Steve Jobs: 1955 - 2011

This morning on my way to work I, like many others would have, learned about the death of Steve Jobs. The initial shock stayed with me throughout the entire journey into work and was made even more direct when starting up my iMac and opening up the Safari web browser with the homepage landing on the Apple website.

Steve Jobs’ resignation earlier this year confirmed to us that all was not well following his battle with pancreatic cancer. He said in his letter of resignation: “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come."

The passing of Apple’s co-founder has provoked heartfelt tributes from around the world with several public figures from the world of politics and business commenting on the profound difference Jobs made.

President Barack Obama issued a statement saying: “Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world. The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him."

Jobs himself reflectively said in his 2005 Stanford commencement speech that “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. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

His words essentially casts a light on the kind of person he was; humble, hardworking and determined. An inspiration to many, it’s hard to think about what Apple would be today without the driving force being Jobs’ passion and influence.

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple touched on this: “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”

People will have many figures they look up to. Some will cite sports figures and television personalities because of the sheer volume of exposure they get, but I think a growing number of people want to look up to someone with substance. As an avid user of Apple products, Steve Jobs has essentially been an integral part of my life thro
ughout my school years and into my professional life. His work ethic and drive is something that is highly admirable and his determination is something that I’m confident will not be forgotten with haste.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle." (Steve Jobs, 2005)

That’s exactly what he did. His advice is something we can all learn from.

Going back to 1976, Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne co-founded Apple Computer to sell the very first Apple I. Though suffering setbacks throughout the 80s and even forced out of the company in 1985, Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 as the interim chief executive and worked tirelessly to ensure the success and growth of the company.

As it stands, Apple is undoubtedly one of the most recognized and celebrated brands in the technological sphere. A strong competitor to Microsoft, that didn’t stop Bill Gates from paying tribute to Jobs whom he called a friend.

“I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely,” he said.

Trending on Twitter, the visionary behind Apple has prompted an outpour of messages.
Darren Rovell, the Emmy Award winning sports business reporter for CNBC tweeted: “You left your mark on our desks, on our ears & in our hands.” This like many other tweets of condolences, managed to capture him well.

Acting as a chairman of the company, there was some comfort in knowing that Steve Jobs was still linked to the way Apple operated. Now it’s down to Tim Cook, the new CEO, and the other senior figures in the company to continue building the brand from strength to strength.

His passing doesn’t mean the end of Apple. If anything, it serves as inspiration to push forward. Everyone will
remember the visionary behind the iPhone, Macbook and iPad. They will also look back in years to come and remember the three apples that changed the world; Eve’s, Newton’s and Jobs’.

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This release was published on openPR.