Tim Cook retired from the post of Apple CEO after 15 years. Cook, who started working by delivering newspapers at the age of 11, worked from paper mills to IBM and Compaq and later strengthened Apple’s supply chain.
New Delhi: Tim Cook’s 15-year long tenure as Apple CEO is now over. But one habit of his life still reminds him of his initial struggle. To become self-reliant at the age of 11, Cook, who distributed newspapers, used to wake up at around 3 in the morning. Even after becoming the CEO, this habit of getting up early in the morning remained in his daily routine.
Started newspaper distribution at the age of 11
Tim Cook was born in Alabama in the year 1960. In the year 1971, his family shifted to another place in Alabama. During this period, at the age of just 11, Cook started working to earn money and make himself self-reliant.
He used to deliver the local newspaper ‘Press-Register’ to every home. He had to get up at around 3 in the morning to distribute newspapers. In an old interview, Cook had told that he used to deliver newspapers by bicycle, because the houses in his area were far away from each other.
This habit of working in childhood later became a part of his identity. Even as Apple CEO, Cook used to wake up very early in the morning and start the day by reading emails and people’s messages.
Work experience from fast food restaurant to paper mill
Apart from delivering newspapers, Cook also worked in a fast food restaurant at the age of 14. After this he worked in a paper mill. These early jobs not only gave them work experience, but also developed a practical understanding of production and operations.
Cook later studied industrial engineering at Auburn University. After completing his studies, his career moved towards the world of technology and operations. He worked in big companies like IBM and Compaq and the experience gained there proved to be very useful for him in Apple.
Paper mill experience helped Apple
Tim Cook’s biggest strengths are his understanding of operations and supply chain. While working in paper mills and aluminum plants, he experienced the real challenges of production, supply and operations.
Cook joined Apple in 1998. At that time the company was facing many business and operational challenges. Cook used his previous experience to organize the company’s supply chain and operations.
Over time he rose to the top leadership of Apple and took over as CEO of the company in August 2011. After holding this post for about 15 years, he has now retired from the role of CEO.
Said heartfelt words in last letter to employees
Before leaving the post of CEO, Tim Cook wrote a letter to Apple employees. In this he recalled his long journey with the company and the contribution of the employees. Cook said he loves Apple and the team behind it and is grateful for the employees’ dedication.
He also said in his letter that whatever is said about his success is because of the team. According to him, at Apple he got the opportunity to work with a team of extraordinary talent and every day he got to see a new example of this.
Cook also cited Apple’s culture among his greatest achievements. He said that company culture is more important than anything else and that Apple operates with the belief that the products it makes matter and that the company has a responsibility to make the world a better place.
Command handed over to John Ternus
Tim Cook also expressed confidence in John Ternus as his successor. Describing Ternus as a talented and capable person, he said that very few people have a better understanding of creating world-changing products than him.
Cook clarified that he is not moving away from Apple completely. He said he will remain involved with the company in his new role, although he is stepping down from a position he enjoyed greatly.
For a man who woke up at 3 a.m. at the age of 11 to deliver newspapers on a bicycle, his rise to the position of Apple CEO is not just a corporate success story. It is also a story of hard work, discipline and turning early life experiences into strengths.