Vanessa Sorenson: From Caravan Parks to Microsoft MD

From navigating an unpredictable childhood in caravan parks to leading Microsoft New Zealand as its Managing Director, Vanessa Sorensen exemplifies extraordinary resilience and a passion for empowering others. A vocal advocate for girls embracing STEM and fostering inclusivity, Vanessa's journey is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity and creating a different future. Here's how this game-changing leader, who started her career answering phones at a tech startup, has climbed to the top, battling impostor syndrome and championing women in the industry.

From Caravan Parks to Tech Pioneer

Vanessa's early life was marked by frequent moves and challenging circumstances, including periods of homelessness. Despite the instability, she nurtured a clear vision for her future, fueled by an unwavering optimism. This tough upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of resilience and the conviction that even from nothing, "only greatness" could emerge. At 17, a pivotal decision to return to New Zealand led her to a receptionist role at a tech startup—her first step into an industry that was then in its infancy. This unexpected entry quickly revealed her knack for sales and a passion for human connection, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Despite a quarter-century of continuous promotions and success, Vanessa privately wrestled with "impostor syndrome," a feeling exacerbated by her unconventional education. Having left school at 16 without a university degree and attending nine different schools, she constantly feared being "found out." It was only when she truly began to share her full story that she found freedom. Leaning on the unwavering support of her husband and a network of trusted mentors, Vanessa learned to quiet the self-doubt and recognize her inherent worthiness, understanding that her promotions were a testament to her capabilities.

A Champion for Women in Technology

Now in a senior leadership role, Vanessa is committed to bringing more women into the tech sector. Recognising the lack of female role models during her early career, she initiated 10K Women, a groundbreaking program providing free training, enablement, and networking opportunities. Her goal is to create tangible pathways for women, ensuring they feel confident and equipped to pursue and succeed in tech roles, thereby "rising those tides" for everyone.

The power of partnerships 

Vanessa speaks passionately about the strong cultural alignment and collaborative success with Logicalis, particularly in the education sector. She highlights their recent achievement as Microsoft ANZ 2024 Azure Partner of the Year, an extraordinary feat that underscores their dedication to digital transformation, exemplified by projects with Western Sydney University and Trinity Grammar School. Vanessa emphasises that these partnerships are critical for modernizing education, securing environments, and embracing future technologies like AI, which she views as a "game changer" that businesses must actively consider rather than fear.

Watch Vanessa Sorenson shares more about her journey as a Game Changer.