Steve Jobs

Admittedly, I am a big Apple fan and follower.  The ability of Apple to conceive, design, execute, and commercialize spectacular consumer products that do not simply work, but excel, has awed me and has captivated the world.  There are likely many reasons for Apple's success, not the least of which, and perhaps the greatest of which, is Steve Jobs.  Yesterday, Steve Jobs stepped down as CEO of Apple, stating "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."

 Below is a story which I have copied from a Google+ entry by Vic Gundotra, Senior Vice-President of Social Business for Google.  I think it exemplifies why Steve has been so influential and why Apple has been so successful.  Vic, if you are reading this, I am awed by this story, but will gladly delete this post if you prefer that I do so.


"Icon Ambulance

One Sunday morning, January 6th, 2008 I was attending religious services when my cell phone vibrated. As discreetly as possible, I checked the phone and noticed that my phone said 'Caller ID unknown'.  I choose to ignore.

After services, as I was walking to my car with my family, I checked my cell phone messages. The message left was from Steve Jobs. 'Vic, can you call me at home? I have something urgent to discuss' it said.

Before I even reached my car, I called Steve Jobs back. I was responsible for all mobile applications at Google, and in that role, had regular dealings with Steve. It was one of the perks of the job.

'Hey Steve - this is Vic', I said. 'I'm sorry I didn't answer your call earlier. I was in religious services, and the caller ID said unknown, so I didn't pick up'.

Steve laughed. He said, 'Vic, unless the Caller ID said 'GOD', you should never pick up during services'.

I laughed nervously. After all, while it was customary for Steve to call during the week upset about something, it was unusual for him to call me on Sunday and ask me to call his home. I wondered what was so important?

'So Vic, we have an urgent issue, one that I need addressed right away. I've already assigned someone from my team to help you, and I hope you can fix this tomorrow' said Steve.

'I've been looking at the Google logo on the iPhone and I'm not happy with the icon. The second O in Google doesn't have the right yellow gradient. It's just wrong and I'm going to have Greg fix it tomorrow. Is that okay with you?'

Of course this was okay with me. A few minutes later on that Sunday I received an email from Steve with the subject 'Icon Ambulance'. The email directed me to work with Greg Christie to fix the icon.

Since I was 11 years old and fell in love with an Apple II, I have dozens of stories to tell about Apple products. They have been a part of my life for decades. Even when I worked for 15 years for Bill Gates at Microsoft, I had a huge admiration for Steve and what Apple had produced.

But in the end, when I think about leadership, passion and attention to detail, I think back to the call I received from Steve Jobs on a Sunday morning in January. It was a lesson I'll never forget. CEOs should care about details. Even shades of yellow. On a Sunday.

To one of the greatest leaders I've ever met, my prayers and hopes are with you Steve.

-Vic"


Steve, we wish you the best.  Indeed our prayers and hopes are with you.  You continue to inspire us all.