Leadership Lessons and the Future of AI: Insights from Michael Dell

Vision, adaptability, and bold bets on technology.

Michael Dell has spent decades at the forefront of digital transformation, guiding Dell Technologies from a dorm-room startup to a global leader in computing and IT infrastructure. In his interview with McKinsey, Dell reflects on the timeless lessons of leadership while also looking ahead to the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence. His insights combine practical wisdom with a futurist’s mindset—reminding us that the best leaders stay grounded in fundamentals while scanning the horizon for what’s next.

What you’ll learn from Michael Dell’s perspective

• Curiosity and learning as fuel: Dell emphasizes that the most effective leaders never stop asking questions. Curiosity opens doors to innovation, builds resilience, and helps leaders adapt to rapidly shifting landscapes.

• Adaptability over rigidity: The world of technology moves fast, and leaders must evolve just as quickly. Dell stresses the importance of remaining flexible—willing to rethink strategies, pivot quickly, and embrace change rather than fear it.

• Empowering teams at scale: Dell highlights that no CEO can succeed alone. Success is about cultivating talent, distributing decision-making, and building teams that can move with both speed and confidence.

• Long-term bets with conviction: From the early days of direct-to-consumer sales to today’s AI revolution, Dell underscores that transformational success comes from bold, long-term commitments—bets that others might avoid but that can define entire industries.

• AI as the next frontier: For Dell, artificial intelligence isn’t just another technology trend—it’s a reshaping force for business, productivity, and even leadership itself. The leaders who succeed will be those who combine human judgment with AI’s ability to scale insight, efficiency, and creativity.

A playbook for the future

Dell’s reflections point to a simple but powerful playbook for leaders navigating the AI era:

1. Stay endlessly curious: Make learning a permanent part of your leadership routine.

2. Create adaptability muscle: Encourage your organization to experiment, pivot, and course-correct without fear.

3. Empower, don’t control: Build trust in teams so decisions move faster and innovation flourishes.

4. Place strategic bets: Identify the next horizon-shaping technologies and lean in decisively.

5. Harness AI responsibly: Treat artificial intelligence not as a replacement for leadership but as a force multiplier for human talent and vision.