Author: Carl Setzer

Leadership and the next step forward from Karmagate

Carl Setzer
I’m a little behind in my reading, so just got to this GeekWire piece: Internal Memo: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella sets new diversity plan after ‘humbling’ experience. I am very pleased to see Mr. Nadella grow as a leader after Karmagate. It’s very easy, in this society, for a leader to hide behind PR until any particular kerfuffle blows over. And I was worried that’s what would happen this time, too. I’m pleased to be wrong. His plans going forward match very well to my advice, which, I must say, also pleases me greatly.
It takes wisdom and humility to learn from criticism, and move FORWARD. This memo demonstrates something very unique, something very visionary. To risk, learn from failures and change, then adapt is critical to a vibrant culture. Microsoft might just be at the edge of something amazing. I’m eagerly watching.

Minecraft

Carl Setzer

My son requested I download Minecraft at some point in history; I’m not sure when. The months (years perhaps) of watching him engage the game impressed me. This game engages creativity in a deep and significant way, in ways no shooter one can. With his current creation, he’s taking into account architectural details like work and room flow (currently building a bakery). Then when I mentioned to him about how Boeing camouflaged their Seattle plant during World War II (built a fake neighborhood above), he announced that he was building his own Boeing factory.

It delights me to see his brain working like this. And the standard gaming side-benefits (most noticeably better hand-eye coordination and dexterity) are nice, I love the creativity. His right brain is getting brilliantly stimulated. For that, I’m grateful.

More thoughts on Karmagate

Carl Setzer

Just read “Karmagate: 3 former Microsoft women discuss Nadella and what should come next” and came away with one key idea. Mr. Nadella has an opportunity for boldness and vision. My respect for him would grow if he publicly acknowledged the painful ignorance of his “Karmagate” faux pas (which he somewhat has done) and aggressively seek to change the inequalities in the tech sector.

I have the deepest respect for those who not only acknowledge mistakes, but use them as leverage points to affect positive change. Nadella has an opportunity to go from good to great. I hope he takes it.

(*my first response is here)

Is Elon Musk The Automotive Market’s Steve Jobs?

Carl Setzer

I heard a great deal about Mr. Musk today, what with all the buzz about The Big D. A few thoughts really strike me:

  1. When was the last time that an automotive announcement created such buzz? 
  2. How many CEOs (in any industry) can say, publicly, that they’re colonizing Mars and not be laughed off the internet?
Both of these got me thinking about Mr. Musk, the leader. Clearly, the greater world is invigorated by his style. He generates “buzz”, and gets people talking. And audiences wait, eagerly, to eat up his words. 
Additionally, he inspires confidence, to the point that disbelief is suspended. Outlandish claims, dreams, aspirations are considered with a level of seriousness I’ve not seen since Mr. Jobs. And this delights me. People inspired, innovation held up as wonderful; these are great things for us, for our culture. Things that bring our gaze upwards, cause us to think bigger are critical. Birthing happiness within me. 

Thoughts on ” Trouble at the Koolaid Point “

Carl Setzer

This piece left by Kathy Sierra me disturbed. That Ms. Sierra went through this horror is unacceptable to civilized humanity. Yet, what’s to be done? Can we reign in these trolls without losing the glorious free speech such venues as Twitter promote? I really don’t know. This abuse is what will kill the Internet, of anything will. If the sociopaths win, we all lose, especially the sociopaths. Interesting conundrum.

Thoughts on James Foley

Carl Setzer
Hearing the horrific news about ISIS’ murder of journalist James Foley gives me pause. What do these folks hope to accomplish? Do they really believe they instill terror in us? Perhaps they’re deluded such. If so, they really are pitiful. No, our collective response is one of horror and repulsion. I don’t know. Madness. 
Ultimately, it’ll solely serve to deepen our focus, our resolve. Sadly, it will also serve as fuel for those who vilify all Muslims, painting the entire faith with the broadest of brushes. I guess, ultimately, it will serve to delude these thugs, this taste of power. They’ll feel their power flutter behind the cowardly masks. And they will vanish, empty save for the horrors within their souls. 

Don’t use the Internet to deal with wakefulness

Carl Setzer

I woke about an hour ago; mostly feeling a warm, semi-wakefulness. Then I ruined it. Checked email, found something to post to my Not Just Seattle blog (just re-purposing a press-release, easy!). Noticed that this site got nearly 2000 views yesterday, and tried to figure out why. Then started reading old posts. And, here I am. Reminded, yet again, that the Internet is NOT the way to deal with early morning wakefulness.

T-Mobile: Agitator Extrordinaire

Carl Setzer

Reading this piece about John Legere and T-Mobile’s marketing drove home several thoughts that have been lurking in my mind. First, creating a unique brand presence in a saturated/commodified market is very, very hard. How do we make these boring items sexy? Working in real estate, I’ve been struggling with that for some time. Having a flamboyant leader, one who doesn’t shrink from the limelight nor controversy is critical.

How does one rise to front of mind in today’s media landscape? Uniqueness is key. A certain eccentricity, and self-love of that, really helps. It also helps having gobs of cash to spend.

I think the next wireless sector winner will be a fierce competitor. T-Mobile matches that.