Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Apologizes: 'If You Think You Deserve A Raise, You Should Just Ask'

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Satya Nadella Microsoft

Flickr/BagoGames

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella took a step back and apologized for the controversial comment he made about women early Thursday.

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"I answered that question completely wrong," Nadella wrote in a letter posted on Microsoft's News Center. "Without a doubt I wholeheartedly support programs at Microsoft and in the industry that bring more women into technology and close the pay gap."

Nadella added, "If you think you deserve a raise, you should just ask."

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On Thursday, Nadella spoke at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing conference. When asked for advice for women who are uncomfortable asking for a raise, Nadella said, "It's not really about asking for a raise, but knowing and having faith that the system will give you the right raise...It's good karma. It will come back."

His comment wasn't well-received by the audience that was predominantly female, and was immediately criticized online for its sexist implications, especially because of the large gender pay disparity in Silicon Valley.

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Here's the full letter below:

All - Today I was interviewed on stage by Maria Klawe at the Grace Hopper Conference - I encourage you to watch the video. It was great to spend time with so many women passionate about technology. I was honored to be a part of it and I left the conference energized and inspired.

Toward the end of the interview, Maria asked me what advice I would offer women who are not comfortable asking for pay raises. I answered that question completely wrong. Without a doubt I wholeheartedly support programs at Microsoft and in the industry that bring more women into technology and close the pay gap. I believe men and women should get equal pay for equal work. And when it comes to career advice on getting a raise when you think it's deserved, Maria's advice was the right advice. If you think you deserve a raise, you should just ask.

I said I was looking forward to the Grace Hopper Conference to learn, and I certainly learned a valuable lesson. I look forward to speaking with you at our monthly Q&A next week and am happy to answer any question you have.

Satya

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