Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone

by Satya Nadella

Honestly, I left the conference inspired and energized, but I was mad at myself for blundering such an important chance to communicate my own commitment and Microsoft’s to increasing the number of women we hire at every level of our industry. I was frustrated, but I also was determined to use the incident to demonstrate what a growth mindset looks like under pressure. A few hours later I shot off an email to everyone in the company. I encouraged them to watch the video, and I was quick to point out that I had answered the question completely wrong. “Without a doubt I wholeheartedly support programs at Microsoft and in the industry that bring more women into technology and close the pay gap. I believe men and women should get equal pay for equal work. And when it comes to career advice on getting a raise when you think it’s deserved, Maria’s advice was the right advice. If you think you deserve a raise, you should just ask.”