REVIEW: Hit Refresh by Satya Nadella

Microsoft’s third CEO, Satya Nadella transformed Microsoft’s core business from Windows and Office into Cloud, completely changed Microsoft. Over the past years, Microsoft’s share price rose from $30 to $97. These are the reasons why I decided to read the book.

“Hit Refresh” is not a biography, not really a book about technology although. Nor is it a book about the challenges of leading one of the most valuable companies in the world. The book is like — you have to know ancient Greek and Roman philosophies to look like the smartest person in the room.

Hence, there are some quotes to impress your friends:

Transformation framework:
“The first is engaging their customer base by leveraging data to improve the customer experience.

Second, they must empower their own employees by enabling greater and more mobile productivity and collaboration in the new digital world of work.

Third, they must optimize operations, automating and simplifying business processes across sales, operations, and finance.

Fourth, they must transform their products, services, and business models”

“Anything is possible for a company when its culture is about listening, learning, and harnessing individual passions and talents to the company’s mission.”

“Culture eats strategy for breakfast!”

“Technology is nothing more than the collective soul of those who build it.”

No one ever became a great leader by reading the book, but aspiring leaders might get some ideas. I would recommend reading the last 4 four chapters and treat it like a really long read on Nadella’s vision and thoughts about the future.