Marko Peresic has now stepped down from his role at Microsoft in the Business Applications group, and the former general manager sat down with MSDW for an exit interview of sorts. On this MSDW Podcast episode he discusses his twelve years at Microsoft and reflects on both his own growth and the evolution of the company's business applications group.

Leaving the company was not a decision he took lightly, he says. The company's talented employees, as well as the intensity of its partner and customer bases it a unique place to work. He weighed different potential job offers, both inside and outside the company before landing on a new role at a yet-to-be-identified HR software firm. And he advised that the search for his replacement, which is ongoing, is expected to result in a new leader with same general manager roles and responsibilities. Other topics of our conversation included some of the feedback he heard from within Microsoft when he announced his plans, how he has adapted to handling conflict with stakeholders in the community, shifting from a technology focus to a customer success focus, and why Microsoft needs to better develop its executive talent pool internationally rather than centered in Redmond.

Show Notes:

• 1:30 – A warm response from the community to the news of Marko's departure
• 3:15 - Did the latest progress with Business Central impact the decision to move on?
• 6:00 - Why he spent such a long time at Microsoft after years of shorter term roles at startups
• 12:15 - Recommendations for new hires at Microsoft, including the strengths of the culture and the need to get in front of partners and customers
• 15:00 – Notable shifts resulting from the company's leadership change.
• 20:00 – How his attitude and approach has changed, from "excessive self-confidence" in the early years to something more refined.
• 25:00 – The impact of the partner channel on a Microsoft manager's role
• 29:00 – Shifting from a technology focus to a business and customer success attitude.
• 31:30 – Defining the role of Marko's replacement's
• 33:00 – Why Microsoft needs more managers based internationally.
• 36:00 – Where Marko is most excited about the direction of enterprise apps technology, including ERP, HR, and beyond.