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Listen "Transforming Microsoft: Laura Longcore's AI Journey (EP 19, Ch 1)"
Episode Synopsis
In this conversation, Laura Longcore shares her extensive experience at Microsoft, focusing on the importance of AI literacy and employee training. She discusses how the organization prepared its workforce for AI integration, emphasizing peer learning and leadership's role in driving cultural change. The conversation highlights the significance of data integrity and the practical applications of AI in enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
Key Topics
AI literacy was foundational for employee training
Peer learning significantly enhanced productivity
Leadership must model the change they want to see
Cultural transformation is driven by leadership support
Learning from different divisions accelerates understanding
Training should focus on real-world use cases
Lifelong learning is essential in the rapidly changing AI landscape
Guest
Laura Longcore, is a retired Microsoft executive with nearly 25 years of experience at the company, where she held various leadership roles including Vice President of Worldwide Learning, Vice President of Data & AI, and positions in marketing, operations, product planning, and sales. A graduate of Illinois State University and a former Division I athlete, she has a strong passion for learning and skill development. Post-retirement, she continues to share insights on leadership, AI adoption, and company culture through podcasts and posts.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption at Microsoft
01:24 Foundational AI Literacy and Training
02:58 Peer Learning and Leadership Engagement
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
Key Topics
AI literacy was foundational for employee training
Peer learning significantly enhanced productivity
Leadership must model the change they want to see
Cultural transformation is driven by leadership support
Learning from different divisions accelerates understanding
Training should focus on real-world use cases
Lifelong learning is essential in the rapidly changing AI landscape
Guest
Laura Longcore, is a retired Microsoft executive with nearly 25 years of experience at the company, where she held various leadership roles including Vice President of Worldwide Learning, Vice President of Data & AI, and positions in marketing, operations, product planning, and sales. A graduate of Illinois State University and a former Division I athlete, she has a strong passion for learning and skill development. Post-retirement, she continues to share insights on leadership, AI adoption, and company culture through podcasts and posts.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption at Microsoft
01:24 Foundational AI Literacy and Training
02:58 Peer Learning and Leadership Engagement
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
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