Tim Cook is officially resigning as Apple CEO this year, with John Ternus set to take over. Recently, Cook shared his insights on the guidance he would offer his successor.
When Steve Jobs entrusted the CEO position to Tim Cook, he advised him to never consider what Jobs would do, but instead to “just do the right thing.” In a recent conversation with Ben Cohen at The Wall Street Journal, Cook was asked what he would say to the individual following him, knowing it would be John Ternus.
Cook’s answer stressed the value of authenticity and principles. He remarked, “You can get stuck in indecision if you begin trying to transform yourself into someone else’s mindset. So I would advise: ‘Be yourself. Maintain a clear focus on the company’s values. Because if you get the values right, if you keep the North Star in sight, you might be slightly diverted, but ultimately you will return to the correct path. And I have consistently found that to be accurate.’”
This guidance underscores the importance of remaining genuine and upholding a distinct vision for the company’s values. Cook’s reflections illustrate his leadership approach and the ideals he views as crucial for steering Apple into the future.
For those interested, a segment of Cook’s response is available on YouTube, and the complete video can be found in Cohen’s article. The article is also available on Apple News for subscribers.