During a captivating 45-minute discussion on the BBC Sounds podcast hosted by the talented singer Dua Lipa titled “Dua Lipa: At Your Service,” Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, opened up about his 25-year journey with the company. The interview touched on various aspects of Cook’s life and his perspective on Apple’s future.
Expressing his deep connection with Apple, Cook reflected, “I love it. I can’t envision my life without being there, so I’ll be there for a while.” However, when questioned about a potential succession plan, Cook emphasized Apple’s commitment to meticulous planning. He acknowledged the unpredictability of life, stating, “We’re a company that believes in working on succession plans because something unpredictable can always happen. I could step off the wrong curb tomorrow. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen; I pray that it doesn’t.”
Curiosity piqued, Dua Lipa inquired about the possible successors, to which Cook responded cryptically, “I can’t say that, but my job is to prepare several people for the ability to succeed, and I want the person to come from within Apple, the next CEO. That’s my role – so there’s several for the board to pick from.”
The conversation expanded beyond Apple’s corporate dynamics as Cook offered insights into his daily life and upbringing in a blue-collar family in Alabama. The 63-year-old CEO also touched upon Apple’s commitment to environmental sustainability and shared thoughts on issues ranging from excessive smartphone use to the transformative potential of AI and generative models. There is a lot to learn and love about Cook, starting from his early life as a teenager to his high school experience, and to the man he has become today.