Subvolts take Learn about a Microsoft veteran's tech career and DEI work. Oct 23, 2023 - Developers
- Learn about career paths and the importance of inclusive development environments.
- Business
- Understand how to build and lead diversity and inclusion initiatives in tech.
This is a solid interview with a significant figure in Microsoft's history and DEI efforts.
William A. Adams, Software Engineer, DEI Innovator, and Philanthropist
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From Subvolts
Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.
This podcast episode features Kevin Scott interviewing William A. Adams, a software engineer, DEI innovator, and philanthropist. Adams shares his journey into STEM, his experience founding a software company in the 1980s, and his two decades at Microsoft. They discuss his work rolling out XML code, co-founding the Leap program, and his pioneering efforts in diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.
This podcast talks with William A. Adams, who worked at Microsoft for over 20 years. He shares how he got into computers, started a business, and helped make tech companies more inclusive. It's about building technology and making sure everyone can be part of it.
This episode offers insights into a long career in tech, from early software development to significant contributions at Microsoft. It highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion initiatives, a critical area for all major AI labs. Listeners interested in the human side of technology, career paths, and the evolution of corporate culture will find value. It connects to current discussions on building equitable tech workforces at companies like Microsoft, Google, and Meta.
- HostKevin Scott
- GuestWilliam A. AdamsSoftware Engineer, DEI Innovator, and Philanthropist, Microsoft
- Guest: William A. Adams
- Show: Behind The Tech with Kevin Scott
- Length: 71 minutes
- Time at Microsoft: More than 20 years
- Key Contributions: Rolled out critical XML code globally, co-founded the Leap program
William A. Adams is a software engineer, DEI innovator, and philanthropist whose contributions to the field have been documented by the Computer History Museum. He spent more than 20 years at Microsoft, where he rolled out critical XML code globally, co-founded the Leap program, and served as Kevin's first technical advisor. In this episode, Kevin and William discuss how William got interested in STEM at a young age, founding a software development company in the 80s, his career at Microsoft and pioneering D&I programing, and the importance of equity and diversity in tech.
Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott
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Questions people ask
- Who is William A. Adams?
- William A. Adams is a software engineer, DEI innovator, and philanthropist with over 20 years at Microsoft, known for his work on XML and diversity programs.
- What did William A. Adams do at Microsoft?
- He rolled out critical XML code globally, co-founded the Leap program, and served as Kevin Scott's first technical advisor.
Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to Microsoft.