Last week, the world mourned the death of Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs. But the spirit of Steve Jobs may actually live on for many years to come.
Over the weekend, his family confirmed that Jobs knew as early as February of 2011 that his time was coming to an end. So in preparation for his impending death, Jobs appears to have left behind as much as 4 years worth of product plans for Apple to progress with in his absence. WOW!
One of Jobs’ greatest gifts was his unique ability to predict the direction technology was headed in, then beat everyone else to it before they could see it coming. So it comes as no surprise that Jobs spent much of his last days planning for the future of Apple, Inc. He long ago concocted a succession plan when he could no longer serve as CEO, and he spent years assembling a team of executives who have proven more than capable of running the company without interruption during his multiple medical leaves and eventual resignation. Jobs even developed Apple University, a virtual “training ground” meant to imprint his legacy and vision on future executives.
So it appears that even in death, Steve Jobs will still have a hand in Apple’s future. This means any new iPhones, Apple TV’s or other devices within the near future, may all be the brainchild of Steve Jobs. It is likely that Jobs left behind intricate details for Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook and his colleagues, including estimates on what consumers may want or need in the future, and goals the company may want to achieve as it moves forward.
Thank you, Steve Jobs for your incredible vision. And as you left us far too soon, thank you for leaving behind a blueprint on how to proceed.
