In the world of tech billionaires, few names resonate as strongly as Bill Gates. Known for his role in founding Microsoft and his extensive philanthropic work, Gates has long been a figure of both admiration and scrutiny.
Recent revelations, however, have cast him in a different light, sparking intense discussions across social media. These claims, detailed in a new book by New York Times correspondent Anupreeta Das titled “Billionaire, Nerd, Saviour, King: Bill Gates and His Quest to Shape Our World,” have stirred the online community and led to a flurry of debates.
Bill Gates’ Envy of Steve Jobs
One of the most striking anecdotes from the book centres on Gates’ relationship with Steve Jobs, the iconic co-founder of Apple. The book reveals that Gates harboured deep admiration—and envy—for Jobs, particularly regarding his magnetic stage presence and ability to captivate audiences.
This envy was highlighted during a 1997 Macworld event in Boston, where Jobs announced Microsoft’s $150 million investment in Apple.
According to the book, Gates was supposed to join Jobs on stage for this significant announcement but chose to appear via satellite from a Microsoft studio in Seattle instead. The decision to avoid sharing the stage with Jobs was reportedly influenced by Gates’ awe of Jobs’ charisma.
My new book, “Billionaire, Nerd, Savior, King: Bill Gates and His Quest to Shape Our World,” hits stores on Aug. 13. It’s got juicy Gates bits AND thoughtful billionaire bits. It’s an Amazon Editors’ Pick. A “sharply incisive portrait.” Please pre-order: https://t.co/wjZWKcXG55
— Anupreeta Das (@PreetaTweets) August 11, 2024
As Jobs effortlessly commanded the audience with his engaging delivery, Gates watched from afar, reportedly turning to a colleague and asking, “How does he do that?” This moment underscores the complex dynamic between the two tech giants—one where Gates, despite his monumental success, felt overshadowed by Jobs’ natural ability to connect with people.
Gates has publicly acknowledged Jobs’ talent, often describing him as a “natural” when it came to public speaking. He admired Jobs’ skill in making even the most rehearsed speeches appear spontaneous.
Gates has been quoted saying, “He was such a wizard at over-motivating people – I was a minor wizard, so I couldn’t fall under his spells – but I could see him casting the spells, and then I would look at people and see them mesmerised. I was so jealous.”
This candid admission of envy adds a layer of humanity to Gates, showing that even the most successful individuals can experience feelings of inadequacy.
Gates’ Alleged Behaviour Within His Organisation
The book also sheds light on Gates’ behaviour within his own organisation, particularly at the now-renamed Gates Foundation. Former employees have described an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, comparing Gates’ leadership style to that of an “absolute monarch.”
This portrayal starkly contrasts with the public image of Gates as a benevolent philanthropist and global statesman.
At the Gates Foundation, people tiptoed around Bill Gates, terrified that they would do something to offend him. Meetings with him had the feel of a king holding court. Excerpt from my book: https://t.co/2i1FprgkZb via @businessinsider
— Anupreeta Das (@PreetaTweets) August 12, 2024
In meetings, Gates’ presence reportedly commanded the room, with employees carefully observing his every expression. One former executive likened these meetings to “a king holding court,” where even the slightest hint of approval or disapproval from Gates would be dissected by staff for days afterwards.
The intense scrutiny under which employees operated is further illustrated by accounts of how even the absence of negative feedback from Gates was celebrated as a victory.
This depiction of Gates as a demanding and exacting leader has raised eyebrows, particularly given his public persona. The contrast between the private and public faces of Gates has fuelled social media discussions, with many users expressing surprise at the disconnect between the two.
Gates’ Friendship with Warren Buffett
Another intriguing aspect of the book is its exploration of Gates’ relationship with Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. The book reveals that Gates would often escape the pressures of his tightly scheduled life by visiting Buffett in Omaha, Nebraska. These visits were a chance for Gates to unwind and have “freewheeling conversations” with one of his closest friends.
Gates’ meetings with Buffett offered a stark contrast to his otherwise regimented life, which was meticulously organised down to five-minute increments. Despite his immense wealth and influence, Gates struggled to control his schedule, a fact that Buffett reportedly found puzzling. The book notes that when Buffett asked Gates why he couldn’t live his life the way he wanted, Gates would simply shrug.
This relationship between Gates and Buffett has long been a subject of interest, particularly given their shared philanthropic efforts. However, recent reports suggest that their friendship has cooled over the years, with Buffett even resigning from the Gates Foundation.
Gates has acknowledged that he could have learned valuable lessons from Buffett’s more relaxed approach to life much earlier in his career. He remarked, “It took far too long for me to realise that you don’t have to fill every second of your schedule to be successful.”
Allegations of Mismanagement and Cultural Issues at the Gates Foundation
In addition to the personal anecdotes, the book also delves into more serious allegations regarding Gates’ management style and the culture within the Gates Foundation. Some former employees have accused Gates of creating a toxic work environment, where staff members felt constantly under pressure to meet his exacting standards.
These claims have been met with strong denial from Gates’ representatives, who argue that the book relies on hearsay and anonymous sources, and includes “sensationalised allegations and outright falsehoods.”
Despite these denials, the allegations have added fuel to the ongoing debate about Gates’ true nature. Is he the benevolent philanthropist he is often portrayed as, or is there a darker side to his leadership? This question has captivated social media users, leading to widespread speculation and discussion.
Bill Gates has always been a figure of immense public interest, and these new claims only add to the complexity of his legacy. The anecdotes and allegations detailed in Anupreeta Das’s book provide a glimpse into the private world of one of the most influential people of our time.
