On this special episode of the GeekWire Podcast, as part of our Microsoft@50 special series, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer reflects on his remarkable tenure at the company he helped shape for more than three decades. 

We talk about his early days working alongside Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the biggest mistake during his tenure, and his take on the company these days as its largest shareholder. He also opens up about his post-Microsoft pursuits — from his data-driven mission with USAFacts to transforming the NBA fan experience with the L.A. Clippers. And we hear his message for his former Microsoft colleagues.

Ballmer's conversation with GeekWire's Todd Bishop was recorded live in front of an audience at GeekWire's Microsoft@50 event at Town Hall Seattle, March 20, 2025.

Microsoft@50 is an independent GeekWire editorial project supported by Accenture.

More in GeekWire’s Microsoft@50 series

• AI Dreams: Microsoft@50, Chapter 1
• Microsoft President Brad Smith on AI, global turmoil, and key issues facing the tech giant at 50
• Microsoft’s startup story: How the company became a tech giant, and what we can learn from it today
• A new era for Windows: Can Microsoft’s longtime engine power another tech revolution?
• ‘The Road Ahead’ at 30: What Bill Gates’ classic book about the future says about the world today
• Bill Gates on Microsoft at 50, and what’s next for AI and innovation

More: Microsoft@50