Faith and Technology: An Unconventional Silicon Valley Leader
Pat Gelsinger begins our dinner interview not with business talk, but with a prayer. The former Intel CEO, ousted from the chipmaker last year during his ambitious effort to reshape America's semiconductor industry, offers grace before our meal at the Parkside Grille in Portola Valley. This unconventional start reflects the unique perspective Gelsinger brings to the tech world—one deeply rooted in his Christian faith and Pennsylvania farm upbringing.
The Purpose-Driven Journey
Gelsinger describes his life as living at the intersection of faith and technology. "I believe deeply that I've been called here for a purpose," he says, his sharp features intent across the table. This conviction helped him navigate the pain of being pushed out from Intel last year. "Did it hurt? Absolutely it hurt!" he acknowledges, yet within two days he was already planning his next chapter.
The executive, who helped build the foundations of the modern tech industry, played a pivotal role in the most consequential U.S. manufacturing legislation in half a century—the 2022 Chips Act. However, he doesn't shy away from criticizing its implementation, which he describes as "hideous" in its execution.
From Farm Boy to Tech Titan
Gelsinger's origins couldn't be further from Silicon Valley's epicenter. Born in 1961 into a large Pennsylvania Dutch family, he claims he would have been "the best farmer in the county" had circumstances allowed. Instead, his brilliance in mathematics and sciences won him an early admission scholarship to Lincoln Tech.
Intel hired him at age 18, flying him to California—his first plane ride—where his world "changed dramatically" in just six months. It was there he met his wife Linda at a non-denominational church, beginning a 43-year marriage that produced eight grandchildren whose pictures adorn his phone case.
Gelsinger maintains the work ethic of his farming roots, rising at 4 a.m. daily and consulting weekly with a mysterious mentor he calls only "Steve." He practices weekly fasting and, during his Intel tenure, would do push-ups matching the stock price target for Friday closing.
Looking Forward: AI and Quantum Computing
Now Gelsinger is embarking on a new venture heading a Christian AI platform, while keeping a watchful eye on emerging technologies. He sees quantum computing as potentially upending the entire computing landscape, representing both threat and opportunity for the industry he helped build.
His vision remains clear despite the professional setbacks: "You may be smarter than me, you may be more skilled than me... you will not outwork me." This determination, coupled with his unique perspective blending technology and faith, suggests Gelsinger's purpose-driven journey is far from over.
