Last week Thursday marked the end of one Era at one of the world’s most influential companies. Steve Jobs passed the CEO torch to his handpicked successor Tim Cook, making official, a change that had been in the works for years. Steve isn’t exactly riding off into the sunset though, he plans to remain an Apple employee, and will still serve as the chairman of Apple’s Board of Directors. Nonetheless, this marks the end of one of the greatest runs in corporate leadership that any of us will ever see. What Steve did was take a company on the brink of Bankruptcy, and turn it into the world’s most valuable company with lots of room to grow. Considering what he’s done, its worth looking at how he did it.

Skate to Where the Puck WILL Be

One thing Apple has consistently done in Job’s tenures (both of them) as CEO is innovate. From the original Apple Mac in his first stint, to the string of iDevices that defined the comapny in his return: iMac, iBook, iPod, iPhone, iPad. Apple has consistently found ways to take existing categories and redefine them in ways that make them meaningful to consumers. By doing that Steve transformed Apple from a niche maker of high-end computers, with a group of die-hard fans, to a mass-market company that has a huge effect on popular culture. Apple’s decisions haven’t always been popular but more often than not, during Steve’s tenure, they’ve been good for the company.

Know When to Say No

Steve Jobs has made a habit of reminding people that one of Apple’s greatest strengths is the things they don’t do. By focusing on a few products, the company can make sure that everything they release is up to their quality standards. Jobs has often said that he’s proud that everything Apple makes can fit on a reasonably sized work table. That kind of discipline comes from strong leadership, and Jobs has provided that in spades. From killing the “Safari Pad” in order to make the iPhone, and then bringing it back as the iPad, Steve has made some great calls from the corner office to keep Apple going strong.

It’s a Team Game

Steve of course hasn’t done it alone, and Apple’s greatest strength going forward is the amazing team of talent that he’s put together. Tim Cook, the new CEO is considered one of the greatest operations thinkers in the world. One of Apple’s biggest strategic advantages is the unmatched supply chain that Mr. Cook has put together. Johhny Ive is a brilliant designer who is close friends with Steve. He has been integral in designing many of their iconic products starting with the multi-coloured iMac, all the way to the solid alumnium MacBook Airs. Phill Schiller and Scott Forstall are top lieutenants in charge of Marketing and iOS respectively — two hugely important portfolios. The list goes on to include executives like Eddy Cue, Bob Mansfield, Greg Joswiak and so on. All of these executives are steeped in the Jobs way of thinking and managing, and because of this Apple has a next generation of leadership in place to follow in Steve’s footsteps.

Wrap Up

In his many years at Apple, Steve Jobs built more than just a company. He built a cultural icon that has changed the way we live our lives — multiple times. He built a social phenomena that inspires more debate and discussion than a typical electronics company would. He built a template for innovaters and thinkers around the world to follow for years to come.

Steve, you’ve had a magical run, and we’ve been priveleged to experience true genius at work. Thanks for everything, and all the best in this next chapter of your very storied life.