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Apple CEO Tim Cook shared his humble beginnings, starting with his first job as a 12-year-old newspaper delivery boy.
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Cook credited Steve Jobs for teaching him valuable lessons, including innovation, simplicity, and embracing change.
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Cook advised recognizing opportunities and being ready to take them, citing his own unexpected journey to becoming Apple’s CEO.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recently shared inspiring stories from his early life and career. Growing up, Cook delivered newspapers at age 12 to help finance his education. He was the first in his family to attend college, which he considered a privilege. After graduating from Auburn University, Cook joined IBM in 1983, where he met talented people from around the world.
In 1998, Steve Jobs recruited Cook to join Apple, which was on the verge of collapse. Despite warnings about the company’s financial state, Cook trusted his instincts and saw an opportunity for a turnaround. Jobs’ focus on products and consumers resonated with Cook, who admired his visionary approach.
Working closely with Jobs had a profound impact on Cook’s leadership style. He learned valuable lessons, including the power of innovation, simplicity, and embracing change. Cook also developed a passion for logistics and manufacturing, stemming from his industrial engineering background. He described supply chain management as a “piece of art” that requires thousands of components coming together.
Cook reflected on his remarkable journey, saying he never imagined becoming Apple’s CEO. His advice? Recognize when doors open and be ready to walk through them. Cook’s story serves as an inspiration to those seeking success, reminding us that life’s unexpected twists can lead to incredible opportunities.
