In 2007, as Apple prepared to launch its groundbreaking iPhone, Steve Jobs needed incredibly durable, scratch-resistant glass. Rather than simply placing a standard order, he issued a formidable challenge to Corning CEO Wendell Weeks: ramp up production of Gorilla Glass to unprecedented levels to meet Apple’s ambitious demand. Weeks initially expressed doubts, stating that such a rapid expansion seemed impossible.
During a memorable interview on Fortune’s Leadership Next podcast, Weeks vividly recalled their critical exchange. Jobs cut straight to the point, asking, “Do you know what your problem is?” When Weeks admitted he didn’t, Jobs directly countered, “You’re afraid. You’re afraid I’m going to launch the biggest product in history, and it will fail because you couldn’t deliver.” Jobs then deftly shifted Weeks’ perspective, urging him to consider the broader impact – not just his personal standing, but the dedicated workers at the Harrodsburg plant, the investors, and the future of Corning itself. Inspired, Weeks accepted the monumental task. True to the vision, Corning’s Harrodsburg facility became the primary supplier of iPhone glass and remains a key part of Apple’s supply chain to this day.
This story offers profound lessons for students and young professionals alike:
Embrace Fear, Then Overcome It
Weeks openly confessed his fear to Jobs. Jobs, understanding human nature, emphasized that fear is a natural emotion but should never be a roadblock to progress. Think about it: students often dread exam failures, and young professionals might fear making mistakes or stepping into demanding leadership positions. The crucial takeaway is to confront your fears head-on, analyze their roots, and then proceed with action. True courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the unwavering resolve to act despite its presence.
Prioritize Your Team’s Success
Jobs clearly stated that Weeks’ preoccupation with his personal reputation could inadvertently stifle the immense potential of his team and the entire company. For aspiring leaders and students, this translates to looking beyond individual accolades. Whether it’s group projects, internships, or student organizations, collective triumph is forged through genuine collaboration. When you commit to empowering others and distributing responsibilities, the entire group flourishes. Ultimately, impactful leadership is about cultivating an environment where everyone can thrive and perform at their peak.
Embrace the “Impossible” Challenges
Jobs presented Weeks with an audacious goal: scale Gorilla Glass production within a mere six months—a feat Corning had previously deemed impossible. This serves as a powerful reminder for students: significant personal and professional growth often stems from confronting seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Daunting assignments, ambitious startup concepts, or complex research initiatives might feel overwhelming, yet they are invaluable training grounds for developing critical problem-solving skills, mastering time management, and building unwavering resilience. Remember, true growth rarely occurs within the confines of your comfort zone.
Cultivate a Long-Term Vision
Weeks’ decision to embrace the risk ultimately yielded substantial long-term dividends for Corning. Harvard Crimson reports that following the iPhone’s launch, the company continued its impressive trajectory of production expansion and innovation. For students, this underscores the importance of making strategic choices that cultivate enduring skills and a solid reputation. While immediate convenience or easier paths might appear safer, a deliberate investment in continuous learning and diverse experiences consistently leads to far greater rewards over time.
Innovate with Audacious Courage
Jobs held an unwavering conviction that the technology could be scaled, even in the face of widespread doubt. True innovation demands a willingness to experiment boldly with new ideas, to gracefully accept the inevitability of occasional failure, and to persevere with projects until tangible results emerge. For students and budding professionals, this means actively proposing fresh solutions in academic settings or at work, and not shying away from alternative approaches when conventional methods fall short. It’s clear: courage and creativity are inextricably linked.
Leadership as a Service to Others
Weeks himself underscored a fundamental truth: genuine leadership is profoundly about serving others. Jobs’ example powerfully illustrates that truly effective leaders don’t chase personal glory. Instead, their focus is on empowering and enabling those around them to unlock their full potential. For students, this could involve mentoring peers, offering steadfast support to teammates on projects, or proactively stepping up to ensure a group’s collective success. Remember, leadership is ultimately measured by the positive impact you create for others, far more than by any titles or accolades you accumulate.
The Enduring Takeaway
The compelling narrative of Steve Jobs and Corning, as shared by Wendell Weeks on Fortune, clearly demonstrates how a potent mix of ambition, calculated risk-taking, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others can transform seemingly impossible challenges into truly enduring achievements. Students and young professionals are encouraged to integrate these invaluable lessons into their academic pursuits, internships, and early career stages to foster remarkable personal and professional growth.