Decoder with Nilay Patel

Can Xerox reinvent itself for another 100 years?

Mar 9, 2023

In this engaging discussion, Steve Bandrowczak, CEO of Xerox, shares insights on transforming the iconic company from a legacy printer maker to a leader in IT services. He reveals innovative strategies like using augmented reality for printer repairs and the ambitious Project Own It aimed at simplifying operations. The conversation touches on maintaining customer connections while adapting to digital trends, the future of their renowned PARC research center, and how to capture Gen Z's interest in the printing world. A forward-thinking glimpse into Xerox's next 100 years!

01:03:33

Episode guests

Steve Bandrowczak

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

3min

Evolving Xerox: From Legacy to Innovation

21min

Reinvention Strategies at Xerox: Project Own It

3min

Strategic Restructuring and Leadership Transitions

7min

Resilience and Reinvention at Xerox

15min

Reinventing Xerox: A Focus on the Future and Consumer Perspectives

2min

Rethinking Printers in a Digital Era

10min

Navigating Business Regulations in a Changing Landscape

3min

Intro:

Steve Bandrowczak, the CEO of Xerox, an iconic company that got started all the way back in 1906 as a manufacturer of photo paper and is, of course, best known for pioneering the copy machine. Here in 2023, Xerox has moved well beyond paper. It now works with companies large and small to provide IT services: it optimizes workflows, manages data, automates parts of businesses, and yes, still fixes the printers.

Steve insists there’s still a lot in the world to print, and selling and servicing printers continues to be where Xerox begins its relationships with most customers. And fixing printers is getting high tech: Steve is excited about his new AR app that walks you through getting the copy machine working again so you don’t have to wait for a technician to come fix it.

We also talked about the future of Xerox’s legendary Palo Alto Research Center, or PARC, whether Xerox wants more consolidation, and we even spitball some ideas about how to get Gen Z excited about printers.

Links:

John Visentin, Xerox C.E.O., Dies at 59

Xerox Ousts CEO In Deal With Icahn

Carl Icahn Makes Case for Xerox-HP Union

Xerox abandons $35 billion hostile bid for HP

Apple Lisa: the ‘OK’ Computer

About PARC, a Xerox Company

Transcript:

https://www.theverge.com/e/23394156

Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

It was produced by Creighton DeSimone and Hadley Robinson and it was edited by Jackson Bierfeldt.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our Editorial Director is Brooke Minters and our Executive Director is Eleanor Donovan.

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