Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader by Brent Schlender, Rick Tetzeli

At the forefront of innovation, Steve Jobs is a name synonymous with invention, disruption, and ambition–ahandful of adjectives, among many others, that describe him. This one-of-a-kind individual changed the world through his revolutionary approach to technology and leadership. His incredible story is told in Becoming Steve Jobs, written by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli.

Becoming Steve Jobs details the evolution of the larger-than-life Jobs from a reckless upstart to the powerful and visionary leader he became. At the core, the book conveys a deeper tale of the man behind the inventions: his complex character and professional accomplishments, along with his struggles. Having interviewed Jobs at different points of his life, Schlender and Tetzeli share a unique insight into the brilliant innovator.

The book describes the making of Jobs from the beginning of his career with Apple in the mid-1970s. It looks at his challenges, his successes and ultimately how he reached his fullest potential. Describing a man incredibly passionate and driven by his relentless ambition, the authors walk through Jobs initial innovative efforts, working on projects like Pixar and the iMac.

The reader discovers how Jobs worked during the eighties and nineties, after a brief period of working as Apple’s CEO. Here, he laid the groundwork for a technology revolution, as he used NeXT and Pixar as systems to modernize personal technology.

When Jobs returned to Apple in the late nineties, the authors explore how he changed the perception of the company while reaching ambitious goals with each venture. From innovating Apple’s products to questioning traditional thinking, Jobs left a huge impression on those he encountered. His remarkable level of creativity and drive for perfection helped define Apple into a recognizable and innovative brand.

Schlender and Tetzeli examine his relationships with others, like co-founder Steve Wozniak, by providing an exclusive look into Jobs character and actions. Similarly, the immense internal-struggles Jobs experienced throughout his adult life are documented in fascinating detail, as his trials and tribulations often impacted his career decisions. Becoming Steve Jobs presents a portrait of an incredibly intelligent but sometimes difficult individual who achieved greatness through his dedication and hard work.

Becoming Steve Jobs provides an unrivalled window into the life of one of the world’s greatest innovators. Through the stories about Jobs, the authors explain how the iconic entrepreneur aligned his ambitions with his genuine desire to make a difference for the better. As Jobs himself put it, “innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”. The book offers readers an understanding of a complicated figure who, through his relentless drive and pioneering spirit, changed the world.