The Experiment Mindset
Dona Sarkar has built her career around one core belief: transformation begins with experimentation. Her signature message that you are always one experiment away from becoming your most powerful self guides leaders, teams and entire organizations toward more confident decision-making. Rather than relying on theory, she shows how small, focused experiments create clarity, reduce risk and spark momentum. This mindset is woven into everything she teaches, whether she’s speaking about AI, leadership or personal reinvention.
AI With Purpose
In her current role as Chief Troublemaker of Microsoft’s AI and Copilot Extensibility Program, Dona is running 100 experiments designed to help people all over the world use AI to reason over their own data. Her mission is to make Microsoft’s AI and Copilot programs genuinely useful for everyday business scenarios, especially for organizations ready to harness their data in smarter, more efficient ways. Through this work, she brings audiences a grounded, real-world perspective on how AI can empower teams instead of overwhelming them.
Before that, she led Microsoft’s Accessibility tech program, where she focused on implementing Generative AI in inclusive, human-centric ways. She understands how to build technology that serves people rather than replaces them, and she shares frameworks that help leaders adopt AI responsibly and confidently.
Leadership Across Global Communities
Dona’s leadership path has been shaped by large-scale, community-driven programs. She once led the worldwide #WindowsInsiders program, a community of 20 million people. Her experience driving engagement at that scale gives her a unique view into what keeps customers motivated, how to communicate with clarity, and how to build products that genuinely reflect user needs.
She has also worked in advocacy for the Metaverse through HoloLens, as well as low-code development via Microsoft’s Power Platform. These roles cemented her reputation as a leader who connects emerging technology with real people and real problems. In her talks, she uses these stories to help organizations stay future-ready without losing sight of the human element.
A Multi-Passion Career
Outside the tech world, Dona lives a multi-faceted life that shows how creativity fuels leadership. She is a keynote speaker whose favorite audience is corporate leaders looking to challenge the status quo. She is a multi-published author who discovered that fiction writing surprisingly sharpens software thinking.
She also owns Prima Dona Studios, an ethical luxury fashion brand, proving that innovation isn’t limited to one industry. Recently, she became a wine bar co-owner and is studying to become a sommelier, adding another layer to her already dynamic background. These ventures give her a breadth of stories and experiences that spark curiosity, humor and insight in every keynote.
Recognition & Global Reach
Dona’s unconventional, experiment-driven life has earned her recognition from major outlets. She was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Productive People and Cosmopolitan magazine’s Businessperson of the Year. These honors reflect a career defined by purpose, resilience and a drive to build meaningful work.
She is also constantly on the move quite literally. Dona is always ready to jump on a plane and meet audiences wherever they are. Her talks deliver a blend of practical frameworks, bold storytelling and contagious energy that leaves teams inspired to take action.
