The Second Coming of Steve Jobs

1. Steve Jobs: A Visionary with a Complicated Legacy

"Steve Jobs was one of the most enduring symbols of his generation, reflecting all of its virtues and failings and self-delusions."

Charismatic innovator. Steve Jobs was a complex figure who revolutionized personal computing, animation, and consumer electronics. His vision and drive led to groundbreaking products that changed the way people interact with technology.

Controversial personality. Despite his achievements, Jobs was known for his mercurial temperament, often berating employees and demanding perfection. His leadership style was both inspiring and intimidating, pushing people to achieve beyond their perceived limits.

Cultural icon. Jobs became a symbol of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship, blending countercultural ideals with capitalist success. His story of founding Apple in a garage, being ousted, and then returning to save the company became legendary in business circles.

2. The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Apple

"He had vowed to show that his precocious success at Apple wasn't a fluke, that the board had been wrong to kick him out, that he could launch another great company and once again change the world with a revolutionary machine."

Apple's early success. Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976, leading the company to rapid growth with innovative products like the Apple II and Macintosh. However, conflicts with the board and CEO John Sculley led to his ousting in 1985.

Wilderness years. After leaving Apple, Jobs founded NeXT Computer and acquired Pixar Animation Studios. While NeXT struggled, Pixar's success with "Toy Story" in 1995 made Jobs a billionaire.

Triumphant return. In 1997, Apple acquired NeXT, bringing Jobs back as interim CEO. He streamlined the product line, introduced the iMac, and set Apple on a path to become one of the world's most valuable companies.

3. Pixar: Jobs' Unexpected Path to Hollywood Success

"Pixar failed nine times over by normal standards, but Steve didn't want to fail so he kept writing the checks."

Risky investment. Jobs acquired Pixar from Lucasfilm in 1986 for $10 million, initially focusing on selling high-end graphics computers. The company struggled financially for years.

Pivot to animation. Under the leadership of John Lasseter and with Jobs' backing, Pixar shifted focus to creating computer-animated films. The success of "Toy Story" in 1995 transformed the company's fortunes.

Hollywood power player. Pixar's string of hits, including "A Bug's Life" and "Toy Story 2," established Jobs as a major force in the entertainment industry. The company's success rivaled traditional animation studios like Disney.

4. Jobs' Leadership Style: Inspiring and Demanding

"Steve's brain has an amazing ability to recraft things and put a different spin on them."

Reality distortion field. Jobs was known for his ability to inspire and motivate others, often convincing them to achieve seemingly impossible tasks. This "reality distortion field" was both praised and criticized.

Perfectionism and attention to detail. Jobs demanded excellence in every aspect of product design and development. He was known to reject products at the last minute if they didn't meet his exacting standards.

Controversial methods. His leadership style often involved public criticism and emotional outbursts. While some saw this as necessary for achieving greatness, others viewed it as unnecessarily harsh and demoralizing.

5. The iMac Revolution and Apple's Turnaround

"Steve thought that he could license Pixar's software on everyone's computer so they could make beautiful pictures."

Bold design choices. The iMac, introduced in 1998, marked a turning point for Apple. Its colorful, translucent design and focus on ease of use revitalized the company's image and sales.

Simplified product line. Jobs drastically reduced Apple's product offerings, focusing on a small number of high-quality devices. This strategy helped streamline operations and clarify the company's brand identity.

Return to profitability. Under Jobs' leadership, Apple returned to profitability within a year. The company's stock price rose dramatically, setting the stage for future innovations like the iPod and iPhone.

6. Jobs' Personal Life and Relationships

"At thirty, Steve had a sleek black Porsche and he couldn't help but show it off, like a teenager with a new hot rod."

Complex family dynamics. Jobs' relationship with his daughter Lisa, whom he initially denied paternity of, evolved over time. He later became a devoted father to his children with wife Laurene Powell Jobs.

Friendships and rivalries. Jobs maintained close relationships with figures like Larry Ellison and John Lasseter, but also had famous rivalries, particularly with Microsoft's Bill Gates.

Health struggles. Jobs' battle with pancreatic cancer, which he initially tried to treat with alternative methods, became public knowledge in the later years of his life.

7. The Art of Product Launch and Marketing

"Steve always had a penchant for changing his mind and walking away from good deals because he wanted better terms, and usually that habit was self-destructive."

Theatrical presentations. Jobs was known for his captivating product launches, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation around new Apple products. His presentations became cultural events in themselves.

Brand building. Jobs focused on creating a strong, consistent brand identity for Apple, emphasizing simplicity, creativity, and innovation. This approach extended to Apple's retail stores, which revolutionized tech retail.

Media manipulation. Jobs was skilled at managing media coverage, often playing journalists against each other to maintain control of Apple's narrative.

8. Jobs' Impact on Technology and Popular Culture

"He was a businessman posing as an idealistic revolutionary, striving for social change."

Technological visionary. Jobs' products, from the Macintosh to the iPhone, fundamentally changed how people interact with technology, making complex devices accessible and even desirable to the masses.

Cultural influence. Beyond technology, Jobs became a cultural icon, symbolizing innovation and entrepreneurship. His personal style, from his black turtlenecks to his presentation techniques, was widely imitated.

Legacy. Jobs' impact extended beyond Apple and Pixar, influencing industries from music (iTunes) to telecommunications (iPhone) to retail (Apple Stores). His vision continues to shape technology and design long after his death in 2011.

Last updated: January 24, 2025