Kasia Kalstad

About

Global communications director and executive storytelling leader combining internal, external, and executive communications with PR, media relations, and large-scale event production. Known for transforming complex strategies into clear, engaging narratives that build alignment, strengthen culture, and amplify leadership voices—particularly in complex, matrixed environments and during periods of major transformation. Proven success driving global product and business priority launches at Microsoft, including AI-related storytelling and high-engagement All Hands programming.

Experience

• Director of Communications – Office Product Group · Microsoft2024

  Promoted to oversee global internal, executive, and external communications for a 4,000-employee organization, shaping Microsoft’s productivity and AI vision. Serve as principal communications advisor to the Corporate Vice President, ensuring alignment, clarity, and connection across worldwide teams. Member of the Microsoft Leadership Team. • Led company-wide launch of FY25–FY26 strategic narrative, improving clarity of business priorities and employee understanding across 10 global sites. • Elevated executive visibility through storytelling and media engagement, increasing digital audience reach by 400% and engagement by 600%. • Shaped storytelling for high-profile external engagements, including press interviews and product demos with Axios, The New Yorker, BBC, and others—showcasing Microsoft’s AI innovation and leadership. • Guided global communications through major reorganizations and leadership transitions, ensuring consistency, empathy, and alignment across 4,000 employees.

• Senior Communications & Events Manager – Office Product Group · Microsoft2021 – 2024

  Successfully built an internal / executive communications function then drove campaigns and flagship events for the Office Product Group, shaping culture, engagement, and storytelling through rapid innovation and organizational change. • Conceived and produced large-scale All Hands events that blended storytelling, humor, and live broadcast; earned three Telly Awards and record employee feedback scores. • Designed and implemented a new internal messaging framework that improved employee understanding of company priorities by 28% and leadership communication clarity by 24%. • Drove storytelling for the launch of new AI-powered Office experiences, creating keynotes and video content viewed by millions worldwide.

• Communications Manager – Microsoft Education · Microsoft2020 – 2021

  Led internal and external communications for Microsoft Education, helping global schools and universities navigate the rapid shift to remote learning while positioning Microsoft as a trusted, innovative technology partner. • Drove record adoption of Microsoft Teams, Minecraft, and Flipgrid by leading global campaigns that positioned each platform as an essential tool for remote learning. • Secured 260+ global media placements in six months, including Digital Trends, MIT Technology Review, and VentureBeat. • Shifted messaging during COVID-19 to emphasize security, reliability, and support for educators worldwide.

• Executive Communications Manager – AI & Mixed Reality · Microsoft2019 – 2020

  Hired to establish and manage executive communications, public relations, and thought leadership for the Corporate VP of AI & Mixed Reality. • Developed Microsoft’s first executive address for the UN General Assembly, highlighting the company’s global leadership in ethical AI. • Created keynote and roundtable materials presented to audiences of thousands, enhancing leadership visibility across internal and industry forums. • Built foundational internal communications programs connecting 400 global employees across research, product, and marketing teams, improving alignment and transparency.

• Director / Account Manager · Matter Communications2017 – 2019

  Partnered with C-suite leaders from leader tech and consumer-focused businesses to craft communications strategies and robust, integrated B2B / B2C PR campaigns that brought brands to life. Managed a team of 10, conducting new business pitches, onboarding clients and executing on groundbreaking programs for up to five clients at a time. • Stepped in to lead the Portland office during a leadership transition, guiding a 17-person team through culture rebuilding, client retention, and operational continuity across $1M+ in business. • Earned top-tier coverage in The New York Times, Fortune, TechCrunch and other outlets through targeted storytelling, and boosted a client’s Share of Voice by 50% in one quarter through strategic media planning.

• Senior Account Executive · WE Communications2015 – 2017

  Pivoted into strategic communications at one of the world’s largest integrated marketing agencies and Microsoft’s agency of record. Rapidly progressed from Account Executive to Senior Account Executive. • Shaped the messaging, storylines, and launch strategy for Microsoft Teams, positioning it as a transformative collaboration platform and key competitor to Slack. • Designed and executed the “Land Your Dream Job 2” campaign to engage millennial professionals and grow awareness of Office 365. Partnered with Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider to amplify reach. • Built Microsoft’s first non-traditional influencer program, cultivating authentic voices to inspire new users and expand brand trust across digital and social channels.

• Breaking News Reporter · The Oregonian2014 – 2015

  Launched career as a journalist for one of the nation’s top 20 newspapers, developing fast-turn storytelling, editorial judgment, and audience engagement skills under deadline pressure. Earned first place for Best Lifestyle Reporting from the Oregon Newspaper Association for the investigative series, “Faces of Meth – 10 Years Later.”

• Public Relations Director, TEDx Portland · TEDx Portland2016 – 2020

  Led PR programming for the largest TEDx in North America, an event that attracted 3K in-person attendees and 100K digital viewers annually. Managed logistics, creative, budget, and schedules for marketing and PR programs.

Education

• Gonzaga UniversityMaster of Arts, Communication and Leadership Studies
• California State University Long BeachBachelor of Arts, Journalism & Political Science

Similar talent on Pangea

Richard T.Corporate Communications Leader | Internal & External Communications | Executive Advisory | Global Ops | Business Leadership | Applied AIMinneapolis, MNRRobert D.Communications Executive & Trusted C-Suite Counselor | Driving Strategic Storytelling, Reputation & Crisis Management for B2B Brands and Fortune 100/500 LeadersNew Hope, PA 18938Brandon P.Results-driven Change & Communications StrategistWashington, DCNatalie H.Strategic Communicator and PR SpecialistSeattle, WA