Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, shares his journey from a dishwasher to a tech empire builder. He emphasizes the importance of embracing risks, seeing failures as stepping stones. Dell discusses maintaining integrity while striving for success, arguing that a true win comes from ethical conduct. He reveals the balancing act of entrepreneurship and family life, advocating for setting boundaries. With insights from his new book, 'Play Nice But Win', he inspires listeners to dream bigger and play smart in their pursuits.
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First Job
Michael Dell's first job was as a 12-year-old dishwasher at a Chinese restaurant.
He got promoted to waterboy and then assistant maître d', showcasing early ambition.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Risk-Taking
If you have little to lose, take risks.
Starting with nothing means having nothing to fear, making risk-taking easier.
insights INSIGHT
Risks as Opportunities
Some big risks are actually opportunities in disguise.
Michael Dell didn't view major decisions like dropping out of college or taking his company private as substantial risks because he focused on the potential opportunities.
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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.
Think Like A Monk
TRAIN YOUR MIND for PEACE and PURPOSE EVERY DAY
Jay Shetty
In 'Think Like a Monk', Jay Shetty shares his experiences as a monk and provides practical advice on how to overcome negative thoughts, stop overthinking, and find purpose. The book is divided into three stages: Let Go, Grow, and Serve. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of distractions and fears, growing through self-reflection and mindfulness, and serving others to find true fulfillment. Shetty draws on ancient wisdom and his own experiences to offer exercises and advice on reducing stress, improving relationships, and cultivating kindness and compassion.
Michael Dell sits down with Jay Shetty to talk about how he built a multi-billion dollar technology business. It was a risk he was willing to take for he saw these risks as opportunities he could leverage to achieve his goals. He didn’t allow people’s opinions to dampen his innovative pursuit to build an empire where failures are seen as stepping stones and financial challenges remain a temporary drawback.
Michael 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. His first book, Direct from Dell: Strategies That Revolutionized an Industry, was written in 1999 and is currently promoting his second, Play Nice But Win: A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader.
What We Discuss with Michael:
00:00 Intro
02:52 “I started as a dishwasher boy at a Chinese restaurant.” - Michael Dell
05:45 If you got little to lose, go take a risk
10:08 Some big risks are just opportunities
13:51 Play nice but win
14:52 You have too feel right about what you’re doing
17:31 It wouldn’t feel right to win if you cheated
19:15 Building a business is not for the faint of heart
21:37 Going against a big corporation
24:26 Fighting for the company to retain its risk-taking spirit
26:26 A great work-life balance doesn’t work when you’re starting a business
28:54 Set boundaries when you have a family
32:25 Collecting company mementos
33:34 3 key factors your leading the company right
On Purpose with Jay Shetty 
