In 2007, as the first iPhone was in development, Steve Jobs faced a critical need: incredibly durable, scratch-resistant glass. Rather than simply placing an order, he presented Corning CEO Wendell Weeks with an audacious challenge: produce enough Gorilla Glass to meet Apple’s unprecedented demand. Weeks initially responded that scaling production in such a short timeframe seemed impossible.
During a recent interview on Fortune’s Leadership Next podcast, Weeks vividly recounted this pivotal conversation. Jobs, with his characteristic intensity, directly asked, “Do you know what your problem is?” When a bewildered Weeks admitted he didn’t, Jobs’s reply was stark: “You’re afraid. You know, you’re afraid I’m going to launch the biggest product in history, and I’m not going to be able to do it because you failed.” This wasn’t an accusation but a reframing. Jobs urged Weeks to look beyond his personal fears and reputation, reminding him of his responsibility to the dedicated workers at the Harrodsburg plant, the company’s investors, and the future of Corning itself. Inspired by this powerful shift in perspective, Weeks bravely accepted the challenge. As a result, Corning’s Harrodsburg plant not only became the initial supplier of iPhone glass but continues to be a vital part of Apple’s supply chain to this day.
This incredible story offers invaluable leadership lessons for students and young professionals aiming to make their mark.
1. Acknowledge Your Fears, Then Act Bravely
Wendell Weeks’s honest admission of fear was met not with dismissal, but with a powerful insight from Jobs: fear is a natural human emotion, but it must never paralyze action. For students grappling with exam anxiety or young professionals intimidated by new roles or potential mistakes, this resonates deeply. The true measure of courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to acknowledge it, analyze its source, and then bravely move forward despite its presence.
2. Prioritize Team Success Over Personal Glory
Jobs’s counsel to Weeks was clear: prioritizing personal reputation above all else would ultimately restrict the boundless potential of his team and the company. For students, this translates to looking beyond individual accolades in group projects, internships, or student organizations. True success often blossoms from genuine collaboration. When you invest in empowering others and fostering a shared sense of responsibility, the entire collective thrives. Effective leadership, therefore, is not about taking the spotlight, but about cultivating an environment where everyone can achieve their highest potential.
3. Embrace Seemingly Impossible Challenges
Steve Jobs pushed Weeks to achieve what Corning considered an impossible feat: scaling Gorilla Glass production dramatically in just six months. This serves as a powerful reminder for students and young professionals that significant growth often stems from confronting daunting challenges. Whether it’s a demanding academic assignment, an ambitious startup concept, or a complex research project, these overwhelming tasks are fertile ground for developing crucial skills like problem-solving, time management, and resilience. Remember, true personal and professional expansion occurs beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone.
4. Cultivate a Long-Term Vision
Weeks’s courageous decision to embrace the risk ultimately yielded immense, long-lasting rewards for Corning. Harvard Crimson highlights how the company continued its trajectory of expansion and innovation well beyond the initial iPhone launch. For aspiring professionals, this underscores the importance of making strategic choices that cultivate enduring skills and a solid reputation. While immediate convenience or easier paths might appear more secure, a commitment to continuous learning and gaining rich experience almost always results in greater, more substantial payoffs over the long haul.
5. Innovate Fearlessly
Jobs’s unwavering belief in the scalability of Gorilla Glass, even in the face of widespread doubt, exemplifies the essence of courageous innovation. Genuine innovation demands a willingness to experiment with unconventional ideas, embrace the potential for failure, and persevere with projects until they yield tangible results. For students and young professionals, this translates into daring to propose novel solutions in academic settings or at work, and fearlessly exploring alternative approaches when conventional methods fall short. It’s a testament to the powerful connection between courage and creative breakthroughs.
6. Lead with a Service-Oriented Mindset
Wendell Weeks profoundly stated that leadership fundamentally revolves around serving others. Jobs’s interaction with Weeks perfectly illustrates this: truly effective leaders don’t chase personal glory. Instead, their mission is to empower and enable those around them to unlock their full potential. For students, this could involve mentoring peers, actively supporting teammates on collaborative projects, or taking the initiative to ensure group success. Ultimately, leadership is defined by the positive impact you create for others, far more than by any titles or accolades you receive.
The Bottom Line
The compelling narrative of Steve Jobs and Corning, as shared by Wendell Weeks, beautifully demonstrates how a blend of ambitious vision, calculated risk-taking, and an unwavering focus on empowering others can transform “impossible” challenges into enduring triumphs. Students and young professionals are encouraged to integrate these profound lessons into their academic pursuits, internships, and nascent careers to foster remarkable personal and professional growth.