In a candid reflection, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates shared that embracing the success of the software powerhouse wasn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Despite reaching billionaire status, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that Gates felt a sense of stability. He confessed, “It wasn’t until around 1998 that I felt we were firmly on the path to success,” adding that before then, “I always feared we were just one blunder away from falling apart.”
Interestingly, Gates’ long-standing relationship with Apple’s Steve Jobs was filled with both collaboration and rivalry. Discussing their dynamic, Gates recounted a memorable comment Jobs made about his approach to product design. During an interview with The Independent, Gates said, “Steve once suggested that I should try taking acid, implying it might hone my design sensibilities.” Gates humorously retorted, “Well, I guess I got the wrong batch then.”
Their friendship was a complex tapestry of competition and support. Gates not only contributed to developing software for Apple’s earlier computers but played a crucial role in rescuing the iPhone innovator from financial collapse in 1997 with a hefty investment of up to $150 billion.
Jobs was legendary for his flair in design and marketing, roles in which he led the creation of groundbreaking products like the iPhone and iMac. Gates, on the other hand, while lacking in design artistry, was second to none in technical expertise. Gates reflected on their contrasting strengths, stating, “Steve had a knack for marketing and design, whereas I was all about coding. Our talents didn’t overlap much, apart from our shared drive and leadership skills.”
Meanwhile, Microsoft was charting a path into the burgeoning world of cloud computing. It was an area that would see the company grow into a tech behemoth valued over $3 trillion. Their Office suite, including staples like Word and Excel, was simultaneously taking the world by storm, amassing a massive user base—a clear testament to Gates’ technical acumen, even if it didn’t entirely align with Jobs’ design-driven perspective.
Adding a slice of personal history, Gates opened up about his youthful experimentations before embarking on his Microsoft journey, telling The Independent, “I dabbled with drugs, perhaps thinking it might make me look cool or catch a girl’s attention. It didn’t work out. So, I left that behind.”
