Loretta Richardson   

MBA Program: Georgetown McDonough School of Business

MBA Concentration: Marketing with a Certification in Consumer Analytics & Insights

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Southern California, English – Creative Writing

Current Title: Marketing Communications Manager

How would you describe your role to your mother? I help onboard and build all the savvy tools Marketers use to engage customers and stay ahead of marketing trends. However, when we introduce these tools, we must take special care to build trust with the customer, foster transparency, as well as honor the customer’s privacy. So, I also design the governance and communications around data collection to ensure our Marketers handle customer data in a responsible, secure, and compliant way.

A fun fact about me most people would be surprised to know is… I grew up a classical lyrical soprano and have been a musician since the age of 12. I love transporting audiences to another world through musical storytelling. I even had the privilege of performing at iconic music venues such as the Disney Concert Hall and Hollywood Bowl! So after work, you can find me attending a voice class, recording a voice-over, or preparing for an open mic night.

What was your greatest personal or professional accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment was graduating with my MBA! My grandfather was a very skilled entrepreneur. I wanted to make an impact in the lives of my family and community like he did. So, I am so privileged and proud to be the first in my family to receive a formal business education. One of my younger cousins is now showing an interest in business! #pavingtheway

Why did you choose to work at MSFT? Hands down, it’s Microsoft’s mission – to empower everyone on the planet to achieve more. That is the common thread that has linked my personal, community, and professional life. In everything I do, whether it is improving a user’s experience at work, mentoring young students in my community, or playing a board game with a relative or close friend, I strive to encourage and pave the way for others to reach their full potential and realize their “superpowers.” My life has meaning when I can use it to improve the lives of others and make them feel special. Microsoft allows me to “bring my whole self to work” and live out my life mission in every aspect my life.

What did you love about the business school you attended? I chose and loved Georgetown McDonough for three core reasons: 1) The global business program; 2) the program’s focus on ethical leadership; and 3) the collaborative culture. I have always wanted to be a responsible, global leader. In just two years, I studied, served, and conducted business in six countries! I participated in programs that allowed me to consult with social enterprises in Columbia, rebrand consumer products in Brazil, and network with the c-suite of the first Ghanian-owned oil and gas company. It humbles and inspires me to continue learning, exchange ideas, connect with those around me, and ultimately lead with empathy and service top of mind.

What does being a “Microsoftie” mean to you? Being a “Microsoftie” is such a privilege. You are instantly adopted into a family that appreciates and values you. As a result, you feel equipped and empowered to share your gifts with the world. Every day, I get to work on projects that have the potential to make a global impact. Currently, I work in the US subsidiary and I was shocked to learn that some of the marketing tools and processes I designed in my first 6 months could be leveraged globally! I am solving complex problems, with colleagues who share my values, excite me each and every day. And between you and me, the ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies at Lunchbox Lab’s on the Redmond Campus are a yummy perk.

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? Two people have been instrumental in my transition to Microsoft – Matt Stern and Angie Wean. Matt leads with empathy and facilitates a strong sense of belonging and community. He took the time to help me identify growth opportunities and coached me to find creative, data-driven solutions to team challenges. Angie is the definition of a servant leader. She co-creates with her stakeholder and continuously drives clarity, connects organizational silos, and makes difficult problems accessible.  She encourages me to trust my instincts. As a result, she helped me foster trust with stakeholder and develop engaging communications and design for impact. Thank you, Matt and Angie, for your continued support!

What has Covid-19 taught you about yourself since you started working at MSFT? With the COVID-19 pandemic, our country experienced a lot of challenges – health, racial, and social. Going on this journey with my Microsoft family has been a gift. I learned that I am (we all are) resilient and that nothing can stop us from making a positive impact in the lives of others.

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