Nick Palomba

I've spent more than 30 years at Microsoft and 35 years in technology, watching the industry transform from Windows 95 to cloud computing, cybersecurity, and now Agentic AI. Along the way, I've learned that the hardest challenges in business rarely come down to technology. They come down to people, leadership, culture, and the decisions we make when things don't go as planned.

Today, I'm a General Manager and Industry CISO at Microsoft, leading a global organization of nearly 200 professionals and supporting a $1.8 billion business portfolio. I work with Fortune 100 executives, CEOs, CIOs, CISOs, and boards on AI adoption, cybersecurity, enterprise transformation, and business strategy.

But my story goes beyond technology.

I've experienced the successes, failures, organizational changes, difficult leadership decisions, and personal reinventions that come with building a career spanning three decades at one of the most influential technology companies.

I've also served as Vice Mayor of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, where I learned how different leadership becomes when you're accountable directly to the people you serve.

What makes me an engaging podcast guest?

I bring real experiences, candid opinions, practical lessons, and stories from the boardroom, corporate leadership, and public service. I'm equally comfortable discussing the future of AI and cybersecurity or sharing what 30 years in corporate America taught me about people, failure, resilience, and success.

Conversations I'd love to have:

• 30 Years, 30 Lessons: Leadership lessons from three decades at Microsoft, including mistakes, mentors, and defining moments.

• From Windows 95 to Agentic AI: What decades of technological change taught me about staying relevant and leading through disruption.

• Leadership Without the Corporate Playbook: Building teams, managing difficult situations, developing talent, and creating a culture people want to be part of.

• AI, Cybersecurity & the Future of Business: What executives need to understand about AI, emerging risks, and responsible innovation.

• The Boardroom Meets City Hall: Lessons from Fortune 100 leadership and serving as a municipal Vice Mayor.

• Career Longevity & Reinvention: How to remain curious, adaptable, and relevant after 35 years in technology.

I don't believe great podcast conversations should feel like corporate presentations. I enjoy thoughtful questions, challenging assumptions, sharing the stories behind the successes, and being open about what didn't work.

My goal is to leave your audience with a few ideas they can actually use, a different perspective, and maybe a story they'll remember.