In this episode, Lee Benson talks with Jean-Philippe Courtois, a 40-year veteran of Microsoft. Jean-Philippe shares his journey from joining Microsoft France as employee #11 to leading global operations. They discuss the early days of Microsoft as a startup, the launch of Windows 95, and what it takes to lead a company through massive growth.
Jean-Philippe also dives into the importance of positive leadership, how companies can create real value beyond profit, and his new focus on education, entrepreneurship, and tech for good.
Key Takeaways:
Startup Mentality: Jean-Philippe's stories from the early days at Microsoft show what it was like working in a startup that would go on to change the world.
Positive Leadership: A key moment in the 90s shaped Jean-Philippe’s approach to leading with trust and empowerment.
Global Growth: Learn how Microsoft scaled worldwide while managing cultural differences and driving local impact.
Real Value: Companies need to think beyond profit—focusing on long-term value for society and the environment.
Life Beyond Microsoft: Jean-Philippe is now focused on helping future leaders through education and positive leadership.
Quotes from Jim:
"I believe in the entrepreneur mindset—not just to start companies, but to change lives and reshape the value systems of society."
"One of the greatest lessons in leadership came when I was told, 'I'm not happy with the results, but I trust you to turn it around.' That trust fueled me to push harder than ever."
"It’s not enough for companies to just grow financially. We must also grow our impact on people, the planet, and the communities we serve.”
Why You Should Listen: If you want clear insights on leadership, growth, and creating value, this episode is for you. Jean-Philippe shares practical lessons from his decades at Microsoft and offers a new perspective on leadership that goes beyond just making money.
Listen now for a fresh take on business and leadership from one of Microsoft’s key players!
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