Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Microsoft President Brad Smith
Sep 9, 2019
Brad Smith, President of Microsoft and co-author of "Tools and Weapons," examines the dual nature of technology and the essential need for responsibility among tech firms. He reflects on lessons from the 2001 antitrust case and critiques Silicon Valley's 'move fast and break things' mentality. Smith discusses the fallout from events like the Cambridge Analytica scandal and advocates for a national privacy bill by 2024. This insightful conversation touches on the importance of ethical governance and the role tech companies play in societal challenges.
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Microsoft's Antitrust Battle
- Microsoft faced antitrust investigations in the 1990s, culminating in a court order to break up the company.
- The order was later overturned on appeal, but Microsoft still faced regulatory actions.
Lesson from Antitrust
- During the antitrust issues, Microsoft had to confront how others perceived the company, not just their own self-image.
- This led to accepting more responsibility for their impact and addressing the world they shaped.
Microsoft's Cultural Evolution
- Microsoft's culture evolved in two phases: the 2000s focused on building bridges and accepting restraints.
- Satya Nadella, in the 2010s, added a growth mindset and emphasized trust, which unleashed innovation.
