Accelerating Growth in the Microsoft Partner Ecosystem
Elena Kennedy, Microsoft
In this episode of the Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series, we sit down with Elena Kennedy, Senior Partner Development Manager at Microsoft. Elena shares her extensive experience and insights on driving partnership success with cloud providers and AI startups. We discuss the strategic priorities for aligning with Microsoft, emerging trends in the ISV and software partner ecosystem, and the role of the commercial marketplace in accelerating growth.
Key highlights include:
- Strategic Priorities: Elena's top three priorities for software companies to focus on when aligning with Microsoft, including leveraging Microsoft programs, showcasing compelling customer stories, and prioritizing partnership development.
- Emerging Trends: Insights on the latest trends in the ISV and software partner ecosystem, including untapped opportunities and innovative solutions leveraging Azure AI.
- Commercial Marketplace: The role of the commercial marketplace in driving growth for ISVs and the potential for multi-party private offers.
- Deepening Engagement: Steps for companies already co-selling with Microsoft to deepen their engagement and grow faster.
- Leadership Qualities: Critical leadership qualities and mindsets for software companies navigating rapid growth within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Tune in to learn about the latest strategies, innovative use cases, and the future of partnerships with Microsoft. Whether you're a SaaS company, services partner, investor, executive, board member, or simply interested in the intersection of AI and cloud partnerships, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert perspectives.
Navigating the Future of AI and Innovation
Parul Bhandari, Microsoft
In this episode of the Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series, we sit down with Parul Bhandari, who is leading Microsoft’s Telco, Media & Gaming Partner Strategy globally. Parul shares her vision for how AI, security, and innovation are transforming industries and unlocking unprecedented opportunities for growth.
From driving productivity with tools like Microsoft M365 Copilot to creating hyper-personalized customer experiences and pioneering new AI-native business models, Parul discusses the trends reshaping the next 2–3 years. She also dives into the challenges businesses face in this new era, including cybersecurity, ethical considerations, and the evolution of tech ecosystems.
Key highlights include:
- How AI is becoming a strategic lever for growth in the telecommunications industry.
- The power of ecosystems and partnerships to drive innovation and create long-term value.
- Leadership strategies for executives, board directors and VC and PE firms in scaling profitably while staying resilient in a rapidly evolving market.
Whether you're a SaaS leader, investor, or executive looking to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies.
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Transforming Financial Services with AI
Daragh Morrissey, Microsoft
In this episode of the Partner1 Distinguished Expert Speaker Series, we sit down with Daragh Morrissey, who is Data & AI for Financial Services at Microsoft. Daragh shares his extensive experience and insights on the evolution of AI, from its early days to the groundbreaking advancements of today. We discuss the practical applications of generative AI, the potential of agentic AI, and the strategic considerations of the build vs. buy decision for partners and customers.
Key highlights include:
- Evolution of AI: Discussion on the evolution of AI from predictive AI to generative AI and the current focus on agentic AI
- Use Cases in Financial Services: Examples of how AI is being used to handle complaints in banks and automate processes
- Build vs. Buy Decision: Insights on when to build versus buy AI solutions, with examples from the industry
- Future of AI: Predictions on the future of AI, including the potential for artificial general intelligence and hyper-personalized financial services
- Advice for ISVs and SIs: Best practices for partnering with Microsoft and innovating with AI
Tune in to learn about the latest trends, innovative use cases, and the future of AI in financial services. Whether you're a SaaS company, services partner, investor, executive at a financial institution, or simply interested in the intersection of AI and finance, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert perspectives.
