Return of Innovation.

Today’s Marketing Cookie is a reminder that some boardroom decisions miss the true source of inspiration, creativity and passion that visionary leadership brings.

You’re probably familiar with the story of how Steve Jobs, the passionate visionary who co-founded Apple, was ousted by his board of directors. Known for his relentless drive and innovation, Jobs had poured his heart and soul into his company. However, declining sales, internal conflicts, and differing visions for Apple's future led to this fateful decision. The company, once synonymous with cutting-edge technology, was now faltering, unable to keep pace with competitors like Microsoft. On September 16, 1985, Jobs, stripped of his leadership role, quit the company he created.

At the time of his departure, he said, “I feel like somebody just punched me in the stomach and knocked all my wind out. I’m only 30 years old. I want to look back and say I’ve done something wonderful and worthwhile with my life.”

Sagging sales charts and P&L spreadsheets reviewed in the boardroom may indicate problems, but they don’t account for the intangible benefits of a founder's creativity and inspiration. Financial metrics often overlook the qualities that drive innovation within a company. When Steve was forced out, the very spirit and passion behind the company's heartbeat departed with him.

For the next 12 years, Apple's trajectory continued to decline. Morale within the company hit an all-time low, and the future was uncertain. The loss of Jobs, the company’s primary source of inspiration and leadership, left a significant void that was deeply felt across all levels of the organization. Without his visionary guidance, Apple struggled to innovate and capture consumer interest. The stock plummeted, and the company faced mounting losses, unable to regain its former glory.

On September 16, 1997, exactly twelve years after his departure, Steve Jobs returned to Apple as Interim CEO, reigniting vision, inspiration, and hope, and ushering in the dawn of a new era. The creative spirit and relentless drive that had built Apple fueled renewed efforts to reclaim its status as a technological trailblazer and surprise the world with groundbreaking innovations. This rekindled sense of purpose and ambition set the stage for Apple's remarkable transformation admired the world over.

The return of Steve Jobs to Apple is the best example of how visionary leadership can transform a struggling company. He streamlined the product line, focused on design and user experience, and launched world-changing innovative products like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone, ultimately transforming Apple into one of the world's most valuable companies ever. In doing so, he clearly fulfilled his dream of doing something wonderful and worthwhile with his life. For Apple fans, today’s fortune rings true as it says, “Sorrow of parting will bring happiness of reunification.”