, and customs space. Addressing this question, he said, “A unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and interpersonal acumen is the key.”
At the core, deep knowledge of global tax regulations, trade compliance frameworks, and financial reporting standards is essential. However, what truly sets leaders apart is their ability to translate complexity into clarity, guiding organizations through regulatory change, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
Key skillset includes:
- Strategic Foresight: Anticipating regulatory shifts, economic trends, and geopolitical risks to inform proactive planning.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnering with legal, operations, supply chain, and executive teams to align tax and customs strategies with business goals.
- Analytical Rigor: Leveraging data to identify risks, optimize tax positions, and drive operational efficiency.
- Change Leadership: Navigating transformation—whether through digitalization, policy reform, or organizational restructuring—with agility and confidence.
- Ethical Judgment: Upholding integrity and transparency in all decisions, especially in high-stakes, high-compliance environments.
- Global Mindset: Understanding the nuances of international markets, cultural dynamics, and cross-border operations.
Ultimately, a Finance, Tax & Customs leader is not just a subject matter expert, but also a trusted advisor, a strategic partner, and a catalyst for sustainable growth.
Imparting invaluable advice for those who seek a place in the Finance, Tax, and Customs space, Dr. Patterson says, “Success in the finance industry isn’t just about mastering numbers. It’s about cultivating vision, resilience, and integrity.”
Whether you’re pursuing a corporate path or building something of your own, here are a few guiding principles that Dr. Patterson shares:
- Lead with Curiosity: The financial landscape is constantly evolving. Stay curious, ask questions, and never stop learning—especially about emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and global markets.
- Build a Strong Ethical Foundation: Trust is the currency of finance. Make decisions with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Your reputation will open more doors than any credential.
- Think Strategically, Act Practically: Develop the ability to see the big picture while executing with precision. Strategic foresight—especially in areas like tax, compliance, and risk—can set you apart as a leader.
- Invest in Relationships: Your network is one of your greatest assets. Collaborate, mentor, and seek out diverse perspectives. The best opportunities often come through meaningful connections.
- Embrace Adaptability: Markets shift, regulations change, and technology disrupts. Those who thrive are not just technically skilled, they’re agile, open-minded, and ready to pivot when needed.
Above all, remember that a meaningful career is not just about reaching a destination. It’s about growing through the journey, contributing to others, and staying true to your purpose.
Triumphing Adversities to Achieve Zeniths
When asked about a significant challenge he faced in his role and how he overcame it, Dr. Patterson shared, “I work with global stakeholders, many of whom operate in time zones significantly ahead of Pacific Standard Time, sometimes by nearly a full day. To maintain effective communication without disrupting weekends or personal time, I often rely on Microsoft Teams for asynchronous collaboration.”
One challenge Dr. Patterson encountered was managing chat-based communications that included attachments, especially when timing was sensitive. The introduction of the ‘Copilot’ feature in Teams provided a solution, allowing messages to be scheduled for delivery at specific dates and times. This capability proved to be transformative, enabling more organized communications, streamlined document reviews, and efficient management of follow-ups—all while respecting the work-life balance of colleagues across the globe.
Sharing details of his professional achievements, Dr. Patterson says, “At Microsoft, I’ve had the privilege and opportunity to build new roles and shape the succession planning behind them. One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been watching individuals grow into their roles, embrace new challenges, and thrive in their careers.”
“What makes this experience even more meaningful is the enduring network I’ve cultivated throughout my career. I remain in contact with colleagues from every organization I’ve worked with—relationships that continue to enrich my perspective,” he adds.
He then emphasized how these connections have also allowed him to support others by sharing opportunities, offering guidance, and exchanging ideas that broaden our collective understanding and approach to leadership.
Moreover, one of Dr. Patterson’s alma maters, Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California, extended the honor of inviting him to serve on its Board of Trustees where he chairs the Academic Affairs Committee. “It’s a privilege to contribute to an institution that played a meaningful role in shaping my professional foundation—an opportunity I embrace with deep appreciation and gratitude,” he expressed.
Microsoft supports this service through its generous volunteer match program, contributing funds for every board meeting and event he attends. Additionally, the company matches Dr. Patterson’s personal donations to the university, reinforcing a shared commitment to education and community impact.
“Serving in this capacity has broadened my perspective beyond the corporate environment, the very essence of Microsoft’s mission statement. It’s a powerful reminder that continuous learning often comes from engaging with the world, outside of one’s immediate professional sphere,” Dr. Patterson shares.
An Ever long Journey of Growth and Purpose
“When I envision my future as a leader, I focus less on titles and more on the kind of impact I want to make,” Dr. Patterson shared
He often finds himself introspecting who he wants to become, not just professionally, but personally, and how he can continue to grow in ways that serve others and create lasting value.
For Dr. Patterson, evolving as a leader means staying curious, embracing feedback, and being open to change. Through his experience He’s learned that leadership isn’t static. It’s a journey that requires self-awareness, humility, and the courage to adapt.
“I strive to lead with purpose, to learn from every experience, and to remain grounded in the values that guide my decisions,” he adds.
Dr. Patterson regularly reflects on questions like: “Am I growing in the right direction?” “Am I lifting others as I grow?” “Am I staying true to what matters most?” He believes that these reflections help him stay intentional about his path and ensure that his growth is aligned with the kind of leader he aspires to be.
