Sequoia's Michael Moritz shares Bill Gates' obsession' that made Microsoft founder remove radio from his car
In an inspiring anecdote which sheds light on the intense dedication of tech pioneers, venture capitalist Micheal Moritz of Sequoia Capital recently told a story about Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Moritz revealed that during the early days of Microsoft, young Bill Gates had unwavering focus. Moritz further revealed that once Bill Gates even removed radio from his car in order to avoid distraction during his seven minute commute.
Sequoia's Michael Moritz shares Bill Gates’ obsession’
Speaking at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Moritz recalled an incident related to Bill Gates. Moritz revealed that once he was being chauffeured by the Microsoft co-founder. The incident took place in early 1980, when Microsoft was till a private company. While on the drive, Moritz notice a gap hole in the dashboard, Moritz asked if the radio had been stolen. Gates’ reply: “No, I took it out myself.”
Bill Gates then explained that event the brief drive from his home to the Microsoft office — “7 minutes and 32 seconds”—was too valuable to waste. “If I’ve got the radio, I’m afraid that I’ll switch it on and I won’t be thinking about Microsoft,” he told Moritz.
The venture capitalist who has invested in companies like Google and LinkedIn, used this story to highlight the depth of obsession which often separate transformative founders from the rest. “That’s obsession,” he told the audience, adding that such relentless focus is often the X-factor in startup success .
Bill Gates dedication and focus paid off and Microsoft became public in 1986 and by 1995, Gates became the world’s richest person. Even today, the anecdote serves as reminder of the extreme discipline and singular focus which helped in making a successful business.
Sequoia's Michael Moritz shares Bill Gates’ obsession’
Speaking at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Moritz recalled an incident related to Bill Gates. Moritz revealed that once he was being chauffeured by the Microsoft co-founder. The incident took place in early 1980, when Microsoft was till a private company. While on the drive, Moritz notice a gap hole in the dashboard, Moritz asked if the radio had been stolen. Gates’ reply: “No, I took it out myself.”
Bill Gates then explained that event the brief drive from his home to the Microsoft office — “7 minutes and 32 seconds”—was too valuable to waste. “If I’ve got the radio, I’m afraid that I’ll switch it on and I won’t be thinking about Microsoft,” he told Moritz.
The venture capitalist who has invested in companies like Google and LinkedIn, used this story to highlight the depth of obsession which often separate transformative founders from the rest. “That’s obsession,” he told the audience, adding that such relentless focus is often the X-factor in startup success .
Bill Gates dedication and focus paid off and Microsoft became public in 1986 and by 1995, Gates became the world’s richest person. Even today, the anecdote serves as reminder of the extreme discipline and singular focus which helped in making a successful business.
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