What the Most Senior Woman at Microsoft Discovered About Connection That You Can Use Tomorrow
When "Fine" Isn't Enough
Ever wonder why some people connect effortlessly while others stay surface-level?
Eileen Brown was one of the most senior technical woman at Microsoft when I interviewed her for 'Beyond the Boys' Club: Strategies for Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male-Dominated Field'.
She attributed much of her success in engaging others to "having that extra sentence."
The Pattern Most People Miss
Someone asks: "How are you?"
Most people answer: "Fine, thanks."
End of conversation.
What Brown Did Differently
She gave people a hook.
Something to comment on.
Something that revealed her human side beyond the expected professional response.
She explained:
"It's not about being overbearing,"
"But just having a good response to 'Hello, how are you?'
It allows you to engage with them.
Tell them something personal or make an observation about a shared interest.
If they're not interested, they can back off—but it makes you approachable."
Do you recognise this skill from conversations you've had?
Why This Actually Works
The personal connection goes a long way.
It leads to far better, more memorable conversations for both people.
Sometimes people back off when you go deeper.
My personal go-to's are about whatever series I'm binge-watching or a book I just finished!
That's actually a time-saver.
You probably wouldn't have aligned well with that person anyway.
The Real Skill
It's about giving a bit more of yourself personally.
Creating genuine connection beyond polite exchanges.
But knowing what to say, how much to share, and reading when someone wants to engage versus back off—that's the skill that separates surface networking from real relationship-building.
Ready to Enhance Your Strategic Visibility and Build Stronger Connections?
Email me at suzanne@doylemorris.com for a complimentary chemistry call.
We'll explore your biggest challenge, your specific situation and whether a 12-month coaching partnership makes sense for you.
Most of my clients are employer-funded.
If you're wondering whether your company would support this kind of professional development, that's exactly the kind of question we can explore together.
Learn more: www.suzannedoylemorris.com
About Dr. Suzanne Doyle-Morris
Dr. Suzanne Doyle-Morris is an ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) with a PhD from the University of Cambridge focusing on women in Engineering.
For 25 years, she's coached accomplished women in STEM as they advance to senior leadership.
She's the author of three books: "Beyond the Boys' Club: Strategies for Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male Dominated Field," "The Con Job: Getting Ahead for Competence in a World Obsessed with Confidence," and "Female Breadwinners: How They Make Relationships Work and Why they are Future of the Modern Workforce."
80% of her clients secure promotions or stretch roles within 12 months.
Not because she gives advice, but because she asks the right questions.
Welcome to my Blog
I'm Dr Suzanne Doyle‑Morris and I support professional women working in STEM.
Whether you’re seeking your next promotion, aiming for leadership, or simply looking to make your mark, this blog is created for you.
It's written for the ambitious woman in STEM ready to advance and succeed on her own terms.
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The Women in Tech Promotion Playbook
Your roadmap to advancement with balance
The Women in Tech Promotion Playbook is a practical, evidence-based guide designed for ambitious women in STEM who want to advance their careers without burning out. Drawing on over 25 years of coaching and research, I outline five strategic steps that help women move from being overworked and under recognised to confident, visible leaders.
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