Asking thoughtful questions with Albert Shum, former CVP of Design at Microsoft

Managing Made Simple

When we've been managing for a long time, it can be easy to fall into the trap of telling and directing, but the truth is, there is nothing more powerful than a thoughtful question. 

In this conversation with Albert Shum, former Corporate Vice President of Design at Microsoft, we discuss how thoughtful questions empower teams, the importance of having a principled approach to leadership, and a framework for navigating and leading through change and uncertainty. 

About Albert: 
Albert was a consumer product designer at Nike, spent 15 years leading design and humanizing technology at Microsoft, and has recently begun a new chapter focusing on Responsible design and design education.

Resources mentioned in the show:
Check out Albert's LinkedIn newsletter Design Loft
Kubler Ross Change Curve

--

To get my manager tip of the week and be the first to know about new offers exclusive to my text community, send the text MANAGER to (415) 234-5716

 Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
Manager Development - Micro to Macro Manager Development Program
Employee Engagement - Focus Groups & Action Planning Workshops
Retaining Women - Accelerate Group Coaching Program for Women
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Billion Dollar Ops Playbook for Million Dollar Businesses

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com

Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
Email: hello@liagarvin.com

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

--

© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

More description

When we've been managing for a long time, it can be easy to fall into the trap of telling and directing, but the truth is, there is nothing more powerful than a thoughtful question. 

In this conversation with Albert Shum, former Corporate Vice President of Design at Microsoft, we discuss how thoughtful questions empower teams, the importance of having a principled approach to leadership, and a framework for navigating and leading through change and uncertainty. 

About Albert: 
Albert was a consumer product designer at Nike, spent 15 years leading design and humanizing technology at Microsoft, and has recently begun a new chapter focusing on Responsible design and design education.

Resources mentioned in the show:
Check out Albert's LinkedIn newsletter Design Loft
Kubler Ross Change Curve

--

To get my manager tip of the week and be the first to know about new offers exclusive to my text community, send the text MANAGER to (415) 234-5716

 Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
Manager Development - Micro to Macro Manager Development Program
Employee Engagement - Focus Groups & Action Planning Workshops
Retaining Women - Accelerate Group Coaching Program for Women
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Billion Dollar Ops Playbook for Million Dollar Businesses

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com

Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
Email: hello@liagarvin.com

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

--

© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

2023-03-30 34 min Transcript
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