Ep02: Data and Tech Innovation with Microsoft's Mike McLean

In this episode of “Thinking Ahead with Sourya,” I sit down with Mike McLean, Principal Group Product Manager at Microsoft. Mike and I talk about his 20-year journey in tech and how the world of product development has evolved over time.

We dive into why curiosity matters so much, and how there are so many career paths in tech beyond just coding. Mike shares what it’s been like working on major Microsoft products like Teams and Viva Engage, and he explains how data, collaboration, and understanding your users drive real innovation.

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is the importance of building strong networks and always digging into the “why” behind a product. According to Mike, that’s what truly sets you up for success in the tech industry.