Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates spent decades in shaping the tech world, but there’s still a job that Bill Gates would never want. During a mock interview with NBA star Stephen Curry in 2020, Bill Gates talked about his professional preferences and admitted that there’s one Job role that he’d prefer to avoid which is of a salesman or marketing position. When asked about his wreakness, Gates who adorned the character of a young engineering dropout revealed, “I’m not a natural at sales or marketing; I would rather focus on product creation and definition.” Gates admitted that marketing and sales are for his forte and he would not enjoy being in a role that required them.
Strength in product, not pitch
As reported by Business Insider, speaking in a mock interview to Stephen Curry, Gates mentioned that he may not be drawn to the art pf persuasion, but he is deeply passionate about product development. Gates further emphasised that his strengths are defining and creating technology.“What are your strengths and weaknesses? And how can you incorporate those if you had to work in a team?,” Curry asked Gates.Gates who was playing the character of a young engineer dropout responded, “Well, I’m not somebody who knows a lot about marketing, you know. I wouldn’t enjoy being a salesman.”“For a position where you’re actually creating the products and thinking through what those features should be, I’m fascinated by that,” he added. “I followed the history of the industry, read about the mistakes that have been made — so product definition, product creation, very strong.
Teamwork that complements
Gates also talked about the importance of working within a diverse team. Microsoft co-founder acknowledged that he doesn’t bring marketing expertise to the table, but he thrives when paired with teammates who are good at marketing. “If you have a team that understands the customers, the sales, the marketing — I’m not going to bring that, but I would enjoy working with them.”
