William A. Adams, Software Engineer, DEI Innovator, and Philanthropist
Oct 24, 2023
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William A. Adams, a software engineer, DEI innovator, and philanthropist, discusses his early interest in STEM, founding a software development company, and his career at Microsoft. They also highlight the importance of equity and diversity in tech, the significance of networking, and the success of apprenticeship programs for underrepresented individuals.
William Adams aims to support black and women-owned businesses in the tech industry by providing training, networking, financing, and mentorship.
Adams emphasizes the importance of giving encouragement and fostering resilience in underrepresented entrepreneurs.
The LEAP program, introduced by William Adams, offers a 16-week internship to increase diversity in engineering talent and has seen great success in converting participants to full-time jobs at Microsoft.
Deep dives
Venture Studio Model
William Adams has created a venture studio model to help black and women-owned businesses in the tech industry. Similar to Motown, Adams aims to find and develop talented individuals and provide them with the resources and support needed to succeed in the field of software development. This includes training, networking, financing, and mentorship to give entrepreneurs the opportunity to thrive.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Adams recognizes the lack of representation of black and women engineers in the industry and aims to change that. By providing a cushion and support system for underrepresented entrepreneurs, he hopes to increase their chances of success and longevity in the tech world. Adams emphasizes the importance of giving encouragement and fostering resilience in those who may have previously faced obstacles and discouragement.
The Role of AI in Software Development
Adams highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the software development process. He encourages aspiring developers to familiarize themselves with AI tools like Chat GPT and co-pilot, which can significantly enhance productivity and code composition. Adams himself uses AI tools to write code and advocates for the adoption of AI in the industry.
The LEAP Program: A New Approach to Recruiting
William Adams introduced the LEAP program, which aims to increase diversity in engineering talent by creating an apprenticeship program for professionals who are not fresh out of college. The program offers a 16-week internship that provides real-world experience and pays participants. The LEAP program has seen great success, with a high percentage of participants converting to full-time jobs at Microsoft and others gaining valuable experience for their resumes.
Going Beyond Traditional Talent Sources
The conversation highlights the importance of going beyond the traditional talent sources and seeking talent where it exists. The LEAP program recognizes that great engineers and product people may come from non-traditional backgrounds, such as coding academies or community colleges. By embracing diverse talent pools, companies can tap into a wider range of skills and perspectives, leading to better outcomes and a more inclusive work environment.
William A. Adams is a software engineer, DEI innovator, and philanthropist whose contributions to the field have been documented by the Computer History Museum. He spent more than 20 years at Microsoft, where he rolled out critical XML code globally, co-founded the Leap program, and served as Kevin’s first technical advisor. In this episode, Kevin and William discuss how William got interested in STEM at a young age, founding a software development company in the 80s, his career at Microsoft and pioneering D&I programing, and the importance of equity and diversity in tech.
