Some of what Steve Jobs achieved in his last year on Earth:
- Got the Beatles on iTunes. The end to a ten-year battle for his favorite band.
- Extended his leave of absence, presumably to spend it with family and friends.
- Launched iPad 2, the most successful tablet computer in the world.
- Set Apple and the world squarely on course for the post-PC era by cutting the cord to iOS devices using over-the-air updates and iCloud storage. A new paradigm in computing after thirty-years of pioneering his previous idea: the PC era.
- Announced Apple’s new home, the so-called ‘Spaceship Campus’ designed by Norman Foster, that will house some 13,000 employees.
- Established Apple University with the help of Joel Podolny, an executive program that codifies Apple’s management strategy.
- Helped craft a new biography written by Walter Isaacson through dozens of unprecedented interviews. To be released next month.
- Turned Apple into the world’s most valuable company.
- Created a foundation for the iPhone’s next evolution as personal assistant by integrating Siri and establishing artificial intelligence as a new track for Apple.
- Handed over the reins of Apple to Tim Cook and saw him deliver his first keynote as new CEO. He died the next day.
I can’t help but feel that Steve knew the end was near. As determined as ever, he tied all the loose ends. He prepared for this day by spending every last ounce of his life making sure his friends, family, employees and customers would continue to enjoy his creative energy for many years to come.
What are you doing today?