Apple CEO Tim Cook on The David Rubenstein Show

Summary

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, is interviewed about his life and career. He discusses growing up in Alabama, working at IBM and Compaq, and joining Apple in 1998 at Steve Jobs' request. He talks about succeeding Jobs as CEO in 2011, continuing Apple's focus on innovation and the user experience. Cook addresses topics like privacy, equality, immigration, and trade policy in a meeting with President Trump. Despite leading Apple, Cook maintains a modest, self-effacing demeanor.

Takeaways

• 👨‍💼 Tim Cook was inspired to join Apple by Steve Jobs' innovative thinking and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
• 📱 The iPhone has been an incredibly successful product, with over 1 billion sold so far.
• ⌚️ The Apple Watch can detect heart problems and has saved lives through its alerts.
• 📈 Apple is focused on long-term innovation rather than short-term profits.
• 💻 Tim Cook transformed Apple's operations early on by outsourcing manufacturing.
• 🏢 Steve Jobs envisioned Apple Park as a collaborative workspace.
• 🧠 Tim Cook values equality highly and believes it could help solve many world problems.
• 👪 Tim Cook publicly disclosed he is gay to help kids who feel ostracized.
• 💰 Apple has amassed a huge cash reserve and is spending some on new campuses and stock buybacks.
• 🇺🇸 Tim Cook advised President Trump on trade and immigration policy.

Q & A

How did Steve Jobs' thinking and approach inspire Tim Cook to join Apple?

Steve Jobs was willing to challenge conventional wisdom and take Apple in innovative new directions that others were abandoning, which inspired Tim Cook to join the company.

What makes the Apple Watch a potentially life-saving product?

The Apple Watch can detect irregular heart rhythms and other heart problems, and it provides alerts that motivate people to seek medical attention early.

How has Tim Cook transformed Apple's operations?

Early in his tenure at Apple, Tim Cook oversaw a shift to outsourcing manufacturing to partners instead of trying to do large-scale manufacturing internally.

What was Steve Jobs' vision for Apple Park?

Steve Jobs envisioned Apple Park as a collaborative workspace where people would often run into each other and exchange ideas randomly and spontaneously.

Why does Tim Cook believe strongly in equality?

Tim Cook believes equality is key to solving many world problems. He thinks lack of equality leads to lack of education, discrimination, and more.

Why did Tim Cook publicly reveal he is gay?

Tim Cook revealed he is gay to help kids who feel ostracized for being gay see they can still succeed in life.

What is Apple doing with its huge cash balance?

Apple is spending some of its cash on new campuses and offices and on buying back its own stock.

What subjects did Tim Cook discuss when meeting President Trump?

Tim Cook discussed trade policy and immigration with President Trump, advocating for free trade and a solution for Dreamers.

How did Steve Jobs originally envision the relationship when handing over the CEO reins?

Steve Jobs expected to remain as Chairman indefinitely when first stepping down as CEO, overseeing Tim Cook in an ongoing capacity.

How does Tim Cook maintain a modest demeanor as Apple CEO?

Tim Cook says Apple's high expectations and standards mean he never feels successful for long, keeping him grounded.