An American businessman, Tim Cook carries the legacy of Apple after Steve Jobs. One of the richest men in the world, Tim Cook is the seventh CEO of Apple. Tim’s hard work and commitment make him a visionary leader, who is recognized all over the world for his remarkable contribution to making Apple a successful brand. His management skills and strategical approach inspire many young and budding entrepreneurs. His skills place him on the list of highest-paid CEO in the world. So, let’s take a look at the success story of Tim Cook
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Tim Cook was born in a middle-class family in Alabama, on November 1, 1960. His mother works as a Pharmacist and his father, Donald Cook was a shipyard worker. Tim completed his graduation degree in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University in Alabama and did his MBA from Duke University.
During Tim Cook’s early life at Fuqua School of Business, he was granted the title of Fuqua Scholar. This title was given uniquely to the students at the business colleges who graduate in the top 10%.
Tim was also associated with IBM and worked there for 12 years and gained industry experience. Cook’s idea of success is simple, he believes, “I hope people remember me as a good and decent man. And if they do, then that’s a success.” His philosophies are simple and yet so effective that it inspires the young generation.
TIM COOK’S CAREER AT APPLE
Apple was going through a rough phase when Steve Jobs approached Tim Cook to join the company. In 1998, Cook’s decision to join the company was purely based on his instincts. He said in one of his interviews that “My intuition already knew that joining Apple was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for the creative genius”. And his intuition was right, he took that opportunity and now he is among the most successful and inspirational leaders in the entire globe.
Tim Cook, before becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Apple in 2011, used to work as Chief Operating Officer where his responsibilities included enterprise-wide management. He was also the head of Apple’s Macintosh department. The various key roles that he played as COO, helped Apple to shape itself into a prestigious brand worldwide.
As CEO of the company, his hard work, technological ideas and innovative brilliance are taking Apple to infinite heights.
Also Read: All you need to know about Apple
REVOLUTIONARY DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY
Under the leadership of Tim Cook, Apple has launched many products that have revolutionized the tech world. Apart from the phones, tablets and laptops, here is a list of some other products launched by Apple that has today become widely popular among the customers:
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Wearable Devices
Tim Cook unveiled the Apple watch in the year 2015, and since then this product gained a lot of popularity. The device that monitors fitness and health became an instant hit among the users. Apple is now the brand that sells the most smartwatches.
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Facial Recognition
Apple introduced the facial recognition ID in 2017 with the launch of the iPhone X. Facial recognition uses facial features to unlock the phone or any device that is protected by Face ID. The company brought the revolution to the technological world and after that many mobile companies have introduced the Face ID system in their products.
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Apple AirTag
In 2021, another revolutionary product of Apple was launched by Tim, namely AirTag. This product is used to track your valuable things like keys, luggage, bicycle or any other precious item that you need.
HIS THOUGHTS ON TECHNOLOGY AND METAVERSE
The billionaire sees technology as an opportunity to bring changes in the business world. According to Cook, the use of technology should be in such a way that it impacts society in a positive manner. With the Apple News, Tim contributes to providing news that is based on facts and unbiased. He says, “All of us technology companies need to create some tools that help diminish the volume of fake news. We must try to squeeze this without stepping on freedom of speech and of the press, but we must also help the reader.”
He also expresses his thoughts on the ongoing debate about the Metaverse. He hinted that Metaverse is a platform that has a lot of potential and can do wonders in the future. His interest in the Metaverse also suggests that Apple may invest in it.
Tim Cook said that Apple is a company of innovation and currently has 14,000 ARKit apps and planning to expand it through further investments. Reportedly Apple can launch VR headsets soon, but there is no official announcement from Apple or Tim Cook for the same.
MANAGEMENT STYLE OF TIM COOK
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Transformational Leadership
Tim Cook’s leadership style depends significantly on collaboration and transparency. With this approach to transparency, he believes that it is not just a buzzword but a manner that all the companies should support. Tim Cook’s revelation of Apple’s global operations after the company received lots of criticism for having an unhealthy work environment shows the strong side of his personality and his leadership skills.
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Tim Cook Keeps Everyone Together
Cook is said to be an active listener. He always listens to the ideas, suggestions and any other’s perceptions patiently and then takes action on them. He trusts his employees and respects their opinions even if they are different. Tim Cook says “We collectively, to get things done, work together as a team. Because the work really happens horizontally in our company, not vertically.”
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Take Risks
It is said that risks come along with the success. One has to take risks in order to get successful. Tim Cook would not have been able to get success if he had not taken risks in his life. With the calculated risks and bold decisions, a person may get the desired results.
NET WORTH & LIFESTYLE
The total net worth of Tim Cook is estimated at $1.5 billion. He is the second-highest-paid CEO in the world with total compensation of $963.5 million. Reportedly, the increase of 500% in his income after 2020, has made a billionaire. Even though Tim Cook is among the richest people in the world, the life he lives is quite simple.
Tim Cook is a philanthropist and believes in making society a better place. He donates a big share of his salary to donations. In one of his interviews Cook said that by keeping aside money for his nephew’s college education, he will donate the rest of his wealth to a good cause. Inspired by Cook, Apple also donates to humanitarian causes.
FINAL WORDS
He is doing his every bit to make society more just and humane. In 2014, Tim Cook is the first person on the Forbes list who openly accepted that he is gay. He constantly raises his voice to support the LGBTQ community. In one of his tweets, Tim wrote, “Discrimination against anyone holds everyone back.”
Tim Cook is a man whom many did not believe can handle a big company like Apple, but with his dedication, leadership style and visionary approach, he is carving a new path of success for Apple. It was not easy to carry a legacy of the company after a great leader like Steve Jobs but Cook is handling it very well. Apple is growing multifariously under Tim Cook’s leadership. The success story of Tim Cook is an inspiration for millions of people around the globe.
