When Shruti Harish returned to Microsoft in 2020, she rejoined a company undergoing seismic technological and cultural change. As a Head of Solution Engineering for Cloud & AI, she is helping Enterprise drive transformation through Microsoft’s cloud and AI platforms.
“I lead a solution engineering, pre-sales organisation for our Microsoft Cloud and AI platforms within the manufacturing and mobility operating unit,” she explains. “Our field sales organisation partners with clients in these sectors to drive business transformation through Microsoft cloud and AI solutions.”
Leading in a Culture of Innovation
Shruti’s leadership style is rooted in inclusivity and empowerment. “I’m deeply committed to an inclusive leadership style,” she says. “Our most innovative solutions arise when every team member’s perspective is valued and integrated into the strategic direction of the company.”
She sees her role as not just a technology leader, but a cultural architect. “Establishing the right culture is the most important task of any leader at any time in the world,” she says. “More so today, especially during times of constant change, unpredictability and continuous innovation.”
For Shruti, culture is the engine of innovation – a force that connects people, purpose, and performance. “We have to make sure our people feel grounded about who they are, the strengths they bring to the table, and how they can differentiate themselves to keep adding value to our team and to our customers,” she explains. “I also believe in fostering a spirit of collective ambition, by which we propel each individual forward while ensuring that as a team we consistently meet business objectives and exceed customer expectations.”
This philosophy – blending accountability, shared learning, and collective resilience – defines her approach to leadership in the age of AI. “Ultimately, this shared commitment is what fuels our culture of resilience and innovation,” she adds.
Technology with Purpose
For Shruti, technology has always been about human impact. “I really believe in the power of technology and AI to make human lives better,” she pledges. “The everyday stories I hear – whether that’s AI enabling doctors to spend more time with their patients or helping our customers focus on higher impact work – really reinforce my commitment to Microsoft’s mission of empowering every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.”
It’s a perspective grounded in empathy and purpose. “I’m inspired by leading teams through change while maintaining a culture of empathy, engagement, and empowerment,” she says. “Witnessing how AI can provide tangible benefits – saving time, increasing productivity – reinforces why we do what we do.”
