Career Decisions and Personal Growth

The speaker shares their journey from academia to the software industry, highlighting their work with Steven Hawking and subsequent transition to a software project that led to founding a company acquired by Microsoft. As Microsoft's first CTO, they contributed to the PC revolution. Despite a successful career, they pursued personal interests in science, particularly dinosaur research. The speaker reflects on the challenges of leaving a successful career to explore new interests, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and life balance.

What was the speaker's initial career focus after graduate school?

• Internet technology

• Software development

• Dinosaur research

• Quantum theories of gravity

What role did the speaker take on after their company was acquired by Microsoft?

• Chief Financial Officer

• Chief Operating Officer

• Chief Technology Officer

• Chief Executive Officer

How did personal computing impact people according to the speaker?

• It limited access to information.

• It empowered people to manage information creatively.

• It made information less accessible.

• It reduced the need for software.

What scientific interest did the speaker pursue alongside their tech career?

• Astrophysics

• Dinosaur research

• Marine biology

• Genetic engineering

What was the speaker's role in the dinosaur research expedition?

• Lead scientist

• Main sponsor and co-leader

• Field assistant

• Data analyst

What was a significant challenge the speaker faced when deciding to leave Microsoft?

• Leaving a successful career

• Fear of failure

• Lack of interest in new fields

• Lack of financial resources

According to the speaker, what tends to happen as you become more successful in a career?

• Your options increase

• Your options narrow

• You gain more free time

• You lose interest in the field

What does the speaker suggest is the only institution where you get time off for good behavior?

• Government service

• Corporate jobs

• Prison

• University

What does the speaker believe is essential for personal success?

• Following others' decisions

• Making your own decisions

• Staying in one career

• Avoiding risks

What was the speaker's sentiment about leaving Microsoft?

• Regretful

• Thrilled

• Indifferent

• Anxious