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Leadership Strategies of Satya Nadella: A Review of Extant Literature

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  • Tolulope Elizabeth Adenekan

    (Department of Technology and Society Stony Brooks University, New York Department of Information Management Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)

Abstract

Since taking over in 2014, Nadella has reshaped the culture and strategy of the company, turning it into a global leader in cloud computing, AI, and open-source collaboration. This paper traces Nadella’s journey as a leader through a review of existing literature and points out some of the crucial strategies that brought Microsoft back on track and turned it into one of the most innovative companies in the world. “Empathy is the foundation of leadership,†so says Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s transformational CEO. Most important was the emphasis on a growth mindset, inclusivity, and empathy within the workplace that reshaped its internal culture and instilled a new spirit of creativity and collaboration. This cloud-first and mobile-first strategy, the strategic shift to AI and partnerships, showed a new approach to technology and markets for Microsoft. Notwithstanding criticisms over ruthless layoffs and questionable acquisitions, Nadella’s drive for vision, innovation, and organizational resilience has given him a place as one of the most influential CEOs of this modern era. Readers are invited to engage themselves in reflecting on how Nadella’s leadership acts as a blueprint for effective and empathetic transformational leadership in this present, tech-driven world.

Suggested Citation

  • Tolulope Elizabeth Adenekan, 2025. "Leadership Strategies of Satya Nadella: A Review of Extant Literature," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(14), pages 785-794, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-14:p:785-794
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Volkmar, Gioia & Fischer, Peter M. & Reinecke, Sven, 2022. "Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Exploring drivers, barriers, and future developments in marketing management," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 599-614.
    2. Ibrahim Zada, 2022. "The Modern Leadership Ingredients for the Post-COVID," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 15(9), pages 1-43, September.
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