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Being a young CEO is no easy task, and Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, knows this all too well. Reflecting on his early days, Gates shared the intense dedication and hard work it took to build his company.
Photo: Calla Kessler/The New York Times
"I worked weekends, I didn't believe in vacation," he recalls.
Gates pushed his team to work just as hard, demanding long hours and relentless effort.
Managing people was one of the biggest challenges for Gates.
"I was still learning how to manage people, particularly the different skill sets, the sales people, the accounting people," he said.
Navigating these different roles and figuring out how to lead effectively was a steep learning curve. However, Gates acknowledges that he has improved over time: "Fortunately, I think I'm a little bit better now."
This journey from a young, driven CEO to a more seasoned leader is something many entrepreneurs experience. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, has also spoken about the learning process in leadership. He once said,
"Ideas don't come out fully formed. They only become clear as you work on them. You just have to get started."
This echoes Gates' early experiences—both leaders recognized that the path to success involves continuous learning and adaptation.
Another valuable perspective comes from Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. Branson has always highlighted the importance of taking care of your team.
"Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business. It’s as simple as that," he says.
For a young CEO, understanding and valuing your team can be crucial for long-term success.
In conclusion, being a young CEO involves a steep learning curve, long hours, and a relentless drive to succeed. Bill Gates' experience at Microsoft underscores the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and effective management. Insights from other successful entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson further highlight the importance of starting with a clear vision, persisting through challenges, and taking care of your team. These lessons are invaluable for any young CEO embarking on the challenging but rewarding journey of building a successful company.
Listen to Bill Gates: