Speakers

Lizette Stephens is a transformative technology executive who delivers impact where innovation and equity intersect. As Director of Chief Cloud & AI Architects at Microsoft UK, she leads one of the organisation’s most senior technical practices, shaping national-scale cloud and artificial intelligence strategies for major institutions across both the private and public sector. She is recognised for pairing deep technical fluency with strategic acumen—modernising mission-critical platforms, strengthening cybersecurity and operational resilience, and enabling responsible AI adoption that delivers measurable business value. Under her leadership, multi-million-pound portfolios have achieved sustained double-digit growth and significantly improved delivery excellence.

A visionary and systems-level leader, Lizette is intentional about building a future where ubiquitous technology does not widen the equity gap, but closes it. She has re-engineered hiring and development practices to create a more inclusive talent engine—driving gender representation to 40% within a highly technical organisation and ensuring equitable access to progression. Her approach creates cultures where every voice is valued and performance accelerates as a result.

Mentorship and sponsorship are hallmarks of her leadership. Lizette champions early-career and mid-career talent—particularly Black technologists—by securing visibility in senior forums, advocating for stretch opportunities, and ensuring that emerging leaders participate in the rooms where decisions are made. Her commitment to removing systemic barriers continues to translate into increased representation at senior levels across engineering, architecture, and strategy.

Her influence extends far beyond Microsoft. Lizette is an active thought leader and respected voice across the industry, frequently speaking at leadership summits and diversity-in-tech forums to demystify cloud and AI while inspiring the next generation. She partners with organisations including Black Tech Fest and STEM equity networks to expand access to digital skills and unlock career pathways for young Black talent.

Internally, she has been a pivotal force in advancing racial equity within Microsoft UK. As a senior sponsor of the Black Employees @ Microsoft community, she has convened engagement with executives to elevate lived experiences, inform strategic priorities, and drive concrete commitments across leadership pathways and skills investment—ensuring representation leads to real advancement.

Lizette’s executive leadership philosophy is anchored in three principles: Model excellence, Coach for growth, and Care for people. She is widely recognised as a leader who not only modernises the systems that shape organisations, but also expands the opportunities that shape lives—ensuring the future of technology is one everyone can thrive in.