The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

554: Microsoft’s Dean Carignan on Using AI to Boost Joy, Focus, and Productivity at Work

11 snips
May 26, 2025
Dean Carignan, co-author of The Insider’s Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, has spent two decades shaping AI strategy at the tech giant. He discusses the importance of a mindset for innovation beyond just processes, emphasizing that creativity thrives in the spaces between disciplines. His insights highlight how AI enhances productivity and transforms work, allowing individuals to focus on meaningful tasks. Carignan also shares the power of storytelling in fostering innovation and reveals why mission-driven work often surpasses financial incentives in attracting talent.
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ANECDOTE

Dean's Career Path

  • Dean Carignan transitioned from international economic development to McKinsey and then Microsoft to solve hard problems impacting people.
  • He embraced crossing boundaries between research and product teams, fueling innovation throughout his 20-year tech career.
INSIGHT

Tech Change Patterns

  • Patterns of technology adoption and value often mirror past industrial revolutions despite seeming unique.
  • Combining technology with economics and sociology enriches understanding of technological change and innovation.
ANECDOTE

Recruiting Beyond Money

  • Dean advised a government agency to hire tech talent by emphasizing mission and impact over salary alone.
  • He helped shift their mindset beyond money to attract talent motivated by positive societal outcomes.
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