Bill Gates Gives His Best Advice - Motivational

Summary

Bill Gates reflects on key moments in Microsoft's history, like betting on Windows and graphical interfaces despite initial doubts, and recognizing the importance of embracing the internet. He emphasizes the need to keep innovating, hiring smart people, and learning from customer feedback. Though proud of successes, Gates says Microsoft wakes up every day thinking about what they're missing and how to keep improving products. He concludes by asserting that this mindset of constant innovation is what has kept Microsoft at the forefront of technology.

Takeaways

• 😊 Bill Gates talks about how Microsoft bet the company on Windows and graphical interface, which took over 4 years to take off but now is ubiquitous
• 💡 Bill discusses how Microsoft is now betting big on the internet and developing tools and content plays there
• ⏰ Bill spends his time meeting with customers, responding to emails, thinking deeply about the future during 'think weeks', and spending time with his family
• 📈 Bill explains how competition spurs innovation, using browsers and operating systems as an example
• 😎 Bill highlights the importance of design and marketing in creating phenomenal, intuitive products with broad appeal
• 👩‍💻 Bill stresses the importance of working with very smart, innovative people and always pushing to do more
• 🤔 Bill says Microsoft has to continually think about what they are missing and how they can keep innovating
• 🔁 Bill explains how Microsoft has had to tear up plans and rethink strategy in light of developments like the internet
• ✅ Bill talks about enjoying the process of working on new problems with smart people each day
• 😤 Bill emphasizes the need to hire the very best talent and maintain a culture of innovation

Q & A

When did Microsoft first come up with the Windows concept?

Microsoft first came up with the Windows concept back in 1983.

What does Bill Gates say led to the quick adoption of Microsoft applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint?

He says it's because they switched into the Windows environment, which made it easier for people to use those applications.

Who does Bill Gates say has now also come out with Windows applications?

He says that even companies like WordPerfect and Lotus have now come out with Windows applications.

What does Bill Gates say is attracting all the innovation in the industry?

He says the Windows environment is attracting all the innovation in the industry.

What does Bill Gates say that Netscape wanted to turn the browser into?

He says Netscape looked at turning the browser into an operating system.

What approach did Microsoft take instead?

Microsoft looked at taking their operating system and building the browser in an integrated fashion.

What does Bill Gates say is the kind of competition that spurs innovation?

He says the competition between companies like Microsoft and Netscape is the kind of competition that spurs innovation.

What does Bill Gates say helps drive Microsoft forward?

He says their focus on hiring the very best people and making sure they keep innovating at a rapid pace helps drive them forward.

What does Bill Gates say happened every time Microsoft has had a bit of success?

He says they're very careful not to dwell on any success. Instead they wake up thinking about what they might be missing and how they can keep innovating.

What does Bill Gates say is a great example of how Microsoft has had to embrace innovation?

He says the internet is a great example, where Microsoft has had to tear up their plans and fully embrace all that's good about the internet.