POPULARITY
We're about to get a close-up look at how a creative and successful business leader is using his remarkable experience and passion to transform the civic and business landscape. It's the latest chapter in an accomplished life dedicated to creating positive change in diverse communities. In his 22-year career at Microsoft, Robbie Bach led the creation and development of Xbox, the highly popular and successful video gaming system, in addition to other critical creative and leadership roles. In 2015 he published his first book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal, and in 2021 he published his first novel, The Wilkes Insurrection. Robbie continues his leadership as consultant, catalyst, and speaker to civic, corporate, and university communities. In this conversation with Aviv Shahar, Robbie describes his current endeavors as “civic engineering,” the work we do every day to improve and transform our communities. He traces his personal journey from corporate leader to bridge builder — bringing together polarized political leaders in Washington, D.C., by creating new opportunities for working together. Robbie has an insider's perspective on the role of technology and media in culture and communities, and is open about the religious faith that helps shape his worldview. Robbi e shares with Aviv some of his insights and advice, including:The American experiment is about the middle — the bell curve. When the bell curve gets torn apart by extremes and polarities, we've got a problem.My generation has to take accountability for allowing this cynicism to seep into our society through lack of strong leadership. We are handing the next generation a world in a not very good situation.I look to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, and say it's going to be your world. If the environment is going to be fixed and we can still keep the lights on, you have to figure out how to do that.Grace is recognizing what's going on around us, what's happening to us, and knowing there have been purpose and achievement along the way; then being grateful for the good and the bad that have shaped our lives.If you're dealing with anxiety, find a way to talk about it and turn it into something productive; find a friend, a counselor, a coach, a spouse, whoever it is; don't be shy about asking for help.The ability to overcome is one of the most important character traits people can develop.Tragedy is a place where we learn and grow; it's where we triumph. It's where we figure ourselves out. It's where we say, Who am I? What am I doing?Take the long road, have a plan, and then know it's going to change and be excited about it. You might have to zag a bit to be successful or get started, but that's okay.This conversation is part of the continuing Portals discovery into what is emerging on the frontiers of human experience in this time of profound change. Information about upcoming special events can be found on the Events page. Also visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.TWEETABLE QUOTES “The other thing that I think has changed is the whole context of media. I'll say, in particular, social media, but broadcast media has fallen into the same trap, where all of our leaders feel like they're on 24/7. And the problem with that a) God knows who wants to live that life, that's a separate problem. But the bigger problem with that is, if you're on 24/7, in that world, you're constantly trying to make political points. And the fact is, when you got most of these people away from the cameras and away from the keyboard, they're actually pretty reasonable people.” (Robbie) “When I talk at universities, I do a lot of guest lecturing. And usually, that's business strategy, leadership, the things that you know, come from my Microsoft and Xbox experience. But I always at the end, talked about three things. I talked about faith, I talked about perseverance. And I talked about serendipity.” (Robbie) “In a dialogue, we're one of the characters here of the words, we must all overcome our fear. We must proclaim the true meaning of Islam. We must make people understand that Islam means peace. And she says, I may not practice all aspects of Islam, but it forms the fabric of my principles and beliefs. It shapes who I am and how I care for others. Islam is a faith-based in modesty, forgiveness, tolerance, and morality. So when I read this, in this paragraph, you obviously you've had to find the sense of empathy and embrace of otherness.” (Robbie) “ You know, in the middle of summer, there's not a lot of change going on. Things are sort of green, the weather sort of is what it is, and you're sort of waiting for something to happen in winter. Look, something new is going to come from this. The question is, do we see the opportunity to shape it or not? If we just let it happen, what will come may not be to our like, if we see it as an opportunity, we can shape it and turn it into something that is to our liking. That is wonderful. And that gives us the ability for that next generation that I was talking about to have a really fruitful and intentional adventure.” (Robbie) RESOURCES MENTIONED Portals of Perception WebsiteAviv's LinkedIn Aviv's TwitterAviv's WebsiteRobbie Bach
Robbie Bach is best known for founding and leading the team that created the Xbox. Today he is an entertaining storyteller and catalyzing voice who writes books and speaks to audiences on leadership, creativity, strategy, and civic issues. During his twenty-two years at Microsoft, Robbie worked in various marketing and business management roles—including supporting the successful launch and expansion of Microsoft Office and leading the creation and development of the Xbox business. Then as Microsoft's President of the Entertainment and Devices Division, he was responsible for the company's worldwide gaming, music, video, phone, and retail sales businesses until he retired in 2010. He currently chairs the board of the Bipartisan Policy Center. He also serves on the national board of governors for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Magic Leap, an augmented reality company. He previously served as a board member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Sonos Inc., Brooks Running Company, the Space Needle Inc., and Year Up Puget Sound. He is the co-owner of Manini's, Inc., a gluten-free pasta and baking company. In 2015, he published his first book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. Published in 2021, The Wilkes Insurrection is his first novel. Dutch Masters, is the CEO of Carnivore Traders. his secret group of conservative top former analysists and traders from major financial institutions are taking on the big Wall Street guys and beating the crap out of them with their stock picking strategies!
Robbie Bach is best known for founding and leading the team that created the Xbox. Today he is an entertaining storyteller and catalyzing voice who writes books and speaks to audiences on leadership, creativity, strategy, and civic issues. Robbie joined Microsoft in 1988. Over the next twenty-two years, he worked in various marketing and business management roles—including supporting the successful launch and expansion of Microsoft Office. As Chief Xbox Officer, he led the creation and development of the Xbox business, including the launch of the Xbox, and its highly popular successor, Xbox 360, as well as the Xbox Live gaming platform. Then as Microsoft's President of the Entertainment and Devices Division, he was responsible for the company's worldwide gaming, music, video, phone, and retail sales businesses until he retired in 2010. In his current role as a civic engineer, Robbie works with corporate, philanthropic, and civic organizations to help drive positive change in our communities. He guest-lectures extensively at a variety of colleges and universities and speaks to corporate, civic, and trade association audiences across the country. In 2015, he published his first book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal.
Robbie Bach is best known for founding and leading the team that created the Xbox. Today he is an entertaining storyteller and catalyzing voice who writes books and speaks to audiences on leadership, creativity, strategy, and civic issues. During his twenty-two years at Microsoft, Robbie worked in various marketing and business management roles—including supporting the successful launch and expansion of Microsoft Office and leading the creation and development of the Xbox business. Then as Microsoft's President of the Entertainment and Devices Division, he was responsible for the company's worldwide gaming, music, video, phone, and retail sales businesses until he retired in 2010. He currently chairs the board of the Bipartisan Policy Center. He also serves on the national board of governors for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Magic Leap, an augmented reality company. He previously served as a board member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Sonos Inc., Brooks Running Company, the Space Needle Inc., and Year Up Puget Sound. He is the co-owner of Manini's, Inc., a gluten-free pasta and baking company. In 2015, he published his first book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. Published in 2021, The Wilkes Insurrection is his first novel.
The Wilkes Insurrection: A Contemporary Thriller by Robbie BachPublished November 2nd 2021 by Greenleaf Book Group PressAn elusive extremist hell-bent on destroying America.A woman of uncommon valor haunted by her tragic past.A dark web hacker confronting his conscience.A failed intelligence officer in search of redemption.The relative calm at Offutt Air Force Base is shattered when commercial Flight 209 crashes down onto its runway. From the flaming wreckage, Major Tamika Smith must try to rescue survivors and make sense of the tragedy. But this isn't just an isolated incident. In a time of national unrest and division, a cunning shadowy mastermind is tearing down the United States from the inside out, playing law enforcement like puppets. Soon, thousands are dying and there are precious few leads. Can Tamika and an unlikely collection of committed Americans stop the destruction in time to rescue a nation descending into chaos?With heart-pounding action, compelling plot twists, and a rich tapestry of characters, The Wilkes Insurrection is a contemporary thriller of anarchic obsession and heroic ambition. Its perfect blend of callous villains, iconic heroes, and political intrigue will keep readers on the edge of their seats.Robert J. Bach (born December 31, 1961), commonly known as Robbie Bach, was the President of Entertainment & Devices Division at Microsoft. He led the division that is responsible for the Xbox, Xbox 360, Zune, Windows Games, Windows Mobile and the Microsoft TV platform. After 22 years at Microsoft, Robert announced his retirement from Microsoft effective in the fall of 2010. Robert now speaks to corporate, academic and civic groups across the country and in 2015 completed his first book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal.
Robbie Bach is best known for founding and leading the team that created the Xbox. Today he is an entertaining storyteller and catalyzing voice who writes books and speaks to audiences on leadership, creativity, strategy, and civic issues. During his twenty-two years at Microsoft, Robbie worked in various marketing and business management roles—including supporting the successful launch and expansion of Microsoft Office and leading the creation and development of the Xbox business. Then as Microsoft's President of the Entertainment and Devices Division, he was responsible for the company's worldwide gaming, music, video, phone, and retail sales businesses until he retired in 2010. He currently chairs the board of the Bipartisan Policy Center and serves on the national board of governors for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He previously served as a board member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Sonos Inc., Brooks Running Company, the Space Needle Inc., and Year Up Puget Sound. He is the co-owner of Manini's, Inc., a gluten-free pasta and baking company. In 2015, he published his first book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. https://www.robbiebach.com/Connie Zweig As co-author of Meeting the Shadow: The Hidden Power of the Dark Side of Human Nature and Romancing the Shadow: Illuminating the Dark Side of the Soul, and author of Meeting the Shadow of Spirituality, Dr. Connie has come to be known as a guide who can go where others fear to tread. Now she will explore how to cross the threshold from role to soul. - https://conniezweig.com/
Robbie Bach is an author and public speaker who spent many years working in leadership roles for Microsoft. His first book Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal, focuses on the lessons he learned from his role as Chief Xbox officer. His latest book, The Wilkes Insurrection, marks Robbie's first foray into fiction writing and is a fast-paced thriller set in contemporary America. In addition to his professional and literary achievements, Robbie is a committed family man who believes in positivity, doing the right thing, and giving back to his community. He serves on the boards of numerous nonprofits, including the national board of governors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and his purpose is to inspire and empower an army of civic engineers who care about their communities and are committed to building a better future.
It doesn't matter what background you have, or what type of job you do or the experiences you have, imagine what could be possible when you learn how to listen to your creativity? Robbie Bach, who is best known for founding and leading the team that created the Xbox did just this. And this process surprised him with his first novel, a thriller The Wilkes Insurrection, published in 2021. Today he is an entertaining storyteller and catalyzing voice who writes books and speaks to audiences on leadership, creativity, strategy, and civic issues. During his twenty-two years at Microsoft, Robbie worked in various marketing and business management roles—including supporting the successful launch and expansion of Microsoft Office and leading the creation and development of the Xbox business. Then as Microsoft's President of the Entertainment and Devices Division, he was responsible for the company's worldwide gaming, music, video, phone, and retail sales businesses until he retired in 2010. He currently chairs the board of the Bipartisan Policy Center. He also serves on the national board of governors for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Magic Leap, an augmented reality company. He previously served as a board member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Sonos Inc., Brooks Running Company, the Space Needle Inc., and Year Up Puget Sound. He is the co-owner of Manini's, Inc., a gluten-free pasta and baking company. In 2015, he published his first book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. In this episode, Robbie shares stories about how he learned to listen to his creativity in order to write his first fiction. And you might be surprised at his process. Learn how to shift working with your strategic brain to listening to your creative brain and how may take an unexpected path as a story unfolds. He also reflects on what he has discovered this year through writing the book and how this is connected to leading a team, self-awareness and collaboration. Even though the book is a fiction, he hopes that when readers put the book down, they walk away and have learned something. He would like to hear from you about this! "You have to be able to listen to yourself and to listen to what's going on inside your head, which is a weird process. It's just not natural, honestly. But very powerful." - Robbie Bach Listen IN Notes: 01:02 - The first moment that he started to notice the power of listening: We're literally sitting on two little chairs, about a meter apart. And each person is supposed to talk about something deeply emotional and meaningful to them. And the other person is supposed to listen and give them feedback cues without saying anything for a full minute. 02:55 - What has been most challenging for most leaders: Figuring out how to listen completely and not just pretend you're listening, but actually hear what the person is saying, understand the process and continue to process it before you respond. 04:02 - He shares his experience learning to listen his creative side: It was a challenge for me to listen to a different part of myself, and a different part of my brain -- a part of my brain that was not about strategy and marketing and communications, messaging and those types of things, but was instead about this creative story, which turns out to be an action thriller. 06:27 - What was the shift to listening to his creative side: You actually have to listen to the emotive part of your brain. 09:37 - The way he developed the characters in the book: Creativity is not a solo act. I had a couple of different forms of interaction to help me. 12:17 - Discovering how listening to ourselves, even if it seems egocentric is a very powerful lesson to learn: “I have to listen to myself.' 15:10 - How his second book turned into a thriller without intending to: I decided to write out of my fears. 20:00 - The one thing that surprises him the most writing the book 21:08 - What is an 'author's art' 22:21 - Commonalities in writing a book and leading teams and groups in a corporate setting 24:31 - One piece of advice he shares: This concept of self-awareness. And really, as best you can, try to understand who you are as a person. 26:25 - The Avengers Theory of Leadership: superpower is the thing that makes you uniquely talented. In addition to knowing your Avengers superpower, you have to know your kryptonite. You have to know the things that you are uniquely bad at. 28:35 - What is Robbie's superpower? 30:22 - Talking about the confession he wrote on LinkedIn 33:22 - The type of change he is mining: Productive constructive engagement and how to do it in a way where people listen, hear what others have to say, and then collaborate. 35:06 - What is the goal of his fiction book, The Wilkes Insurrection? 37:54 - A tip on how to listen more. 41:23 - The Wilkes Insurrection launch date 42:31 - Robbie's final message: It's okay to think about myself as an individual and do things that are good for me. But at the end of the day, I have to think about what's good for the community, as well. Key Takeaways: "I haven't talked to a single author who uses the same process for writing their books. You have to have your way." - Robbie Bach "I think it would be incredibly more valuable as a worker, as a friend, as a leader, if you actually understood yourself better." - Robbie Bach "You can't create a self-awareness of who you want to be, you have to create a self-awareness of who you are." - Robbie Bach "It's really incumbent as leaders and as people to understand what our superpowers are and to be honest with ourselves, about what we are truly great at." - Robbie Bach Notes/Mentions: Book: The Wilkes Insurrection by Robbie Bach:https://wilkesinsurrection.com/ Connect with Robbie Bach: Website: https://www.robbiebach.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbiebach61 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiebach Twitter: https://twitter.com/robbie_bach Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com Mobile: + 491732340722 contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn
Robbie Bach joined Microsoft in 1988 and over the next 22 years worked in various marketing, general management and business leadership roles. He is a true intrepreneur, shepherding the xBox through Microsoft's colossal organization and redefining the gaming industry with xBox Live's innovative subscription business model. Since leaving Microsoft in 2012, Robbie has applied his business skills to solve major civic issues, outlining a new model for private/public partnerships in his book xBox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. Series: "Innovator Stories: Creating Something from Nothing" [Business] [Show ID: 32551]
Robbie Bach joined Microsoft in 1988 and over the next 22 years worked in various marketing, general management and business leadership roles. He is a true intrepreneur, shepherding the xBox through Microsoft's colossal organization and redefining the gaming industry with xBox Live's innovative subscription business model. Since leaving Microsoft in 2012, Robbie has applied his business skills to solve major civic issues, outlining a new model for private/public partnerships in his book xBox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. Series: "Innovator Stories: Creating Something from Nothing" [Business] [Show ID: 32551]
Robbie Bach joined Microsoft in 1988 and over the next 22 years worked in various marketing, general management and business leadership roles. He is a true intrepreneur, shepherding the xBox through Microsoft's colossal organization and redefining the gaming industry with xBox Live's innovative subscription business model. Since leaving Microsoft in 2012, Robbie has applied his business skills to solve major civic issues, outlining a new model for private/public partnerships in his book xBox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. Series: "Innovator Stories: Creating Something from Nothing" [Business] [Show ID: 32551]
Robbie Bach joined Microsoft in 1988 and over the next 22 years worked in various marketing, general management and business leadership roles. He is a true intrepreneur, shepherding the xBox through Microsoft's colossal organization and redefining the gaming industry with xBox Live's innovative subscription business model. Since leaving Microsoft in 2012, Robbie has applied his business skills to solve major civic issues, outlining a new model for private/public partnerships in his book xBox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. Series: "Innovator Stories: Creating Something from Nothing" [Business] [Show ID: 32551]
Robbie Bach joined Microsoft in 1988 and over the next 22 years worked in various marketing, general management and business leadership roles. He is a true intrepreneur, shepherding the xBox through Microsoft's colossal organization and redefining the gaming industry with xBox Live's innovative subscription business model. Since leaving Microsoft in 2012, Robbie has applied his business skills to solve major civic issues, outlining a new model for private/public partnerships in his book xBox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. Series: "Innovator Stories: Creating Something from Nothing" [Business] [Show ID: 32551]
Robbie Bach joined Microsoft in 1988 and over the next 22 years worked in various marketing, general management and business leadership roles. He is a true intrepreneur, shepherding the xBox through Microsoft's colossal organization and redefining the gaming industry with xBox Live's innovative subscription business model. Since leaving Microsoft in 2012, Robbie has applied his business skills to solve major civic issues, outlining a new model for private/public partnerships in his book xBox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. Series: "Innovator Stories: Creating Something from Nothing" [Business] [Show ID: 32551]
Few people in the technology space have had careers as interesting and successful as Robbie Bach. In 1988, Bach joined Microsoft, where be began a 22-year tenure there; first in Marketing, then in Management, and then in Leadership. In 1999 he became Chief Xbox Officer, leading the team from its startup phase to the launch of Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, changing the gaming industry. In 2015 Bach wrote his book “Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal,” and joins us today to discuss his experience with Xbox, the lessons learned there, and his strategic framework that organizations and individuals can adopt to succeed. Learn how the William and Mary Center for Corporate Education can help you and your organization develop your top talent through customized executive education and professional development programs. Visit us at www.wmleadership.com. Thank you for listening.
In this episode we discuss a variety of topics from military spending, racist trademarks and our future job perspectives. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… well actually it is a plane but should we still be buying it? A band tries to register their contentious name as a trademark but should they be allowed to? Jobs are fleeing the country but is it really Mexico or China’s fault? Listen to our thoughts and don’t forget to send us your feedback!Download: Direct LinkLinks:This jet fighter is a disaster, but Congress keeps buying it (Vox)Should We Be Able to Reclaim a Racist Insult - as a Registered Trademark? (The New York Times Magazine)Cami Ingersoll slashing 600 jobs, moving Terrain production to Mexico (The London Free Press)Did China Eat America’s Jobs? (Freakonomics Podcast)Check this thing out (that I just made up right now)!:Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (book)Atlantic Fleet (game)Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal by Robbie Bach (book)Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic (game)Let us know what you think:Review and rate us on iTunesSubscribe to us on Google Play MusicEmail: contact@slightlysauced.comSkype: Call us at SlightlySauced and leave a message!Twitter: @SlightlySaucedLike us on FacebookContinue the discussion on RedditListen to this episode on YouTubeRate us on StitcherLeave us a comment on Digital PodcastMusic:STAY IN THE GREAT by BOCrew © copyright 2011Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/BOCrew/32793 Ft: THEDEEPR & THECORNER
Host Dave Robertson spends this episode talking to Robbie Bach, Microsoft's Former Chief Xbox Officer and the author of "Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal." He talks to Dave about his time at Microsoft and how the Xbox System became one fo the most powerful gaming sysems in the world.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
