Shelly Landsmann is the Chair of the Board of Advisors for NED.
Shelly is a former Microsoft executive, working her way up from 1997 when she first joined the company, to become CEO of Microsoft Israel from 2015-2019, delivering significant growth and success for the firm. Shelly closed the first hyperscale data center contract in Israel and worked to grow cloud computing in the region. She now advises several start-ups and is married with three wonderful children.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
It is important to surround yourself with people who you can learn from, you should always embrace any opportunity to learn. Of course, starting off can be scary, but if you feel stressed try to “peel” back each layer of the situation: try to understand what is really making you feel uncomfortable. Then you can focus on changing this.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Focus on your north star – where you want to be, focus on your strength and capabilities, utilise them to the fullest. There’s always going to be things that you’re not good at, don’t be afraid to ask for help, recognise your weaknesses and get advice to make them better, or outsource what you’re not good at.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
It was growing to the role of CEO of Microsoft Israel. I am more proud of the transformation and the growth I experienced in my life because of this than the role itself. I was one of the first female CEOs of a regional Microsoft entity and I achieved a lot for the company during my tenure. I am very grateful for the experience and it has been incredibly impactful.
What does an average work day look like for you?
I wake up at around 5 am, I read emails, news and other messages. I play tennis a few times a week and then I have full days of business meetings. A few nights a week, I have a meeting with a non-profit organisation which I am a part of.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
I appreciate people that have tenacity and capability as I am recruiting. I think that these qualities are essential for employees in fast moving businesses and markets.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
I’d say that it’s important to have a few goals, not just one- things change over time and you have to be adaptable. Reaching goals requires resilience, preparation and dedication, you’ll see progress over time, not in one day. Be realistic and be patient with yourself, growth and success come over time, with dedication and commitment.
