#44: President of Microsoft Asia: Lessons from My Mum, Asia & Leading 30,000 People

In this soulful and wide-ranging conversation, Rodrigo Kede Lima, President of Microsoft Asia, reflects on the people, places, and pivotal lessons that have shaped who he is today. From the quiet strength of his trailblazing mother to the humbling experience of starting over in Asia, and the responsibility of leading 30,000 people across cultures, Rodrigo shares what it truly means to lead with purpose, humility, and heart.

We discuss:

• The values his mother and grandfather instilled in him
• What starting over in Asia taught him about leadership
• How he stays grounded while leading at scale
• His views on hierarchy, culture, and human-first systems
• What AI will demand of future leaders
• Unlearning, wellness, and the second mountain
• Why legacy is about leaving people better than you found them

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Meet Rodrigo: Childhood, Curiosity & Dreams of Medicine

05:14 The Legacy of His Mother and Grandfather

07:13 Core Beliefs That Shaped Rodrigo’s Leadership

10:00 Bold Career Moves & Embracing Discomfort

12:35 Starting Over in Asia: Humility, Curiosity & Reinvention

14:59 Wellness Routines That Keep Rodrigo Grounded

20:07 Leading 30,000 People: Culture, Connection & Systems

24:07 Asia’s Rise: From Manufacturing Hub to Innovation Powerhouse

26:44 The Values We Must Hold Onto in the AI Era

29:07 What Fatherhood Taught Rodrigo About Learning & Letting Go

32:49 Where to Begin: Practical Steps for Embracing AI

36:40 Beyond Boardrooms: Lessons from Parenting

39:40 Redefining Purpose: Rodrigo on Legacy, Joy & Giving Back

41:15 The Message Rodrigo Hopes to Leave Behind

42:27 Closing Reflections

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Follow Rodrigo here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-kede-lima-51941129/