Working effectively under pressure is a hallmark of successful leadership, according to Michael Dell, the CEO and founder of Dell Technologies. He discussed his leadership philosophies during a recent appearance on the “David Senra” podcast.
Over its 40-year history, Dell Technologies has navigated numerous challenges, such as the dot-com crash, the 2008 economic downturn, and the swift evolution of mobile technology.
Nevertheless, Dell emphasizes that during prosperous times, a leader’s approach should remain consistent. He remarked, “If you don’t have a crisis, make one.”
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Dell articulated a crucial point: “We must embrace change or risk extinction.” He emphasized the importance of energizing employees and equipping them to drive fundamental change.
He also noted that effective leadership means fostering an environment of adaptability by asking key questions: “How can I organize the team to achieve our goals? How can I inspire them? What tools do they need?”
An essential aspect of motivation might involve teams working more collaboratively. Throughout 2024, Dell implemented a rigorous return-to-office policy, fully transitioning all employees back to in-person work five days a week by March 2025, albeit with some flexibility noted by staff.
Dell issued a cautionary note about the perils of remaining static in the face of technological advancements. “If you’ve adhered to the same methods for years and suddenly encounter new developments, resistance to change can hinder progress,” he warned.
Currently, Dell Technologies is heavily invested in AI initiatives. The company’s ambitious “Project Maverick,” as revealed through internal documents, aims to revolutionize its operational frameworks by unifying all systems, data, and processes onto a single platform.
According to these documents, Project Maverick is deemed “critical” to the future success of Dell’s AI strategy.
“People tend to resist change,” Dell remarked. “However, adaptation is necessary.”
Correction: October 14, 2025 — An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the podcast. The correct podcast name is the “David Senra” podcast, not the “Founders” podcast.
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### Hustle Verdict
Our take is that Michael Dell’s insights underline the importance of adaptive leadership in an ever-evolving tech landscape. As Dell Technologies pivots towards an aggressive AI-focused strategy with Project Maverick, we believe this shift not only positions the company as a leader in technology but also sets a precedent for industry-wide transformation in how organizations adapt to change. The bottom line is that those willing to embrace innovation will likely lead the charge in their respective fields, shaping the future of technology.
