Lisa Gardner is joined by Michael Ford, Senior Vice President of Global Real Estate and Security at AT&T to discuss transformative leadership, business analysis, corporate real estate, innovation and dedication to operational excellence. 

Michael shares insights from his transformative role at Microsoft, overseeing global workplace services, security, and risk mitigation for over 200,000 employees. He delves into his early influences growing up in New Market, Alabama, his education at Alabama A&M University, and his service in the Marine Corps, emphasizing the importance of faith, family, education, and hard work. Michael also discusses his passion for sustainability and community, his advocacy for inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Tune in to learn how Michael navigates challenges, drives change, and maintains his unwavering commitment to authenticity and integrity. 
  
Also in this episode: 

• Michael Ford's journey from small-town Alabama to leading global real estate and security for AT&T. 
• The four pillars of faith, family, education, and hard work that guide Michael's life and career. 
• Strategies for driving change and fostering inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. 
• The importance of being your authentic self and not compromising on core values. 
• How challenges and failures can fuel personal and professional growth. 

 
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About Michael Ford 
As the Senior Vice President of Global Real Estate and Security at AT&T, I manage a portfolio of nearly 200 million square feet and oversee security operations to protect the company's assets. My success stems from navigating strategy, analysis, and process enhancement for operational excellence. With experience in strategic leadership, business analysis, P&L responsibility, operations management, and corporate real estate, I focus on innovative real estate and security solutions to improve operational effectiveness, enhance the employee workplace, and reduce the environmental footprint. I am passionate about inspiring teams to shift their mindset for greater achievements in the evolving work landscape. 
 
About Lisa Gardner 
Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to D CEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children.