The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Merely two days after the it'll-change-the-world-as-we-know-it/it's-just-a-really-big-iphone announcement of the iPad, a group of around 30 in-progress Haas students ventured inside the Reality Distortion Field to catch a glimpse of one of the world's most innovative companies.
After marvelling at the splendor of the entrance to 1 Infinite Loop, the band of students were ushered into a gleaming conference room, dominated by perhaps the largest Panasonic LCD screen ever hung on a wall. Snacks were provided and they were delicious.
Apple was here to talk business, and to educate us in both the history of the company and its culture. Lily Sheung of University Relations took the lead and provided a pretty comprehensive video demonstration of the whole "Think Different" mantra. It seems they walk the talk at Apple. Exactly what defines the difference between "Think Different" and "Think Differently" escapes me, but the point is well taken; Apple marches to the beat of nobody else's drum, and the stock price proves that it's an effective strategy.
Enter Lucy Carter, Head of the Center for Academic Media and Technology at Apple University. She demonstrated Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of learning within a firm. Apple's very much aware of what defines its culture and leadership style. Lucy seems determined to ensure that her efforts ensure that Apple's leaders, present and future, remain connected to what stands as one of the company's towering strengths. To accomplish this task she's assembling a remarkable roster of academics from top universities to come to Apple to teach. A lot of corporations have their "universities". Apple is the first firm I've encountered that truly lives up to the name.
Next up: Jim Bean, VP of Finance. Jim's discussion was incredibly informative. He's clearly proud of Apple's growth and accomplishments over the past decade, and why wouldn't he be? Have you seen the revenue ramp? The stock price? His enthusiasm and passion for Apple was infectious. According to Jim, a big part of Apple's success rests on its commitment to investing in future development during down-turns. It's a sound strategy. The old trope states that firms that avoid drastic slashing during tough times emerge in a much stronger position relative to their competitors. Apple is doing fine.
Lastly we heard from Product Manager Kurt Knight. He's a software guy and he's not afraid to admit it. The real insight from Kurt was that to a large extent Apple is a place where the rule book gets tossed out the window. Apple is not concerned with meeting expectations by doing what everyone else is doing; it exceeds to redefine expectations and exceed them.
Nobody can deny Apple's place at the top of the tech heap. Our single afternoon snapshot served to deepen our understanding of exactly what it means to think different (or differently). No doubt a few of us wouldn't mind landing prestigious internship positions at the company. Whatever the case, it was a welcome opportunity to check in on life inside the RDF. It appears to be thriving.