#44: President of Microsoft Asia: Lessons from My Mum, Asia & Leading 30,000 People
CLOSER with Rachel LimShow Notes
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/
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