Welcome to ‘State of Mind’, a podcast in which Vera Siertsema talks to people about their stories of strength and well-being. Powered by Microsoft, the show's main goal is to normalize mental health conversations.
We all have a story, and every story matters.
Episode 57 – “The Power of Not Knowing: Leading with Humility & Resilience” – Ali Powell
What if being a better leader starts with accepting that you don’t have all the answers?
In this episode of State of Mind, Vera speaks with Ali Powell, Corporate Vice President of Asia Technology Services at Microsoft, about humility, resilience and learning to lead through uncertainty.
With 20+ years at Microsoft, Ali reflects on how his approach to leadership has changed, from feeling the need to know everything to becoming more curious, listening more and finding calm in challenging situations.
We explore:
Why great leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers
The importance of humility, curiosity and learning from others
How being honest about our mental health builds trust and connection
Finding calm, protecting our energy and making time for wellbeing
A thoughtful conversation about personal growth, staying grounded and why sometimes the most important thing we can do is become comfortable with not knowing.
Keywords: Leadership, Mental Health, Resilience, Humility, Wellbeing, Psychological Safety, Personal Growth, Microsoft Asia, State of Mind Podcast
23 Sept 2026
There’s More Than One Way Up the Mountain - Heather Gordon
What happens when your path to leadership looks different from everyone else’s?
In this episode of State of Mind, we speak with Heather Gordon, Chief Partner Officer for Microsoft Asia, about confidence, belonging and forging your own path. After 20 years at Microsoft, Heather speaks openly about building her career without a university degree, the self-doubt she has experienced along the way, and why imposter syndrome can still show up regardless of how far you have come.
We explore:
• Building confidence when your path looks different
• Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• The value of lived experience alongside education
• Creating more inclusive opportunities at work
A thoughtful conversation about recognising that there is no single path to success, and learning to value the experiences that make us different.
Keywords: imposter syndrome, confidence, inclusive leadership, belonging, career development, workplace inclusion, lived experience, Microsoft Asia
In this episode of State of Mind, we speak with Annella Heytens, Vice President of Human Resources for Microsoft Asia, about what it really takes to support wellbeing at scale.
From deeply personal experiences to leading HR across diverse markets, Annella shares why mental health is never “one size fits all” - it’s one size fits one.
Together, we explore how culture, leadership, and empathy shape the employee experience, and why organisations must move beyond policies to truly understand the individual behind the role.
In this episode:
Why wellbeing needs a personalised approach
Cultural nuances of mental health across Asia
Hybrid work and its impact on wellbeing
Prevention, not just reaction
A thoughtful conversation on creating workplaces where people can truly thrive.
Connect with Annella: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annella-heytens/
Keywords: workplace wellbeing, HR leadership, mental health, psychological safety, culture, Microsoft Asia
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15 ratings
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