Sarah Bond’s distinctive resume positions her favorably as the president of Xbox. Having embarked on her career as a consultant at McKinsey, she later served as chief of staff to former T-Mobile CEO John Legere before joining Xbox in 2017, Bond brings a unique perspective to the gaming industry.
While her career path may not showcase the typical trajectory for leading a major video game brand, Bond’s passion for gaming aligns seamlessly with her business acumen. She played an instrumental role in Microsoft’s landmark acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2022, a move that faced challenges from government regulators. Bond has consistently emphasized making gaming more accessible, aiming to attract new customers in an industry experiencing stagnant growth.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Bond’s impressive track record serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of gender equality in male-dominated industries.
The Roots of a Gaming Passion
Bond’s gaming journey began at the tender age of six, where she shared memorable moments with her father playing the PC game Kings Quest II. Among her childhood favorites were titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and GoldenEye 007. Today, she embraces her role as a parent, often enjoying family gaming sessions with her husband and their two children, frequently immersed in Xbox’s Minecraft Dungeons.
Upon her arrival at Xbox, Bond perceived the company’s offerings primarily as consumer technology. However, her perspective has expanded as she has led teams focused on developing the Xbox platform and welcoming independent developers.
“Gaming is a remarkable fusion of art and science that I find incredibly invigorating,” Bond asserts.
A Broader Perspective
As a Black woman in the gaming world, Bond’s presence is significant, especially considering the industry’s historical challenges for women and people of color. The 2015 Gamergate controversy, highlighting issues of representation, underscored the cultural tensions surrounding diversity in gaming and beyond.
Reflecting on her experiences, Bond recalls a candid discussion with Phil Spencer, head of Xbox Gaming, who warned her about the industry’s challenges. “Phil, my aunt died yesterday. She was a colonel in the Army in the era of segregation. That was hard,” she recounted, illustrating the perspective she brings to her work.
This awareness of her heritage propels Bond in her career, enabling her to navigate and thrive in various corporate environments. “I believe that individual achievements are rooted in the collective support from those who have paved the way for us,” she shares.
Insights and Guidance
Bond promotes a balanced approach to work, emphasizing the importance of meditation and mindfulness while taking necessary breaks to maintain her performance. “To deliver my very best, sometimes I have to pause,” she explains.
Valuing risk-taking over perfection, Bond reflects on her college experience that taught her a crucial lesson: memorization isn’t a substitute for true understanding. “The way I studied for Spanish was the greatest lesson of my life,” she states.
In a tech landscape often characterized by rigidity, Bond encourages women aspiring to enter male-dominated STEM fields to seek mentors who hold them to high performance standards. “Find those who will invest in you,” she advises, highlighting the transformative power of honest feedback and support.
