Michael Dell on Calculating Risk and Playing Nice But Winning

Nov 6, 2021

Michael Dell, Founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, discusses his journey from entrepreneur to industry leader. He emphasizes the importance of balancing self-trust with expert opinions and focusing on what can be controlled. Dell shares insights on navigating success, ethics in business, and the complexities of personal ambition versus familial expectations. He also addresses the challenges of decision-making in health and government and advocates for sustainable practices amid short-term pressures in today’s market.

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ANECDOTE

Missed Dinner

Ryan Holiday recounts a story about accidentally missing a dinner with Michael Dell.
He rescheduled months later, leading to this podcast interview.

INSIGHT

Play Nice But Win

Michael Dell's motto "Play Nice But Win" emphasizes balancing ambition with ethical behavior.
This approach promotes success while maintaining positive relationships.

ADVICE

Pleased But Never Satisfied

Embrace continuous improvement and avoid complacency.
Remember that success can be intoxicating and dangerous, leading to stagnation.

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Ryan talks to founder and CEO of one of America’s largest technology companies Michael Dell about his new book Play Nice But Win: A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader, the balance between trusting yourself and trusting the opinions of experts, focusing on what you can control, and more.

Michael Dell is chairman and chief executive officer of Dell Technologies, an innovator and technology leader providing the essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future, transform IT and protect their most important information. He is ranked 24th richest person in the world by Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He founded Dell Technologies with $1000 in 1984 at the age of 19. In 1992, Michael became the youngest CEO ever to earn a ranking on the Fortune 500.

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Follow Michael Dell: Homepage, Twitter

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