Musical Chairs

It is an interesting thing to be working at Microsoft after the release of so many projects. With the release of Vista, Office12, and SharePoint 2007 (not to mention every other major application), change is afoot within the Microsoft campus. Teams are realigning themselves within the business units, headcount requirements are being posted, and planning is fully underway for Office14. And the dance is underway as people look to round out their skillset with new experiences.

I have to tell you, one of the primary reasons I came to Microsoft was because of all of the opportunity here — and a climate where it is expected that you’ll move around and try different things during your tenure. The Microsoft intranet (MSWeb) recently highlighted a Director within one of our marketing groups who has averaged 18 months in each of his positions, and has covered marketing, sales, product management and program management — resulting in a well-rounded manager who understands all sides of the business.

I am currently investigating opportunities over in the Information Worker Business Group and the Expression team. Two different sides of the business, both with very compelling opportunities. Setting up loops. I’ll let you know what happens….

On an unrelated, yet musical, note, I have been listening to a lot of Kent the past few weeks (specifically, their album ‘Hagnesta Hill’). Someone told me they sounded like Muse and Radiohead. I think that’s an intellectually lazy answer to anything remotely attached to the emo or indiepop genres. But I have to say that I have become rather enamored by their new wave-inspired hooks and overall euro-indie-pop vibe. They remind me of Suede without the whining, and Blur without the campiness. I dig it.