Bill Gates says, "I thought I was one mistake away from death." — Microsoft's success and his billionaire status didn't really arrive until the late '90s

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As Microsoft’s 50th anniversary edges closer, there’s a lot of nostalgia in the air.

There have been bitter moments, too.

Bill Gates speaks onstage for a special conversation during “What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates"at The Paris Theater on September 26, 2024 in New York City.

For instance, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella admitted that killing Windows Phone was astrategic mistake.

Shockingly, the Microsoft co-founder revealed that he hadn’t always been confident about his abilities.

I thought I was one mistake away from death until then.

That was just my mentality.

Fast-forward to 2025, Microsoft is arguably one of the most successful companies in the world.

Bill Gates' ruthless focus on work has contributed to Microsoft’s current success.

However, the co-founder’s track record isn’t blemish-free.

However, Android co-founder Rich Miner saysBill Gates is more responsible than he’s letting on.

However, reports indicate thatthe co-founder is still intimately involved in company affairsand treats his advice as ‘gospel.’