The Steve Ballmer Interview
Acquired
Jun 02
The Steve Ballmer Interview
The Steve Ballmer Interview

Acquired
Jun 02
In this podcast, Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the LA Clippers, dives into his experiences over 34 years at Microsoft. He shares insights on pivotal decisions, including the IBM DOS deal, building Microsoft's enterprise business, and reflections on missed opportunities in mobile and search. Ballmer also discusses his relationship with Bill Gates, his decision to step down as CEO, and his continued loyalty to Microsoft stock. Additionally, he explores his passion for the LA Clippers and the innovative Intuit Dome.
Ballmer reflects on his journey at Microsoft, recounting how he transformed it from a consumer-focused company into a leading enterprise software provider. He highlights key moments such as the IBM DOS deal that catapulted Microsoft into prominence, and discusses challenges like navigating antitrust issues and competition in the enterprise market. Despite successes, Ballmer candidly addresses shortcomings in areas like mobile and search, acknowledging strategic missteps that hindered Microsoft's growth in these domains. Furthermore, he reveals personal reflections on leadership dynamics with Bill Gates, his reasons for stepping down, and maintaining a significant stake in Microsoft stock. The conversation transitions to his role as owner of the LA Clippers, where Ballmer emphasizes parallels between managing a tech giant and a basketball team, focusing on teamwork, analytics, and long-term strategies.
09:13
09:13
Microsoft referred IBM to Gary Kildall, then bought QDOS for $49,000.
33:13
33:13
Bill Gates was passionate about apps and what Windows could offer.
41:57
41:57
Enterprise agreements were designed to provide simpler administration, recurring revenue, and upgrades.
51:08
51:08
Apps can be extended; a company shouldn't see itself as only a platform company.
1:03:01
1:03:01
A successful company must consciously decide when to avoid extending its existing business into a new paradigm.
1:20:32
1:20:32
Microsoft decided to prioritize platform as a service to leverage its strong Windows developer ecosystem.
1:37:42
1:37:42
Vercel introduces V0, an AI-powered web developer.
1:40:34
1:40:34
Ballmer's biggest win was establishing the enterprise business.
1:58:08
1:58:08
They admit to doing too many things and being over - confident about Windows.
2:12:58
2:12:58
Ballmer thought it was a good time to step down as the cloud was emerging.
2:24:18
2:24:18
Charlie Munger questioned why Steve Ballmer held onto Microsoft stock while others didn't.
2:52:46
2:52:46
The Intuit Dome was designed for hardcore basketball fans and aims to make games more intense for visiting teams.