The James Altucher Show

A Note from James:Michael Dell. Founder of Dell. I remember in college, hearing about this kid who was building computers in his dorm and making millions. I thought it was a myth. It wasn’t. He’s the real thing—and he just kept going.I wanted to understand what drove him, what it felt like to deal with Carl Icahn trying to wrestle his company from him, and what success feels like after decades of being in the game. Also: I had to ask why Dell didn’t invent Google. That, plus how he’s now thinking about AI, cancer, and what “focus” really means.Episode Description:James Altucher sits down with Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, to trace the entire arc of Dell's career—from building computers in a college dorm room to defending his company against Carl Icahn and taking it private. In this candid conversation, Dell shares how early obsession with tech and business turned into a multibillion-dollar global enterprise, the lessons he’s learned about leadership, and how he’s positioning for the future with AI, cybersecurity, and gene tech on the horizon.This is more than a business story. It’s about risk, conviction, reinvention—and knowing when to walk away from Steve Jobs.What You’ll Learn:How Dell’s dorm-room business scaled to $80,000/month before he even left collegeWhat Michael Dell really thought during his showdown with Carl IcahnWhy most big companies fail to innovate—and how to keep a startup mindsetHow Dell Technologies is preparing for the explosion in AI and edge computingWhat makes a good leader at the head of a $100 billion companyTimestamped Chapters:[00:00] James introduces Michael Dell and the origin story of Dell Computers[01:00] The economics of building PCs in the early 1980s[03:00] Winning state bids with a bike and a dorm room[05:00] Pressure to become a doctor—and the 10-day “intervention”[10:00] Meeting Steve Jobs and licensing DOS from Bill Gates[13:00] Dell’s early B2B focus and international expansion[15:00] Going public and the Icahn showdown[18:00] How activist investors play poker with billion-dollar stakes[21:00] What focus really means in business[24:00] Defining leadership at global scale[26:00] Encouraging innovation inside massive companies[28:00] The failed Mac OS licensing deal[30:00] Philanthropy, education, and urban poverty[33:00] COVID lockdowns and a $100M response[35:00] The future of work and city migration[39:00] AI, edge computing, and exponential data[42:00] Gene editing, mRNA vaccines, and solving cancer[45:00] Blockchain in enterprise (no bitcoin on Dell’s balance sheet—yet)[47:00] Why cybersecurity is an arms race\Additional Resources:Play Nice But Win – Michael Dell’s memoir (Amazon)Dell Technologies – Official websiteJudge rejects Icahn's move on Dell buyout – CT InsiderRichard Florida on the future of cities – Vital City NYC interviewWhat is CRISPR? – Broad InstituteHistory of MS‑DOS – WikipediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover effective writing frameworks that can help you transform ideas into a published book in just 30 days. From the engaging '101 List Technique' to the intriguing 'Jesus Diet' method, these strategies simplify the creative process. Learn how to turn old podcast interviews into compelling narratives and tap into academic research for rich content. Explore the art of structured writing, find your niche, and unlock new income streams with your storytelling. Shorter books can be just as impactful!

Michael and Kass Lazerow, entrepreneurs known for co-founding Golf.com and Buddy Media, dive deep into the gritty truths of building businesses. They discuss their emotional struggles, including family betrayal and near bankruptcy, emphasizing the importance of resilience. With insights into their 'Go Gauge' for vetting investments, they share the art of firing with empathy. Their unique marketing strategies that helped launch brands like Liquid Death demonstrate how humor can captivate customers. This candid conversation blends entrepreneurial lessons with personal anecdotes about balancing marriage and business.

Discover the truth behind self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Learn how to turn your book into income through speaking gigs and consulting. Explore the importance of effective marketing strategies—like leveraging social media and building an email list. Uncover innovative monetization tactics, including unique payment methods. Plus, get practical tips on post-draft editing and the booming audiobook market. Celebrate your writing journey and strategically grow your audience for lasting success!

Wilbur Ross, former Secretary of Commerce and seasoned investor, shares his insider insights on tariffs and the economy. He discusses the potential for blanket tariffs in a future Trump administration, addressing their impact on trade relations with China. Ross elaborates on the shifting landscape of manufacturing, especially concerning iPhones moving to India, and the geopolitical consequences surrounding rare earth minerals. He also analyzes the effects of tariffs on inflation and consumer behavior, making the complex topic engaging and accessible.

Kit Gray, co-founder of PodcastOne, and Robert Ellin, CEO, share insights on the evolving landscape of podcasting. They discuss the significant impact of YouTube and AI on content creation, monetization, and audience engagement. The duo emphasizes the need for podcasters to build lasting brands and adapt to changing listener habits, especially among Gen Z. They outline strategies for growth, including integrating visual media and leveraging analytics to attract advertisers. Their vision includes turning niche podcasts into multi-platform empires.

Dive into the essential tools for writing your first book in just 30 days! Discover the '6 U’s' framework that captivates readers and the Warren Buffett 5/25 Rule to hone in on what to write about. Tackle writer's block with unique strategies, like starting in the middle and embracing vulnerability. Learn how to craft compelling introductions that serve as powerful sales tools and utilize the Flesch-Kincaid score for clarity. Get ready to push through the tough spots and bring your writing dreams to life!

Unleash your inner author and write a compelling book in just 30 days! Discover four powerful frameworks to structure your non-fiction masterpiece. Dive into the magic of a great opening line, drawing inspiration from legendary authors. Explore how your personal story is an irreplaceable strength in your writing. Plus, learn about innovative storytelling techniques that enhance reader engagement. It's time to embrace your unique voice and conquer the writing world!

Discover how anyone can become a published author in just 30 days, no matter their experience level. Learn the true motivations behind writing a book, and why it's more impactful than social media. Dive into the powerful 'arc of the hero' narrative structure, essential for crafting compelling stories. Explore personal anecdotes and historical reflections that emphasize resilience in storytelling. This engaging discussion offers practical tips for aspiring writers to transform ideas into lasting legacies.

Sunny Ray, President of Matador and an early crypto pioneer, shares his vision of digitizing gold through Bitcoin's blockchain. He discusses why tokenization is crucial for the financial landscape and how institutions like BlackRock are adapting. The conversation dives into the cultural significance of gold in places like India and compares Bitcoin’s durable advantages over Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. Sunny also speculates on the future of crypto adoption and the impact of innovative financial strategies on traditional assets.