Thank You Steve...
Although we are thousands of miles away, Steve Jobs always inspired me a lot, and I'm deeply sorry to hear he passed away and I lost one of my great sources of inspiration and guidance.To be honest, I was not a big fan of his computers prior to his come back to Apple. But years ago when I read an interview with him (in a book called "in the company of giants"), I realized a truly remarkable and special man. His views, attitudes, and vision are extraordinarily unique even among the 15+ extraordinary leaders of our Industry covered in the book. We were grown up in an era when Microsoft (and Bill Gates) and Apple (and ofcourse Steve Jobs) were continuously in a battle, while Microsoft was always a winner in terms of market dominance. And as a consequence Bill Gates was the hero of most of us. However, when I started to read and know Steve Jobs's unique talent of effecting people, and creating extraordinarily innovative products (this was some years later after the University and while working as an engineer), I started to realize that one man can touch and change lives of many people. I realized the first time in my profession that, as an engineer we can build truly beautiful and successfull products and we can change whole industries, or even the world.
After reading his life and interviews he inspired me so much that rest of my career was changed. He gave me the courage and inspiration to strongly believe in that, one day I will also pursue my own way to create great products that will reach many people and help them. I do not think he is the sole reason I quit my job and start my own software company some more years later, but definetely he is the most inspiring reason for I now work on "what I truly love".
When I have read about him at those years he was out of Apple and a bit out of the industry, but still innovating in some other industry (Pixar). Years later his come back was marvellous. He not only redefined mobile industry but also started the post-PC era. This is in fact one of the great lessons you can learn in your life that patience with a true confidence in your vision will one day pay off. Some 20 years later Apple started the post-PC era that Microsoft dominated for years and have always beaten Apple (and Steve), and Steve today created a company that beat Microsoft both in consumers mind share and market value. What an adventure! I'm still in the early stages of my startup adventure and I and my friends still need a long time to truly achieve our vision and goals. However, I clearly see that we will achieve what we want to do, and it is more important to do what you love and take the risks, instead of taking the easy way out.
When I talk about these, some friends think that I compare myself with Steve Jobs, and misleading myself that since he could do amazing things I would do similarly. I tell them; those people like Steve Jobs are like the stars in the sky. When we look at them and follow them we know that we will not reach out the stars but we will find our way in our lives. Stars shine upon us to shed some light on the road ahead of us. So Steve will keep inspire me and shed light in my own start up journey. Thank you Steve!
And oh yes, I use a lot of Apple products now. I bought an iPhone to my boy first and everybody loved it so much in the house so I also have one. And an iPad is the new darling of my little daughter. These products are accepted so easily by the childeren and I see them inspired by these products and see what is possible. I hope that iPhone 5 will be out prior to our anniversary for a small surprise to my love for her support, understanding and courage while I try to pursue my dreams.
Thank you Steve, for inspiring me...
posted by Kaan Bingol @ 6:47 PM
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