Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reveals how he starts his day

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, in the recent past, offered a glimpse into his morning routine during an episode of the Hello Monday podcast with Jessi Hempel. Nadella revealed that he starts his day with a consistent half-hour gym session, regardless of his location or schedule. Emphasizing the significance of this daily ritual, Nadella emphasized that dedicating time to physical exercise, particularly a 30-minute run, has a profound impact on his well-being and productivity.

"For me, the daily ritual is just a half-hour of hitting the gym every day. It doesn't matter where I am, what time zone, how late I got in, I get up and get to the gym. It's just, 30 minutes of running, and it just makes a huge difference" he said.

Additionally, Nadella shared a mindfulness practice he adopted more than five years ago, inspired by a sports psychologist for the Seattle Seahawks. Upon waking, Nadella makes it a habit to reflect on gratitude by acknowledging what he is thankful for. This practice, he described, serves as a grounding exercise, helping him orient himself positively for the day ahead.

Nadella's commitment to personal growth extends beyond his morning routine, reflecting in his leadership philosophy at Microsoft. Upon taking the role of CEO in 2014, Nadella spearheaded a cultural transformation within the company, promoting a growth mindset among employees. He emphasized the importance of being a "learn-it-all" rather than a "know-it-all," illustrating how continuous learning improves success and innovation.

Beyond personal routines and corporate culture, Nadella articulated his vision for the future of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). At a recent Microsoft AI Tour event, Nadella expressed his aspiration for a world where every individual, including those in India and beyond, harnesses the power of AI to enhance their lives. He talked about the company's aim of creating AI systems that intuitively understand human needs, enabling seamless interactions and problem-solving.

Microsoft's goal to democratize AI was started through initiatives like Copilot, a generative AI tool. Nadella highlighted how organizations like the Sikshana Foundation leverage Copilot to empower educators in rural India, streamlining the creation of teaching plans and fostering educational advancement.