Vanessa Sorenson

Trailblazer
DISC Type : ID

Managing Director Microsoft NZ at Microsoft

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Overview

Vanessa Sorenson was most recently the Chief Partner Officer for ANZ and Managing Director for Microsoft New Zealand, where she focused on digital transformation and empowering partners. She has over two decades of experience in the tech sector, including a long tenure at Spark, and holds a Mini MBA. People describe her as focused, authentic, and caring.

Outside of work, Vanessa is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, actively mentoring businesswomen and championing initiatives to encourage women, Māori, and Pasifika into STEM careers. She is married with two children, Grace and Jack, and is passionate about ensuring all children have access to technology and education.

She often shares her story of growing up in caravan parks to inspire others, proving that background does not determine future success.

Personality Overview

Informal

Achievement-Oriented

Assertive

They are more likely to be open to unproven but exciting technologies.  They will fight for you if they come to believe in you. They do not mind taking risks and can make hard decisions, if necessary.

Topics They Care About

Diversity in Tech
A noted champion for diversity, she has spearheaded initiatives like #10KWāhine to provide digital skills training for women and partners with TupuToa to support Māori and Pasifika leaders.
Partner Ecosystems
As Chief Partner Officer, she led the strategy for Microsoft's 10, 000+ partner ecosystem across Australia and New Zealand, focusing on co-innovation and growth.
AI Adoption
Identifies as an "AI Enthusiast" and her writing explores how AI is reshaping enterprise operations and security landscapes.

Media Appearances

It's the Vibe Podcast with Vanessa Sorenson from Microsoft. Featured in Microsoft News

See Now

Empowering Kiwi Innovation: How can Microsoft help lift our future with Vanessa Sorenson. Featured in Podcasts NZ

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Inclusion, integrity and inspiration – Vanessa Sorenson, Managing Director of Microsoft NZ. Featured in Podcasts NZ

See Now

Work History

8-2022 - 3-2026
Managing Director Microsoft NZ at Microsoft
4-2020 - 3-2026
Managing Director at Microsoft
10-2017 - 4-2020
Enterprise Director, Microsoft New Zealand at Microsoft
10-2017 - 3-2026
Ex Managing Director at Ex - Microsoft
12-2015 - 7-2017
General Manager at Spark New Zealand

Education

1984 - 1987
Business/Commerce from Woree High School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 31 Location : Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Job Level : N/A Designation : Managing Director Microsoft NZ at Microsoft
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Insights For Selling To Vanessa

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Showcase existing customers and use case-studies to grab their attention
  • Help them visualize the impact of their decision
  • Build a trustworthy relationship while keeping the product center-stage

DONT's

  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a friendly approach
  • Don’t force involvement of other stakeholders unless it is critical
  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Vanessa is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Vanessa

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Vanessa move?

  • They can reach decisions quickly if they develop trust and confidence in the product.
  • Can Vanessa take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And Vanessa

Personality Compatibility


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