In an exclusive interview with WSJ Magazine, Apple CEO Tim Cook reflected on a pivotal moment in his career: the day Steve Jobs personally recruited him to join Apple. It’s a story that not only shaped Cook’s path but also played a major role in defining the future of one of the most influential companies in the world.
The year was 1998, and Apple was far from the tech giant it is today. The company had just returned Jobs to the helm, and it was on shaky ground, struggling to find its place in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Cook, at the time, was working at Compaq, a leader in the computer hardware industry, and Apple was still an underdog.
“I wasn’t looking for a job at the time,” Cook told WSJ Magazine. “I was happy at Compaq, and Apple wasn’t exactly a sure thing.”
But when Jobs called, everything changed. Known for his charisma and vision, Jobs had a way of drawing people in, and Cook was no exception.
The Unlikely Decision
The meeting between Jobs and Cook took place in an era when Apple was not the powerhouse it is today. The company had innovative ideas, but it was facing financial uncertainty. Cook recalled how, despite the risks, he was deeply inspired by Jobs’ passion and his determination to make Apple great again.
“Within five minutes of talking to him, I knew I wanted to throw in my lot with Apple,” Cook explained. “It wasn’t about what Apple was at that moment, but what it could be.”
Jobs had painted a vision of the future that Cook couldn’t ignore. At the time, Apple was about to launch the iMac, a bold move that signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the company. Jobs made it clear that Apple wasn’t just another tech company—it was a place where innovation and creativity could change the world.
Despite the risks, Cook made the decision to leave his stable, lucrative position at Compaq and join Apple, a company that had just posted its first profitable quarter in years. The decision was unconventional, to say the least, but for Cook, it was a leap of faith he’d never regret.
A Partnership That Changed the World
Over the next several years, Cook worked closely with Jobs as Apple began to redefine the technology industry. The launch of revolutionary products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad would turn Apple into a global leader. Cook, with his sharp operational expertise, helped scale the company into a well-oiled machine, driving profitability and global expansion.
But it wasn’t just Cook’s technical skills that made him the right fit. Jobs saw in Cook a leadership style that complemented his own. While Jobs was known for his relentless pursuit of perfection and sometimes abrasive style, Cook’s calm demeanor and focus on collaboration helped build a strong, balanced team.
When Jobs passed away in 2011, it was clear that his choice of successor had been carefully considered. Tim Cook was named CEO, and though many wondered whether anyone could fill the shoes of Apple’s iconic founder, Cook has proven time and again that his own leadership style is exactly what the company needed to continue thriving.
Tim Cook’s Legacy: Innovation Through Values
Since taking over as CEO, Cook has led Apple through a new era of innovation, introducing products like the Apple Watch and expanding services like Apple Music, Apple Pay, and Apple TV+. Under his leadership, Apple became the first U.S. company to reach a $2 trillion market cap. But Cook has also made it clear that Apple’s future isn’t just about profits—it’s about values.
From prioritizing sustainability and privacy to championing human rights and equality, Cook has imprinted his own vision on the company, shaping Apple into not just a tech leader, but a force for positive global change. His leadership has redefined Apple’s role in the world, ensuring that the company remains not just innovative, but ethical and forward-thinking.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Looking back, Cook’s decision to join Apple was a turning point—not just for him, but for the entire company. What began as a conversation between two visionary leaders has led to a legacy of world-changing innovation. As Cook recalled in his WSJ Magazine interview, that conversation with Jobs didn’t just change his career—it changed the world.
“I trusted Steve,” Cook said. “And that trust has been the foundation of everything we’ve built since then.”
Today, Apple’s success is a testament to that trust, and to the bold decision Cook made all those years ago to take a leap into the unknown, guided by a vision that still drives the company forward.
