The overall winner of the inaugural Within Champion of Change award in The Americas is Gladys Jin, Head of Centre of Excellence in Global Treasury and Financial Services at Microsoft.

Treasury Today’s new Champion of Change awards are given to individuals who have personally changed their organisation and its culture for the better, while breaking down barriers to facilitate better diversity, inclusion and decision making. The 2024 overall winner in this category was able to demonstrate all this and more.

Catalyst for innovation

Spearheading excellence, innovation and leadership in the field of finance and technology, Gladys has been described as a leader who not just challenges the status quo, but also reshapes it. During her time at Microsoft, she has developed a well-deserved reputation both for harnessing technology to transform treasury and finance, and for championing initiatives for diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace.

Her standing at Microsoft is underlined by numerous testimonials from her colleagues emphasising her technical abilities, her growth mindset and her ability to challenge assumptions while creating an environment conducive to collective team success. She has been described as a financial technology thought leader, and a role model for future treasury leaders.

According to Ashish Bhardwaj, Director – Global Cash & Operations, Global Treasury and Financial Services at Microsoft, “Gladys, an extraordinary leader, weaves magic not only in the lives of individuals but also across the vast areas of Microsoft…. Gladys isn’t just a manager; she’s a catalyst for innovation, igniting fires of excellence that echo throughout our organisation.”

Global citizen

Originally from Beijing, Gladys has embraced her role as a global citizen, and for the past decade she has lived in the United States with her husband and daughter. Her international perspective, combined with her extensive experience and expertise, positions her as a trailblazer in the fields of finance and technology.

Earlier in her career, Gladys worked as a senior auditor for Arthur Anderson in Beijing, and subsequently moved to IBM where she worked as a senior finance manager. In 2010 she joined Microsoft as a senior credit manager, subsequently moving to the company’s corporate headquarters in Redmond. She became director of treasury in 2016 and was appointed to her current role in 2022.

Catalyst for change

Directing a global team of 75 team members, Gladys is in charge of the entire order-to-cash process, as well as the tools and processes used by Microsoft’s treasury teams. As a leader in her field, Gladys has spearheaded the implementation of cutting-edge IT solutions that have revolutionised traditional practices.

In particular, her role in leveraging Generative AI, machine learning, electronic invoicing and cash automation has generated significant cost savings, with around US$200bn per year being processed seamlessly. Projects that Gladys has managed and delivered include a disputes management module, integrated collections solution, and a cost of capital model which helped the company generate millions of dollars in revenue.

Beyond these impressive achievements, Gladys is also a passionate advocate for D&I at Microsoft, actively supporting and championing initiatives that aim to empower young people and women to pursue careers in technology and finance. Her commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees is evidenced by her involvement in employee resource groups including GLEAM for the LGBTQ+ community, Women in Finance, and Families at Microsoft.

“Gladys’s leadership style is characterised by her empathy, resilience, and unwavering focus on collaboration,” comments David Chen, Principal Group Engineering Manager at Microsoft. “She fosters a culture of teamwork and inclusivity, empowering her team members to contribute their best and thrive in a dynamic environment. Her approachable nature and willingness to listen make her a trusted mentor and advisor to colleagues at all levels.”

Making a positive impact

Gladys’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her determination to make a positive impact, extend beyond the workplace. Despite her demanding schedule, Gladys is also deeply engaged in her local community, volunteering her time and resources to support schools in the Washington State area in the United States, mentoring college students under Global Mentorship Initiative and regularly assisting at food banks.

As Melanie Austin – Director – Processes and Infrastructure at Microsoft, observes, “Gladys Jin is a change agent and leader who has made a significant impact in her role. She has been instrumental in supporting early career professionals and has been a strong advocate for Women in Finance and Tech.

“Gladys has a transformational view on the usage of technology in Treasury and has been a driving force behind the implementation of innovative solutions that have improved efficiency and effectiveness. Her leadership and dedication have been recognised by her colleagues and she continues to inspire those around her.”