Bill Gates explains the keys to his success in growing Microsoft

In a Interview with CNBC DO IT The tech billionaire’s report, released on Wednesday, says his definition of success includes his software and its global impact.

“Back then, it was all about: Is my code really good? Does it work? And can this company show the world that these microcomputers are great?” Gates said.

His view also reflected his belief that private computers have the potential to rework the economy and society. While the impact of the PC is obvious today, 4 a long time ago this was not clear to everyone, even a few of the early innovators.

In 1981, IBM launched its laptop computer, estimating that it might sell only 241,683 units in five years. Instead, it sold about three million units during that point, and a number of other hundred million over the course of a decade.

Of course, all of those PCs needed software, and this was precisely where Gates saw a chance that he pursued with tireless determination.

“It was the magic of software,” he told CNBC. “And I was ready to focus my life in my twenties just on software, just on this one job.”

In fact, he and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen had the vision of putting a PC on every desk and in every home, “which sounds boring today, but back then [it] was completely crazy,” Gates added.

Looking back on those early years, he characterizes his idea of ​​success as “very Microsoft-centric” and describes his life in his twenties as “all Microsoft.”

Gates stepped down as CEO in 2000, gave up his day-to-day duties in 2008, resigned as chairman in 2014 and left the board in 2020. He now focuses on his philanthropy and said his definition of success has evolved to incorporate each “adding net worth” to the world and empowering other people.

During a closing speech Northern Arizona UniversityAs he enters Microsoft’s graduating class of 2023, he expressed some regret about his attitude toward work in Microsoft’s early years, saying he didn’t consider in weekends or vacations and pushed others to work time beyond regulation.

“As I got older – and especially when I became a father – I realized that that intensity wasn’t always appropriate, both in terms of performance and in life as a whole,” he said. “Don’t wait as long as I did to learn that lesson.”

But he plans to remain busy and tell CNBC Gates had previously stated that he desired to work for a minimum of one other 20 years if his health allowed it – and thus follow within the footsteps of Berkshire Hathaway boss Warren Buffett. For Gates, retirement sounds “terrible”.