AMD CEO Lisa Su revealed that a pivotal question from her early career continues to influence her decision-making at the helm of the $162 billion chip giant. During her tenure at IBM in the mid-1990s, Su’s bosses inquired about her long-term aspirations, prompting her realization that she aspired to manage people and projects. This question resurfaced when Su assumed a leadership role at AMD, guiding her strategic choices.

Su recounted that upon joining AMD as COO in 2014, the company faced a critical juncture, contemplating the development of smartphone chips amidst industry trends. However, Su discerned that this venture did not align with AMD’s core competencies. Instead, she steered the company towards prioritizing high-performance computing, a decision that has since shaped AMD’s trajectory.

Su’s leadership at AMD has been instrumental in navigating the company through turbulent times, marked by intense competition from rivals Intel and Nvidia. Under her guidance, AMD diversified its portfolio beyond personal computers into gaming consoles and introduced innovative chip designs. Notably, in 2018, AMD transitioned its manufacturing partnership from GlobalFoundries to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, further solidifying its market position.

Despite facing challenges, including fluctuations in stock performance, Su’s strategic vision has propelled AMD to new heights, underscoring the enduring impact of that early career question on her leadership journey.