From CSU Green to T-Mobile Magenta: Mike Katz on Building a C-Suite Career in Telecommunications

Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products at T-Mobile — and proud CSU alum — joins President Amy Parsons for an energizing conversation recorded at T-Mobile headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, ahead of the CSU vs. University of Washington football game. Mike shares how his start selling cellphones in retail stores while at CSU launched him into a 27-year career that’s shaped one of the most remarkable brand turnarounds in telecom history. Together, they dive into CSU’s growing partnership with T-Mobile, how to build a culture that fuels innovation, and Mike’s advice for students on how to make the most of opportunities — especially the unexpected ones.

Mike leads teams at T-Mobile responsible for shaping the company’s brand, long-term strategy, and driving innovation in customer experience. Over more than two decades with the company, he’s played a role in some of the company’s biggest moments, including the launch of its signature Un-carrier strategy, and expanded the company’s scope beyond wireless into broadband, advertising and digital-first customer experiences. For three years in a row, Forbes has named him one of its 50 Most Influential CMOs.

Previously as president of the T-Mobile Business Group, Mike oversaw rapid growth in enterprise and government partnerships and helped launch initiatives like Project 10Million, the company’s flagship philanthropic effort to connect millions of under-connected K-12 students across the country with free or subsidized internet service and hotspots.

Originally from Carbondale, Colorado, Mike graduated from CSU in 2000 with a B.A. in sociology. For the past six years, he has served on the College of Business board and, a decade ago, co-founded a scholarship that provides full-ride support for Carbondale students pursuing business or construction management. Through his leadership, T-Mobile’s partnership with CSU has established 10 scholarships across multiple campuses and supports the university’s land-grant mission through rural engagement initiatives, an annual CSU Showcase event, and the Green and Gold Guard NIL Collective for student-athletes. Finally — and probably most important — he is also a proud husband and father.