Microsoft's lasting legacy of social impact Join hosts Larry Hryb and Becky Monk to discover how from its earliest days Microsoft built a culture of corporate and employee giving that rippled worldwide. With stories from alumni including Jon Shirley, Bill Neukom, Mary Pembroke, Patty Stonesifer, Dee Dee Walsh, and Akhtar Badshah, learn how the company's legacy extends beyond the technology it creates and manifests in lasting social impact that stretches well Beyond the Blue Badge.Â
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Riding the Internet Tidal Wave
Paradigm shift offers tsunami of opportunities Before streaming, smartphones, and instant access to everything, there was a seismic shift that changed the world—and Microsoft was at the heart of it. In this episode of Beyond the Blue Badge, hosts Becky Monk and Larry Hryb take us back to the early 1990s, when a handful of visionary Microsoft alumni saw the internet not as a curiosity, but as a revolution in the making. Hear Steven Sinofsky, J Allard, John Ludwig, Patty Stonesifer, and Mike Toutonghi recount the memos, meetings, and moments that sparked Microsoft's internet awakening.
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The Birth of Microsoft Research
Vision, innovation and the power of persistence In this episode of Beyond the Blue Badge, hosts Becky Monk and Larry Hryb share stories from tech pioneers Rick Rashid, Dennis Adler, and Dan Fay as they explore the untold story behind the founding and evolution of Microsoft Research. From Bill Gates' bold vision to Rick Rashid's reluctant yet transformative leadership, discover how a small software company dared to invest in fundamental research—and changed the future of technology. Hear firsthand accounts of groundbreaking innovations, global expansion, and the "Impossible Things" initiative that helped shape today's AI and cloud computing landscape.
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The Game Changer
Microsoft's Windows bet and the evolution of personal computing In this episode of Beyond the Blue Badge, hosts Becky Monk and Larry Hyrb delve into the transformative journey of Microsoft Windows. They explore pivotal moments in Windows history, from the strategic shift to Windows to the revolutionary launch of Windows 95. Featuring insights from Microsoft alumni Brad Chase, Steve Ballmer, and Brad Silverberg, listeners will hear firsthand accounts of the challenges, innovations, and celebrations that marked the development of one of the most iconic operating systems in history.Â
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Going global
Inside Microsoft's expansion journey In this episode of Beyond the Blue Badge, hosts Becky Monk and Larry Hyrb delve into the captivating story of Microsoft's transformation from a small company in Albuquerque to a global tech powerhouse. Hear from key players like Scott Oki, Bob O'Rear, Jean-Philippe Courtois, Orlando Ayala, and Sanjay Parthasarathy as they share their experiences and insights on the strategies, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped Microsoft's international expansion. Discover how hiring local talent, fostering cultural understanding, and embracing empathy played crucial roles in Microsoft's success across the globe. Tune in for an inspiring journey through the history of one of the world's most influential tech giants.
Beyond the Blue Badge - by the Microsoft Alumni Network
Microsoft Stories that Inform and Inspire
This podcast features alumni who are leaders in business, careers and philanthropy as they talk about lessons learned, overcoming obstacles, finding their bliss and thriving post-Microsoft.
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