Tim Cook Considers Joining Apple and Steve Jobs

In an August 2024 letter published by the Steve Jobs Archive today, Tim Cook reflected on joining Apple and what he learned from working with Steve Jobs.

Jobs convinced Cook to join Apple in 1998, to help transform the company:

I will never forget that first conversation with Steve. Meanwhile, Apple was struggling and Steve was working to right the ship that had sailed in his absence. Many people doubted that the company could survive, and I was warned that accepting a job there would have risks. But when Steve spoke, any trepidation I had instantly disappeared. I had never met someone with so much love and vision. He spoke passionately and vividly—about a future where technology could unlock the wellspring of human intelligence and power, connecting and uplifting us in ways he hadn’t imagined.

Cook said joining Apple was the best decision he ever made:

In Steve, I found an amazing mentor who encouraged me to grow and challenge myself in new and important ways. And in joining Apple, I traded work for a purpose, one that still drives me today. It was truly the greatest decision I ever made.

The Steve Jobs archive has shared letters from many of today’s most influential leaders, including former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive, Disney CEO Bob Iger, legendary designer Dieter Rams, and others. These books were previously shared only with Steve Jobs Archive partners. There is also a new introductory book from Laurene Powell Jobs.

The Steve Jobs Archive released the letters on what would have been Jobs’ 71st birthday. They are available on the web and in the Apple Books app for free.

The Steve Jobs Archive was launched by friends and family of Jobs in 2022. This website includes a collection of quotes, photos, videos, and emails from the Works, and provides links to new creators who want to follow in his footsteps.