Hit Refresh Book Summary - Hit Refresh Book explained in key points
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Hit Refresh summary

Satya Nadella

The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft’s Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone

4.4 (127 ratings)
23 mins

Brief summary

"Hit Refresh" by Satya Nadella details his journey as the CEO of Microsoft, emphasizing the importance of empathy, leadership, and innovation. It encourages rethinking of business models to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape.

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    Hit Refresh
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    Nadella grew up in India, and there was little he cared more about than cricket.

    Nadella was born in Hyderabad, India, in 1967. His father was a civil servant, and his mother was a scholar of Sanskrit, the ancient language of many of the country’s religious texts. As a young boy, however, Nadella wasn’t interested in politics or religion. What he really cared about was cricket.

    But his parents had other ideas for him. In fact, his father even hung a poster of Karl Marx in his son’s room in the hope of inspiring him to become a great economist and intellectual. His mother responded with a poster of the Indian goddess of fortune and prosperity, which she hoped would remind him of the value of spiritual contentment. Nadella wasn’t having any of it. His favorite poster? A blown-up image of the Hyderabadi cricket star ML Jaisimha!

    Nadella’s love affair with the sport gradually became a source of real concern. What, his parents wondered, would he do if his dream of becoming a professional cricketer didn’t come to anything? The answer Nadella came up with was banking. His father wasn’t happy with that either, however, and told him one day, “You’ve got to get out of Hyderabad. Otherwise, you’ll ruin yourself.”

    That got Nadella thinking. At 18, he dusted off his old Sinclair ZX Spectrum personal computer – a gift his father had given him three years earlier. As he played around with the gadget, his thoughts increasingly turned to engineering, software and the great potential of personal computing. He enrolled at the Manipal Institute of Technology to study electrical engineering and graduated in 1988.

    It was during his studies that Nadella’s dream of playing cricket professionally finally came to an end. At Manipal, he fell in with a group of entrepreneurial peers whose passion was positively infectious. After a single match for the Manipal college team, Nadella hung his cricketing gear up for good and decided to devote himself to a career in technology.

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    What is Hit Refresh about?

    Hit Refresh (2017) charts the journey of Satya Nadella, from his childhood as a cricket-obsessed boy in Hyderabad, India, to working at the very top of global tech powerhouse Microsoft. Packed full of illuminating reflections on everything from the psychology of the cricket field to what parenthood can teach us about business, these blinks provide a rare insight into the life and thoughts of one of the world’s most influential men.

    Hit Refresh Review

    Hit Refresh (2017) by Satya Nadella is a thought-provoking exploration of the future of technology and the role of empathy in shaping it. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers insights from the perspective of a technology giant, providing valuable lessons on innovation, leadership, and the impact of technology on society.
    • With personal anecdotes and stories, Nadella brings to life the human side of the tech industry, making it relatable and engaging.
    • The book emphasizes the importance of empathy in driving meaningful change, challenging readers to reconsider their own approach to leadership and innovation.

    Who should read Hit Refresh?

    • Tech-heads and computer whizzes
    • Business students and entrepreneurs
    • Anyone interested in the past, present or future of Microsoft

    About the Author

    Satya Nadella is an Indian-American business executive and the current CEO of Microsoft. Before taking up his current position, Nadella was in charge of Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise group. He holds three degrees from institutions in India and the US, including an MBA from the University of Chicago. He’s also a father, a husband and a keen cricketer.

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    Hit Refresh FAQs 

    What is the main message of Hit Refresh?

    The main message of Hit Refresh is the importance of embracing change and using technology to empower individuals and organizations.

    How long does it take to read Hit Refresh?

    The reading time for Hit Refresh varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Hit Refresh a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Hit Refresh is a worthwhile read that provides valuable insights into the transformation of Microsoft and the future of technology.

    Who is the author of Hit Refresh?

    Satya Nadella is the author of Hit Refresh.

    What to read after Hit Refresh?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Hit Refresh, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • The Power of Not Thinking by Simon Roberts