Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently shared his advice for new employees at Microsoft, emphasizing the dual purpose the company serves as both a means of economic growth and personal fulfillment.

The Platform as a Contract

In a discussion with Indian YouTuber Dwarkesh Patel, Nadella described Microsoft's role as a platform. He referred to this as a 'contract' where employees can derive financial benefits as well as a sense of purpose and mission. He said, “Even for anybody joining Microsoft… as long as they feel that they can use this as a platform for their both economic return, but also a sense of purpose and a sense of mission that they can accomplish, by using us as a platform. So, therefore, that's the contract.”

On Retaining Future Leaders

When asked about retaining future leaders, Nadella responded that relevance takes precedence over longevity. “The way to think about it is, longevity is not a goal; relevance is.” He stressed the necessity for himself and others at the company to consistently question their contributions to ensure they remain useful and relevant to the world as it evolves.

Nadella on 34 Years at Microsoft

Reflecting on his extensive tenure, Nadella highlighted what it means to be a “company person” and the ideal employee-employer relationship. He underscored the importance of a work culture that fosters personal integration with the company’s ethos. “So I think companies have to create a culture that allows people to come in and become company people like me. And Microsoft got it more right than wrong, at least in my case. I hope that remains the case,” he stated.

Nadella revealed his continued passion for Microsoft over his 34 years there, noting, “Through my 34 years now of Microsoft, it has basically been, each year, I felt more excited about being at Microsoft versus thinking that 'I'm a company person’.”

Future-Focused Discussion

In the podcast interview, Nadella also broached topics like artificial general intelligence (AGI) and breakthroughs in quantum computing, reflecting on the forward-thinking nature of Microsoft and its leadership in technology innovation.