Career tips for creators from 5 of Steve Jobs' friends, including Tim Cook, Jony Ive, and Bob Iger
Business Insider
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Steve Jobs' legacy continues to inspire young creators through insights shared by his influential friends in two new volumes titled *Letters to a Young Creator*. These letters, written by tech leaders like Tim Cook, Jony Ive, Bob Iger, Pete Docter, and others, offer advice on creativity, perseverance, and success. The main takeaway is that true growth comes from focusing on personal development rather than just achieving outcomes, as emphasized by Apple CEO Tim Cook. Similarly, Jony Ive highlighted Jobs' relentless curiosity and emphasis on ideas over problems, while Bob Iger stressed the importance of taking risks and embracing creativity without fear.
The volumes compile wisdom from diverse fields, including Silicon Valley investors like Arthur Rock, who emphasizes the value of assembling talented teams, and filmmakers like Jon Chu, who ties creativity to storytelling. Many contributors intertwined personal anecdotes about Jobs, revealing how their interactions with him shaped their perspectives. For example, Cook recalled a pivotal meeting with Jobs that led to his decades-long career at Apple, while Ive shared insights on Jobs' collaborative approach to design.
The advice in *Letters to a Young Creator* is particularly relevant for business readers seeking inspiration and actionable tips. It underscores the importance of curiosity, resilience, and collaboration in building successful careers and innovative products. By learning from these icons, young creators can gain both motivation and practical strategies to navigate their own paths in business and creativity.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/24/2026