Author: CIO Times

As a purposefully driven disruptor, Dr. Melissa Hortman does everything intentionally and strategically to challenge the status quo and to create positive change. 

Charting Her Path

Dr. Melissa Hortman’s path was never meant to lead her to work for big tech. She realized early in her professional journey that she was meant for a path less taken. However, the common thread that has pulled her along through each step of her journey is a fundamental mission to help others and make a positive impact in the world. 

As an undergraduate, Dr. Melissa Hortman chose Architecture because every space we occupy can affect our mood, productivity, and behavior. As a bonus, this was as far away from education as she could get as her parents were educators and she didn’t want to walk in their footsteps. She had to pave her own path. 

Outside of learning about the theory and practice of Architecture, Dr. Melissa Hortman worked multiple jobs on campus to help pay her tuition. She learned about the heart of higher education through auxiliary and support services. There was something there for her that aligned with her passions. She decided to pursue a master’s in student affairs to understand higher education more. The layers started to unpeel for her to see how working in higher education could give her purpose in helping others and making a positive impact. She found a love for innovating in teaching and learning, working to pave the path for new programs and initiatives, and being an ally and advocate for inclusivity. She had the privilege of teaching amazing students and mentoring people around her, many of which had more of an impact on her than she had on them. 

She then found her personal mission aligning with that of Microsoft, “to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” While she does not work within a singular higher education institution, Dr. Hortman gets to lead work across all higher education. “My goal is to bring higher education and Microsoft closer together because we are both working on solving the same problems, serving the same people, and driving forward a future of transformation and innovation in education,” she says.

Her Work at Microsoft

When Dr. Melissa Hortman began to understand the heart of higher education, she became deeply invested in its success. When she joined Microsoft, she wanted to make sure she wasn’t leaving higher education as she knew there was still more work for her to do there. She now helps higher education transform for the students of today and tomorrow. Her goal is to empower faculty innovation and student resiliency to make higher education more agile and stronger during disruptions now and in the future. “We live in a time when disruptions are all around us, increasingly more in higher education than ever was in the past. I work with colleagues across academia to help solve these current challenges and anticipate future needs,” she says.

Dr. Hortman is also driving Microsoft’s strategy in academic research. This is such a fascinating area for her because, while cloud computing has been around and is available for researchers in higher education, the use of the cloud to accelerate time to science and science to scholarship is becoming more pervasive for all types of research. The cloud is a game-changer for researchers. It can transform their research because what may not have been possible before is possible now. New research questions can be asked. New science can be explored. The possibilities are endless.  

Ideas at Work

Dr. Hortman’s role at Microsoft was envisioned to support faculty in their pursuits of teaching, research, and scholarship. She joined Microsoft to build a bridge. Coming from academia, these are her colleagues, and her friends, that are now her customers, and it was important for her to make sure to approach them as such. 

Driving strategy along with connecting with customers positions Dr. Hortman to give faculty and researchers a voice within Microsoft. During her tenure, she launched a new approach to the Microsoft Academic Research Community Advisory Board that created a more intimate group of researchers and leaders in the research community who were willing to lean in and truly advise Microsoft on how they could better support this community. As Microsoft transformations to create frictionless platforms for the future of research , Dr. Hortman has a trusted group of advisors she consults with to ensure they are working in the right direction for the academic community. 

Taking on Challenges

Dr. Hortman faced challenges as a female in various predominately male fields. From Architecture to big tech and even advanced degrees, she has been one of the few females in those spaces. She has learned how to find her voice and speak up to share another perspective or challenge the status quo. It was incredibly challenging but amazingly liberating for her. This is where her passion for disruption started. “Your voice is your strongest asset and can use it for driving your personal and professional mission forward,’ she asserts.

Dr. Hortman’s father often told her from a very young age, “if you aren’t having fun, don’t do it”. She has lived by these words in her personal and professional life. “Fun is in the challenges you work to overcome, it’s in the successes you find, it’s in the relationships you build,” she says. 

Leveraging Technology

Technology is only as good as the human using it. Dr. Hortman believes technology can never replace a human, but a human using technology can. That is important to remember as the world is quickly changing around us. Staying current on technology, even if it isn’t directly aligned to one’s role, is imperative as technology is becoming more pervasive across all disciplines. 

Dr. Hortman is excited about working with disruptive technologies. “Working in the space of early adoption and emerging capabilities can put you on the bleeding edge. Sometimes you’re successful in your bleeding edge innovations, many times not. While you might be more comfortable in the middle or even at the end of the innovation curve, we must educate ourselves on what is already here and what is coming so we can better anticipate change,” she says.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hortman has used technology as a catalyst to create opportunities to accelerate her ideas, design innovations and processes, and support her in pushing boundaries. She has worked alongside a team to create a wellness PowerApp that scaled to a 30,000+ employee enterprise and created automated workflows for my team so they never had to worry about backup on taking days off. 

She has seen amazing people leverage technology to transform education and research in innovative ways. “I’ve seen how cloud technologies can truly transform research in ways she never thought possible. Putting advanced technology in the hands of some of the smartest people in the world, academic researchers, we are seeing bleeding-edge research come to life and answer some of the toughest research questions ever asked. Technology didn’t do the research. Technology didn’t push through boundaries. Researchers empowered with advanced technologies did,” she asserts.

Rewarding Moments

For Dr. Hortman, more than accolades, it has always been important to seek out how she could have an impact. While there have been awards along the way, it’s the stories of impact behind the awards that really stick with her. 

Dr. Hortman has impacted higher education by sharing her best practices and research with colleagues. She has delivered keynotes at industry conferences where she presented over 40 peer-reviewed sessions. She was also part of a group that created a novel, international, peer-reviewed journal for faculty to share their innovations in teaching and learning in higher education. She earned a Hero Award in her first year at Microsoft for bringing the faculty voice to all they do at Microsoft. She was nominated to be part of a leadership development program at Microsoft. 

While professional impacts are important, personal pursuits of impact are equally as important for Dr. Hortman. After having conversations with colleagues across Microsoft, she discovered there wasn’t proactive communication for higher education faculty. She aimed to change that with a LinkedIn newsletter called “On Track with MicrosoftEDU” where she highlights a colleague in academia, shares timely resources and brings together all the Microsoft opportunities and events for faculty. Finally, she recently completed the Disney “Dopey” Challenge, which consists of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon completed in consecutive days. “This is the second time I’ve completed this running challenge, once before I had my two children and now once after. It was amazing to see my kids hold up signs of encouragement like ‘My mom is awesome!’ and “Run, mommy, run!” she exclaims.

In the Cards

Dr. Hortman’s goal is to showcase Microsoft’s value in technology across all roles in higher education, and by expanding its market to end-users across campus, innovative opportunities can be discovered throughout the institution. She truly believes in Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. Growth at Microsoft in higher education means empowering every student, every faculty member, and every administrator with the tools so they can excel in their respective roles and contribute to the overall success of their institution.

Expanding the research enterprise and research excellence are areas of interest across all higher education because while the advancement of knowledge is important, it is equally important to grow funding sources for higher education. With only 2.57% of institutions having R1 (very high research activity) classification in the U.S., there are 4,383 other institutions that are striving to grow their research enterprises (per 2021 data of the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education). Dr. Hortman’s goal is to bring Microsoft alongside to support 100% of the institutions who want to grow their research enterprise by transforming research infrastructure to expand options for faculty’s research initiatives, foster a culture of research where the institution can strive to move to or retain R1 classification, and build a vision for leading innovation and discovery that will drive economic growth and development in their communities and regions. 

Dr. Hortman’s Words for the Next Gen Disruptors

“As the world around us is changing constantly, I would challenge the next generation, in any organization or domain, to disrupt or be disrupted. Change is constant so it is important to be agile in one’s work and approaches. 

As higher education moves into the next decade, the transformation will need to be considered in higher education from admissions processes to communicating and collaborating with individuals and teams. Leaders can inspire and influence transformation all while providing stability during change. Thus, transformational leaders can create a clear and inspiring vision that they can effectively communicate to others while also being focused on the growth and development of individuals on their teams. If the disruption of COVID-19 has taught the next generation of higher education leaders anything, it is that they can overcome very challenging times and come out on the other side stronger for themselves, their team, and the students they serve. Those are the leaders of tomorrow that I am excited about leaning into transformation for all of higher education.

Discover the latest featured leaders of Microsoft

Kostas Loukas, a distinguished professional, has held significant leadership roles in the technology industry. He is committed to driving digital transformation, enabling citizen participation, and fostering economic opportunity through technology. Kostas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Athens. He graduated with distinction from the London School of Economics with an MSc in Finance. In 2011, he completed his Executive MBA from INSEAD.

The Professional Journey

Kostas’ professional journey began over two and a half decades ago, starting with foundational experiences at Procter & Gamble and The Coca-Cola Company, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of business operations and honed his financial acumen. 

In 2005, Kostas embraced the opportunity to join Microsoft, initially serving as a subsidiary CFO in Greece. Over the years, he took on diverse roles within Microsoft in various locations, including subsidiary Marketing Director and COO. Later he moved to Country Manager positions in Cyprus, Malta, and ultimately Romania. His tenure as CEO of the Romanian subsidiary was particularly transformative, as he led the company’s expansion into new market segments and pioneered the adoption of cloud technology in the local context, solidifying Microsoft’s position as a leader in the region.

Beyond his corporate roles, Kostas actively engaged with the broader business community, serving as a Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania, where he fostered collaborations and advocated for industry interests. In 2015, he assumed the role of General Manager of Public Sector for Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, covering 34 countries, where he worked closely with governments across the region to drive digital transformation initiatives that enhance economic growth, social inclusion, and good governance. Further demonstrating his commitment to driving innovation and fostering customer relationships, Kostas served as the General Manager of Enterprise for Microsoft CEE and South East Europe between 2021 and 2023.

Throughout his journey, Kostas has been passionate about social topics, supporting marginalized groups, and advocating for equality of race, gender, and sexual orientation while actively promoting the representation of women in STEM fields. 

Today, as the Regional General Manager of Government for Microsoft EMEA, he remains steadfast in his commitment to leveraging Microsoft’s technological capabilities and Artificial Intelligence platforms to empower governments and citizens across the region. In his role, Kostas is instrumental in shaping the Government industry strategy for the region. His primary focus is on activating the field teams through a robust execution framework and comprehensive planning, with an emphasis on nurturing strong relationships with government stakeholders. His dedication lies in propelling transformation and implementing cutting-edge digitalization solutions, leveraging the formidable combination of Artificial Intelligence capabilities and Microsoft Cloud solutions.

A Dynamic Leadership Approach 

Kostas prefers to look at himself as a part of a purpose-driven organization rather than an individual. He strives to harness high energy to fuel his team’s motivation and drive. He believes in injecting enthusiasm into every aspect of work, inspiring others to push beyond their limits and achieve remarkable results.

Customer centricity is the cornerstone of the leadership approach he believes in.  He tries to instil this mindset within his team, ensuring that every decision and action they take is focused on delivering exceptional value and experiences to the customers.

“Over the years, adapting to change has become a way of life. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to pivot and evolve is crucial. I embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation, leading my team through transitions with confidence and agility,” says Kostas.

Creating high-performance teams is Kostas’ ultimate goal. To this end, he fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and accountability, empowering each team member to excel in their role. He does his best to provide support, guidance, and resources to enable their success, while also challenging them to continuously raise the bar.

Handling Challenges

Kostas shares that the recent conflicts and geopolitical challenges in the region, besides the most important humanitarian aspect, presented significant disruptions for all businesses. In this context, he encountered formidable challenges in managing the intricate dynamics of geopolitics within complex markets of Eastern Europe, all while safeguarding the well-being of his teams and ensuring continued customer advocacy. 

To address these challenges, they conducted thorough risk assessments to comprehend the potential ramifications of geopolitical factors on their operations, encompassing political stability, regulatory changes, and cultural intricacies. Transparent communication was paramount. They maintained open channels with the teams, partners, and customers, providing regular updates and insights to foster a shared understanding of the prevailing circumstances.

Fostering resilient partnerships with local stakeholders proved instrumental. By cultivating collaborative relationships, they navigated challenges collectively and identified pragmatic solutions to emerging issues.

Moreover, prioritizing the welfare of the teams remained a cornerstone of their approach. They implemented support mechanisms and encouraged open dialogue to address concerns and maintain morale amidst uncertainty. “Through a proactive and flexible approach, underpinned by effective communication and stakeholder engagement, we are traversing the complexities of adverse geopolitical environments while upholding our commitment to customer satisfaction and team well-being,” says Kostas.

Taking Tough Calls

As a leader, Kostas faced a series of tough decisions when the organization decided to implement a series of team restructurings driven by market changes. He began by thoroughly assessing the situation, digesting key information, analyzing alternatives, and supporting data that could optimize the decisions taken. 

At the right time, transparent communication was key, and then consistent throughout the process. In his area of responsibility, Kostas tried to make sure everyone understood why restructuring was necessary and how it might affect them. He encouraged open dialogue at all levels to understand concerns and perspectives.

Empathy was crucial. Kostas did his best to provide support and resources for employees affected by the changes. Execution required sensitivity and adaptability. He made adjustments as needed and prioritized professionalism and individual respect.

“After implementation, we evaluated the outcomes and sought feedback to identify areas for improvement.  In the end, I believe our organization emerged better positioned for growth, with a strengthened culture of trust and resilience,” he says.

Teamwork Equals Success

In a collaborative organization like Microsoft, success and achievement are only possible via strong teamwork. Kostas believes that a strong team with multiple contributors and leadership is a privilege. With this in mind, he considers his most significant professional achievement thus far in his decade-long contribution to shaping and executing Microsoft’s go-to-market strategy for Central and Eastern Europe, with a specialized focus on Public Sector. This endeavor was not only professionally rewarding but also had a strong impact on the company’s presence and influence in the region.

Throughout this period, Kostas played a key role in conceptualizing, refining, and implementing strategies tailored specifically to the unique challenges and opportunities within the Central and Eastern European markets. One of the most gratifying aspects of this journey was the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams across various functions, leveraging their expertise to devise comprehensive and effective go-to-market plans.

“In the realm of the Public Sector, where technology adoption often intersects with complex regulatory frameworks and diverse stakeholder interests, our strategic approach was particularly crucial. I spearheaded initiatives aimed at understanding the evolving needs of governmental organizations and public institutions across the region. By fostering deep relationships and partnerships, we were able to position Microsoft as a trusted advisor and solution provider, facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies to drive societal progress and efficiency,” says Kostas.

Fostering Innovation and Adaptability 

Kostas believes that cultivating a growth mindset and adopting a ‘learn-it-all’ approach over a ‘know-it-all’ mentality is key to achieving innovation and adaptability in the organization. He encourages everyone to embrace challenges, view failures as opportunities for growth, and recognize effort as a path to mastery. “We aspire to create an environment of psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable taking risks and sharing ideas without fear of judgment,” he says.

Continuous learning is a priority and as such Microsoft provides access to training programs and resources to support personal and professional development. Collaboration and cross-functional learning are also encouraged, as they spark creativity and innovation.

“We make sure to recognize and reward innovative thinking and adaptive behavior, reinforcing their value within our organization. We understand the importance of staying agile and open to change, ready to pivot quickly in response to shifting market conditions.

By fostering a culture of growth mindset and continuous learning, we empower our team to thrive in today’s ever-changing business landscape,” shares Kostas.

Impactful Initiative

According to a recent IDC study, 64% of governments worldwide are exploring generative AI proof-of-concepts. Naturally, across the company and public sector particularly, Kostas and his team’s most important initiatives revolve around their concerted effort to collaborate with governments in navigating the era of AI. Rather than naming individual cases, he thinks it is more important to call out the framework of their contribution to shape digital strategies that prioritize societal well-being, establishing the appropriate regulatory environment for AI while also spearheading innovative proof of concepts aimed at revolutionizing processes. These endeavors have not only enhanced the organization’s standing but have also made significant strides in advancing the broader industry toward responsible and impactful AI adoption.

Future of Leadership and Evolving as a Leader

As someone who focuses on practical experience rather than theoretical expertise, Kostas believes that dynamic leadership is about having a clear vision, effective communication, adaptability, empathy, and strategic thinking. It’s important to listen actively, inspire confidence during uncertain times, and understand the needs of team members. Resilience is crucial for overcoming setbacks and failures while fostering collaboration and trust within the team. Ethical conduct is also essential for building and maintaining trust with stakeholders. Overall, dynamic leadership involves a blend of these qualities and skills to inspire others and drive success.

In the future, Kostas believes that leadership will require strong emotional intelligence for empathy and relationship management, adaptability and agility to navigate rapid change, tech-savviness for leveraging emerging technologies (AI at the core of them), commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership aligning with organizational values.

“To evolve as a dynamic leader, I’ll prioritize continuous self-reflection and feedback, ongoing learning and skill development, embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, aligning actions with organizational purpose and values, and staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies. By focusing on these areas, I aim to lead effectively in an ever-evolving landscape,” he concludes.

“Embrace continuous learning, cultivate empathy, and prioritize collaboration. Stay adaptable, resilient, and committed to your vision, while also being open to feedback and new perspectives. Above all, lead with integrity and a genuine desire to serve others.”

Quote: “I prioritize open communication, encourage diversity of thought, provide opportunities for teamwork and shared goals, recognize and celebrate achievements, and lead by example with a supportive and inclusive attitude.”

Quote: “I regularly seek feedback from peers and mentors, engage in relevant training and workshops, and dedicate time to reading and staying updated on industry trends.” 

Discover the latest featured leaders of Microsoft

Picture an expert navigator steering a ship through unfamiliar waters. With each wave, they make swift adjustments, not by force but by understanding the currents and reading the stars. It’s a journey defined not just by skill but by intuition—a deep sense of knowing when to stay the course and when to pivot. Visionary leaders in technology are much like these navigators, guiding their teams and innovations through unpredictable landscapes, always with an eye toward new horizons.

T’Neil Walea is one such visionary leader, a master at shaping the intersection of technology and public service. As the Director of Strategic Missions and Technologies for the US Government at Microsoft, she doesn’t just manage projects—she sculpts possibilities.

What sets T’Neil apart is her intuitive grasp of both the technical and human aspects of leadership. Her journey from early curiosity in technology to spearheading pioneering initiatives in AI and biosecurity is a testament to her ability to blend vision with action, much like the sculptor who brings forth beauty from raw stone.

With a passion for empowering others and a knack for navigating uncharted territory, T’Neil’s leadership is about more than just staying ahead of trends—it’s about shaping them. She does this not with loud proclamations but with quiet precision, consistently driving impact in ways that benefit not only her team but also the broader communities and industries she serves.

A Lifelong Passion 

The seeds of T’Neil’s journey were sown early in her life. Her fascination with technology began in her childhood, where she delighted in creating PowerPoint graphics and animations. This early interest blossomed into a professional calling that would shape her career. As she transitioned into consulting within the non-profit sector, a serendipitous opportunity at IBM marked the beginning of a transformative journey. This career shift enabled her to blend her two passions—technology and service to her country.

While the private sector offered its share of challenges, it was in the realm of federal technology that T’Neil found her true calling. “Working in Federal technology is my very small way of giving back to the men and women that fight for our freedom,” she reflects. Her sense of purpose materialized further when she helped established a cybersecurity scholarship program, which has since enabled over 3,000 veterans to secure certifications in this critical field—a career highlight that she fondly cherishes.

A Confluence of Opportunity and Impact

After five impactful years as the Global Government Federal CTO at IBM, T’Neil joined Microsoft, a move that coincided with the public release of ChatGPT. The timing was fortuitous, placing her at the epicenter of an innovation wave that continues to redefine technology’s role in the public sector.

Microsoft’s commitment to the responsible use of AI resonated deeply with T’Neil, particularly in the context of federal applications. “For me, it’s not just about what AI can do but what AI should do,” she asserts, emphasizing the ethical considerations that guide her work.

T’Neil is a part of the team within Microsoft’s Strategic Missions and Technologies division. A group dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technological advancements to address global challenges. This team’s work includes pioneering projects like Microsoft Premonition, an end-to-end biosecurity and bio-intelligence platform developed from a decade of research.

The platform’s goal is clear: to detect, predict, and prevent biological threats. T’Neil takes pride in the platform’s wide-ranging impact, from improving domestic biosecurity in Houston to safeguarding national security through collaborations with federal agencies like the NSF.

Rooted in Agility and Innovation

At the core of T’Neil’s leadership philosophy is the agility of a start-up mindset. Her team operates with a dynamic approach, pushing the boundaries of what is possible by constantly iterating on new technologies. “We are in uncharted territory, and that’s the most exciting part of what I get to do each day,” she shares. T’Neil thrives on challenges, particularly those that require the creation of entirely new technological categories tailored to federal needs.

Her leadership is characterized by comfort in discomfort, a necessary trait for someone responsible for pioneering new solutions in complex environments. T’Neil approaches each challenge with a problem-solving mentality, finding the ‘sweet spot’ where technology intersects with specific client requirements. This mindset, paired with her deep understanding of federal objectives, has allowed her to consistently deliver innovative solutions that address real-world problems.

Prioritizing Security and Ethical Responsibility

For T’Neil, technology is only as valuable as the trust it garners. “Microsoft runs on trust, and our success depends on earning and maintaining it,” she notes, echoing the philosophy of Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella. Her role in incubating new technologies requires a relentless focus on security; an ethos that permeates every aspect of her team’s work.

The rapidly evolving landscape of network security presents constant challenges. From ensuring the responsible use of AI and Quantum technologies to developing robust cybersecurity measures, T’Neil and her team are continually adapting to new threats. She underscores the critical nature of this work by emphasizing that “there is no finish line when it comes to responsible uses of technology.” 

Championing Diversity and Inclusion in Tech

The intersection of AI and Quantum is where T’Neil sees the next wave of innovation. Her role on the incubation side of technology allows her to be both a trendsetter and a visionary. Listening closely to client needs and translating those insights into actionable technologies is how she plans to guide Microsoft’s federal initiatives over the next five years. Her focus is clear: to shape technologies that not only meet present-day challenges but also anticipate future needs.

As a woman in big tech, T’Neil is acutely aware of the importance of creating inclusive environments. At Microsoft, she has found a space where her voice is valued equally, a reflection of the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “Being a woman in big tech doesn’t even seem odd at Microsoft,” she remarks, highlighting the significance of an environment where everyone feels they belong. This inclusivity is not just a company policy; it is a leadership principle that T’Neil actively embodies and promotes.

Moving Towards New Frontiers 

T’Neil’s career is far from reaching its zenith. With a keen interest in biosecurity and the merging of AI with Quantum, she remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Her enthusiasm for what lies ahead is evident as she hints at exciting developments on the horizon. However, she’s not content with merely riding the wave of technological advancements. She is determined to help steer its course.

If there’s one quote that encapsulates T’Neil’s approach to her work, it’s this: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” In an industry as fast paced as technology, adaptation and constant learning are non-negotiable. T’Neil’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing change, remaining curious, and thriving in the unknown. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a roadmap for anyone looking to make a lasting impact in a world where technology and human ingenuity intersect.

T’Neil Walea’s career is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and service. As she continues to explore the frontiers of federal technology, she does so with an unshakeable commitment to making a difference. Her legacy is not just in the technologies she helps develop but, in the trust, security, and ethical standards she upholds along the way.

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