I read this WSJ article this morning and was truly impressed. (And this from someone who's not an MS fan.) It appears to be his successful way of taking on planning at the 30k and 40k levels.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002223020_gatesthink29.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002223020_gatesthink29.html