Search Captions & Ask AI

Former CEO of Telecom: We Wasted Millions On Y2K!

April 21, 2026 / 00:53

This episode discusses the Y2K bug, its impact, and the response from companies, particularly Telecom. The conversation features reflections on the massive spending and preparations for the event.

The guest recalls the significant project undertaken by Telecom to address the Y2K issue, including hiring consultants and managing resources. They describe the atmosphere leading up to midnight on December 31, 1999, and the widespread uncertainty surrounding technology.

At the stroke of midnight, the guest shares their experience of the moment when nothing happened, leading to questions about whether the extensive preparations were necessary or driven by fear.

The episode also touches on the global scale of the Y2K concern, highlighting that it was not just a local issue but a worldwide phenomenon.

Overall, the discussion reflects on the lessons learned from the Y2K experience and the implications for future technological challenges.

TLDR

The episode reflects on the Y2K bug and its impact on Telecom and global technology.

Episode

0:53
00:00:00
Was Y2K and the Y2K bug a big thing for you? Do you remember that? >> We wasted millions on that. Y2K. Yes.
00:00:07
>> For anyone that doesn't remember, like of on midnight on the 31st of December
00:00:11
1999, no one no one was sure what was going to happen to all the computer technology around the world. So, I
00:00:15
wonder what it was like being CEO of Telecom at that point. >> Oh, well, that was a huge project. We're
00:00:20
paying consultants. We managed it. And then at midnight, clock tick midnight. 1 minute past. Guess what? Nothing.
00:00:27
Everything's still working. the world just moved on. I've never seen an analysis. Was that a fraud? Was that was
00:00:35
a fraud perpetuated by the world's consultants or was that just excess conservatism and when it got hold
00:00:42
companies couldn't afford to miss the bus in case there was a problem? >> There was a massive ad campaign it was
00:00:48
unavoidable. >> It was it was huge and not just in New Zealand like it was big. It's a big
00:00:52
thing.

Episode Highlights

  • The Y2K Bug: A Global Concern
    As midnight struck on December 31, 1999, the world held its breath. But when the clock ticked past, nothing happened.
    “Guess what? Nothing.”
    @ 00m 22s
    April 21, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • Guess what? Nothing.
    Former CEO of Telecom: We Wasted Millions On Y2K!
  • Was that a fraud?
    Former CEO of Telecom: We Wasted Millions On Y2K!
  • It was huge and not just in New Zealand.
    Former CEO of Telecom: We Wasted Millions On Y2K!

Key Moments

  • Midnight Strikes00:22
  • Aftermath00:31
  • Global Impact00:48