Steve Jobs in 2007

It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since the world lost Steve Jobs. We continue to learn lessons from Jobs on how to make deep, meaningful and personal connections with his audience. He did this time and time again. He took computers out of the hands of hobbyists and put them in the hands of everyday people so they could change the world. He made computers fun, enjoyable and inspiring. He made it a joy to explore, share and consume music. He brought animation back to the movies and turned my simple cellphone into a powerful instrument for entertainment and business productivity. His iPad changed the very nature of computers and how we interact with electronics in our lives. And for a communications coach like myself, Steve Jobs taught me that a presentation can, indeed, inspire.

The day after Jobs’ death, I was contact by the news program 20/20.  In this interview conducted by Deborah Roberts, we discuss what made Jobs so special. I thought I would share it again on this first anniversary.

There’s one story that I think sums up Steve Jobs’ career.  An executive who had the job of reinventing the Disney Store once called up Jobs and asked for advice.  Steve’s advice? Dream bigger.  This advice continues to inspire me. On this anniversary, do what Steve Jobs was so great at: see genius in your craziness, believe in yourself, believe in your vision, and be constantly prepared to defend those ideas.  Because it’s those ideas that could change the world.