New Delhi: In the wake of Apple’s turbulent times during the early ’90s, John Sculley’s departure in October 1993 marked a significant turning point for the tech giant. Sculley, who had been at the helm as the third president and CEO since May 1983, left the company amidst growing concerns of decline, passing the torch to Michael Spindler.
Recently, a video from 1995 resurfaced, featuring Steve Jobs candidly discussing the pitfalls of underestimating the effort required to bring great ideas to fruition. In the clip, Jobs reflects on his time working with Sculley and emphasizes the critical nature of execution in transforming a concept into a successful product. This sentiment resonated with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who shared the video on social media with a single word, “Precisely,” signaling his alignment with Jobs’ philosophy.
Musk, a known admirer of the late Apple co-founder, has publicly expressed his respect for Jobs on multiple occasions, including a 2021 statement where he lamented never having the chance to converse with the visionary.
In the interview, Jobs delves into the “disease” he believes plagued Sculley after he departs from Apple—a misconception that the idea itself constitutes the majority of the work. Jobs counters this notion, stating, “There is just a tremendous amount of craftsmanship in between a great idea and a great product.” He stresses that as an idea develops, it inevitably evolves, revealing complexities and necessitating compromises.
Jobs also underscores the significance of assembling the right team, sharing an anecdote about an old man he met in his youth, illustrating the value of collaboration and shared vision.
The video has sparked discussions on social media, with many users echoing Jobs’ insights. Comments range from recognizing the substance that execution brings to ideas, to lamenting the perceived shift in Apple’s direction post-Jobs, with some suggesting the company now prioritizes incremental improvements over groundbreaking innovation. The discourse highlights a universal truth recognized by both industry leaders and the public: while great ideas are plentiful, their successful execution is what truly defines success and failure.
