Steve Ballmer's Journey: From Harvard to Microsoft CEO

Steve Ballmer's commitment to democratizing computing transformed technology and empowered people globally.

### Meeting Bill Gates and the Journey to Microsoft
The speaker met Bill Gates at Harvard just as Gates was **starting Microsoft**. After graduating **Magna Cum Laude**, the speaker worked at Proctor and Gamble alongside other talented individuals. He then dropped out of Stanford to join Microsoft as the **30th employee**, eventually becoming one of the **biggest shareholders** and playing a **key role in the company's growth**.

### The Journey of Leadership at Microsoft
Andy Grove's prediction of **100 million computers sold a year** seemed unrealistic, but the actual number has **exceeded 300 million**. The speaker's parents were initially skeptical about the tech industry's lack of a physical product, but they became comfortable once the speaker **went public**. The transition to CEO in 2000 was surprising, with shared responsibilities until Bill Gates' departure in 2008, and the speaker's investment in Facebook was driven by a desire to **buy the whole company**.

### Reflections on Missed Opportunities at Microsoft
The speaker offered **over $20 billion** to buy Facebook in 2009, but Mark Zuckerberg had **no interest**. They acknowledge that Microsoft could have and should have **entered the hardware business earlier**. The speaker was surprised by Amazon's success in cloud computing, but believes Microsoft's Azure and Office 365 have since taken the company to **new heights**. The acquisition of Nokia for smartphones didn't work out due to being **late** and a lack of **enthusiasm at the board and management level for scaling up**.

### The Leadership Transition at Microsoft
Saa Nadella was recommended by both the speaker and Bill Gates for the CEO position, and the speaker was glad he got the job. Despite increasing sales and earnings, the speaker's tenure at Microsoft coincided with the **dot-com bubble's burst and the company's breakup**, leading to a **stagnant stock price**. The speaker felt it was wrong to sell more shares, maintaining **loyalty to the company and its values**.

### Overcoming Shyness and Building Confidence
The speaker was a very shy kid, but gradually built **confidence through success** in various roles, including Harvard and Proctor and Gamble. They developed **public speaking skills** and found a knack for **motivating others**. Looking back at their career at Microsoft, they feel **happy with the outcomes**, despite some mistakes, and value the **lasting friendships** they've maintained.

### Key Characteristics of a Good Leader
A good leader must have **commitment** and be **dedicated to their role**. Leadership involves **guiding people** and being a **leader of ideas**, ensuring that the direction taken is the **right one**. The speaker takes pride in **democratizing computing** and believes their contribution has had a **significant impact** on both the country and the world.

### From Harvard to Microsoft: A Journey of Innovation and Leadership
* 🎓 At Harvard, I met Bill Gates just as he was starting Microsoft, which marked the **beginning of a significant partnership**.
* 💼 After graduating **Magna Cum Laude**, I joined Procter & Gamble where I worked alongside notable figures like **Scott Cook** and **Jeff Immelt**, driving sales for products like **Duncan Hines brownie mix**.
* 🚀 I left Stanford to join Microsoft as its **30th employee**, initially serving as **Bill Gates' assistant** and later taking on various responsibilities including **HR and sales**.
* 📈 By the late '80s, I recognized Microsoft's potential to become a **dominant player in the software industry**, especially after witnessing the **rapid growth in computer sales**.
* 💰 When I became CEO in 2000, I was surprised by Bill's decision to step back, but I embraced the role and led the company through **significant developments**, including the launch of **Xbox**.
* 📉 Despite increasing sales and earnings during my tenure, the stock price did not correlate due to the **dot-com bubble and regulatory challenges** faced by Microsoft.
* 🌐 I acknowledged missed opportunities in the smartphone and cloud computing sectors, particularly as competitors like **Amazon thrived**, but I take pride in the advancements made with **Azure and Office 365**.
* 🏆 Reflecting on my career, I believe my legacy lies in **democratizing computing**, empowering individuals worldwide, and fostering a culture of **innovation and commitment** within Microsoft.

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스티브 발머 : MS주식을 왜 팔아???

스티브 발머 : MS주식을 왜 팔아???