Defying labels and learning to lead: A conversation with Parisa Zander

In this episode of Catalyst, Tammy sits down with Parisa Zander, a recently retired tech veteran who spent 27 years building customer experiences at Xbox, Microsoft, Samsung Mobile and Meta. Parisa shares candid insights on leading with authenticity, navigating tech as a woman and staying relentlessly focused on the customer. Tammy and Parisa discuss the challenges of being a woman in tech, the importance of testing with real users and what makes great leadership.

Highlights from the episode include:

• Finding your voice takes time. Early in her career, Parisa felt pressure to be the loudest person in the room. Over the last 10-12 years, she learned that taking up space doesn’t require dominating conversations. The most effective leaders know when to listen and when to speak.
• Customer obsession means getting out from behind your desk. Parisa spent years watching how people behave in retail stores across different regions. What seems obvious in Seattle doesn’t work the same way in Oklahoma City or Paris. Small moments of confusion or delight reveal volumes.
• Excitement and caution as AI evolves. While excited about AI’s potential to solve problems, Parisa and Tammy both express concerns about privacy and the lack of safeguards. The speed of AI adoption must be tempered by thoughtful oversight.

Check out the full episode to hear more about Parisa’s journey from advertising to Xbox Live and what Tammy asked Brene Brown at a recent tech event.

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Please note that the views expressed in this episode may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.