After releasing the new iPhone 7 about a month ago, many Apple fans are already asking, “What’s next?” With Apple’s 10th anniversary just eleven months away, several customers are anticipating what Apple will do to commemorate the big visions of Steve Jobs. Since the beginning of the iPhone in 2007, the company has sold more than one billion iPhones making it the most popular phone available right now. As Apple continues creating and improving their technology, the world still remembers the iconic face that was behind the idea of it all, Steve Jobs.
On October 5th, 2011, Jobs passed away leaving behind a legacy that would continue to impact leaders around the world today. Throughout Jobs’ early years, the beginning of Apple was a rough start. In the early seventies, Jobs and his partner co-founded the Apple computer, which first started off as a hit, but as time passed and as it competed with PC computers, it quickly dropped in popularity. Because Jobs’ ideas were so unique and different, many disregarded him and believed he hindered the company’s success. With many struggles in leadership and problems with products, Jobs had to leave the company in the mid-eighties.
Even though Jobs experienced these set backs, it did not stop his drive to pursue greater things. In the next decade, Jobs would create his own company and invest in an animation company, which would later become the famous and well-known, Pixar. Because of his strong pursuit to make a difference, he would later find himself becoming more successful and reaping the benefits of not giving up. After his success in the nineties, Jobs ended up returning to the company as CEO, where he completely revitalized the Apple company. With much hard work, Jobs created one of the largest companies in the world making a difference in the world of technology, which is evident in culture today.
He is often quoted and known for his desire to make a change, innovate, create, and inspire. Two of his most famous quotes, which perfectly describe his personality were, “Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful, that's what matters to me.” and “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”
Reflecting on Apple’s history and remembering who Jobs was this month, it is clear that Jobs was truly a special leader, who inspired others to rise to the challenge and exceed expectations. He truly desired to make a difference and his legacy will remain forever. Despite the criticism he received and mistakes he made, Jobs never gave up on his dream, and because of that attitude, he is easily one of the most influential and inspiring leaders to this day. After reading about his life, there are several lessons to learn from him which are as follows: to overcome difficulties, to never give up, and to lead by making a difference. If Jobs was able to see the company’s success today, he would definitely be satisfied with the continuance of his dream, and he would be proud to see the difference it has made in the world of tech.
