Steve Jobs, born on February 24, 1955, in San Francisco, was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs, who later settled in Mountain View, California, a region that would become known as Silicon Valley. His early life was shaped by the burgeoning tech environment around him, leading to a pivotal meeting at age 13 with Steve Wozniak, an electronics prodigy who would become his co-founder.
Jobs dropped out of college and co-established Apple with Wozniak, launching the company to success with the Apple II and an initial public offering. However, his journey included setbacks; he was eventually ousted from Apple, which prompted him to create NeXT and contribute to Pixar's rise in the animation industry. In a remarkable turnaround, Jobs returned to Apple when it faced decline, revitalizing the brand and revolutionizing communication through innovations like the iPhone.
His influence extended beyond technology, impacting various sectors, including the military, as he reshaped how people connect and share information. Jobs's legacy remains significant, highlighted by his encouragement to maintain faith during challenges, a message that resonates with leaders across all fields.