Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, like many top leaders, follows a morning routine to stay grounded, stay physically active, and express gratitude. However, his morning habit involves a unique twist aimed at networking and learning, one that any leader can adopt to build connections, gain insights, and stay informed about industry trends. It requires only a few minutes, an open mind, and a spark of curiosity.
Building Connections with Two Daily Calls
Every morning, Nadella takes a few minutes to call two other CEOs. These calls connect him to a variety of leaders, from Aravind Srinivas of AI firm Perplexity to former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. These calls aren’t randomly selected but are strategically organized by his staff. It’s likely a straightforward task, given that most people would eagerly accept a call from the CEO of a company valued at nearly $3 trillion. Nadella’s calls are grounded in two pivotal questions, which reveal his focus on Microsoft’s evolving landscape:
- “What new startups are you excited about?”
- “What new people have you met who would be good to know?”
These straightforward questions allow Nadella to extend his professional network while also gaining insights into potential acquisitions or partnerships. His leadership role has seen Microsoft’s acquisition of LinkedIn and GitHub and an early collaboration with OpenAI. Staying aware of new opportunities is essential for him, and these questions allow him to pinpoint emerging companies or individuals who could influence Microsoft’s future.
Moreover, Nadella’s calls serve another purpose. As Harvard professor Clay Christensen’s research highlighted, the biggest risk to a massive company like Microsoft isn’t always from established competitors but from smaller, innovative startups. According to Christensen, such smaller entities often disrupt established players by innovating in ways that established companies can’t easily foresee. Nadella’s calls function as an unconventional, yet effective, method of staying attuned to these potential disruptors — often young, agile companies that could challenge Microsoft’s standing.
Embedding Networking into Daily Routines
While few people are in Nadella’s position, many professionals could benefit from adapting his two-call approach into their own routines. Ronald Burt of the Chicago Booth School of Business has shown that a wide-reaching, varied network often predicts career success. Starting the day with a couple of intentional calls is a practical way to cultivate these kinds of relationships across different fields.
In fact, Nadella’s approach has inspired others. Diane von Furstenberg, the renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur, uses her morning emails to connect people in her network who could benefit from knowing each other. This practice is not only a way to give back but also a strategy to nurture her network, keeping it active and diverse.
Noah Greenberg, CEO of media company Stacker, shares a similar approach. He recommends a recurring “coffee” event in your calendar and a list of individuals you’d like to meet. Scheduling these meetings ahead of time helps him make networking a habitual practice, describing it as “the best thing you can do for your career.” As Greenberg notes, the more individuals you connect with, the greater your “luck surface area.” In other words, by connecting with more people, you’re more likely to come across unique ideas or promising prospects.
Adapting Nadella’s Approach for Broader Impact
Incorporating networking into daily life is key for leaders wanting to make a lasting impact. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos shared a similar sentiment with executive coach Mark Thompson, advising, “Seek to build a community — to make better choices in the people with whom you partner — that’s the only way to have greater long-term impact on the world.”
Bezos’ insight, along with Nadella’s practice, shows that networking doesn’t have to be relegated to formal, scheduled events. Instead, it’s a habit that can be woven into daily life, like Nadella’s morning calls. By maintaining these connections and gathering valuable knowledge, leaders can remain agile, better equipped to make impactful decisions in an ever-changing world.