Paul Tanner

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Vice President & COO, Microsoft Elevate at Microsoft

Ireland

Overview

Paul Tanner serves as the Vice President & COO for Microsoft Elevate, where he applies his extensive background in sales leadership and change management. An alumnus of the University of Galway and a recipient of the Microsoft Platinum Club award, he is recognized for driving growth and developing high-performing teams.

His professional focus on technology for social impact suggests a deep-seated interest in leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and empower communities. His work involves connecting educators and nonprofit leaders with the support they need to elevate their communities through AI and other technologies.

Unique fact: Paul is a recipient of Microsofts prestigious Platinum Club award, which recognizes the companys highest-performing and most influential leaders.

Personality Overview

Informal

Big Picture Person

Full Of Energy

They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt.  Unlike C or D types, they are vocal with their opinions but not so much with their questions. They are people oriented, friendly and like creating new connections.

Topics They Care About

AI for Good
His role at Microsoft Elevate and previous work in Tech for Social Impact is centered on using AI to expand opportunity and solve real-world problems for communities.
Sales Leadership
A core specialty throughout his career, he has a proven track record of leading sales organizations and has received awards for management excellence and people development.
Change Management
Listed as a key specialty, he focuses on guiding organizations and customers through significant transitions, particularly in the context of digital transformation.

Media Appearances

Paul has no verified media appearances

Work History

3-2026
Vice President & COO, Microsoft Elevate at Microsoft
7-2025 - 3-2026
General Manager, Global Strategy, Industry & Operations, Microsoft Elevate at Microsoft
9-2022 - 7-2025
General Manager, Strategy & Operations, Tech for Social Impact at Microsoft
10-2017 - 9-2022
Global Sales & Opts Leader, Technology for Social Impact at Microsoft
1-2017 - 10-2017
Director Digital Win Room, WW Strategy & Business Analytics at Microsoft

Education

BA from University of Galway
MA from University of Galway

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 23 Location : Ireland Job Level : Leadership Designation : Vice President & COO, Microsoft Elevate at Microsoft
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Insights For Selling To Paul

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Be friendly and entertaining in your conversation
  • Speak enthusiastically with energy, maintain a clear and confident tone
  • Use adjectives like ‘amazing’, ‘coolest’, ‘unbelievable’ etc.

DONT's

  • Avoid ifs and buts, don’t talk too much about the risks etc.
  • Avoid overloading them with too much detail
  • Don’t be too formal, focus on building comfort and trust

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Paul is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Paul

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Paul move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Paul take some risk or not?

  • They can accept limited risks, ones that they think will not impact them personally.

You And Paul

Personality Compatibility


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