Apple is one of the leading players in Global "Electronics Industry" with the brand value of $21,413 million and ranking 17th among top 100 global brands. Sometimes it makes me wonder whether it’s really Apple brand or someone else represents this brand value. Without an iota of doubt, Apple has always been personified with Apple Inc.’s CEO "Steve Jobs". Let’s ask ourselves a simple question: If we eliminate Steve from Apple, what would Apple worth today? Well "Peanuts" I guess
One can never forget what happened to Apple when Steve was thrown out during 90's, the company had a miserable time and it posted lackluster performance. The company couldn't produce any champ for the revival of Apple and therefore he had to comeback for that very reason. Now, again another question that comes to mind is "Would Apple be at the same position today without Steve Jobs? I guess "No" as there is simply no one who shares the same technological and business acumen as he does.
Recently, there has been a lot of hue of cry over Steve Jobs’ medical leave for 6 month. Apple shareholders wanted to know about the successor of Steve Jobs, if God forbid he never comes back. Every new rumor kept their emotions boiling on the subject. The important thing is whether the new successor would be like "iJobs" or not. Would the company go through same situation as it went through during 90's without Jobs? Hmm.. Need to give a second thought to this.. as Jobs was better prepared this time for his 6-months medical leave, he put products in the pipeline so that the company continues to introduce new products (like iPad2) during his absence. His appearance at iPad2 launch also helped Apple stock price to improve. But Steve, is this gonna make you and your baby (Apple) larger than life? I guess "No"
In my opinion; Steve has to become a "Master Strategist" to become larger than life. The first job he needs to do as soon as he comes back to Apple is to find his "Idealogical Successor", be it "Tim Cook" or someone else, that doesn't matter. By this I mean that person has to be the one who is like "Steve Jobs" and has the same values, commitment, connection with customers, leadership quality and craze to change the world. In other words he/she should be the one who can "Stay HUNGRY" "Stay FOOLISH". If Steve is successful in translating himself into someone more effective and influential, he will surely be with Apple even if he is not Alive!!!
And this is coming from the dearest fan of Apple Inc...
