Analysis
The statement aligns with Nadella’s 2014 keynote at Microsoft Build, where he emphasized a cultural shift toward innovation over legacy practices. Multiple credible tech news outlets (e.g., *The Verge*, *TechCrunch*, *ZDNet*) reported the quote verbatim or paraphrased it in coverage of the event. No evidence suggests misattribution or fabrication, and Microsoft’s own archives (via press releases and event transcripts) corroborate the sentiment. The phrasing reflects Nadella’s broader messaging during his early tenure as CEO.
Background
Satya Nadella became Microsoft’s CEO in February 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer. His 2014 Build keynote marked a pivotal moment in repositioning Microsoft as a 'mobile-first, cloud-first' company, breaking from its historical reliance on Windows dominance. The quote encapsulates his push to modernize Microsoft’s culture and product strategy amid competition from Apple, Google, and startups.
Verdict summary
Satya Nadella did make this statement during his 2014 Microsoft Build keynote, and the quote is accurately attributed to him in widely documented sources.