From Xbox to Espionage: Robbie Bach on Writing Thrillers and The Blockchain Syndicate

"Technology isn’t good or bad—it just is. How we choose to use it defines everything." — Robbie Bach

Robbie Bach, the visionary behind Xbox and now a bestselling author, joins Mike Carlon on Uncorking a Story to share his journey from tech executive to thriller writer. In this episode, Robbie dives into his creative process, the inspiration behind his latest novel The Blockchain Syndicate, and how themes of technology, society, and human nature weave through his stories. If you’ve ever wondered how a business leader pivots to fiction—or what happens when old-school espionage meets new-school cybercrime—this conversation is for you.

The Pivot from Tech to Fiction: Robbie explains how leaving Microsoft reignited his passion for writing and led him to craft thrillers blending technology and civic themes. Writing Without an Outline: Discover Robbie’s “pantser” approach and why momentum matters more than rigid planning. The Blockchain Syndicate Unpacked: A gripping mix of cybercrime, blockchain anonymity, and high-stakes espionage. Character Development as Empathy: How writing characters unlike himself—like Senator Tamika Smith—expanded Robbie’s emotional intelligence. Technology’s Double-Edged Sword: Why tech isn’t inherently good or bad, and how its societal impact shapes his narratives. Marketing Realities for Authors: From Mailchimp headaches to list management, Robbie shares the business side of being an author. Advice to His Younger Self: Balance matters—don’t miss the joy of connecting with people along the way.

Buy The Blockchain Syndicate