10 Quotes from Tim Cook on Inspiration, Intuition and Everything In Between The CEO of Apple shares his insights into life and business, and how he takes a bite out of life every day.
By Emily Conklin •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
When Tim Cook was named CEO of Apple in October 2011, he knew he had big shoes to fill. Yet, the Apple employee never attempted to be Steve Jobs, or anyone else for that matter: He knew himself, and trusted his gut.
Related: 20 Apple Watch Tips to Help You Work and Play Better
Born in Robertsdale, Ala. in 1960, Cook graduated second in his high school class, going on to study at Auburn University and finally Duke University for his MBA, graduating in the top 10 percent.
Immediately securing lofty positions at companies like IBM and Compaq Computers, it was his unexpected yet brilliant decision to transfer to Apple in 1998 that catapulted Cook's career. Calling the move "My most significant discovery so far," in a commencement speech to Auburn's class of 2010, Cook claims the decision came from within: the voice of intuition said "Go west, young man, go west."
Since Cook was named CEO, Apple acquired Beats, released the Apple Watch and AirPods, and has seen stock soar. Check out these 10 quotes from the technology leader and innovator behind the products we use every day.
EntrepreneurOn success
"Winning has never been about making the most."
--Tim Cook
EntrepreneurOn innovation
"Some people see innovation as change, but we have never really seen it like that. It's making things better."
--Tim Cook
EntrepreneurOn motivation
"Be the best, not the first."
--Tim Cook
Related: 7 Daily Practices That Power Your Motivation
EntrepreneurOn intuition
"I don't think that you're born with gut instinct, a gut matures and gets better over time, the struggle that most people have is learning to listen to it."
--Tim Cook
EntrepreneurOn legacy
"History rarely yields to one person, but think and never forget what happens when it does. That can be you. That should be you. That must be you."
--Tim Cook
EntrepreneurOn goal-setting
"Let your joy be in your journey -- not in some distant goal."
--Tim Cook
EntrepreneurOn changemaking
"If you embrace that the things you can do are limitless, you can put a ding in the universe. You can change the world."
--Tim Cook
EntrepreneurOn perseverance
"The sidelines are not where you want to live your life. The world needs you in the arena."
--Tim Cook
Related: What Makes a Successful Entrepreneur? Perseverance.
EntrepreneurOn character
"You don't have to choose between doing good and doing well. It's a false choice, today more than ever."
--Tim Cook
EntrepreneurOn work ethic
"There's a big difference between loving to work and loving the work."
--Tim Cook
