In this engaging discussion, Michael Dell, the visionary founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, shares his journey from building computers in his college dorm to leading a multibillion-dollar enterprise. He reveals insights from his battles against Carl Icahn and offers wisdom on maintaining innovation in large companies. Dell discusses the transformative impact of AI and genomic technology on the future, the importance of a startup mindset, and lessons learned in leadership and risk-taking throughout his remarkable career.
54:28
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Dorm Room Tech Startup
Michael Dell started by making upgrade kits for IBM PCs in his dorm room and sold to small businesses and state offices.
His dorm business grew to $80,000 a month before he left college, sparking thoughts of scaling up.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Risk-Adjusted Education Choices
Individuals must assess risk based on their situation when choosing between formal education and entrepreneurship.
Consider the downside carefully; sometimes the low risk means the chance is worth taking.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Encounters with Tech Icons
Michael Dell met Steve Jobs early and later negotiated to license software, working with Bill Gates on MS-DOS for IBM compatibles.
These foundational relationships shaped Dell's early business strategy and product compatibility.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Play Nice But Win,' Michael Dell shares his personal and professional journey, from the early days of his PC business to the pinnacle of his success as the leader of Dell Technologies. The book recounts the three major battles for the company's survival and transformation, including launching the company, keeping it competitive, and transforming it in a rapidly changing industry. Dell provides insights into his development as a leader, the importance of mentors, competitors, and the long-term vision that underpins his success, emphasizing that technology is ultimately about people and their potential.
A Note from James:
Michael Dell. Founder of Dell. I remember in college, hearing about this kid who was building computers in his dorm and making millions. I thought it was a myth. It wasn’t. He’s the real thing—and he just kept going.
I wanted to understand what drove him, what it felt like to deal with Carl Icahn trying to wrestle his company from him, and what success feels like after decades of being in the game. Also: I had to ask why Dell didn’t invent Google. That, plus how he’s now thinking about AI, cancer, and what “focus” really means.
Episode Description:
James Altucher sits down with Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, to trace the entire arc of Dell's career—from building computers in a college dorm room to defending his company against Carl Icahn and taking it private. In this candid conversation, Dell shares how early obsession with tech and business turned into a multibillion-dollar global enterprise, the lessons he’s learned about leadership, and how he’s positioning for the future with AI, cybersecurity, and gene tech on the horizon.
This is more than a business story. It’s about risk, conviction, reinvention—and knowing when to walk away from Steve Jobs.
What You’ll Learn:
How Dell’s dorm-room business scaled to $80,000/month before he even left college
What Michael Dell really thought during his showdown with Carl Icahn
Why most big companies fail to innovate—and how to keep a startup mindset
How Dell Technologies is preparing for the explosion in AI and edge computing
What makes a good leader at the head of a $100 billion company
Timestamped Chapters:
[00:00] James introduces Michael Dell and the origin story of Dell Computers
[01:00] The economics of building PCs in the early 1980s
[03:00] Winning state bids with a bike and a dorm room
[05:00] Pressure to become a doctor—and the 10-day “intervention”
[10:00] Meeting Steve Jobs and licensing DOS from Bill Gates
[13:00] Dell’s early B2B focus and international expansion
[15:00] Going public and the Icahn showdown
[18:00] How activist investors play poker with billion-dollar stakes
The James Altucher Show 