Name: Rishab Jolly | Designation: Senior Product Manager | Company: Microsoft Azure | Location: Seattle, United States
(December 22, 2025) As a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft Azure in Seattle, Rishab Jolly works on cloud observability platforms that help organisations monitor, troubleshoot, and improve the reliability of large-scale digital systems. His journey from growing up in Delhi with a curiosity about how things work to building enterprise cloud products in the U.S. has unfolded across engineering, business education, and product strategy, shaped by steady learning and a focus on real-world impact. Outside work, he hosts a podcast, Curious Souls, featuring conversations with leaders from companies like Meta and Microsoft on technology and leadership. He also enjoys mentoring early-career professionals.
Early curiosity to purposeful choices
Born and raised in Delhi, in a family that valued curiosity and perseverance, Rishab wasn’t particularly drawn to computers as a child. “I was more fascinated by cars, aeroplanes, and how things moved and worked. For the longest time, I imagined myself pursuing something in mechanical or design engineering. But life had other plans. I eventually chose computer engineering, and what started as a practical choice quickly turned into genuine curiosity,” he says. The more he understood technology, the more he was captivated by its ability to solve real human problems.
After graduating, he began his career as a software testing engineer, which gave him a strong foundation in understanding how systems behave under pressure. That experience shaped his attention to detail and appreciation for reliability – skills that still define his work today. “A few years into my career, I realised I wanted to move beyond testing products to shaping their vision and strategy. That realization set me on a new path. I spent more than a year preparing for the GMAT and MBA interviews while working full-time, studying late nights and weekends. It was a challenging period, but it taught me focus, grit, and time management,” he says. In 2015, he moved to the U.S. to pursue his MBA at the University of Arizona. Coming from a purely technical background, learning business fundamentals was like entering a new world. It was also personally significant, as he had borrowed money from relatives to fund his education, so every day came with a sense of purpose and accountability.
At the forefront of cloud strategy at Microsoft
After completing his MBA in 2017, he joined Microsoft in Seattle, beginning a new chapter that has now spanned over eight years. “My work centres on observability in the Azure cloud, helping large organisations monitor and optimise their digital systems. Over the years, I’ve helped define and execute product strategy for this space, translating complex technical needs into scalable, user-centric solutions,” he explains. Coming from a technical background, studying business was a transformative experience. “I had to unlearn the habit of thinking only in terms of ‘how’ and start thinking in ‘why’. It taught me to connect technology decisions to customer value, storytelling, and business outcomes,” he mentions.
During his initial years at Microsoft, he immersed himself in product development and cross-functional collaboration. Working with engineers, designers, and leaders taught him the importance of communication and alignment. “It was here that I discovered my passion for solving complex system-level problems that impact millions of users globally. I currently help lead product strategy and execution for a key Azure observability service that’s critical for ensuring system reliability at scale. It’s used globally by organisations to prevent downtime and ensure seamless digital experiences. This phase has reinforced how technology can directly shape business outcomes and customer trust,” he says. Through his journey, he admits that he has learnt humility, resilience, and purpose. “It’s shown me that leadership is less about authority and more about clarity, empathy, and follow-through,” he says.
Discipline forged by responsibility
Even though Rishab did not take a formal education loan, he borrowed money from relatives to study abroad, and that came with an equally deep sense of responsibility. “I often thought about how to repay it quickly, which meant I couldn’t afford distractions. Every decision from how I spent time to what opportunities I pursued, was guided by a single thought: make it count,” he says. This mindset built discipline, teaching him how to stay focused, prioritise learning, and make long-term choices instead of chasing quick wins. “In retrospect, that financial constraint was a blessing as it pushed me to work hard, build credibility fast, and approach my career with gratitude rather than entitlement,” he says.
With the current mood of layoffs and uncertainty in the country, he admits that this can be stressful, especially early in one’s career. “But over time, I learnt that the best antidote to anxiety is preparation. Instead of focusing on what you can’t control, focus on what you can by building strong skills, creating a professional network, and contributing visibly to your field. I’ve always believed that if you consistently create value, share your work publicly, and invest in learning, opportunities will follow. The goal isn’t to eliminate risk; it’s to make yourself so valuable that even if one door closes, others open quickly. That mindset keeps you grounded and confident, no matter what the market looks like,” he advises.
Learning across borders
Living and working across two countries has been one of the greatest teachers in his life. Adapting to new environments, cultural expectations, and professional standards early on helped him develop empathy and resilience, the two qualities that are essential in product management. “I’ve learnt that every challenge brings perspective. Understanding how differently people think, communicate, and define success has made me a better listener and collaborator. It’s not about hurdles, rather it’s about expanding your lens. Those experiences allow me to connect technology to diverse user needs and make decisions that balance innovation with practicality. In many ways, the cross-cultural learning journey shaped my leadership approach: inclusive, data-driven, and deeply human,” he says.
He is an inventor on a pending patent in cloud observability, focused on making large-scale observability easier, allowing global organisations to run their businesses effectively. Due to Microsoft’s confidentiality policies, he says, he cannot share specific details until it’s officially published but admits that the work represents years of collaboration, experimentation, and curiosity. “What I value most about that experience is how it reminded me that innovation is rarely a solo act. It’s the outcome of collective effort, creative debates, and a shared vision to make technology more dependable,” he says.
Staying grounded while thinking ahead
Rishab Jolly’s greatest inspiration comes from his parents, who showed him the value of integrity, hard work, and humility. Their example reminds him that success is temporary, but character is permanent. “Professionally, I draw motivation from people who use their platforms to make technology more inclusive and accessible. Seeing others turn adversity into positive impact keeps me grounded. If I had to share one life lesson, it’s this: consistency beats intensity. It’s not the big leaps but the steady steps that compound into meaningful growth,” he says. He takes pride in representing Indian values. “For me, it’s about being a bridge between cultures, bringing India’s spirit of creativity and adaptability into the global tech ecosystem and showing that you can build on Indian values to contribute globally.” he remarks.
Interests and aspirations
Outside work, he hosts a podcast called Curious Souls along with co-host Ankita, where he has interviewed leaders from companies such as Meta and Microsoft, sharing their journeys in technology and leadership. “I also mentor early-in-career professionals and participate in programmes like HackMIT, EforAll, and the Society of Women Engineers, helping aspiring innovators gain confidence and direction,” he shares.
His long-term goal is to continue building technology that empowers people to make smarter, data-driven decisions, with a growing interest in the responsible use of AI to create broader social impact. “I want to contribute to initiatives that use AI to make the world better, particularly for underprivileged communities around the world. At its core, my journey has always been about using curiosity, empathy, and innovation to create impact, not just in technology, but in how people experience it,” he concludes.
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