Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been at the helm of the original PC innovator for less than a decade, but his impact has been immense. Since Nadella took over the role from Steve Ballmer in 2014, Microsoft has grown in market value by $2.2 trillion, fueled by the company’s success pivoting to cloud computing — arguably the CEO’s crowning achievement. Now, as big tech increases its attention on creating the next version of the web, Microsoft retains a strong placement among its younger competitors, thanks in large part to Nadella’s leadership. His focus on incoming big-picture trends is just one source of his, and Microsoft’s, success.
At Microsoft’s 2022 Future Ready conference, Nadella outlined four key trends that will help companies adapt, survive, and thrive in the changing global ecosystem of work. The CEO cites hybrid work, hyperconnectivity between businesses, building digital capabilities, and improving end-to-end security as driving factors of success in the “new normal” business landscape. Despite the fears of many executives, the hybrid work model — and remote work, specifically — is improving efficiency and quality, as well as keeping employees happier. Keeping businesses hyperconnected will supercharge the flow of data and intelligence, while continuing to ramp-up digital transformation will place cutting-edge companies ahead of the rest. Finally, Nadella understands the dire importance of end-to-end security in a world under constant threat of cyberattack. With his track record of success and precision, companies would be wise to heed his advice.
