Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Steve Jobs and his wife after his last Keynote as Apple CEO

So as most of the world has heard by now, Apple's co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs has passed away. I don't think its possible to really comprehend how influential his life was and its certain that his legacy will live on in the attitude and ideals behind the company. So being that I am not only an iPhone, iPod, and Macbook owner I thought that I would post a story that was reported on Vic Gundotra's Google+ last month after Steve stepped down as the CEO of Apple.

"One Sunday morning, January 6th, 2008 I was attending religious services when my cell phone vibrated. As discreetly as possible, I checked the phone and noticed that my phone said "Caller ID unknown". I choose to ignore.

After services, as I was walking to my car with my family, I checked my cell phone messages. The message left was from Steve Jobs. "Vic, can you call me at home? I have something urgent to discuss" it said.

Before I even reached my car, I called Steve Jobs back. I was responsible for all mobile applications at Google, and in that role, had regular dealings with Steve. It was one of the perks of the job.

"Hey Steve - this is Vic", I said. "I'm sorry I didn't answer your call earlier. I was in religious services, and the caller ID said unknown, so I didn't pick up".

Steve laughed. He said, "Vic, unless the Caller ID said 'GOD', you should never pick up during services".

I laughed nervously. After all, while it was customary for Steve to call during the week upset about something, it was unusual for him to call me on Sunday and ask me to call his home. I wondered what was so important?

"So Vic, we have an urgent issue, one that I need addressed right away. I've already assigned someone from my team to help you, and I hope you can fix this tomorrow" said Steve.

"I've been looking at the Google logo on the iPhone and I'm not happy with the icon. The second O in Google doesn't have the right yellow gradient. It's just wrong and I'm going to have Greg fix it tomorrow. Is that okay with you?"

Of course this was okay with me. A few minutes later on that Sunday I received an email from Steve with the subject "Icon Ambulance". The email directed me to work with Greg Christie to fix the icon.

Since I was 11 years old and fell in love with an Apple II, I have dozens of stories to tell about Apple products. They have been a part of my life for decades. Even when I worked for 15 years for Bill Gates at Microsoft, I had a huge admiration for Steve and what Apple had produced.

But in the end, when I think about leadership, passion and attention to detail, I think back to the call I received from Steve Jobs on a Sunday morning in January. It was a lesson I'll never forget. CEOs should care about details. Even shades of yellow. On a Sunday.

To one of the greatest leaders I've ever met, my prayers and hopes are with you Steve.

-Vic"

I know that as the world mourns more stories will come out about him, but this one has been in my head every time someone talks about him since I read it last month. Its an attention to detail that not many of us have, and a passion that 99.9% of the world does not have.What I really like about this story is that it not only shows that as a CEO Steve worked 24-7 365 but also shows an attention to detail that not many CEO's can say that they have for their product or their company. He will be missed by many people and is one of the few people that many of us can point to an actually say "You made my life better". Well today as we remember his legacy I would like to say this: "Thanks Steve."

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