Steve Jobs: Vision and Leadership
Insights on Building Revolutionary Companies
Notes from the Video
- There is a revolution in software going on now. Simulated learning environments: You can’t give students expensive lab environments for their tests, but you can simulate them on the PC.
- More important than building a product, we are in the process of architecting a company that will hopefully be much more incredible than the sum of its parts.
- One of the things that made Apple great was in its early days it was built from the heart. That is like a bomb run, you don’t change your target when you are on a bomb run.
- There needs to be someone who is the “keeper or reiterator” of the vision because there is just a ton of work and a lot of times when you have to walk a thousand miles when you take the first step, it looks like a long way. It helps when there is someone there saying “we are one step closer”. The goal definitely exists, it isn’t just a mirage out there. So in a thousand and one little ways, the vision needs to be reiterated. I do that a lot.
Key Insights
Software Revolution
Jobs recognized the transformative potential of software to create simulated environments and new learning possibilities.
Company Architecture
Building a great company culture and structure is more important than any single product.
Vision Keeper
A leader must consistently reiterate and maintain the company’s vision through countless small reminders.
“One of the things that made Apple great was in its early days it was built from the heart. That is like a bomb run, you don’t change your target when you are on a bomb run.”
— Steve Jobs
The Thousand Mile Journey
Jobs emphasized the importance of celebrating each step toward a distant goal, with leadership consistently reminding the team they’re moving in the right direction.
Building from the Heart
Jobs believed that a company built with genuine passion and conviction would stay true to its mission, comparing it to a bomber that doesn’t deviate from its target.
1955-2011
Legacy of Vision
Steve Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976 and transformed multiple industries through his visionary leadership. After being forced out of Apple in 1985, he founded NeXT Computer and acquired Pixar before returning to Apple in 1997, where he led the company’s resurgence with iconic products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
Jobs was known for his unwavering commitment to quality, design excellence, and his ability to see around technological corners. His leadership philosophy centered on maintaining a clear vision, building great teams, and focusing relentlessly on creating products that changed how people interact with technology.
Leadership Lessons from Steve Jobs
Stay on Target
Maintain unwavering focus on your mission despite obstacles.
Build Culture First
A great company creates great products, not the other way around.
Reinforce Vision
Consistently remind teams of the ultimate goal during the journey.
Embrace Innovation
Recognize transformative technological trends early.
Olivier Preziosa says:
thank you