Apple CEO Tim Cook on Career Planning

Summary

In this reflection on his MBA journey, the speaker recounts being asked to write a 25-year plan during his studies. While he found the plan to be mostly accurate for the first 18-24 months, nothing on it proved true beyond that timeframe. The speaker highlights the unpredictability of life, emphasizing that while preparing is important, the journey itself is full of unexpected changes. He stresses the importance of having a 'north star' to guide you through life’s evolving circumstances, as various aspects of life—career, relationships, and even companies—can shift over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on the 25-year MBA plan they were asked to write during their MBA program.
• 😀 The 25-year plan was a personal exercise guided by Professor Tom Nailor.
• 😀 While the speaker’s plan was reasonably accurate for the first 18-24 months, nothing on the plan turned out to be true beyond that period.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the unpredictability of life and career paths, illustrating how plans can change drastically.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparation, referencing Abraham Lincoln's quote about preparing for change.
• 😀 The world, environment, and the companies one works for are constantly changing, and career paths may shift.
• 😀 Life decisions, like career and relationships, are uncertain, and the future is always in flux.
• 😀 The speaker advises maintaining a 'north star'—a guiding purpose or value—throughout life's unpredictable journey.
• 😀 The speaker humorously mentions the possibility of not staying with the spouse one is currently married to, but hopes that doesn’t change.
• 😀 The overall message is that while life is unpredictable, staying focused on a core mission or goal is crucial to navigating change.
• 😀 The speaker concludes that the journey of life cannot be fully predicted, but staying true to one's values can help guide the way.

Q & A

What was the main assignment given by the professor in the MBA program?

The professor, Dr. Tom Nailor, asked students to write a 25-year plan as part of their MBA experience.

How accurate was the speaker's 25-year plan?

The speaker's 25-year plan was reasonably accurate for the first 18 to 24 months, but after that, not a single thing on it was accurate.

What was the lesson the speaker learned from their 25-year plan?

The lesson was that life is unpredictable, and no plan can fully account for the changes that occur. Preparation is key, but flexibility is important.

How did the speaker describe their 25-year plan after finding it years later?

The speaker found the plan in a box, and it had turned yellow with age. Upon reviewing it, they noted that it was only accurate for the first 18 to 24 months.

What quote did the speaker refer to when discussing life’s unpredictability?

The speaker referenced a quote by Abraham Lincoln, which emphasizes that preparation is the key to dealing with the uncertainty and changes in life.

What did the speaker suggest is necessary for navigating life's changes?

The speaker suggested that having a 'north star'—a guiding principle or purpose—is essential for navigating life's uncertainties and changes.

What does the speaker imply about long-term career plans?

The speaker implies that long-term career plans may not always work out as expected, as careers, companies, and environments can change unexpectedly.

What advice does the speaker give about personal life and relationships?

The speaker humorously suggests that, while many aspects of life may change, they hope that one’s spouse remains constant, though it is not guaranteed.

How does the speaker view the concept of 'preparedness' in the context of life’s journey?

The speaker views preparedness as an essential element in dealing with life’s changes, though one must also be adaptable to the unpredictable nature of life’s journey.

What does the speaker mean by 'north star'?

The 'north star' refers to a guiding principle or core belief that helps one stay focused and navigate through life's changes and uncertainties.