Inge Groth

Microsoft

MBA Program: Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

MBA Concentration: Marketing

Hometown: Woodbury, MN

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Business; Marketing & Entrepreneurship

Current Title at Microsoft: Product Marketing Manager

How would you describe your role to your mother? Within the world of small and medium businesses for Microsoft 365, I figure out ways to deliver more value to existing customers. This takes the form of creating a go-to-market plan for a new product, as well as guiding customers to more robust products as their needs increase.

A fun fact about me people would be surprised to know is…I’m Germexican.

What was your greatest personal or professional accomplishment? Personal – getting the opportunity to see all seven continents; Professional – feeling lucky to lead the go-to-market plan for this upcoming product launch.

Why did you choose to work at MSFT? Our leaders – I respect and admire so many of our leaders and the culture they are instilling at Microsoft. That starts with Satya Nadella and his passion for cultivating a “growth mindset.” I feel proud to be a part of a company that actually lives and breathes its mission to empower others – be that the employees within Microsoft, the partners and customers we serve, or the community that benefits from the products we create.

What did you love about the business school you attended? The people. The Kellogg community has an energy that has changed my perspective and the way I live my day-to-day life. The people I was surrounded by were incredibly accomplished and smart, yet it was never the focal point – the community is very down-to-earth and all about creating an atmosphere of succeeding as a group versus as individual parts.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned so far at MSFT? I learned to leverage others – not only in asking for advice and input on your deliverables, but also in how you do your work and layer in the knowledge that others have from previous experiences.

Which manager or peer has had the biggest impact on you at MSFT and how has he or she made you a better in your role? Paul Lenehan – best manager I’ve worked for. I’ve never met someone so curious – he is always learning and sharing with our team: podcasts, books, others’ insights. He is very committed to helping his people grow and fosters an environment that makes it easy to be transparent and to feel empowered to drive impact.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work for MSFT? Be curious and bring your best A-game to succeed when facing ambiguity! Ambiguity is an opening or opportunity for a change – that’s what will help us make a true impact and to keep up with the evolving world around us.