I'm currently a Simplicity Consultant supporting Microsoft in the role of Visual Merchandising Project Manager. I oversee all things VM for Surface, Xbox, and PCA in Best Buy's across the US. I started my tech career part time at T-mobile, and I've since held various roles at major companies such as AT&T and Microsoft. After a lifetime of gaining hands on experience in the field and leading teams in delivering world class in-store experiences, I found myself wanting more. My current consulting role has allowed me to grow in ways that I didn't know I wanted!  

What I love about consulting is that I get opportunities to interact with people from various backgrounds in an effort to maximize impact and productivity. Over the last 2 years at Simplicity, my professional network has exploded with people from various backgrounds and industries, and I have a much higher since of fulfillment in the work that I do and the impact that I've been able to make. If you are considering the path of consulting, what I'd recommend is starting off by either reading or listening to 'Work, Your Way' by Lisa Hufford. Yes, I get how it sounds… " Of course he'd say that he works for her company…" Honestly, it was EXTREMELY insightful to the life that I have been living the last few years, but it made me pause and think about what I want for myself in future opportunities. I am no longer restricted in thinking that there is only one way to approach a career. If you are thinking about a life of consulting, Lisa's book provides answers to the questions that you don't even know to ask yet.  

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Have you seen Al's Consultant Spotlight video on How to Work your Network? Check it out!

Are you interested in the consultant lifestyle? Please visit our consulting page to learn more and start the journey!

Melinda G.
Project Manager, Employee Engagement Team

I was a Microsoft FTE for nine years working in many different roles including a two-year assignment in China. I left Microsoft in 2019 to join a tech start-up to connect donors to nonprofits through new technology. My current Simplicity consulting role is with the Employee Engagement Team that oversees Microsoft's Giving program, which aligns with my lifelong passion to support nonprofits.

As a consultant, I can jump from one project to another as needed. I enjoy challenges so being able to quickly take on a new project, create a plan, and drive successful solutions is a great career fit for me.

Fun fact: I sold the first ever Surface device in 2012 at the launch event at a Microsoft retail pop-up store, where I led a team of 100+ retail store Microsoft employees who showcased Surface to an international customer base in NYC Times Square for 6 months. Panos Panay worked with our team to get feedback from customers that helped Surface continue to evolve into the great product it is today. This assignment was one of my most challenging at Microsoft but also the most fun!

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Are you interested in the consultant lifestyle? Please visit our consulting page to learn more and start the journey!