Interview with Peggy Johnson, Executive VP of Business Development

Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Microsoft, discusses her role in driving company growth through partnerships, investments, and acquisitions. Johnson highlights the shift from siloed business development within product teams to a centralized corporate-level strategy, enabling more holistic deals and maximizing value across the company. She recounts establishing Microsoft Ventures, an early-stage venture fund, to gain insights into emerging technologies. Johnson emphasizes the importance of collaboration, respect, and listening in building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships, referencing Microsoft's approach to resolving disputes with Samsung as a prime example. She also shares her journey from considering becoming a nun to leading significant changes in tech, advocating for authenticity and inclusivity in the workplace.