Leaving Microsoft to Change the World by John Wood (#2)

Bill Gates arrival needed to be planned to the minute (including 2 to 3 minute bathroom breaks). The Chinese government had arranged for a motorcade to expedite his travels and this was a very important trip for Microsoft - as the United States.

While John had spend days and days planning for the event, his hopes for an extremely successful interview between Bill Gates and the top news reporter in China were crushed. Bill Gates' responses were not those that John had spent time crafting to stress the importance of Microsoft helping and understanding the Chinese population. Rather, they were general and unimpressive.

"I had put long hours into this interview, and that time could not be gained back. But I knew it was important not to focus on Bill's performance. There was no way I could ever run a company this large, so I was in no position to be judgemental. What seemed more important was the signal this sent to me. if I could not make a big difference at Microsoft, then perhaps this cage me even more of a green light to bail out." (Page 58-59)

I would like to point out that John, following the above quote from his book also states "Despite the demotivation inherent in Bill's China visit, I can't help but respect him. Not only did he start a great company at a young age, but the work he and Melinda are doing through the Gates Foundation will positively influence the lives of millions." (Page 59)

John's excitement for leaving Microsoft is increasing and an upcoming PR planning event sealed the deal for him.

"A strong signal that I needed to make a break came a week later during a meeting in Hong Kong of Microsoft's top PR people in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. One of the subjects on the agenda was a region wide charity initiative that we'd kick off later in the year." (Page 62)

John finds out that they (MS) are interested in pursuing an event which takes middle class students and places them in high end private schools. Here is an exchange between one of John's teammates during that meeting.

"The plan you are proposing simply allows those students to go to an even better private school. Isn't there a way we can help those who are really poor?"

"Helping the poor does not really help us," Alice shot back. (Page 63)

John describes the move to exit Microsoft, his life with his girlfriend and his life in Asia. He is tormented by living a life he doesn't want to for six agonizing weeks until he toasts his departure to San Francisco on an 11am flight while drinking a glass of champagne.

John takes us through the early days of fundraising and although it was a new experience he found ways to maintain more yeses than nos. The bottom line is that he is passionate and wanted his idea to work.

"If someone was putting money down because they thought I'd spend it wisely, then my personal and professional honor were at stake. A positive reputation is a hard thing to gain, and an easy thing to lose." (Page 95)