Founders

#404 How Larry Ellison Thinks

1876 snips
Nov 4, 2025
Discover how Larry Ellison's relentless self-criticism fuels his ambition for improvement. Delve into his contrarian vision that anticipated the internet's database revolution. Explore his disdain for complexity and the influence of simplicity on customer decisions. Learn about his unique work rhythm, focusing on sprinting rather than grinding. Hear about his strategic picks of rivals to sharpen Oracle's brand and his belief that customer loyalty justifies heavy investment. Ellison's fear of failure and constant self-testing drive his legendary career.
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Relentless Future Focus

  • Larry Ellison constantly rejects resting on past success and focuses obsessively on the next five years.
  • He reads history deeply but ignores the recent past to stay future-oriented.
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Contrarian Bet On The Internet

  • Ellison bet early that the internet would massively expand database demand rather than kill it.
  • He acted contrarian and doubled down to force competitors into follower roles.
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Eliminate Complexity For Customers

  • Simplify customer choices by reducing complexity and doing the work for them.
  • Design integrated products so customers don't have to assemble disparate parts.
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