Austin Laird

Observer
DISC Type : ci

Senior Program Officer at Gates Foundation

Greater Seattle Area, United States

Overview

Austin Laird is a Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with over two decades of experience in higher education technology. His career spans leadership roles at Oracle, Unit4, and Anthology, focusing on product strategy and cloud solutions. Austin earned his BA from the University of North Texas and holds certifications in AI product design.

Outside of his primary professional focus, Austin has a keen interest in the strategic operations and brand management of major global companies, including The Walt Disney Company. This suggests an appreciation for long-term vision and customer experience, both in and out of the technology sector.

He considers his career to be a "25 year continuous follow-up to Educause events, " highlighting his deep passion for and long-standing commitment to the education technology community.

Personality Overview

Curious

Value Driven

Example Seeker

They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.  They ask a lot of questions and rely heavily on information and collaterals. They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince.

Topics They Care About

AI in Higher Ed
Frequently participates in panels at major conferences like ASU+GSV and EDUCAUSE discussing the practical application and operationalization of AI to improve institutional effectiveness and student outcomes.
Student Success Tech
Has a long-standing focus on using technology, including CRM and SIS platforms, to enhance the digital student experience, support at-risk students, and boost overall success.
Digital Transformation
Authored articles and speaks on the strategic necessity for higher education institutions to digitize their operations to meet the expectations of modern, digitally-native students.

Media Appearances

Austin has no verified media appearances

Work History

3-2024
Senior Program Officer at Gates Foundation
10-2021 - 2-2024
VP Product Management at Anthology Inc
7-2021 - 9-2021
Product Director at Thesis
1-2018 - 7-2021
Product Director Higher Education at Unit4
2-2016 - 12-2017
Director, Education Industry | Cloud Solutions Architect at Oracle

Education

1999 - 2003
39 credits towards MA from University of North Texas
1995 - 1999
BA from University of North Texas

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 27 Location : Greater Seattle Area, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Senior Program Officer at Gates Foundation
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Insights For Selling To Austin

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘clear proof that’, ‘data shows’ etc.
  • Help them understand the risk aspect fully while inspiring confidence
  • Ask them questions to understand their needs better while staying affable

DONT's

  • Don’t rely excessively on your relationship with them to win the deal
  • Don’t be too objective but make sure to pad your storytelling with data points
  • Avoid making offhand commitments

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Austin is

  • Proven value, strong testimonials are important for them, rapport can impact decisions a little.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Austin

  • They are practical and friendly, don't expect a clear-cut response often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Austin move?

  • They like to be detailed and take their time to arrive at decisions.
  • Can Austin take some risk or not?

  • They weigh all decisions systematically and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Austin

Personality Compatibility


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