What Great Looks Like: Gavriella Schuster on Leadership, Allyship, and Lifting Women in Tech

Now, decades later—with a resume that includes Corporate VP, board seats, and global influence—she’s still pushing the conversation forward. In a recent conversation with Oxygen CEO Juliana Stancampiano, she got real about what it actually takes to lead at the highest levels and build space for others to do the same.

“Nobody had the answers. So I stopped trying to find them—and started testing things. That’s what leadership actually is.”

Gavriella shares what helped her succeed in a space that wasn’t built with her in mind—and how she’s codifying those lessons for the next generation.

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On Allyship That Actually Works

Gavriella doesn’t just talk about allyship. She defines it, measures it, and teaches it.

“An ally uses their power to empower you. It’s not about charity—it’s about making room for someone who should already be there.”

She recalls a pivotal moment in her career when a male peer simply introduced her the right way in a room full of engineers—changing how her voice was received, instantly and permanently.

“He said, ‘Gabriella’s here because she wants this product to succeed—and you should listen to her.’ That 10-second sentence changed everything.”

For her, allyship is leadership. It’s about listening with the intent to understand, not just to respond. It’s interrupting interruptions. It’s using your credibility to open a door for someone else—and doing it often.

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Career Growth ≠ Climbing a Ladder

One of the most practical leadership frameworks Gavriella shares is about how career growth isn't linear. Every level—from manager to director to VP—requires a different mindset.

“You don’t get the title and then figure it out. You do the work, and then the title follows. That’s the game.”

It’s a message especially resonant for women and underrepresented talent in tech, where the assumption often isn’t that you want more responsibility. Gavriella had to say it out loud: I’m ready. Here’s what I’ve done. What else do you need to see?

Sometimes, that’s the only prompt the system needs.

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Celebrating 50 Years of Women at Microsoft

As Microsoft hits its 50th anniversary, Gavriella is helping launch the EmpowerHer50 campaign—spotlighting the stories of women who shaped the company’s history.

From pioneers who launched Microsoft’s global certification program to executives now leading entire markets, the campaign honors impact, resilience, and leadership in all its forms.

“We’re creating a spotlight—not just to celebrate, but to inspire the next generation of builders, founders, and decision-makers.”

The campaign also aims to fund 10,000 AI certifications for women around the world. All proceeds from the EmpowerHer50 book and sponsorships go directly to that effort.

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Shared Stories, Shared Strength

Whether it’s in a boardroom, a hallway, or an interview, Gavriella keeps one thing at the center:

“If you’re going to work hard, make sure you’re working hard on the next thing—not just the last thing.”

Leadership is learned. Allyship is actionable. And greatness isn’t a title—it’s a series of decisions to show up, speak up, and make space for others to rise.

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To learn more about EmpowerHer50 or nominate a woman shaping the future of tech, visit womenincloud.com.

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