#214 Steve Jobs The Exclusive Biography

In Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs, we delve into the complex tapestry of Jobs' life, from his adoption and early fascination with electronics to his co-founding of Apple, where he revolutionized six industries. Despite his ouster from Apple, Jobs persisted, founding NeXT and acquiring Pixar, eventually returning to Apple to lead it to unprecedented success with products like the iPod and iPhone. Jobs was a paradoxical figure, both a charismatic visionary and a demanding manager, who could be brutally honest yet manipulative. His focus on creating products that he loved, like the iPod, and his belief in tightly integrated systems were key to his success. Jobs' final years were marked by a battle with cancer, during which he sought to mend relationships and share his wisdom with the next generation of tech leaders. His legacy is one of relentless innovation, driven by a passion to make great products and a commitment to building a company that would last.

• Steve Jobs' story is emblematic of the Silicon Valley entrepreneur narrative.
• He started Apple in his parents' garage and built it into a highly valuable company.
• Jobs was skilled in combining ideas, art, and technology to innovate.
• He was adept at both the big picture and meticulous details of business.

"The saga of Steve Jobs is the Silicon Valley creation myth writ large. Launching a startup in his parents' garage and building it into the world's most valuable company."

This quote highlights the quintessential story of Steve Jobs that has become synonymous with the ideal of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship, emphasizing his journey from humble beginnings to monumental success.

• Jobs did not invent many things outright but was a master at synthesizing ideas to invent the future.
• His leadership style involved a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.
• He believed in creating enduring companies motivated by great products, not just profits.

"My passion has been to build an enduring company where people were motivated to make great products. Everything else was secondary."

Steve Jobs expresses his core philosophy of prioritizing product quality over profits, which he believed was the key to building a lasting and significant company.

• Jobs' philosophy was to anticipate customer needs before they were aware of them.
• He did not believe in relying on market research but rather aimed to create products that customers would want once they saw them.
• He drew inspiration from historical figures like Henry Ford and Edwin Land, who also valued innovation over customer surveys.

"Some people say, give the customer what they want, but that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do."

This quote shows Jobs' forward-thinking approach to product development, where he sought to lead the market by innovation rather than follow it through customer surveys.

• Jobs appreciated the intersection between humanities and science.
• He believed that Apple's innovation was deeply human, which resonated with people.
• Great artists and engineers share a desire to express themselves, which was evident in the team behind the original Mac.

"Edwin Land of Polaroid talked about the intersection of the humanities and science. I like that intersection. There's something magical about that place."

Jobs articulates his admiration for the blend of humanities and science, suggesting that it is at this intersection where true innovation and magic occur.

• Jobs recognized different companies as symbols of Silicon Valley's evolution.
• He acknowledged the contributions of companies like Hewlett Packard, Fairchild, Intel, Apple, and Google.
• Jobs believed that Apple stood the test of time and remained at the forefront of innovation.

"At different times in the past, there were companies that exemplified Silicon Valley. It was Hewlett Packard for a long time. Then in the semiconductor era, it was Fairchild and intel."

This quote reflects Jobs' understanding of the changing landscape of Silicon Valley and his belief in Apple's enduring presence at the cutting edge.

• Jobs perceived Microsoft as lacking ambition in product development compared to Apple.
• He acknowledged Microsoft's business acumen but criticized its lack of focus on creating great products.
• Jobs respected Bill Gates for building a successful company but felt Microsoft missed the integration of humanities.

"They were very good at the business side of things. They were never as ambitious product wise, as they should have been."

Jobs critiques Microsoft's focus, suggesting that while they excelled in business, they did not share Apple's ambition for product innovation.

• Jobs theorized that companies decline when they prioritize sales over product quality.
• He believed that when salespeople run a company, the importance of product engineers and designers diminishes.
• This shift in priorities can lead to the company's downfall, as seen during John Sculley's time at Apple.

"The company does a great job, innovates, and becomes a monopoly or close to it in some field, and then the quality of the product becomes less important."

Jobs explains his theory that a company's success can lead to complacency and a shift away from innovation, ultimately causing its decline.

• Jobs criticized the startup culture focused on quick profits rather than building enduring companies.
• He aspired to build a company that would stand for something significant for generations.
• Jobs admired entrepreneurs like Walt Disney and the founders of HP and Intel for creating companies with lasting impact.

"You build a company that will stand for something a generation or two from now."

Jobs expresses his long-term vision for Apple, emphasizing the importance of building a company that has a lasting legacy beyond immediate financial success.

• Jobs believed in being brutally honest and fostering a culture where anyone could challenge ideas.
• He did not shy away from confrontational discussions if it led to better results.
• Jobs acknowledged that he was hard on people but saw it as necessary to maintain excellence within the team.

"We are brutally honest with each other, and anyone can tell me they think I'm full of shit, and I can tell them the same."

This quote illustrates the culture of direct and open communication that Jobs cultivated at Apple, where honesty was valued over politeness to drive progress.

• Jobs was driven by a desire to contribute to society and build upon the work of predecessors.
• He saw his work as an expression of gratitude and a way to add to the collective human achievement.
• Jobs emphasized the importance of continuous innovation and evolution, using Bob Dylan and The Beatles as examples.

"What drove me? I think most creative people want to express appreciation for being able to take advantage of the work that's been done by others before us."

Jobs shares his motivation for innovation, which is rooted in a sense of appreciation for past contributions and a desire to add to the ongoing narrative of human progress.

• The biography "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson is recommended for studying the history of entrepreneurship.
• Jobs is described as a complex, paradoxical figure with both instructive and cautionary aspects.
• The book provides insights into Jobs' character, leadership, and values, and is rich with references to other influential entrepreneurs.

"His tale is thus both instructive and cautionary, filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values."

This quote summarizes the essence of Walter Isaacson's biography on Steve Jobs, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Jobs' life and the valuable lessons it offers.

• Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple with a vision of fun and adventure, not just profit.
• Initial capital was raised by selling personal items: Wozniak's HP 65 calculator and Jobs' Volkswagen bus, totaling around $1,300.
• Jobs' charisma and Wozniak's engineering skills complemented each other, leading to the creation of Apple's first product, circuit boards.
• Apple's first big sale was to Paul Terrell of the Byte Shop, who ordered 50 fully assembled computers at $500 each, leading to a key insight about consumer preferences.

"Even if we lose our money, we'll have a company, said Jobs."

This quote highlights Jobs' entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks for the adventure of starting a company.

"Jobs and then gates and all these other people are like, hey, no, you should be paying for this."

Jobs recognized the commercial potential in the hobbyist-driven computer industry, signaling a shift towards monetization.

• The Apple II was designed to be a fully packaged computer, appealing to a broader market than just hobbyists.
• Jobs' vision was to create a user-friendly computer, leading to the Apple II becoming a defining product in personal computing history.
• The Apple II's success was pivotal, accounting for a significant portion of Apple's revenue for many years.
• The transition from a garage operation to a formal business required significant funding and expertise.

"My vision, Steve says, was to create the first fully packaged computer."

Jobs' vision for an integrated, user-friendly computer set the stage for the mass appeal of the Apple II.

• Nolan Bushnell introduced Jobs to key figures in the tech industry and advised him to seek a partner who understood marketing and distribution.
• Don Valentine of Sequoia Capital emphasized the need for a knowledgeable partner before offering financial support.
• Mike Markula was identified as a critical partner and played a significant role in Apple's growth for the next two decades.
• Don Valentine's advice on business focused on high gross margins and cash flow.

"Steve was the embodiment of the counterculture. He looked like Ho Chi Minh."

Valentine recognized Jobs' unique persona but looked beyond appearances to assess the business opportunity.

"If you wanted me to finance you, Valentine told him, you need to have one person as a partner who understands marketing and distribution."

Valentine's condition for investment highlighted the importance of a well-rounded leadership team with diverse expertise.

• Markula's marketing philosophy became foundational to Apple, emphasizing empathy, focus, and impute.
• His vision extended beyond the hobbyist market, predicting Apple's rise to a Fortune 500 company.
• Jobs learned from Markula the importance of creating a lasting company over merely seeking wealth.

"Your goal should be making something you believe in and making a company that will last."

Markula instilled in Jobs the principle of prioritizing the creation of meaningful products and a durable company over short-term financial gains.

"Empathy, focus, impute."

These three principles from Markula's marketing philosophy guided Apple's approach to understanding customers, prioritizing efforts, and presenting products.

• Jobs' personality was complex, with the ability to be both charismatic and brutal.
• His management style was often confrontational, but it pushed people to achieve their best work.
• The "reality distortion field" is a term used to describe Jobs' ability to inspire and convince others of his vision.

"He could be charismatic, even mesmerizing, but also cold and brutal."

Jobs' personality traits helped him achieve results but could also create tension with colleagues.

"You did the impossible because you didn't realize it was impossible."

Jobs' reality distortion field encouraged his team to surpass perceived limitations and achieve remarkable feats.

• Jobs faced hygiene issues and interpersonal challenges at Apple.
• He expressed regret over his relationship with his daughter Lisa and his behavior as a father.
• Jobs' acknowledgment of his shortcomings as a parent highlights the complexity of his character.

"I wish I had handled it differently."

Jobs' reflection on his personal life demonstrates a rare admission of regret and a desire to have been a better father.

• Jobs believed in the importance of adopting and improving upon great ideas.
• The conflict with Bill Gates over the graphical user interface illustrates the competitive nature of the tech industry.
• Jobs' frustration with Microsoft's success despite Apple's innovative edge emphasizes the reality that the best product does not always win.

"Good artists copy, great artists steal."

This quote encapsulates Jobs' philosophy on innovation and the pragmatic use of existing ideas to create superior products.

"We both had this rich neighbor named Xerox, and I broke into his house to steal the tv set and found out that you had already stolen it."

Gates' retort to Jobs highlights the cyclical nature of innovation and competition in the tech industry.

• Jobs reflected on his legacy and the impermanence of life, leading to a sense of urgency in his work.
• He recognized the need to continuously reinvent oneself and one's work to stay creative and relevant.
• Jobs foresaw the possibility of leaving Apple and returning with a new perspective.

"I'll always stay connected with Apple. I hope that throughout my life, I'll sort of have the thread of my life and the thread of Apple weave in and out of each other like a tapestry."

Jobs' deep connection with Apple is evident in his belief that his personal and professional lives are intertwined.

"The more the outside world tries to reinforce an image of you, the harder it is to continue to be an artist."

Jobs' desire for creative freedom and reinvention reflects his resistance to being pigeonholed by external perceptions.

• Jobs experienced disappointment with the Macintosh's performance, leading to tension within Apple.
• His attempts to regain control failed, resulting in his departure from the company.
• Jobs' time away from Apple, including his ventures with NeXT and Pixar, were formative experiences that influenced his later success upon returning to Apple.

"The Macintosh continued to disappoint, sales in March 1985 were only 10% of the budget forecast."

The Macintosh's struggles contributed to Jobs' eventual ousting from Apple, marking a significant turning point in his career.

"I'll always come back."

Jobs' conviction about his enduring connection to Apple foreshadowed his eventual return and revitalization of the company.

• Disney's acquisition of Pixar was a major business deal valued at around $7.4 billion.
• Steve Jobs invested an additional $50 million into Pixar to facilitate its transition from hardware and software to an animation studio.
• The acquisition was a strategic pivot for Pixar, showcasing its evolution and the value seen in its potential by Disney.

"Disney is going to buy that company for 7.4 or $7.6 billion. Not before. Jobs ones are going to put another 50 million in, and they have to pivot from doing hardware and software into actually being an animation studio."

The quote summarizes the financial aspects of the deal between Disney and Pixar, highlighting Jobs' significant personal investment and the company's shift in focus.

• Steve Jobs' approach to leadership and negotiation was characterized by assertiveness and control.
• Jobs' strategy of starting meetings on time and taking charge was evident in negotiations with Lucasfilm's CFO.
• His one-time meeting with George Lucas underscored Pixar's passion for animation over technology.

"The chief financial officer at Lucasfilm found jobs arrogant and prickly. [...] Steve started the meeting on time without the CFO. And by the time the CFO walked in, Steve was already in control of the meeting."

This quote illustrates Jobs' assertive approach to leadership and his tactic of establishing control in business negotiations.

• Steve Jobs was greatly inspired by Walt Disney and Edwin Land, which influenced his decision to buy Pixar.
• Disney's combination of liberal arts with technology and his successful animation studio model were key inspirations for Jobs.
• Edwin Land's influence on Jobs was in the magical synergy of combining liberal arts with technology.

"A way to think about, if it wasn't for Walt Disney and Edwin Land, there'd be no Pixar, because from Edwin Land, Jobs learns the magic that happens when you combine the liberal arts with technology."

The quote highlights the profound impact that Disney and Land had on Jobs' philosophy, merging technology with the liberal arts to create magic, which was a foundational principle for Pixar.

• John Lasseter was the creative force behind Pixar's animation, with a passion for Disney and a perfectionist artistic approach.
• Lasseter's background and education at the California Institute of the Arts, founded by Walt Disney, shaped his career and contributions to Pixar.
• Jobs recognized Lasseter's talent and allowed him to pursue his art, even without a clear commercial rationale.

"It was run by John Lasseter, a man whose childlike face and demeanor masked an artistic perfectionism that rivaled that of jobs."

This quote emphasizes Lasseter's significant role at Pixar and his artistic drive, which paralleled Jobs' own perfectionism.

• Pixar originally used short films to showcase its hardware and software, but these films became the foundation of its animation studio business.
• The success of Pixar's feature-length films, starting with "Toy Story," demonstrated the universal appeal of their stories.
• Steve Jobs' commitment to funding new animated shorts each year was instrumental in Pixar's growth, despite the lack of immediate business rationale.

"Jobs became committed to making new animated shorts each year. Even though there was not a business rationale for doing so."

The quote captures Jobs' foresight and dedication to the art of animation, which was crucial for Pixar's development into a leading animation studio.

• Steve Jobs respected strength in others, as evidenced by his interactions with mentor Andy Grove.
• Jobs' attempt to negotiate a financial arrangement with Intel for Pixar's advice was rebuffed by Grove, who emphasized the value of sharing ideas among friends and friendly companies.
• Jobs' ability to change his position and show gratitude when confronted by Grove's strong stance is indicative of his respect for strength.

"I have many faults, Jobs said, but one of them is not ingratitude. Therefore, I have changed my position 180 degrees. We will freely help. Thank you for the clear perspective."

The quote shows Jobs' capacity to admit fault and change his stance when faced with a strong argument, highlighting his respect for strength and mentorship.

• Steve Jobs' relationship with John Lasseter was built on mutual respect and loyalty.
• Lasseter's loyalty to Jobs and Pixar, despite offers from Disney, was due to Jobs' faith in him.
• The strong relationship between Jobs and Lasseter was a key factor in Pixar's success and its eventual partnership with Disney.

"I believed in what John was doing. He said it was art. He cared, and I cared. I always said yes."

This quote reflects the deep trust and support that Jobs had for Lasseter's vision, which was instrumental in nurturing Pixar's creative endeavors.

• Steve Jobs' personal history, including his adoption and later connection with his biological family, is a complex narrative.
• Jobs' relationship with his sister, Mona Simpson, and his indifference towards his biological father reflects his complicated family dynamics.
• The story of Jobs' biological father unknowingly interacting with Jobs highlights the unpredictable nature of personal histories.

"Jobs had no interest in meeting him. He didn't treat me well. I don't hold anything against him. I'm happy to be alive. But what bothers me most is that he didn't treat Mona well. He abandoned her."

The quote reveals Jobs' feelings towards his biological father and his prioritization of his sister's well-being over his own curiosity.

• Steve Jobs' return to Apple was a calculated and strategic move that capitalized on his unique vision and business acumen.
• Jobs' negotiation with Gil Amelio and his manipulation of the situation demonstrate his strategic thinking and ability to influence outcomes.
• The successful IPO of Pixar and the renegotiation of the deal with Disney were testaments to Jobs' strategic foresight and understanding of leverage in business.

"I was nervous and argued that we should wait until after our second movie, Lester recalled. Steve overruled me and said we needed the cash so we could put up half the money for our films and renegotiate the Disney deal."

This quote exemplifies Jobs' strategic mindset and his willingness to take risks to secure a better position for Pixar and, by extension, his own legacy.

• The friendship between Steve Jobs and Larry Ellison showcased their different motivations and perspectives on business and wealth.
• Jobs' desire to return to Apple without a hostile takeover reflected his personal values and his goal to reclaim his legacy at Apple.
• Ellison's focus on financial gain contrasted with Jobs' pursuit of a moral high ground and a meaningful impact on the world.

"If I went back to Apple and I didn't own any of Apple, and you didn't own any of Apple, I'd have the moral high ground. Jobs replied, steve, that's really expensive real estate, this moral high ground."

The quote captures the philosophical conversation between Jobs and Ellison about the role of money and morality in their professional pursuits.

• Deceitful behavior is a common thread throughout history.
• Will and Ariel Durant, historians, observed dishonesty and corruption in all ages.
• The effectiveness of lying as a tool for manipulation is notable and concerning.

"In every age, men have been dishonest and governments corrupt."

This quote from the Durants highlights the ubiquity of deceit throughout history and its impact on society.

• Jobs was known for his ability to charm and seduce people.
• He used insincere flattery as a tool, even towards those he did not respect.
• Jobs' nature included misleading or being secretive when he felt it was necessary.
• His approach was a mix of brutal honesty and deceit, depending on the situation.

"Jobs could seduce and charm people at will, and he liked to do so."

Jobs' charismatic personality allowed him to influence people effectively, often through deceptive means.

• The Power Broker by Robert Caro is a detailed biography of Robert Moses.
• Caro's multi-volume biography on Lyndon B. Johnson reveals similar deceptive traits in Johnson.
• Johnson, like Jobs and Kissinger, was known for his habitual lying.

"He lies not because it's in his interest, but because it's in his nature."

This statement about Kissinger, paralleled with Jobs and Johnson, emphasizes that for some individuals, deceit is a fundamental aspect of their character.

• Jobs wrestled with the decision to return as Apple's full-time CEO.
• He consulted with respected individuals like Andy Grove to make his decision.
• Jobs realized his deep care for Apple and its significance in the world.
• He developed a framework for decision-making based on personal passion and the goodness of the endeavor.

"I do give a shit about Apple."

Jobs' realization of his emotional investment in Apple was pivotal in his decision to return to the company.

• Jobs disliked having to answer to a board he did not respect.
• He demanded the resignation of the board members or threatened to leave Apple.
• Jobs' leverage came from his importance to Apple during a time of crisis.

"This company's in shambles and I don't have time to wet nurse the board."

Jobs expressed his frustration with the board and his unwillingness to work under their oversight.

• Mike Markula advised Jobs on the importance of reinvention for the longevity of a company.
• Jobs sought to build a company that would endure and had to be willing to change like a metamorphosis.

"You've got to reinvent the company."

Markula's advice to Jobs on the necessity of reinvention for a company's endurance.

• Jobs sought help from Gates during Apple's difficult times.
• He negotiated with Microsoft for continued development on the Mac and an investment in Apple.
• Jobs simplified the negotiation process with Microsoft, leading to a quick resolution.

"I'm going to turn this thing around. I need help."

Jobs reached out to Gates for assistance in saving Apple, highlighting his pragmatic approach to business relationships.

• Jobs recognized the importance of becoming a great marketing company.
• He was actively involved in marketing decisions, approving every new commercial and print ad.
• Jobs' meticulous attention to marketing was part of his strategy for Apple's success.

"I want every person on the planet to have an Apple device."

Jobs' ambition for widespread adoption of Apple products drove his focus on marketing excellence.

• Jobs and Ive had a close partnership based on mutual understanding and respect.
• Ive had significant operational power at Apple and was integral to product design and development.

"If I had a spiritual partner at Apple, it's him."

Jobs' high regard for Ive's contributions to Apple and their shared vision for the company's products.

• Jobs emphasized the importance of focus and having a team of A-players.
• He learned to delegate and trust his lieutenants like Tim Cook and Jonathan Ive.
• Hiring the right people and fostering a collaborative environment was key to Apple's success.

"You need to have a collaborative hiring process."

Jobs' strategy for building a strong team involved a collaborative approach to hiring across different departments.

• Jobs initially resisted conventional medical treatment for his cancer, opting for alternative methods.
• His reluctance to have surgery was a manifestation of his reality distortion field.
• Eventually, Jobs faced reality and underwent surgery when the cancer spread.

"I really didn't want them to open up my body, so I tried to see if a few other things would work."

Jobs' initial resistance to surgery reflects his tendency to challenge conventional thinking, even in matters of health.

• Jobs reflected on death and its clarifying effect on life's priorities.
• He wanted to leave a legacy for his children to understand his life and choices.
• Jobs' final years were marked by an effort to repair relationships and share his knowledge.

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life."

Jobs' poignant reflection on mortality and its influence on his decision-making.

• Jobs offered advice to the next generation on focus and building durable companies.
• He emphasized the importance of a clear vision and avoiding mediocrity.
• Jobs' legacy continues through the teachings and principles he left behind.

"I can help the next generation remember the lineage of great companies here and how to continue the tradition."

Jobs' commitment to mentoring future leaders and contributing to the Silicon Valley legacy.