From the pitch to the boardroom: Brittany Saylor’s inspiring journey
Our ‘Beyond the Badge’ series spotlights extraordinary people within Microsoft who go beyond the day job and give something back to their communities. This week we feature Brittany Saylor, a former semi-professional footballer who went on to take a voluntary leadership role with the club she used to play for.
Brittany Saylor first kicked a football at the age of 10. Growing up in the US, her passion for the game of “soccer” was ignited during the 1999 Women’s World Cup, when the US team played in front of 90,000 fans at the Rose Bowl.
It was a lightbulb moment. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow! Imagine being able to be a part of this’,” says Brittany.
Balancing two worlds
This enthusiasm led to a career as a semi-professional footballer with Dulwich Hamlet Women FC in the UK, which involved intense evening training sessions following a demanding day job as an Account Technology Strategist for Microsoft, helping organisations harness technology to achieve their business goals.
“My role is about understanding a customer’s strategy and aligning technology to make that happen,” she explains.
It’s a job that demands strategic thinking and collaboration – skills Brittany honed “both on and off the pitch,” she says.
“If you do something you care about, it’s easy to get stuck in. Find something meaningful and have a go.“
Balancing her job with her passion for football hasn’t been easy, she admits, but she thrived on the challenge.
“Being semi-professional means you have your day job and then in the evenings you’re training, while also trying to maintain recovery,” she says. “But I had the best time. It was competitive; it was community; it was family.”
A global journey
Football has taken Brittany across the world. She taught English in South Korea and played for a local team there, then moved to New Zealand, competing at a high amateur level.
“The standards were really good. There are some truly great athletes in New Zealand,” she says.
But two seasons ago, back in the UK, she decided the time was right to hang up her boots.
“The transition was difficult. I was used to having my schedule built for me and I missed the camaraderie,” she says.
Her proudest moment? Winning the league in her final season as a semi-pro.
“That was just the best experience. The celebrations on the coach ride home were unforgettable,” she recalls.
Giving back
But Brittany couldn’t step away completely; she found a new way to contribute.
“I wanted to give back, so I started volunteering as a director,” she says.
Her role involves shaping strategy, supporting players, and ensuring women have a space to thrive in sport.
“I love the people – the fans, the players, the staff,” she says. “Everyone comes together to support each other and causes that matter. So it’s meaningful to me. It aligns with my values and it’s a natural fit.”
For Brittany, Dulwich Hamlet Women FC is more than a team; it’s a community and way of life.
Supportive culture
Brittany reckons she couldn’t balance these two worlds without the support of her employer.
“We are people with families and activities outside work, and Microsoft supports that,” she says.
“I love that I’m encouraged to bring my whole self to work, and I’m supported to pursue what matters to me.”
Brittany’s advice to others considering volunteering?
“Go for it while being clear on your time commitments and boundaries. If you do something you care about, it’s easy to get stuck in. Find something meaningful and have a go.”
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