How Sarah Bond rose to the top in the gaming world

Sarah Bond’s career path may not be traditional, but as the president of Xbox, she knows she’s exactly where she belongs. Starting as a McKinsey consultant, then spending time at T-Mobile, including working as chief of staff to former CEO John Legere, Bond eventually found her way to Xbox in 2017.

Despite her diverse background, Bond truly understands the joy and creativity of gaming, as well as the business side of it. She played a crucial role in Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2022, emphasizing the importance of making gaming more accessible and attracting new customers in a stagnant industry.

Her impressive track record is particularly noteworthy during Women’s History Month, prompting reflection on gender inequality in male-dominated industries.

Discovering a love for gaming

Bond’s gaming journey began at the young age of 6, playing games like Kings Quest II with her father. Other childhood favorites included Sonic the Hedgehog and GoldenEye 007. Now, she enjoys family game nights playing Minecraft Dungeons with her husband and children.

When Bond first joined Xbox, she viewed the company’s products as consumer tech. However, over the years leading teams and working with independent developers, she has come to see gaming as a beautiful blend of art and science.

Gaming through a big-picture lens

As a Black woman in the gaming industry, Bond has faced challenges, but her perspective and resilience have helped her succeed in various corporate environments. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the struggles of ancestors and the collective effort that shapes individual achievements.

Lessons learned and advice shared

Bond prioritizes self-care through practices like meditation and mindfulness to maintain high performance levels. She values taking risks over seeking perfection, as she learned from her experience in college.

Offering advice to women in male-dominated STEM fields, Bond emphasizes the importance of finding mentors who challenge and support them to reach their full potential. She believes in seeking out those who will provide honest feedback and help navigate challenges in pursuit of their goals.