Celebrating 5 Years at Microsoft: Reflecting on a Journey of Innovation and Impact

Alexander Loth stands on stage at a Microsoft event, delivering a presentation. The backdrop features a quote from Satya Nadella, "We empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more." The audience is visible in the foreground, attentively watching the presentation. (photo by Microsoft Corp.)
Me presenting on stage at a Microsoft event with Satya Nadella’s quote, „We empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more,“ displayed in the background.

Today marks a significant milestone in my career – 5 years at Microsoft. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with growth, innovation, and a sense of community that I deeply cherish.

As I look back, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned along the way:

1. A Remarkably Supportive and Collaborative Culture

From my very first day at Microsoft, I was welcomed into a culture that values collaboration and support. The camaraderie among the team members is truly special. Whether it’s working on challenging projects or brainstorming new ideas, there’s always a sense of unity and mutual respect. This supportive environment has been a cornerstone of my growth and success here.

2. AI: The Heartbeat of Our Work

At Microsoft, AI isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the heartbeat of our work. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how AI can drive transformative change across various industries. The innovative solutions we develop are not only cutting-edge but also have a profound impact on the world. It’s exhilarating to be part of a team that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.

3. Commitment to Responsible AI

One of the aspects I admire most about Microsoft is our unwavering commitment to responsible AI. We are dedicated to creating technology with integrity and humility. Every team, project, and initiative reflects this dedication. The emphasis on ethical AI development ensures that we are building a future where technology serves humanity positively and equitably.

4. Tech for Social Impact: Shaping a Better Future

Working with Tech for Social Impact (TSI) has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. We are not just envisioning a better future; we are actively shaping it. Our ambitious vision for Copilot is just the beginning of a transformative journey. The work we do at TSI has the potential to create significant positive change, and I am proud to be part of this mission.

5. Continuous Learning and Innovation

Continuous learning and innovation are at the core of Microsoft’s success. The opportunities for growth are endless, from the exciting projects in the Microsoft Garage to the numerous volunteering initiatives. Staying curious and constantly seeking to learn new things is encouraged and celebrated. This culture of continuous improvement is a driving force behind our collective achievements.

A big thank you to the mentors, managers, and colleagues who have been incredibly supportive. I’m immensely proud of our collective achievements and can’t wait to see what the future holds! Here’s to many more years of innovation, impact, and a shared vision of creating technology that empowers everyone.


If you’d like to stay updated on my journey and insights on AI, digital transformation, and more, follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Effizienter Arbeiten mit Microsoft Copilot Lab: Beispiel-Prompts für eine smartere KI-Nutzung

Microsoft Copilot Lab – neue Anlaufstelle zu einer effizienteren und kreativeren Arbeitsweise mit KI-unterstützten Tools.
Microsoft Copilot Lab – neue Anlaufstelle zu einer effizienteren und kreativeren Arbeitsweise mit KI-unterstützten Tools.

Microsoft hat vor wenigen Tagen eine neue Plattform für Generative KI vorgestellt: das Copilot Lab. Als Autor des Buches KI für Content Creation sehe ich hier einen wichtigen Schritt, um Anwendern den Umgang mit KI näherzubringen. Das Copilot Lab bietet eine Fülle von Ressourcen, die darauf ausgerichtet sind, die Benutzererfahrung mit Microsofts KI-Assistenten, Copilot, zu verbessern.

Microsoft Copilot Lab steigert KI-Kompetenz

Das Copilot Lab ist das Ergebnis des Bestrebens, eine Schnittstelle zwischen fortschrittlicher Technologie und deren Anwendern zu schaffen. Es ist ein Platz, der darauf ausgerichtet ist, KI-Kompetenz, also das Wissen und die Skills, die für den effizienten Einsatz von KI notwendig sind, zu vermitteln.

Microsoft hat im Copilot Lab umfangreichen Ressourcen zusammengetragen, um Anwendern das umfassende Potential der KI näherzubringen. Training-Videos, vorgefertigte Prompts und diverse Tipps und Tricks – das Copilot Lab bietet ein breites Spektrum an Materialien, die zum Entdecken einladen.

Angefangen bei instruktiven Videos auf der Landingpage des Copilot Labs, die Einblicke in die Grundlagen des Microsoft KI-Assistenten geben, bis hin zu spezifischen Anleitungen, wie Benutzer ihre Aufgaben in Microsoft 365 effektiv erledigen können:

Praktische Prompts für den Alltag in Copilot Lab

Das Copilot Lab bietet eine Auswahl an Beispiel-Prompts für die unterschiedlichsten Anwendungen – von OneNote über Outlook bis hin zu PowerPoint. Die Nutzer können durch diese navigieren, um Anregungen zu erhalten, wie sie den Copiloten am besten in ihre tägliche Arbeit integrieren können.

Für Einsteiger in die Welt der KI-Chatbots ist der Abschnitt Eingabeaufforderung – eine Kunst besonders wertvoll. Hier werden Nutzern Tools und Artikel an die Hand gegeben, die aufzeigen, wie man effektive Prompts formuliert und somit die besten Ergebnisse aus KI-Chatbots erzielt.

Das Copilot Lab verdeutlicht die Unterschiede zwischen den zahlreichen Copilot-Produkten, wie dem eigenständigen Chatbot Copilot und der Integration in Microsoft 365, Windows 11 sowie Microsoft Edge. Dadurch können Nutzer das für sie passende KI-Tool auswählen.

Screenshot des Microsoft Copilot Labs, der eine Auswahl an Prompts zeigt, wie man alltägliche Aufgaben wie die Erstellung einer Einkaufsliste oder das Hinzufügen eines Bildes zu einem Dokument mit Hilfe von künstlicher Intelligenz vereinfachen kann.
Screenshot des Microsoft Copilot Labs, der eine Auswahl an Prompts zeigt, wie man alltägliche Aufgaben wie die Erstellung einer Einkaufsliste oder das Hinzufügen eines Bildes zu einem Dokument mit Hilfe von künstlicher Intelligenz vereinfachen kann.

Weiterführend: KI für Content Creation

Wer noch tiefer in die Thematik der KI-gestützten Content-Erstellung eintauchen möchte, dem lege ich mein neues Buch KI für Content Creation (aktuell Platz 1 der Neuerscheinungen im Bereich KI) ans Herz. Es bietet praxisnahe Einblicke in die Integration von KI in kreative Prozesse und berücksichtigt dabei wichtige ethische Aspekte.

Das Copilot Lab öffnet Ihnen die Tür zu einer Welt, in der KI nicht nur unterstützt, sondern auch inspiriert. Entdecken Sie mehr auf Copilot Lab und nutzen Sie das volle Potenzial Ihres KI-Assistenten.

Wie sind Eure Erfahrungen mit Microsoft Copilot? Diskutiert mit auf LinkedIn und X (Twitter):

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4 Years at Microsoft: AI, Power BI, and A Future Full of Possibilities

Me at Microsoft Redmond campus - Celebrating 4 years at Microsoft
Me at Microsoft Redmond campus – Celebrating 4 years at Microsoft

Today marks my 4-year anniversary at Microsoft. Reflecting on this milestone, I’m filled with gratitude for a year that has been the most turbulent and exhilarating of my career. The integration of AI into our products has been groundbreaking, and the velocity of development has been extraordinary. Here’s a look back at last year’s achievements.

The Year of AI: A Game Changer for Microsoft

  1. AI Integration Across Products: This year, AI has found its way into almost every product, transforming the way we work, interact, and innovate. The collaboration with OpenAI has brought additional excitement and potential to our AI initiatives.
  2. GPT-4 and Bing: As I highlighted in GPT-4 Launches Today: The Rise of Generative AI from Neural Networks to DeepMind and OpenAI, Bing’s integration of GPT-4 has significantly enhanced its search capabilities, providing more accurate and personalized results.
  3. The Rise of Generative AI: Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI focuses on democratizing AI models like GPT and DALL-E. We’ve already integrated GPT into Power BI and are actively developing integrations across products, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Teams. Read more about The Rise of Generative AI here.
  4. Power BI Mastery: My latest book, Teach Yourself VISUALLY Power BI (Amazon), is designed to help users of all levels master this robust data visualization software. It’s part of Microsoft’s commitment to making powerful tools accessible and user-friendly. The book is a testament to our shared mission to empower every person. Learn more about mastering Power BI here.

Looking Forward: Embracing the Future with a Growth Mindset

The people around me have made this journey truly special. From motivating work to a team I love and leadership I respect, the human aspect has been the cornerstone of my Microsoft experience. The future holds exciting challenges, and it’s the wisdom, creativity, and passion of our team that fills me with optimism.

I’m sure the coming years will continue to be fast-paced, filled with innovation and growth. With an extraordinary team by my side, I look forward to embracing the challenges and joys ahead.

Stay Connected: Follow Me for More Insights on Microsoft, AI, and Power BI

The experiences we’ve shared have shaped me, and I’m grateful for every moment. I invite you to join our ongoing conversation about AI, digital transformation, Power BI, and more. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn, and let’s continue learning together.

„4 Years at Microsoft: AI, Power BI, and A Future Full of Possibilities“ weiterlesen

How China is Winning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Deep Dive into Innovation, Culture, and Strategy

China AI: The impressive Alibaba Campus in Hangzhou, a hub of innovation and intrapreneurship.
China AI: The impressive Alibaba Campus in Hangzhou, a hub of innovation and intrapreneurship.

China’s AI revolution is taking the world by storm. In this journey across cities like Hangzhou, discover how China is leading the AI industry, inspiring innovation, and shaping the future.

Currently, I’m on a 4-week China trip, visiting many cities. In Hangzhou, I met CEIBS peers who work for Alibaba. While the Alibaba campus is quite impressive, I got even more impressed by Alibaba’s leadership culture, which is encouraging its employees to innovate as intrapreneurs.

Intrapreneurship at Alibaba: The China AI Model for Success

At the impressive Alibaba Campus in Hangzhou, I discovered the power of intrapreneurship. If you start your own project (a new mobile app, a patent, a scientific paper, etc.), you’re doing it at your own pace. Employees are encouraged to innovate at their own pace, without being micro-managed. Success is rewarded with bonuses. Truly, this is where we can learn from China in the „China AI“ landscape!

China’s AI Ambitions: Leading the New World Order

Yue and me, Hangzhou West Lake

While traveling in China I was reading AI Superpowers: China Silicon Valley, and the New World Order by Kai-Fu Lee, a book that is a must-read to get an idea of where China’s AI ambitions are heading to. What matters most for AI innovation these days, the author argues, is access to vast quantities of data—where China’s advantage is overwhelming.

A quite entertaining book focusing on the new mindset of China’s young generation is this one: Young China: How the Restless Generation Will Change Their Country and the World by Zak Dychtwald.

Visualizing the Journey: Exploring my Tableau Public Viz

Which other cities in China did I visit? Check out my Tableau Public viz:

A visualization of my 2019 China Visit, exploring the cities and experiences.
A visualization of my 2019 China Visit, exploring the cities and experiences.

Interested in Visual Analytics? Grab a copy of my latest book, Visual Analytics with Tableau (Amazon), for a comprehensive guide to mastering data visualization.

Stay Connected and Explore More on China AI

China’s AI is reshaping the global landscape. From Alibaba to the nation’s strategies, China AI inspires and challenges the world. It’s a blend of technology, culture, and energy driving China’s AI revolution.

The experiences and insights from this trip have been truly enlightening. I invite you to join me as I continue to explore the fascinating world of China AI, digital transformation, and visual analytics. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn, and let’s continue learning together.

Don’t miss my upcoming book, Decisively Digital: From Creating a Culture to Designing Strategy (Amazon) Dive deep into digital transformation and be part of the new era of innovation.