Leading Through the Microsoft Shift

Change inside the Microsoft ecosystem is constant: people moves, shifting programs, and a technology stack that’s evolving at speed. The challenge for partner C-suites is not simply keeping up, but leading through it. Blacfox, together with the Microsoft Alumni Network, is hosting a closed-door leadership inner circle with Orlando Ayala—a former Microsoft global operator who worked directly with Bill Gates on his top leadership team. Orlando built new regions in emerging markets, opened subsidiaries across the southern hemisphere, ran the worldwide field, led the partner organisation, and later chaired Emerging Markets. This is a straight talk session about how to navigate Microsoft’s change cycles, manage the relationship, and keep execution steady. No slides. No sales pitch. No sacred cows.

Worked directly with Bill Gates on Microsoft’s senior leadership team during pivotal shifts.
Joined to lead Latin America, then opened 30+ subsidiaries across the southern hemisphere—turning greenfield markets into operating businesses.
Later ran Microsoft’s worldwide sales, marketing and services engine, then led Small & Midmarket Solutions & Partners.
Helped pull Great Plains and Navision/Axapta together as COO of Microsoft Business Solutions (Dynamics) while leading the partner organisation.
As Chairman, Emerging Markets and Chief Strategist for National Competitiveness, worked across public private ecosystems to build digital infrastructure and skills.