Profile: Mike Walker

Meet Mike Walker. Senior Director of Applied Innovation + Digital Transformation, Microsoft.

Name: Mike Walker

Current Job: Senior Director of Applied Innovation + Digital Transformation, Microsoft

Current City: North Canton

Hometown: Cincinnati

Q: What is it that you do at Microsoft? 
At Microsoft, I identify the most impactful emerging technology trends, help fortune 100 companies incubate new industry business models, and lead the digital ecosystem strategy for Microsoft’s top customers globally.

Another key aspect of my role is to educate the market broadly on the latest trends. As a keynote speaker, I am sought after to speak at events around the globe. You can also find my thought leadership on Gartner, Forbes, CNN, InfoWorld, along with many articles and published books.

Q: What’s a problem that you are working to solve? 
I partner with CEOs and other executives to help them maximize business impact of using emerging technologies like: artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, smart cities and spaces, IoT, 5G, and blockchain technologies. This will include hacking the culture of a company, actively rethinking and/or disrupting their current business, and providing a transformation roadmap of emerging technologies.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that has helped shaped your work? 
In my opinion, real leadership is about making others successful. Creating a culture of collaboration that does not only focus on the success of one individual but on an entire team or company.

In the similar way to leadership, don’t overcompensate with technology as a tool to replace human interaction. No matter how digital our lives become, it’s still about the humanistic experiences that we create around us. 

Q: What’s a trend in technology or innovation that you believe doesn’t get enough attention? 
Human augmentation certainly doesn’t get enough serious consideration. When I think of human augmentation it refers to the enhancement of human capabilities and capacity by using technology.

As an example of one technology, the total “brain computer interface” market will be worth $1.73 billion at a grow at a rate of over 10.0% between 2016 to 2024. That’s just one technology of many that include: 4D printed organs, mixed and augmented reality, biochips, smart fabrics, and prosthetics.

Q: What’s one moonshot idea that could help make Ohio a world leader in technology and innovation? 
Simply put, focus on what we are great at and not what we are not. I would change up the strategy of the past of looking at individual cities and focus on the entire state. Look at what each city is great at and maximize the innovation there.

As an example, the Cleveland area has always been a vibrant space for manufacturing where there is really great talent. Maximize on that talent and create incentives to up-skill workers to Cleveland the center of the “Industry 4.0” movement that involves smart factories, edge computing, autonomous robotics and vehicles, along with next generation communications like 5G and 6G.

Both Cincinnati and Columbus have vibrant existing ecosystems that can be maximized without being completely dependent on bringing talent into the cities. In my opinion, there is a standard playbook when we look at cities like Austin, TX on specific programs and incentives. I believe the hardest part is fostering a vibrant community that natural creates innovation.

A great resource for learning more is a study by the US Congress.

Q: What’s a recent book, podcast or news story that you found interesting? 
“Growth” by Vaclav Smil, is a great book about both the growth in nature as well as in society. Personally, I love history and learning from the past to inform the future. Smil does an exceeding great job at documenting the past and seeing the big picture. While, I don’t agree with everything in the book, he is one of my favorite authors for his extremely thought provoking insights.

Selfishly, my podcast “Leaders in Digital” has a great episode with a Buckeye State company, GE Aviation. I interview their CTO of blockchain technology about how they plan on transforming aviation and aerospace. They provided great insights and you can learn more here.

Q: What's your favorite place in Ohio? 
I would have to say Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. I’ve been to several ballparks, but there is something about what they’ve done with this stadium.

The Reds Hall of Fame is a sight to see, several interactive exhibits for the kids, you can take a tour of the major areas including the press box and the Reds dugout. Also, if you are a “foodie” or love craft beer there’s lots of options at the stadium. However, for me, I’m into the classics and a good IPA. What’s also nice is that the atmosphere outside the stadium is great too!

Go Reds!

Q: What makes Ohio special to you?  
I’ve lived all over the country and I can say that Ohio is very much an underdog of a state that is commonly dismissed. It’s always been surprising to me given there is so much to offer in our beautiful state.

As far as what makes Ohio special, some of you might think this is too simple, but I think this is essential. Some of the best qualities in my opinion are the people. Culturally some of the most considerate and easy-going types of people. This is often overlooked if you never leave Ohio but when you go to other places, this is the first thing you miss.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.