Becoming Steve Jobs

The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader

De: Brent Schlender, Rick Tetzeli

Narrado por: 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

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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)

A good companion to Walter Isaacson’s book. BUT OS-EX?!

Although I overall found Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs, the better read, and the more compelling version of the narrative, this is a great companion piece, because it deals much more with the nuts and bolts of Job’s second act and how he revitalized a moribund and dying Apple — along with a frank discussion of his personality flaws, and how his years in the wilderness actually repaired him to be a much better leader on his return. It also placed more emphasis on the company and people like Ive and his relationships with them. Together the two books are a much more complete picture than any one.

That said they are near ration is a bit of an issue. It’s not bad per se… but the narrator needed to have done more due diligence (and the Director needed to catch) very obvious, incorrect pronunciations that make it sound less authoritative, as if the author does not actually know much about which he speaks — an impression I know, is purely based on the way the narrator says certain things.

For example, during a particular section dealing with OS X, the narrator repeatedly says the words “OS EX” rather than the proper OS TEN. After about the 50th incidence of this it does start to grade because again it gives the falls impression that whoever is saying it actually knows nothing about the subject.

I thought the reader was a little slow

This book was really well written I enjoyed the different perspective the Author had. I enjoyed the insights and I even cried a little

Highly recommended

One of those books that is better to listen than read. Informational and insightful it goes beyond a mere telling of the jobs story and provides an analysis of the all that contributed to the inspiring life, both internal and external. A good balance of criticism and praise, but mostly an unbiased view. The book provides a great perspective and casts a person some would idolize into the reality-based individual, albeit a highly driven one, that everyone can relate to.

A 3 dimensional look at Steve Jobs

Loved this snapshot into Steve's life. It came from a deeper understanding of Steve as a person and what drove him. No hate against Isaacson's book, it was just more a collection of information. Both were good for their own reasons.

A Different Point of View

This book examines how Steve changed through his life and evolved into a great leader. While he was still flawed, lie we all are, Steve was able to capitalize on the strengths of his personality. Good read.

Profoundly interesting, poorly documented at times

There are some profoundly interesting and human stories in Steve’s life, that made its way into this great book. It's worth noting that some things have been poorly documented (mac oh ess ex isn't the right pronunciation for Mac OS X, to name one thing). Overall, a really good listening experience.

Great Book

I enjoyed this thoroughly on my commute; so much so I found myself staying in my car to finish interesting sections even once my drive was complete.

Listen to this book if you read the former

This is a more kind look into the man who started a company with his dear friend. If you read both "Steve Jobs" and this book I feel you will get a full picture into who Jobs was.

Readers Business Book or Bios Will Love This

What a wonderful book. Very well written. The story of Steve is woven through the many complexities of his life and career. Definitely one of those books I didn't want to end.

Really good

Lot of interesting facts which were not present in authorized autobiography. Must read book for all. Just Loved it. Thanks.