Becoming Steve Jobs

The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader

By: Brent Schlender, Rick Tetzeli

Narrated by: George Newbern

There have been many books - on a large and small scale - about Steve Jobs, one of the most famous CEOs in history. But this book is different from all the others.

Becoming Steve Jobs takes on and breaks down the existing myth and stereotypes about Steve Jobs. The conventional, one-dimensional view of Jobs is that he was half genius, half jerk from youth, an irascible and selfish leader who slighted friends and family alike. Becoming Steve Jobs answers the central question about the life and career of the Apple cofounder and CEO: How did a young man so reckless and arrogant that he was exiled from the company he founded become the most effective visionary business leader of our time, ultimately transforming the daily lives of billions of people?

Drawing on incredible and sometimes exclusive access, Schlender and Tetzeli tell a different story of a real human being who wrestled with his failings and learned to maximize his strengths over time. Their rich, compelling narrative is filled with stories never told before from the people who knew Jobs best and who decided to open up to the authors, including his family, former inner circle executives, and top people at Apple, Pixar, and Disney. In addition Brent knew Jobs personally for 25 years and drew upon his many interviews with him, on and off the record, in writing the book. He and Rick humanize the man and explain, rather than simply describe, his behavior. Along the way the book provides rich context about the technology revolution we all have lived through and the ways in which Jobs changed our world.

Schlender and Tetzeli make clear that Jobs' astounding success at Apple was far more complicated than simply picking the right products: he became more patient, he learned to trust his inner circle, and he discovered the importance of growing the company incrementally rather than only shooting for dazzling, game-changing products.

©2015 Brent Schlender, Rick Tetzeli (P)2014 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"George Newbern's narration is--simply put--superb. He is exceptionally well suited to the task at hand. The greatest praise is that he disappears, allowing the story to unfold in one's mind. His unhurried narration is a totally immersive experience. Be prepared for the temptation to listen without pausing for any significant amount of time." ( AudioFile)

Oh! The Humanity.

I've read through the Isaacson biography and other literature on Jobs. I feel this captures the emotions of a man who would not settle for seconds in life. I've always idolized Jobs and his desire to change the world. The people who spoke on his character in this book reaffirms how great and greatly trouble Job was.

Most complete book about Steve Jobs life.

Great reading with only a couple nerdy things that bugged me. Mac OS X is pronounced ten not x. (It was as strange as hearing someone say Malcolm the Tenth.) The iPod Touch is the product name not itouch. While Clipit might be the later name of the much hated assistant, most people hated Clippy first.

Better than the official biography

Even though I read Walter Isaacsons biography I still feel I learned some new things. This book was written by people who knew Jobs for many years.

I cried when Steve died.

Before this book, I didn't even know who he was.

A phenomenal man, who demonstrated how idealism could be an asset, rather than a liability.

Excellent listen

I judge the quality of a book by how I feel when it ends. This time the end was not welcomed, wishing that there was more. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Inspired by a Great Leader!

Great writing. Many gems in this book! I'd recommend to anyone interested in Apple, Jobs, or Leadership.

Wonderful Deconstruction of Steve Jobs the Man.

I am an avid Apple fan. I also enjoyed thoroughly reading about Steve Jobs.

This book was well constructed and told in a way that was touching and insightful. I feel like I was able to get to know Steve Jobs, the man, better than I have in previous readings of other material. The authors obviously had good access to Steve, and I am grateful that they've written this book.

If you study or are fascinated by the story of Steve Jobs and Apple of the company, I would say this is a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Steve's time at Pixar. I cannot wait to read Ed Catmul's book, Creativity Inc.

Insightful

A unique perspective on this iconic figure. Thoroughly engaging journey of the development of the man into the figure head he became.

Thank you

Thanks for this vision of Steve. I think it improves on Isaacson biography of Steve.

Great Balance to the Isaacson book

Good read bringing balance to the Isaacson book! Makes you wonder what might have been if he lived into Steve 3.0