Zehra Syedasarwat

About Zehra Syedasarwat

With over 20 years of progressive leadership in the tech industry, I’ve driven measurable top line growth across $50M to $2.5B P & Ls, launched AI powered products and solutions, built and led high performing global teams of 120+, and led CSuite engagements across Fortune 500 companies spanning Retail, Finance, Banking, High Tech, Healthcare, Consumer Products, Education, and Startups. I specialize in crafting and executing growth strategies fueled by digital transformation grounded in aligning technology solutions across Cloud, Data, Security, and AI, with measurable ROI and business outcomes. A deeply curious, lifelong learner, I offer a strong foundation in tech with leadership experience across engineering, product management, customer success, business development, and program management. Additionally, I offer a track record of building and scaling products, tools, mechanisms, Cloud ROI measurements index, that continue to deliver value across the companies. I believe success is a byproduct of collective purpose, and that mobilizing people requires both conviction and connection. People will always be the most valuable asset in any organization, and I continue to prioritize individual and team wellbeing as the cornerstone of sustainable performance and impact. Currently, I lead Customer Experience Transformation Strategy at Microsoft, where I am responsible for setting company vision, strategy, lead cross-functional executive alignment, and ignite execution to deliver people, process, and technology transformation (with a strong focus on AI adoption), to ultimately establish Microsoft as the global leader in customer experience (CX). I lead a team of experts and senior leaders responsible for market research, business case development, strategy formulation, program management, and solution engineering. I continue to embrace a “learn by doing” mindset, actively experimenting with code to build AI/ML models that address real world cybersecurity challenges. As the founder of CyberCivic, a purpose-driven initiative focused on building a safer digital world through education and innovation, I’m deeply engaged in exploring how AI can be applied to strengthen our collective cyber posture. I also serve as a Data Industry Affiliate and Lab-to-Market Accelerator Mentor at Columbia University, and am an accredited startup investor. Previously I founded Women@AWS, and today I remain a passionate advocate for gender equity in technology and a dedicated mentor to the next generation of diverse tech leaders.

Experience

1. Founder

   Microsoft

   Feb 2025 — Present

   CyberCivic is a mission driven community of cybersecurity professionals and advocates dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public on cyber threats. We believe that cybersecurity is a civic duty, a collective responsibility that affects everyone, from seniors and youth to businesses and individuals. In today’s digital world, staying cyber aware is just as important as any other aspect of public safety.At CyberCivic, we empower people of all ages with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the internet safely. We cover essential topics like phishing scams, identity theft, online privacy, social engineering, and emerging cyber risks. Through insightful articles, expert-led discussions, and podcasts, we provide practical strategies that enhance digital security.This is a collective effort - Join us in driving awareness, sharing knowledge, and fostering meaningful conversations to make cybersecurity accessible to all. Participate in discussions, share valuable content, and help spread awareness by tagging us in cybersecurity-related posts. Together, we can build a safer and more informed digital society. Join CyberCivic here:

Education

• Columbia University in the City of New York

  Columbia Business School Executive Education

• The George Washington University

  Doctor of Engineering Cybersecurity Analytics (D.Eng) candidate - graduating eo 2026

• NYU Stern School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

• University of Phoenix

  Bachelor of Science - BS