Session Abstract

More than 200,000 IT professionals worldwide carry the responsibility of keeping Microsoft 365 secure, compliant, and effective. Their work—addressing sprawl, reducing technical debt, guiding adoption, and absorbing the shocks of constant change—makes innovation possible, yet too often goes unseen. But invisibility can also mean missed opportunities for recognition, growth, and leadership. Join Richard Harbridge, Microsoft MVP, as he shines a light on the hidden heroes of Microsoft 365, their stories and important industry insights. This session will explore: - Real-world stories of IT pros who turned behind-the-scenes success into recognized leadership - How individuals and teams can grow personally and professionally while steering complex M365 change - How teams, organizations and communities can better celebrate and support amplifying IT professionals and their voices Attendees will walk away with both inspiration and practical ideas for elevating IT success—individually, as teams, and as a community.

Note to event organizers

There are sooo many great stories of how IT professionals have become leaders, achieved more, or drove amazing change that can both motivate us working in the trenches while challenging us around how we share and lead in our organizations and in the communities we work in. This session will be a mix of professional development, industry stories/stats that inspire/align and practical tips and practices that any Microsoft 365 IT professional can use.

Richard Harbridge

Richard Harbridge is an Ecosystem Collaboration & Alliances Lead, author, internationally recognized speaker, and a Microsoft MVP. With a wealth of experience, Richard has led and operated multiple thriving businesses and currently serves as a trusted advisor to hundreds of organizations. He specializes in helping businesses understand their current and future needs, guiding them to take strategic actions that drive growth and achieve their ambitious goals. Richard is known for his hands-on approach, having led, architected, and implemented countless business and technology solutions that have catalyzed digital and organizational transformations. His passion lies in empowering organizations to achieve more, whether through creating award winning experiences that enhance employee and technology strategies or by leveraging emerging technologies to improve the value they deliver to their customers, partners, and communities. As sought-after speaker and leader, Richard frequently shares his expertise on employee experience, AI, the digital workplace, technology adoption, and Microsoft technologies at industry events worldwide. Richard is proud to work at Workleap, makers of ShareGate and also contributes to several committees, research teams, leads CIO think tanks, and facilitates employee experience and technology groups.

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