The North Star has always been the same, which for us, is about making insanely great products that really change the world in some way - enrich people's lives.
Tim CookRead
I am who I am, and I'm focused on that, and being a great CEO of Apple.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and commitment to one's role.
Tim Cook speaks to the value of embracing one's identity while dedicating oneself to a significant responsibility, in this case, leading a major corporation like Apple. This quote underscores the idea that effective leadership comes from authenticity and a clear focus on one's goals and duties.
In practice
In a motivational speech to young entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself.
The North Star has always been the same, which for us, is about making insanely great products that really change the world in some way - enrich people's lives.
There have been people that suggest that we should have a back door. But the reality is if you put a back door in, that back door's for everybody - for good guys and bad guys.
I don't subscribe to the view some people have in the industry that you should purposefully design products that do not last that long. I don't think it is good for anyone.
When technological advancement can go up so exponentially, I do think there's a risk of losing sight of the fact that tech should serve humanity, not the other way around.
Work takes on new meaning when you feel you are pointed in the right direction. Otherwise, it's just a job, and life is too short for that.
That has always been the objective of Apple: to do things that really enrich people's lives. That you look back on and you wonder, 'How did I live without this?'
Good leaders reach solutions, and then stop. They do not dare to rely on force.
Where are they now that we, the men whom they sent off to war, have returned? These are commanders who have deserted their troops, and there is no more serious crime in the law of war. The Army says they never leave their wounded. The Marines say they never leave even their dead. These men have left all the casualties and retreated behind a pious shield of public rectitude. They have left the real stuff of their reputation bleaching behind them in the sun in this country.
Leadership flows from inner character and integrity of ambition, which inspires others to lend themselves to your organization's mission.
You'll never see the president carry his own luggage, and why? Because even though we know he has luggage, it would reduce his stature if he was too much like us. We need to think of our leaders as being above us, even though they must still relate to us.
I want to be the bridge to the next generation.
President Obama has made it his mission that we welcome our troops home with care, and concern, and the respect they deserve. That is how an exceptional nation says "thank you" to its most exceptional men and women.
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