Gemma Acton
She grew up in caravan parks, and her first job was answering phones at a tech startup. Today, Vanessa Sorensen is Microsoft New Zealand MD, and an advocate for girls embracing STEM and inclusivity. This tech leader knows what it means to be down—and climb back up. So, is she a game changer? Let’s find out.
Gemma Acton: Vanessa, I’m going to go right back to the very beginning, because you’ve had such an extraordinary childhood. I think it must have played a really formative role in how the rest of your life panned out. What can you tell us about growing up?
Vanessa Sorenson: Well, I had an idyllic childhood until about the age of six. So, typical 70s—mum and dad, the daughter, the son—living in an area with lots of kids. And pretty typically in the 70s, mum and dad split up. Over a couple of years there was a bit of back and forth about where the kids would live. Eventually, Mum decided it would be a great idea to take my brother and me to Australia.
I remember being confused why social services were interviewing us, asking if we felt safe. But all I could think about was the amazing plane ride. Later, my dad went to the courts and said, “Look, their mother’s not really fit—she’s an alcoholic.” But back then, mums generally got custody.
We left New Zealand when I was about eight or nine, and landed in Parramatta. I went to Parramatta Primary School. Then we moved every year—Musselbrook, Cardwell, Townsville. We were homeless for six months, then ended up in Warrior Caravan Park in Cairns. I went to school there the longest—three and a half years. But I just knew I would get out. From the age of 12 or 13, I visualized a life for myself—with the house, the picket fence, the car, a decent job.
So at 17, I bought a one-way ticket back to New Zealand. I knocked on my dad’s door and said, “Hi, I’m your daughter.” He was shocked! I’d called him a few months before and said I was coming, and thankfully he said yes. I’ve never wondered what would’ve happened if he’d said no. That moment truly springboarded my career and how I landed where I am today.
Gemma: You needed a lot of strength to move through a childhood like that—unpredictable and difficult at times. Were you born with that strength, or did it develop through circumstance?
Vanessa: I think it was a bit of both. I just always visualized a different world. I’ve always been an optimist. Even now, on bad days, I remind myself how bad things can be—going to school with no food, no shoes, unable to pay school fees. When you’ve had nothing, all that’s left is greatness.
It was hardest when my mother had another child when I was 16. Leaving her was really difficult, but I had to step out on my own. That’s where the resilience came from—goal-setting, visualizing the life I now feel so blessed to have. But the path was never straight—it was sideways, up, down—like gymnastics.
Gemma: Returning to see your father wasn’t just a big personal step—it turned out to be professionally pivotal. What happened next?
Vanessa: I’d always been a worker. My first job was in a bakery at 13. I had to pay for myself to go to school. So when I showed up on my dad’s doorstep, I think it took him a week before he said, “You’re so annoying—you need a job!”
His next-door neighbor had started a tech startup and needed a receptionist. So I got a “day-by-day” gig. That’s where I found my people. Tech was in its infancy 35 years ago. I remember asking for a holiday to Fiji, and the boss said, “No—buy Microsoft shares instead.” (Who’s the silly one now?)
I started answering phones, then asked if I could cold-call. I liked selling! That kickstarted everything.
Gemma: And what a career—it led all the way to Microsoft. But you’ve spoken about the “imposter monster.” Where did that come from, and how do you deal with it?
Vanessa: Entering tech 35 years ago, I would never have fit into Microsoft or IBM. You needed a university degree or MBA. I didn’t have either. I went to nine different schools and left school at 16.
So I’ve always had that “What if they find out?” feeling. For years, I wouldn’t lead with my story. I worried people would think I wasn’t smart enough. And I don’t think this is just a female thing, but it’s definitely amplified when you’ve grown up the way I did.
People often ask what school I went to, assuming it was something prestigious. And if you didn’t go to the “right” school, you missed out on those networks that make success easier. By my late 20s, I had to work hard to tone that voice down. I had to take up space. After all, they wouldn’t promote me if I couldn’t do the job.
Still, being promoted before you feel ready can mess with your head. It’s something I’ve had to work through many times.
Gemma: Were there certain people who helped you realize your worth as you kept rising?
Vanessa: Oh, definitely. My number one cheerleader is my husband—we’ve been together since I was 18. He’s always been by my side. And at 53, I finally started listening to him!
He sees the signs when I spiral, and reminds me: “You’ve got this.” I’ve also had incredible mentors—some from outside the industry. One girlfriend and I sound like we’re arguing when we talk—we’re just so passionate.
And role models have mattered too. In tech, there weren’t many women CEOs when I was coming up. But then I met Barbara Chapman, who led ASB Bank, and Teresa Gattung, who ran Telecom NZ at 38. Seeing women like them made me think, “Maybe we can too.” I’d ask, “What’s your secret sauce?” And you know what? There isn’t one.
Gemma: Tech is still male-dominated, especially at senior levels. Now that you’re in a leadership position, what are you doing to change that?
Vanessa: I’m incredibly passionate about bringing more women up. One of the things I’m proudest of is our 10K Women program. We created it to provide free training, networking, and confidence-building tools—so women can feel like they belong and can go for that role.
People always say, “Just be more confident!” But it doesn’t work like that. I’m not going to stand at an event with a drink hoping someone talks to me. We need pathways—like certificates that help HR take notice. We’re even tracking how many women have landed tech jobs from the program. It’s still not enough, but rising tides lift all boats.
Gemma: Let’s talk about Microsoft’s partnership with Logicalis. What’s it meant to you?
Vanessa: Logicalis is a great cultural fit—amazing people. And in 2024, they became our Azure Partner of the Year, which is extraordinary. It’s not easy to achieve that.
They’ve been instrumental in our push into education—so many wins with universities. But what I really love is their approach. They focus on helping people understand the opportunity—because if you don’t have that teacher or role model, we lose people before they even get to university.
Gemma: What does it actually mean to be Azure Partner of the Year?
Vanessa: It means tenacity, challenging partners, delivering world-class projects and migrations. Logicalis genuinely transforms businesses—every single day. The word “transformation” gets thrown around a lot, but they live it.
Gemma: One project you were involved with was Western Sydney University. What did that experience teach you?
Vanessa: I loved that project. Watching Logicalis from the start—really listening to the customer and understanding their vision of transformation. And the project went so well. Once they moved to the cloud, leaders could sleep better at night. It’s secure. Teachers save time. It’s transformational in the best way.
Gemma: Another project was Trinity Grammar School. Was everyone on board from the beginning, or did it take some convincing?
Vanessa: Always takes some conviction. But that’s where design thinking and collaboration come in. Logicalis, Microsoft, and the client—three legs of the same stool. We worked together to ensure it was successful.
And Logicalis is great at checking in afterward: “Did we all do what we said we’d do?” Moving to the cloud, securing systems—it’s all critical. But what’s coming next, with AI, is where the real opportunity lies. Companies need to lean into it. If you say, “We’ll look at it next year,” you’ll be left behind.
Gemma: What would you say to women who are considering a tech career but don’t think they’re cut out for it?
Vanessa: Number one—you are. I’m not your typical techie, and today’s female leaders are more tech-savvy than I’ll ever be. Everyone has a phone—you’re already technical.
My daughter once said, “Mum, tech sounds boring.” But it’s not—it’s about solving problems, creating change, working on sustainability, and skilling. It’s exciting.
Gemma: This work is inspiring but also intense. How do you take a break?
Vanessa: I’m definitely an energizer bunny, but I’ve learned to manage stress. Not perfectly, but I try. Like they say on planes—put your own oxygen mask on first.
Self-care is critical. If I don’t do it, I can’t lead with energy. For me, it’s as simple as walking barefoot on the beach—feeling the earth. That grounds me.
Gemma: In your position, you set the tone for team culture. What matters most to you?
Vanessa: Trust and empathy. I’d never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t do. But coaching is essential too.
A lot of leaders avoid feedback, but humans crave it—if it’s from the heart. I hope I help my team grow by giving them the feedback they need—not just what they want to hear. We’ve all got 9 or 10 hours in a day—so use it well. Be bold. Have a development plan. And seek leaders who help you become better.
Gemma: Final question—since the day you knocked on your dad’s door, what personality traits have driven your journey?
Vanessa: Have fun. Smile. Be optimistic. Bring energy.
I love that song—“I get knocked down, but I get up again.” It hasn’t been smooth sailing. I’ve been fired. I’ve been pulled down. I’ve had people not support me.
But I’ve always leaned into the people who could help. Find your tribe. That’s the key. Self-help first—because the world isn’t slowing down.
Gemma: Vanessa, it’s been an absolute delight to talk to you. Wishing you the very best for whatever’s next.
Vanessa: Thanks Gemma—loved it.
