T. J. Rodgers Quotes

Entrepreneur
1953

T. J. Rodgers is an American businessman and entrepreneur known for his leadership in the semiconductor industry. He co-founded Cypress Semiconductor Corporation in 1982 and served as its CEO for over 34 years. Under his leadership, Cypress became a leading supplier of programmable solutions and grew to over $2 billion in annual revenue. Rodgers is also known for his outspoken views on corporate governance and free-market economics. He has authored several articles and books, including “No Excuses: Lessons from 21 High-Performing, High-Poverty Schools” and “Do As I Say, Not As I Do: Profiles in Liberal Hypocrisy.” Rodgers is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the technology industry.Read Less

Choosing a Board of Directors based on race and gender is a lousy way to run a company. Feraz Zeid, December 22, 2023, T. J. Rodgers, Race, Running, 0

- T. J. Rodgers

Entrepreneur

Race
Running

T. J. Rodgers Career Highlights

T. J. Rodgers is best known for his role as the founder, CEO, and President of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, a leading semiconductor design and manufacturing company.
He founded Cypress Semiconductor in 1982 and served as the CEO until 2016, making him one of the longest-serving CEOs in the semiconductor industry.
Under his leadership, Cypress Semiconductor grew from a startup with only 11 employees to a global company with over 7,000 employees and annual revenues of over $2 billion.
Rodgers is also known for his outspoken and controversial leadership style, often challenging industry norms and advocating for shareholder rights.
He has been recognized for his contributions to the semiconductor industry, including being named one of the “50 Most Influential People in the Semiconductor Industry” by Electronic Design magazine.

Key Contributions by T. J. Rodgers

Rodgers is credited with pioneering the concept of “programmable systems-on-a-chip,” which revolutionized the semiconductor industry by allowing for the integration of multiple functions onto a single chip.
He also played a key role in the development of the first commercially successful static random-access memory (SRAM) chip, which is still widely used in electronic devices today.
Rodgers has been a strong advocate for innovation and has led Cypress Semiconductor to develop cutting-edge technologies in areas such as touchscreens, USB, and wireless connectivity.
He has also been a vocal proponent of corporate governance and has implemented shareholder-friendly policies at Cypress Semiconductor, such as eliminating the company’s “poison pill” provision and implementing a majority voting system for board elections.

What Sets T. J. Rodgers Apart

Rodgers is known for his unconventional leadership style, which has often been described as brash and confrontational.
He is not afraid to speak his mind and has been known to publicly criticize other companies and industry practices.
Despite his controversial approach, Rodgers has a track record of success and has consistently delivered strong financial results for Cypress Semiconductor.
He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and the environment. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes and has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations.

Takeaways

T. J. Rodgers is a highly influential figure in the semiconductor industry, known for his innovative thinking and strong leadership.
His contributions to the development of programmable systems-on-a-chip and SRAM have had a lasting impact on the industry.
Rodgers’ outspoken and unconventional leadership style may not be for everyone, but it has undoubtedly played a significant role in the success of Cypress Semiconductor.
His commitment to corporate governance and philanthropy sets him apart as a leader who not only prioritizes business success but also values ethical and social responsibility.

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