On , a letter from Apple CEO Tim Cook, originally penned in August 2024, was published by The Steve Jobs Archive, offering a personal reflection on his decision to join Apple and the profound impact of his mentorship under Steve Jobs. The release coincided with what would have been Jobs’ 71st birthday and included letters from other influential figures like Jony Ive and Bob Iger, previously shared only with fellows of the Archive.
Cook’s letter details the circumstances surrounding his initial conversation with Jobs in 1998, a period when Apple was facing significant challenges. “At the time, Apple had been struggling and Steve was working to right a ship that had drifted in his absence,” Cook wrote. He acknowledged the risks associated with joining a company many doubted could survive, having been warned by others about the potential pitfalls. However, he described how Jobs’ vision and passion immediately dispelled any reservations he held.
I’ll never forget that first conversation with Steve. … He spoke with charisma and clarity—about a future where technology could unlock a wellspring of human creativity and potential, connecting us and uplifting us in ways even he had yet to imagine.
The letter underscores the transformative effect Jobs had on Cook’s career trajectory. Cook explicitly stated that joining Apple was “the greatest decision I’ve ever made,” and that he “traded a job for a purpose.” He credited Jobs with being an “incredible mentor” who inspired him to grow and challenge himself. This sentiment highlights a key aspect of Jobs’ leadership style – his ability to identify and nurture talent, even within a struggling organization.
The Steve Jobs Archive, launched in 2022 by Jobs’ friends and family, aims to preserve and share his legacy. The Archive’s website provides access to a wealth of materials, including quotes, photos, videos, and emails from Jobs, as well as offering fellowships to support young creators. The release of these letters, now freely available on the web and within the Apple Books app, provides a rare glimpse into the perspectives of those who worked closely with Jobs and were influenced by his leadership.
Cook’s tenure as Apple CEO, beginning in 2011 after Jobs’ resignation, has been marked by significant financial growth. According to data from , Apple was the second-largest technology company by revenue, generating $416 billion. Between and , Cook doubled the company’s revenue and profit, while its market capitalization soared from $348 billion to $1.9 trillion. This success builds upon the foundation laid by Jobs, but also reflects Cook’s own distinct leadership style, which has been described as more collaborative than Jobs’ famously direct approach.
While the letter focuses primarily on Cook’s personal experience, it also implicitly speaks to the enduring power of Jobs’ vision. The idea of technology as a tool for unlocking human creativity and potential remains central to Apple’s identity and product development. The company continues to emphasize user experience and design, principles that were hallmarks of Jobs’ leadership.
The timing of the letter’s publication, on Jobs’ birthday, serves as a poignant reminder of his lasting influence on the technology industry and the individuals who continue to shape it. The inclusion of letters from other leaders, such as Jony Ive and Bob Iger, further underscores the breadth of Jobs’ impact, extending beyond Apple to influence design, entertainment, and other fields. The Steve Jobs Archive’s efforts to make these personal reflections publicly available offer valuable insights into the mind of a visionary leader and the qualities that enabled him to build one of the world’s most iconic companies.
Cook’s current role extends beyond Apple, as he also serves on the board of directors of Nike since , and is a trustee of Duke University, his alma mater. He is also involved in philanthropic endeavors, having expressed intentions to donate his fortune to charity in .
