The Women Behind Microsoft's 50-Year History

What happens when the women who helped build Microsoft finally get their story told? In her new book, The Women of Microsoft, Miri Rodriguez—Senior Storyteller at Microsoft, CEO of Empressa.ai, and award-winning author—spotlights the pioneers who shaped both the company and the future of tech. Along the way, she shares powerful insights on storytelling, leadership, and how empathy and purpose can transform the way we work.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How the new book, The Women of Microsoft, came together in honor of Microsoft’s 50th anniversary
• Stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation from women who shaped Microsoft over five decades
• Why telling both the highs and lows of women’s experiences in tech matters
• Practical lessons for women navigating promotions, resilience, and confidence in today’s workplace
• How empathy, compassion, and inclusion can shape the future of work—especially in the era of AI

Episode Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(01:09) How the book began

(02:43) The mission behind The Women of Microsoft

(04:33) Surprising and moving stories

(06:35) Women’s impact on Microsoft’s innovations

(09:10) Balancing celebration and hard truths

(12:11) Lessons for women navigating tech today

(19:14) The code of confidence and future generations

(20:42) AI, Empressa.ai, and the future of work

(26:35) A brand that made Miri smile

Miri Rodriguez is the CEO of Empressa.ai, a groundbreaking AI company reshaping the future of work for women, and serves as Senior Storyteller at Microsoft, where she crafts narratives that resonate globally. An award-winning author of Brand Storytelling—translated into four languages—Miri is also a sought-after speaker and consultant known for her empathetic, purpose-driven approach. Beyond her professional work, she champions social advocacy by training leaders of social enterprises in Africa, mentoring students and professionals in the U.S., and sharing mindfulness and happiness through her platform Be Mindful Be Happy. Her global travels with her husband fuel both her storytelling and her belief in the power of human experience and technology to transform lives.

What Brand Has Made Miri Smile Recently? Miri shared how the shoe brand Mephisto recently made her smile. While traveling in Spain, she rediscovered the brand her father had once introduced to her as a teenager. A local store gave her an unexpectedly personal, “white glove” experience—handwritten receipts, phone calls to the manufacturer, and even custom colors. For Miri, it was a powerful reminder that personal treatment and genuine customer care still win, even in a world dominated by mass retail.

Links

• Connect with Miri on LinkedIn, Instagram, and her website.
• Check out her new book, The Women of Microsoft: Empowering Stories from the Minds that Coded the World.

• Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, and iHeart.
• Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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