Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Outlines New Diversity Plan After After 'Humbling' Experience

Microsoft Corporation CEO Satya Nadella has unveiled a new internal diversity plan after he spurred controversy last week by telling female programmers that women are better off not asking for a raise.

In an internal memo sent to Microsoft staff, Nadella apologized for his remarks and said that the ordeal was “a humbling and learning experience,” GeekWire reported Wednesday. Nadella outlined that the company needs to focus on equal pay and equal opportunity for equal work and on recruiting more diverse talent at all levels.

“As we make diversity and inclusion central to Microsoft’s business, we have the opportunity to spark change across the industry as well,” Nadella said in the memo obtained by GeekWire.

During an appearance at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing event last week, Nadella fell under scrutiny after being asked what advice he would give to women about how to negotiate a raise. “It’s not really about asking for a raise but knowing and having faith that the system will give you the right raise,” he answered.

The CEO has since said that his answer to the question “was not right.” The memo also revealed that the CEO plans to expand diversity training for all employees.