Financial Executives International (FEI)

Leadership Lessons From Microsoft CAO Alice Jolla

The FEI Icons podcast features Alice Jala, Microsoft’s chief accounting officer and Rockwell Automation board member, sharing the personal journey that shaped her leadership style. From counting cash on her father’s kitchen table in Louisiana to navigating a series of geographic and cultural moves, Jala illustrates how early curiosity and a willingness to say “yes” before feeling ready propelled her into senior finance roles. Key moments include a tough post‑college job hunt that landed her in West Virginia, a pivotal transfer back that forced her to confront the fear of saying no, and the decision to earn her CPA while working on an international service‑center project. A two‑year FASB fellowship in Connecticut expanded her technical expertise, and a strategic call to a former manager opened the door to Microsoft, where she eventually succeeded him as CAO. Throughout, Jala emphasizes the power of networking, continuous learning, and self‑advocacy. Memorable quotes such as “If you keep saying no, they’ll stop asking you” and “Win in Rome, do as the Romans” underscore her pragmatic philosophy. She also shares vivid anecdotes—riding a tricycle in Seattle, embracing live theater in Connecticut, and swapping a bike for a local cycling culture—to illustrate how she turns cultural shock into personal growth. For professionals, Jala’s story reinforces that adaptability, relationship‑building, and a clear sense of one’s value are essential levers for career acceleration. By deliberately seeking uncomfortable opportunities and championing their contributions, leaders can navigate diverse environments and rise to executive positions in Fortune‑500 firms.