CEO Satya Nadella Seeks to Change Microsoft's Image

By Jay Greene 

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. -- Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Satya Nadella is pushing the company to shed its not-invented-here approach and learn where it can improve.

"We want to push to be more of a learn-it-all culture than a know-it-all culture," Mr. Nadella said Monday during an appearance at The Wall Street Journal's WSJDLive 2016 global technology conference.

One of Microsoft's challenges has been its early success with Windows and Office. "Early success is probably the worst thing that can happen in life," Mr. Nadella said.

He acknowledged Microsoft's missteps in mobile phones.

"We clearly missed mobile," Mr. Nadella said. "There is no question."

But he is pushing Microsoft into new areas. Mr. Nadella noted the big bets Microsoft is making in augmented reality with its HoloLens device, and the investments it is making in artificial intelligence. Last month, the company moved to concentrate its artificial-intelligence operation in one group.

"You've got to be able to add unique value and be on the hunt for the next big category," Mr. Nadella said.

Write to Jay Greene at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 25, 2016 00:30 ET (04:30 GMT)

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