David Dame

David Dame is the Senior Director of Human Centered Design at Microsoft, where he leads the strategy, design, and delivery of inclusive, human-first experiences across Windows and Devices. A product maker at heart, David has spent more than 30 years helping build and scale technology used by millions of people around the world. His work sits at the intersection of design, engineering, accessibility, AI, and organizational change. David has led the creation of shipped products and platforms including Microsoft Adaptive Accessories, the Surface Adaptive Kit, Inclusive Trackpad, Bold Keyboard, and the Inclusive Tech Lab. These are not concepts or prototypes - they are real products designed to remove friction and expand what is possible for people. David lives with cerebral palsy. That lived experience gives him a firsthand understanding of where technology breaks down and how thoughtful design can unlock independence, dignity, and opportunity. It shapes how he leads, how he builds, and how he challenges teams to think differently. He believes human centered design is not about empathy alone - it is about outcomes. When we design for the edges, we improve the experience for everyone. Accessibility becomes innovation. Inclusion becomes a growth strategy. Before Microsoft, David held senior leadership roles at Scotiabank, OpenText, PTC, BlueCat Networks, and MedShare, leading large-scale agile and organizational transformations across global enterprises. He is a TEDx speaker, Professional Scrum Trainer, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and the author of the upcoming book Leading with Imperfect Feet, which explores leadership, resilience, and designing systems that adapt to people instead of forcing people to adapt to systems.