From Car Boot to Boardroom - Working at Microsoft for 40 years - Jean-Phillipe Courtois

In this episode, I interviewed Jean Phillipe Courtois, one of Microsoft's first employees outside of the US.

He joined the company in 1984 and now reports directly to CEO Satya Nadella. We discussed his personal journey, the foundation he created to inspire young entrepreneurs, and the work being done to develop tech careers in the UK.

This episode was filmed in partnership with Microsoft, above their flagship store in Oxford Circus. It was a great experience and an even better episode.

In this episode we discuss:

 - What is your role at Microsoft
 - As the only person on the leadership team who is not from the US, what does your role involve?
 - What was your first role at Microsoft
When you started, how did you explain what software was to somebody that hadn't come across computers?
 - Did you sell computers from the back of your car with Bill Gates?
 - In 38 years, what are some of the different roles that you've held at different points?
 - What kind of changes have you seen along the way?
 - If you were 22 in 2022, where would you be starting your career?
 - How do you keep entrepreneurship alive within a company the size of Microsoft?
 - How has France changed as a startup nation and why?
 - Does France have a word for an entrepreneur?
 - Your advice to people that are starting their career at Microsoft
 - What is Microsoft's responsibility in promoting inclusivity?
 - Do you think you can teach entrepreneurship?
 - Tell us about your foundation
 - How do you deal with tough times and stay strong?
 - How have you found it transitioning to a public-facing role at Microsoft?
 - What is your favorite episode of your own podcast?
 - What are your thoughts on the recent trend of large companies laying off staff and the impact on those who have been laid off?
 - Where do you see the future of games in entertainment going?
 - Where do you see the metaverse going?
 - How can someone build a strong brand on LinkedIn and maximize its potential for their career?
 - What's your favorite book or one that's inspired you on your journey?

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