The Second Coming of Steve Jobs by Alan Deutschman Summary

1. Steve Jobs’ NeXT failure stemmed from prioritizing aesthetics over market viability and advice.
2. Jobs’ $1 Apple salary symbolized loyalty to legacy over personal financial gain.
3. Pixar’s success required Jobs to relinquish control and embrace creative autonomy.
4. Jobs’ hiring philosophy demanded overqualified talent for unconventional roles like receptionist.
5. Jobs’ midlife crisis at 30 fueled his obsession with proving his legacy.
6. The iMac’s 1997 launch marked Jobs’ redemption as Apple’s visionary savior.
7. Jobs’ relentless Disney negotiations secured Pixar’s unprecedented profit-sharing model.
8. Deutschman frames Jobs’ career as a three-act structure: fall, struggle, and rise.
9. Jobs’ leadership combined visionary design obsession with a climate of fear.
10. NeXT’s motherboard design exemplified Jobs’ irrational focus on hidden perfection.
11. Jobs forfeited $1 billion in Apple stock to prove his comeback motives.
12. Deutschman reveals Jobs’ contradictions: insecure artist vs ruthless business strategist.

Об авторе книги The Second Coming of Steve Jobs

Alan Deutschman, a veteran journalist and Silicon Valley correspondent, is the acclaimed author of The Second Coming of Steve Jobs, a revealing biography exploring Jobs’ leadership style and tech-industry impact.

With a 35-year career spanning Fortune, Fast Company, and Vanity Fair, Deutschman’s work dissects innovation narratives and disruptive leadership—themes central to this 2000 bestseller. His expertise extends to organizational change in Change or Die and ethical leadership in Walk the Walk, both widely cited in business education.

A regular commentator on NBC’s Today Show and Bloomberg TV, Deutschman combines investigative rigor with insider access, having taught business journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno. His books, translated into eight languages, blend sharp analysis with storytelling praised by The New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

Часто задаваемые вопросы о The Second Coming of Steve Jobs

What is The Second Coming of Steve Jobs by Alan Deutschman about?

The Second Coming of Steve Jobs chronicles Steve Jobs’ career from his 1985 ousting at Apple through his transformative leadership at NeXT and Pixar, culminating in his 1997 return to Apple. Deutschman explores Jobs’ relentless drive, visionary marketing, and volatile leadership style, offering insights into his resilience, innovation, and impact on technology. The book balances admiration for his achievements with candid critiques of his personal and professional relationships.

Who should read The Second Coming of Steve Jobs?

Entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and leadership scholars will find value in this biography. It appeals to readers seeking insights into Jobs’ comeback story, leadership philosophy, or the Silicon Valley culture of the 1980s–1990s. Those interested in innovation, branding, and the human complexities behind iconic figures will gain a nuanced perspective.

Is The Second Coming of Steve Jobs worth reading?

Yes—Deutschman’s investigative depth and narrative flair make it a compelling read. While Jobs declined interviews, the book draws from 100+ sources to analyze his duality: a perfectionist who revolutionized design yet struggled with interpersonal dynamics. It’s ideal for readers wanting a balanced portrayal of Jobs’ triumphs and flaws.

What are the key takeaways from The Second Coming of Steve Jobs?

• Resilience: Jobs’ ability to rebound from failure at Apple to success with Pixar and NeXT.
• Visionary leadership: His obsession with design and marketing redefined consumer tech.
• Complex relationships: His demanding nature fostered loyalty and friction with colleagues.
• Innovation lessons: Balancing idealism with practicality in product development.

What are the most notable quotes from The Second Coming of Steve Jobs?

• “I’m going to change the world”: Reflects Jobs’ unwavering ambition and self-belief.
• “Everyone here can leave—except me”: Highlights his intense responsibility during crises.
• “I don’t want to do this interview”: Reveals moments of vulnerability and defiance.

These quotes underscore his dichotomy as a visionary leader and emotionally guarded figure.

How does The Second Coming of Steve Jobs critique Steve Jobs’ leadership?

The book critiques Jobs’ erratic behavior, including harsh management tactics and neglect of personal relationships. Deutschman portrays him as a charismatic yet polarizing figure whose perfectionism drove innovation but alienated colleagues. Examples include his initial refusal to acknowledge paternity and clashes with Apple’s board.

What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from The Second Coming of Steve Jobs?

• Embrace failure: Jobs’ NeXT struggles paved the way for Apple’s revival.
• Prioritize vision: Bold ideas attract talent and redefine industries.
• Balance passion with empathy: Inspire teams without burning bridges.
• Adapt to markets: Jobs shifted Pixar from hardware to animation, demonstrating flexibility.

How does The Second Coming of Steve Jobs compare to other Steve Jobs biographies?

Unlike Walter Isaacson’s authorized biography, Deutschman’s work focuses on Jobs’ post-Apple challenges, offering a grittier, journalist-led perspective. It emphasizes his professional reinvention over technical details, making it a supplementary read for those seeking critiques of his leadership style rather than a full life history.

Why is The Second Coming of Steve Jobs still relevant in 2025?

Jobs’ emphasis on design simplicity and consumer-centric innovation remains foundational in tech. The book’s lessons on resilience and adaptability resonate in industries navigating AI and market disruptions. It also serves as a cautionary tale about balancing ambition with ethical leadership.

What criticisms exist about The Second Coming of Steve Jobs?

Critics argue the book overemphasizes Jobs’ flaws, citing Deutschman’s limited direct access. Some claim it downplays his technical contributions, focusing too heavily on interpersonal conflicts. However, supporters praise its unvarnished portrayal of a complex icon.

How does Alan Deutschman’s background influence The Second Coming of Steve Jobs?

As a Silicon Valley journalist, Deutschman leveraged 12+ years of tech reporting to contextualize Jobs’ impact. His experience at Fortune and Vanity Fair informed the book’s blend of corporate analysis and human storytelling, offering both boardroom and personal insights.

What metaphors or symbols does The Second Coming of Steve Jobs use to explain Jobs’ journey?

• “Second Coming”: Symbolizes Jobs’ redemption arc after professional exile.
• Pixar’s success: Represents creative rebirth and risk-taking.
• iMac’s launch: Embodies Jobs’ ability to merge aesthetics with functionality, marking Apple’s resurgence.