Within a single minute, millions around the world last week learned of Steve Jobs death thanks to the very personal technology he helped bring to fruition.While it is rare for the departure of corporate executive to receive the attention of a pop icon or a religious leader, Steve Jobs was both to so many of us.More than the value of Job’s inventions it was Job’s unwavering determination that inspired so many millions throughout the world to pursue their own dream.
With the passion of a true warrior, Steve bounced back from some huge public setbacks that would have grounded many of our greatest leaders.Yet like Houdini, Jobs managed to work himself out of a situation and leave his global audience spellbound by his vision and resolve. When he left Apple, critics questioned the potential for Next Computers to ever be a viable computer company. Then Steve demonstrated what Wayne Gretzky meant by “skate to where the puck is going to be, and not where it has been” when he sold his Next operating system to Apple – which ultimately lead to his resurrection as Apple’s CEO. He had the vision, the resolve and the cunning skill to define what’s next.
During the world’s darkest days during the past decade right after 911 and again in the midst of the 2008 global financial crisis, Steve Jobs fearlessly launched new products right on schedule that made headlines everywhere and gave people hope that brighter days lay ahead.When Jobs was quoted as saying “Real leaders ship” he meant just that. His actions were a lot bigger than his promises.
Although it was in fact Steve Wozniak that built the first Apple computer, it is Steve Jobs who is considered to be one of the greatest inventors on par with Franklin or Edison. But, of course, it was Jobs who sold the idea to investors and made it happen. Over the decades there have been many extremely talented individuals who have contributed to Apple’s success. But it was Steve Jobs who inspired their greatest achievements and mastered the art of collaboration for a common cause.
So what does it mean to think different?The now famous Apple advertising campaign celebrated those individuals whose commitment to an ideology changed the world for the better.With Steve’s passing, he now joins the ranks of those rare individuals who have made a dent in the universe.
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