A rare Andy Grove interview

In 2006, Richard Tedlow released an autobiography of Andy Grove. I was in the process of launching my own company and was doing interviews under the banner "Lakshmi's Lounge".  I met Andy for coffee and updated him on my plans. Andy said that he was going to do only one interview with Richard for the book and if I wanted, then I could do it. Words can not describe what I felt that day. In my wildest dreams, I did not imagine that I would be interviewing Andy.  I was excited as well as completely petrified. Working on a project for Andy is not easy. He does not mince words if he is unhappy. The bomb fell on the week after we agreed on this.

Since Intel had a great auditorium, I thought that I would host it there.  As soon as Andy found out, he called me and said that I was trying very hard to get him to cancel the event.  I did not understand why he was so cross. He said that he would not want anyone from Intel to feel obligated to attend the interview nor did he want Intel to give the auditorium free for his event.  I assured him that we would not do it at the Intel auditorium and booked the theater at a high school in Los Altos just to maintain an arms' length distance from Intel. We had over 300 of Andy's admirers with us that day and we had a wonderful interview.

Here are a few insights into Andy from that day.

1. Andy can dance!

2.  Richard Tedlow on Andy Grove's contribution to Intel as CEO

3. Andy Grove on the real contribution of a CEO

4. Andy Grove on Intel not taking his advice

5. Andy Grove on the growing threat to America being America