ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "A Journey from D.C. Politics to Tech at Microsoft"
Episode Synopsis
Enjoy this podcast replay:
This week on Tech in the right Direction, we’re joined by Kalin McKenna who joined Microsoft in 2011 leading the marketing efforts for Windows Phone and Surface devices, and later transitioning to the AI and Sustainability Market Development Team. Listen in to hear about Kalin’s journey from working in politics to joining the tech world, and her thoughts on the employment, pay and culture gap in the tech industry, how the industry is moving forward, and how discrimination plays a role despite these positive changes.
Career Update:
I am an award-winning marketing executive with strong customer obsession and 15+ years of experience leading strategy, execution, and high-performing teams.
I believe in fostering team environments where team members feel empowered to share ideas, take calculated risks, and collaborate fearlessly.
I believe customer centricity is the cornerstone of every successful marketing campaign and product success.
I believe in the power of clarity, in leading with empathy, and in celebrating wins big and small.
When not working you can find me chasing around my two young children, exploring the beauty of the pacific northwest, or seeking out an opportunity to dance.
Kalin McKenna is part of the Lumen Technologies team. She is Vice President brand, product and solution marketing and Analyst Relations.
This week on Tech in the right Direction, we’re joined by Kalin McKenna who joined Microsoft in 2011 leading the marketing efforts for Windows Phone and Surface devices, and later transitioning to the AI and Sustainability Market Development Team. Listen in to hear about Kalin’s journey from working in politics to joining the tech world, and her thoughts on the employment, pay and culture gap in the tech industry, how the industry is moving forward, and how discrimination plays a role despite these positive changes.
Career Update:
I am an award-winning marketing executive with strong customer obsession and 15+ years of experience leading strategy, execution, and high-performing teams.
I believe in fostering team environments where team members feel empowered to share ideas, take calculated risks, and collaborate fearlessly.
I believe customer centricity is the cornerstone of every successful marketing campaign and product success.
I believe in the power of clarity, in leading with empathy, and in celebrating wins big and small.
When not working you can find me chasing around my two young children, exploring the beauty of the pacific northwest, or seeking out an opportunity to dance.
Kalin McKenna is part of the Lumen Technologies team. She is Vice President brand, product and solution marketing and Analyst Relations.
More episodes of the podcast Tech in the Right Direction
Quality is Not Equity
09/12/2025
Hiring Women in the Tech Fields
04/11/2025
Growing Your Network: How it Can Benefit You
28/10/2025
Women In Tech: Finding Your Purpose
14/10/2025
In God we trust