Steve Ballmer: Scaling the digital revolution
About this episode
Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO from 2000 to 2014, was instrumental in scaling the company from a small 30-person startup to one of the most valuable companies on the planet. Ahead of Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, I had the chance to catch up with my former boss. We talked about the early days of Microsoft and the pitch that convinced him to take a chance on a small company in a new industry. We also discussed how three traits—irrational confidence, realism, and persistence—have helped him succeed at Microsoft and today as the owner of the LA Clippers.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Connecting the Unconnected: Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
AI's Mythos Moment: Rishi Sunak on preparing governments for AI
Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Special Edition: Tracking AI diffusion in Q1 2026
Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Ryan Roslansky: Turning AI Anxiety into Skills for the Future of Work
Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith