GeekWire
AI, Google Docs, and the messiness of innovation, with Microsoft Deputy CTO Sam Schillace
Nov 30, 2024
Sam Schillace, Deputy CTO at Microsoft and author of "No Prize for Pessimism," chats about optimism in tech innovation. He shares insights from his days creating Google Docs, emphasizing the need to tackle complex problems. Schillace discusses the shift from traditional programming to modern user-centric AI applications. He also reflects on the timing and strategies involved in selling his company to Google, revealing lessons in collaboration and the importance of embracing the messiness of the creative process.
43:46
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Quick takeaways
- Sam Schillace emphasizes the importance of cultivating an optimistic mindset in innovation to inspire creativity and tackle complex problems.
- The discussion highlights how social media influences young innovators, creating unrealistic expectations that hinder willingness to engage in messy experimental processes.
Deep dives
Rethinking Mindsets in Technology
The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset when approaching new technologies. The speaker argues that a pessimistic outlook, common among engineers, serves little purpose and instead encourages an optimistic approach to innovation. This is encapsulated in the idea of focusing on 'what if' questions rather than 'why not' challenges, which can help inspire creativity and forward-thinking solutions. By fostering a more positive outlook, individuals can more effectively embrace the potential of emerging technologies and their applications.
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