Steve Jobs gets emotional with Bill Gates about their friendship

Summary

In this conversation, two industry veterans reflect on their long careers, discussing the changing landscape of their field and the importance of taking risks. They share their experiences of working together in their younger years and now, being among the oldest in the room. The conversation highlights the value of enduring relationships and lessons learned over time, as well as the importance of memory and nostalgia. Their bond is evident as they acknowledge the passage of time with a touch of humor and sincerity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on the transient nature of the industry, noting how people come and go, and the value of those who stay and bring context to the ups and downs.
• 😀 The importance of taking risks when needed to bring in something new is highlighted, especially amidst industry trends and shifts.
• 😀 The speaker recalls working with someone early on in their career when both were among the youngest in the room.
• 😀 There’s a sense of nostalgia, as the speaker and their colleague are now the oldest in the room at their respective companies.
• 😀 The speaker expresses appreciation for being in the current moment, referring to the sentiment as one of 'happy obligation.'
• 😀 The speaker uses music references to illustrate their life view, specifically a Bob Dylan or Beatles song.
• 😀 A Beatles song lyric is quoted: 'You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead,' suggesting the enduring nature of their shared experiences.
• 😀 The conversation touches on the evolution of the industry, with mention of how the industry often reacts dramatically to new changes or disruptions.
• 😀 The speaker shows a deep connection to the past, appreciating the history and context built through long-standing relationships and experiences.
• 😀 The conversation ends with gratitude and emotion, as the speaker becomes moved, expressing a moment of reflection before concluding.

Q & A

What is the speaker's perspective on the changes within the industry?

The speaker reflects on the transient nature of the industry, where people come and go. They value the experience of those who have stuck around long enough to see both successes and failures, offering perspective on industry trends.

How does the speaker feel about the constant cycles of success and failure in the industry?

The speaker acknowledges the cycles in the industry, particularly the tendency to declare that successful companies are on the verge of disappearing. They appreciate having witnessed these changes and have remained willing to take risks to introduce new ideas when necessary.

What role does experience play in the speaker's view of the industry?

Experience is highly valued by the speaker, who believes that having been through the various 'waves' of the industry allows one to navigate the chaos with context and wisdom. They see experience as crucial to making informed decisions during volatile times.

How does the speaker feel about their relationship with Bill?

The speaker reflects positively on their early days working with Bill, noting that they were both the youngest people in the room at the time. Despite the passage of time, their bond remains strong, and they seem to appreciate the growth they’ve shared professionally.

What is the significance of the Beatles lyric the speaker references?

The speaker quotes a line from a Beatles song, 'You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead,' to express the depth of their shared experiences with others in the industry, suggesting that their history together is rich and lasting.

How does the speaker view their current role in the industry compared to the past?

The speaker humorously observes that they are now often the oldest person in the room, a stark contrast to when they and Bill were the youngest. This shift reflects the changes in their roles and the passing of time in their careers.

What does the speaker mean by 'I think of most things in life as either a Bob Dylan or a Beatles song'?

The speaker uses this statement to convey their perspective on life and work, suggesting that they see situations through the lens of music—either capturing the poetic and reflective nature of Bob Dylan or the iconic, timeless essence of the Beatles.

Why does the speaker express a fondness for being where they are now?

The speaker expresses happiness in their current position, appreciating the opportunity to contribute and remain involved despite the changes and challenges over time. They seem content with their role in the industry at present.

What emotional response does the speaker have toward the conversation?

At the end of the conversation, the speaker gets emotional, hinting at the deep sentiment they feel toward their shared history with the people involved. The speaker even mentions having a tear, showing how much the journey and memories mean to them.

What kind of tone does the speaker maintain throughout the conversation?

The speaker maintains a warm, reflective, and somewhat nostalgic tone. They express gratitude and affection for the people they’ve worked with and convey a deep appreciation for the experiences they’ve had in the industry.