Jobs’s Spirit Gives Silicon Valley the ‘OK’ to Quote Other Pioneers and “Think Different”
“I love that people still quote me as the go-to pioneer,” Jobs’s spirit says.
“Yet, I think Silicon Valley needs to innovate. You know, THINK DIFFERENT. That message was one of my favorites. If everyone is quoting me all the time using the same sound bite, nobody is really thinking different. It’s ironic, right. Don’t quote me on that. Pick a different quote. There’s some good ones out there. Live a little!”
Jobs’s spirit, who is very happy, went on to add a few more nuances.
“I mean, there are so many other great innovators in the Valley. And if all people do is quote me, that’s like saying there hasn’t been innovation since I was there. And while I appreciate that, it’s just not true.”
We asked why that is an issue.
“Imagine every thing anyone does is compared to Apple. That’s a tough bar. I mean don’t you get sick of the whole yardstick where people are pitching ‘hey we’re the Google of…or we’re the Apple of whatever?’ I do And look at all the other innovators. There are sooo many amazing Silicon Valley startups with all kinds of great ideas.”
So, Mr. Jobs’s ghost, what about diversity?
“Right, exactly. Quote some women. Or some people of color. They’re there. Even the quotes are super ‘pro-bro.’ It’s all Musk, Zuckerbeg and Brin and all of it — even my buddy, Cook. Come on, diversify your quote portfolio, everyone! Again, THINK DIFFERENT means exactly that. If I’m the only pioneer who gets quoted all the time, what is that saying about innovation in Silicon Valley? Like there can ONLY be one?!” I mean it’s not a highlander sitch, ya know?! Sure, Bill and I had a spirited rivalry on platforms…even I’ve mellowed out a bit.”
Any final thoughts?
“Think Different means what it means. Stop quoting me 24/7. I am on to new adventures. I’ve started an incubator here in the heavenly afterlife. It’s been fun and I gotta get back. Got lunch with Andy Grove and he never gets tired of telling us the story of Fairchild and Intel. I mean ‘think different’ already, Andy! Ha! Yeah, sometimes I quote myself up here. God especially gets a kick out of it.
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I am a speaker, author, and comic. Founder of Keeping it Human, I help brands, leaders and teams use strategy, comedy and improv to unleash humanity — creativity, innovation and storytelling so employees and customers thrive. Sometimes I write funny about serious topics and seriously about funny topics. I laugh at business and make business laugh. My fave audience is my son, who laughs himself silly daily. I am at “kathyklotzguest” on Twitter and @klotzguest on Instagram. My book, “Stop Boring Me!,” is on Amazon.
