Michael Gardiner, P.Eng

Enigma
DISC Type : cdi

Director, Digital Engineering, Americas Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft

Greater Toronto Area, Canada

Overview

Michael Gardiner is the Director of Digital Engineering at Microsoft, where he leverages over 25 years of experience to lead manufacturing transformation with cloud computing and AI. A Professional Engineer with an Executive MBA from Kellogg, he specializes in implementing Industry 4. 0 strategies to boost productivity and drive innovation for customers.

He is passionate about advancing Canadas industrial sector, having co-chaired the APMA Digital Manufacturing Committee. He actively champions STEM education, previously working to provide students and researchers with grants and advanced engineering software to foster the next generation of talent.

Unique fact: Michael has helped provide over 45 grants and 12, 000 seats of advanced engineering software to Canadian students and researchers.

Personality Overview

Persuasive & Assertive

Hard To Convince

Friendly Yet Blunt

They are likely to ask many questions and look heavily for supporting proof as well as information.  They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing  They are generally strong communicators and are not easy to convince.

Topics They Care About

AI in Manufacturing
His current role at Microsoft is focused on helping manufacturers transform with cloud computing, data/ML, and Generative AI. He recently hosted a panel on this topic.
Digital Transformation
A core theme throughout his career, he leads initiatives in digital engineering, Industry 4. 0, and PLM to boost productivity, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness.
Canadian Industry
He is a proud Canadian engineer focused on the national manufacturing sector, having previously co-chaired the APMA Digital Manufacturing Committee from 2020-2022.

Media Appearances

Michael has no verified media appearances

Work History

7-2024
Director, Digital Engineering, Americas Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft
1-2019
Manufacturing & Mobility Industry Lead, Canada at Microsoft
10-2016 - 12-2018
Director, Industry Strategy, Manufacturing Operations Management & Industrie 4.0 at Siemens PLM Software
2-2012 - 9-2016
Director, Industry Strategy, Canada at Siemens PLM Software
8-2004 - 2-2012
Director, Professional Services & Business Development, Canada at Siemens PLM Software

Education

2010 - 2011
Executive MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
1990 - 1994
B.Sc (Hons) from Queen's University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 32 Location : Greater Toronto Area, Canada Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director, Digital Engineering, Americas Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft
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Insights For Selling To Michael

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use a combination of data as well as stories for your pitch, a ppt might not be necessary
  • Build rapport slwly without rushing, it will come handy to handle hard questions later
  • Help them realize that any personal risk in making this decision is far less compared to what the results could mean for them

DONT's

  • Avoid making offhand commitments, understand the root of their concerns first
  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously. They are easily deterred
  • Don’t be too objective but make sure to pad your storytelling with data points

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Michael is

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

  • They are practical and friendly, but can give a clear response with a little prodding

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Michael move?

  • They like to be detailed, so unless they develop strong conviction, they can take their time to arrive at decisions
  • Can Michael take some risk or not?

  • They evaluate their decisions systematically and do not take risks that often, unless you can get them to develop strong conviction

You And Michael

Personality Compatibility


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