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#534: Michael Dell, Founder of Dell — Early Failures, Battling Carl Icahn, Learning from the Competition, and How to Play Nice But Win

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Sep 28, 2021

Guest

Michael Dell

Michael Dell, the visionary founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, shares his journey from young entrepreneur to industry leader. He discusses battling financier Carl Icahn and the lessons learned about competition and kindness. Dell reflects on early failures that shaped his career and the challenges of rapid company growth, including going public again. With insights on balancing corporate strategy and personal integrity, he highlights the importance of resilience and maintaining energy in leadership. His wisdom shines through in every anecdote.

59:20

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Transcript

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Episode notes

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ANECDOTE

Meatloaf with Icahn

Michael Dell had dinner with Carl Icahn during the Dell privatization process.
This meeting confirmed to Dell that Icahn lacked a concrete plan for the company.

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ADVICE

Play Nice But Win

Maintain ethical business practices and treat others fairly.
Strive for success while adhering to these principles.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Early Entrepreneurial Hustle

As a teenager, Michael Dell made $18,000 selling newspaper subscriptions.
He targeted new residents and newlyweds by researching public records.

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Confrontation and Culinary Insights: A Journey Through Leadership

03:55 • 3min

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Lessons from the Business Battlefield

06:57 • 19min

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Navigating Growth and Identity

26:23 • 10min

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Navigating the Risks of Going Private: Challenges and Strategies

36:28 • 3min

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Navigating Growth and Competition

39:12 • 15min

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Weekly Highlights and Product Offers

54:03 • 5min

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Play Nice but Win

A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader

James Kaplan

Michael Dell

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.

Michael Dell, Founder of Dell — Early Failures, Battling Carl Icahn, Learning from the Competition, and How to Play Nice But Win | Brought to you by Wealthfront automated investing, Helix Sleep premium mattresses, and Tonal smart home gym. More on all three below.

Michael Dell (@MichaelDell) 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 the author of Play Nice But Win: A CEO’s Journey from Founder to Leader.

Michael is an honorary member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum and is an executive committee member of the International Business Council. In 1999, he and his wife, Susan Dell, established the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

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