Satya Nadella is known for his bold leadership and strategic vision, driving Microsoft to new heights since he took over as CEO in 2014. His talent for making decisive and sometimes risky moves has transformed the company, especially in the realms of cloud computing and artificial intelligence. One such move that highlights his leadership style is the quick and daring $7.5 billion acquisition of GitHub, a deal he approved in just 20 minutes.
A recent New York Times report discusses various deals made by Microsoft under CEO Satya Nadella, including the $7.5 billion acquisition of the developer platform GitHub. According to the report, Nadella sealed this deal in just 20 minutes.
GitHub, the leading platform for software development and collaboration, was pitched to Nadella during an executive retreat at the Suncadia Resort in the Cascade Mountains in 2018. Nat Friedman, a former Microsoft executive, presented the idea to Nadella and other senior leaders, sparking a crucial discussion.
The central question Nadella posed was, “Do we have the right to do this?” Essentially, he was concerned about whether GitHub’s users would continue to trust and use the platform if it were owned by Microsoft. After a brief 20-minute debate, Nadella made his decision. He slapped his hand on the table and declared, “We should do it.”
This decisive moment led to one of Microsoft’s most significant acquisitions under Nadella’s leadership. GitHub is a vital platform for developers worldwide, allowing them to share and collaborate on code. By acquiring GitHub, Microsoft cemented its place at the heart of the global software development community.
Nadella’s quick decision on the GitHub deal is a striking example of his bold and forward-thinking leadership style. His ability to make swift, impactful decisions has significantly shaped Microsoft’s direction and success in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
