TIME FOR A CHANGE
18 Mar
In my time at Microsoft I’ve been part of two major OS releases, worked as we launched new mobile and cloud platforms, travelled tens of thousands of miles, and worked with some truly outstanding people. To quote every presentation I’ve ever given, it’s been “awesome”.
Five years, three job titles, and several million gallons of caffeinated beverages later, it’s time for a change of direction – and as such I am leaving Microsoft on Friday 12th April to start an exciting new adventure at cloud communications start-up Twilio.
AN AWFULLY BIG ADVENTURE
I’m leaving a company and a team who are doing great things. I’ve always been a fan of Microsoft’s core values and, certainly in the UK, their intense desire to help people do amazing things. To all of the people I’ve worked with – the thousands of students and developers I’ve met at events and workshops, customers I’ve served, and colleagues I’ve changed the world with – thank you.
I’ve enjoyed every minute of the past half-a-decade as a ‘Microsoftie’ and I leave with a lot of love for the Big Blue Monster.
THE WORLD HAS CHANGED
In the past few years, everything has changed. The entire landscape of the industry has been turned on its head several dozen times, and one thing is clear – it’s our time to shine. In a world where peoples lives are so intertwined with technology, it’s the ‘software people’ who have the power to make us laugh, cry, and unlock the power of the devices in our pockets.
Put simply, developers rule the world.
My new role as a marketing guy at Twilio gives me the chance to do what I’ve always done – help people do awesome things with technology – but take it further than I ever have before. I’ll be working to grow one of the most exciting cloud services I’ve encountered in recent years within Europe, helping people to do amazing and innovative things, and joining their already great efforts to bring a streak of philanthropy and community mindedness to a start-up at the very heart of both London and San Francisco.
I can’t wait to get started – and I look forward to sharing it with you all. As always, you can follow me on Twitter, add me on Skype, and check back here where I’m sure I’ll have lots to say!
I’m looking for a new ‘buzz word’ to use in presentations and blog posts – but for now I’ll simply finish with this:
You are all awesome.
Awesome news! I wish you good luck in the future, Ben!
Congratulations!
oh. my. god. your leaving microsoft!! and I wish you good luck for the future at twilio. Have fun #redefinepossible
Sorry to hear you’re leaving Ben but your new role sounds like an awfully grand adventure!
I wish you all the very best for the future!
Paulfo
Well done Ben, sounds like an exciting move. Enjoy life after Microsoft. I know you will
Good for you Ben!
Was so envious of your position at Microsoft, you have done some pretty damn cool stuff! I wish the Best of luck at your new job… and cool, heard of Twilio a while ago when they sponsored something on Stack Overflow but had no idea they were in the UK now!
Thanks for all your help with student stuff at Microsoft. Good luck in your new position. If you ever want to come up to Hull and tell us all about it, feel free to do just that.