Michael Wann

About Michael Wann

As Senior Director of Global Storytelling at Microsoft, I shape and execute a corporate storytelling strategy that uses leading-edge digital tools to amplify Microsoft’s key moments and messages. I’ve raised the bar by bringing in newsroom talent and coaching internal writers and editors in journalistic craft to create narratives that land.I’m driven to connect, resonate and inspire change through stories that reveal the human side of technology. I lead a team that uncovers, develops and shares the experiences of Microsoft customers, partners and employees. Together, we spark curiosity, spotlight innovation and show how our technology works in the real world. We also engage the wider conversation about tech’s role in society — its promise, challenges and future — by forging a genuine connection between Microsoft and its audiences.

Experience

1. Senior Director of Global Storytelling

   Microsoft

   Mar 2013 — Present · Redmond, WA, US

   Designed and executed a pioneering Corporate Storytelling strategy, transforming Microsoft’s approach to digital storytelling and elevating its most critical communications. Led a team of world-class journalists, writers, and editors to craft high-impact narratives across video, podcasts, interactive media, and text, positioning Corporate Storytelling as Microsoft’s internal agency for top-tier content.Built & Led a High-Impact Team – Established and directed the Corporate Storytelling team, integrating premier journalistic talent and upskilling internal writers to elevate narrative quality.Revolutionized Microsoft’s Storytelling Approach – Spearheaded innovations in video, 3D graphics, animation, and interactive storytelling, setting a new industry benchmark.Scaled Impact Across Global Platforms – Expanded the reach of Microsoft’s stories by optimizing the Global Microsoft News Center network and refining editorial strategy.Led a Company-Wide Digital Transformation – Orchestrated the migration of all corporate and product blogs to an agile, open-source platform on Microsoft Azure, enhancing efficiency and reducing turnaround times.Set the Standard for Editorial Excellence – Established uniform editorial and storytelling standards across all corporate blogs, including The Official Microsoft Blog and Microsoft on the Issues, ensuring consistency and impact.Leveraged Data for Smarter Storytelling – Developed and implemented an analytics-driven strategy to extract audience insights and refine content strategies for greater engagement.Transformed Stakeholder Communication – Designed and executed company-wide education initiatives on digital storytelling, improving Microsoft’s overall communications culture.Under my leadership, Microsoft’s Corporate Storytelling function has evolved into a strategic force, amplifying key messages and shaping the company’s digital presence at a global scale.

Education

• UW Foster School of Business

  MBA

  2009 — 2011

Skills

• Press Releases
• Digital Media
• Continuous Process Improvement Initiatives
• Media Relations
• News Writing
• Newspapers
• Web Content
• Department Budget Management
• Business Journalism
• Quality Control
• Media Production
• Magazines
• Publishing
• Content Development
• Product Analysis
• Ap Style
• Social Media
• Copy Editing
• Product Management
• Project Management
• Online Journalism
• Blogging
• Journalism
• P&L Budget Management
• Multimedia
• Feature Articles
• Online Publishing
• Strategic Communications
• Editing
• Headline Writing
• Leadership
• Web Editing
• Video
• Publications
• Storytelling
• Content Management
• Investigative Reporting
• Editorial
• Newspaper
• Content Strategy