For this 65th Episode of the Podcast, I'm excited to welcome a friend, former colleague, and someone I partnered with at Microsoft; Lani Phillips, the Vice President of Microsoft's US One Commercial Channel Sales Organization. In this episode, we have an authentic and wide-ranging conversation focused on Microsoft's partner co-selling business, the impact of social injustice on society, and Microsoft's response.

Lani and her team are responsible for driving digital transformation across customers in Commercial, Mid-Market, and Regulated Industries in the United States with Microsoft's partner ecosystem, driving a $30B+ business. She and her organization are responsible for accelerating the Co-Selling partnership, which enables partners and Microsoft to drive joint sales pursuits, revenue, and ultimately customer success.

Lani, her husband James and son, Brayden, reside in the Chicago/Naperville area. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her boys, cooking, and writing her first leadership book, which she hopes to publish.

Lani and I worked together at Microsoft, and I had the opportunity to work with her team while I was leading the Partner Business for Microsoft's Top U.S. Co-Sell partner across three industries. I so enjoyed this conversation, and we could have easily continued for two hours had it not been for our schedules. We discussed her business and priorities for Microsoft FY21 and what makes a great co-sell partner.

I also wanted to ensure we spent a fair amount of time discussing her personal and professional journey as an African American Woman rising to the ranks of Vice President at Microsoft. In our conversation, we touch on how the incidents surrounding Geoge Floyd personally impacted her and her family. We also discuss Microsoft's response toward racial injustice.

We could have easily continued this discussion for hours. I've invited Lani to join me for a second episode later in the year to continue our conversation.

As with each of my episodes, I appreciate your support. Please tell your friends about Ultimate Guide to Partnering and where they can find us. I'd love your feedback. Please like the podcast and provide comments or reach out to me at @vincemenzione on Linked In, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also like and follow Ultimate Guide to Partnering Facebook page or drop me a line at [email protected].

LINKS & RESOURCES

* Find Lani Phillips on LinkedIn and Twitter* Satya's Blog on Racial Injustice* Your Black Coworkers Are Still Not Okay—Here’s How to Support Them.* White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism* Transcript of our interview is below.