After just one year at Stanford's business school before joining Microsoft, Steve Ballmer reflects upon the knowledge and courses that were most valuable to him in the real world. He recalls that it came in handy to read a balance sheet and understand the basics of cost accounting. Courses of study that were particularly helpful include business policy and management of arts organizations, which, he says, is more akin to managing engineers and scientists than one would think. STVP's Tina Seelig also asks Ballmer to reflect upon what he wishes he'd learned. In retrospect, if he could retrace his steps in academia, his desire would be to take more computer science classes.

1. The Future of Microsoft, The Future of Technology (Entire Talk)
2. The Start-Up During Economic Crisis
3. The Slow Incubation of Disruptive Technologies
4. Emerging Trends in the Future of Technology
5. Microsoft's Research and Development
6. The Interplay of Venture Capital and Innovation
7. Balance and Tension in Company Culture
8. The Launch of Ballmer's Microsoft Career
9. Choosing the Right Projects
10. Applying Education to On-the-Job Experience

Steve Ballmer lectures on Entrepreneurship for Stanford University students, May 6, 2009. Steven A. Ballmer is Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of software for personal and business computing. Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 and was the first business manager hired by Bill Gates. Since then, Ballmer's leadership and passion have become hallmarks of his tenure at the company. In this Stanford lecture, he talks about the start-up during economic crisis and applying education to on-the-job experience.

Related Links: http://www.microsoft.com
Last Updated: Wed, May 6, 2009

Course Details:
- Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Lecture
- Stanford University's Entrepreneurship Corner (ecorner)

Original Course Name: Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Lecture