Elena Simonova

Elena Simonova is the EMEA Datacenter Academy Lead at Microsoft, bringing over 21 years of experience in recruitment and talent development. Having spent the majority of her career in Talent Acquisition, hiring across a wide range of roles and teams before moving to Program Management about 2 years ago, Elena offers a unique perspective on what truly drives long-term success within organisations. After 13 years as an in-house recruiter at Microsoft, hiring across almost all functions and roles, she has developed a deep understanding of the behaviours, mindset, and capabilities that set high performers apart.

Having been mentored herself, with experiences that ranged from highly impactful to less effective, Elena is passionate about offering meaningful, honest support. She understands the value of encouragement combined with challenge, and is committed to being a trusted sounding board for those navigating pivotal career decisions. Her mentoring style is motivating, candid and forward-thinking, helping mentees stretch beyond their comfort zones while feeling supported.

Elena brings particular strength in networking, executive presence and navigating large corporate environments. She supports mentees in widening their career pathways, thinking 12 to 18 months ahead and building the curiosity and enthusiasm that employers value. Drawing on her extensive recruitment background, she offers practical guidance on how to demonstrate soft skills effectively at the interview stage, even when direct experience may be limited. She is open about sharing lessons from her own career, including setbacks, to help others build resilience and confidence.

Elena is deeply involved in early careers and community outreach initiatives. Through Microsoft’s Datacenter Academy and partnerships with schools and colleges, she creates pathways to tech careers through inclusive community programs, educational collaborations, and sustainable CSR initiatives. Leading the Microsoft Datacenter Academy Program across EMEA, an initiative designed to break down barriers to entry into the cloud and IT sector, Elena works closely with educational institutions, non-profits, and community organisations, equipping learners with practical skills, industry-recognised certifications, and clear career pathways.

Mentees working with Elena will gain valuable insight into how organisations assess potential, how to position themselves for progression and how to navigate corporate structures with clarity and confidence. Her approachable and energising style ensures mentees feel empowered to expand their networks, strengthen their presence and take purposeful steps toward their long-term goals.