Recode Decode: Walt Mossberg

Jobs & Gates

The dynamic between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates was both competitive and respectful, akin to former rivals who eventually find common ground. Walt Mossberg recalls the challenge of bringing them together for a joint interview, likening it to the Mideast peace talks. Jobs and Gates agreed to participate only if the conversation remained respectful, leading to a memorable event that left the audience in tears 1. Kara Swisher highlights a humorous moment when Jobs joked about their secret "marriage," showcasing their unique bond 2. The interview concluded with Jobs quoting a Beatles song, creating an emotional and historic moment for attendees 3.

   

Memorable Talks

Reflecting on the most memorable interviews, Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher recount moments with tech legends like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Mossberg notes that Jobs' visionary spirit is missed in the tech world, while Swisher recalls the intense Zuckerberg interview where he nearly fainted on stage 4. The duo also shares anecdotes of interviews that led to unexpected outcomes, such as executives being fired after poor performances 5. Mossberg's transition from covering politics to technology was initially met with skepticism, but he believed in the growing importance of digital innovation 6.