Deidré Jones

Deidre has spent 30 years inside the Microsoft partner ecosystem — working with partners across EMEA to build marketing capability, decode Microsoft’s strategic signals, and translate them into positioning that drives commercial outcomes. She’s the founder of Zebra Perspectives, which specializes in Microsoft partner marketing strategy: helping partners align to Microsoft’s direction, navigate partner programs, and communicate their value in language that resonates with Microsoft field teams and customers. Independent, practical, and deeply embedded in the ecosystem. She is also EMEA & UK Marketing Lead for IAMCP.

Carissa Allen

Carissa Allen has been a seller, marketer, strategy and people leader for many years, but her greatest role has been as a connector. She connects people, stories and experiences — aspiring to make things just a bit better. She coaches and mentors across multiple disciplines. Carissa recently started her most exciting adventure yet, taking early retirement from Microsoft after 29+ years.

Karan Nigam

Karan Nigam is a senior marketing leader at Microsoft, where he leads marketing for Agentic Customer Experience business including Sales, Service, and Contact Center solutions. His work focuses on reimagining CRM/customer experience in an AI-first world — helping organizations shift from systems of record to systems of action. With global experience across three continents and leadership roles at Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Nokia, and IBM, Karan specializes in launching and scaling global products. With a career spanning category creation, brand building, and go-to-market strategy, Karan combines clarity, ambition, and heart in his leadership approach — driving growth while inspiring teams to do their best, boldest work.