Post by Ece Süreyya Birol

After four rewarding years, I’m stepping into a new chapter beyond Microsoft. My time as a Partner Technology Strategist within the Global Partner Solutions organization was a period of deep learning, growth, and meaningful impact. I worked with partners across Türkiye, Greece, and the Adriatics, from fast-growing startups to large system integrators, with a clear focus: strengthening partner capabilities and transforming emerging technologies into scalable solutions that created real business value for customers. Working across such a diverse ecosystem gave me a global mindset and a sharp understanding of how innovation moves from vision to execution. Turning AI and data-driven initiatives into revenue-generating solutions, while co-leading the Female Talent Program with Buket Nazlıcan Karabulut and expanding it from the partner ecosystem into the startup and VC space, strengthened my belief that innovation accelerates when opportunity is inclusive. Throughout this journey, one thread connected everything: AI. Long before today’s AI tools became mainstream, I was focused on how AI could solve real-world problems. Watching it evolve from research-driven experimentation into a force reshaping every industry has been extraordinary, and being part of that transformation has shaped how I think, build, and lead. Now I’m stepping into a space where my passion and experience intersect: AI, research, strategy, and building new ideas from the ground up. I’m excited for what’s ahead and will share more soon. To my teammates, managers, colleagues, and partners — thank you for the trust, collaboration, and shared journey. Emre Dura, Nadja Telalagic, Berkay Mimaroglu, Ozgur Civek, Ali Oktay Ortakaya, Sinem Buzer Çalışkan, Achilleas Raptis, Rodanthi Alexiou, Mert Aksoy, Sakis Rokanas, George Georgiades, George Dimitrakos, Bojan Vrhovnik, Luka Perne, Phanis Parpas, Dejan Pervulov, Lea Rozen To my mentors — thank you for your guidance and support in my growth. Tomaz Valjavec, Dan Figueiredo, MBA, Sherif El Mahdi, Steve Ross, Onur Koc, Emre Dura Keep innovating, ESB #AI #AITransformation #ResponsibleAI #WomenInTech