Saturday, November 14, 2015

#madeofgreat - Steve Jobs


If you were to ask me what greatness is and what constitutes a person to be anointed to be #madeofgreat I would say, it is their never-say-die attitude in the face of adversity.

These greats are made of sterner stuff than most of us. One of them is Steve Jobs.
What made Steve Jobs great?
Was it because he was a bright mind?
or was it because he built Apple - the iconic brand that all look up to?

Let me share why I feel Steve Jobs was #madeofgreat.
Though I had never met the man in person, yet the stories about the events in his life are so impactful. Some people leave an indelible mark on you that you weep silent tears when you hear the news about their untimely passing.

The Start to Greatness: 

Early in life, Steve took a major risk by dropping out college to build Apple Computers Inc with his friend Steve Wozniak in 1976. He was just 21 then.
Though computers did exist then, Apple Computers revolutionized the way computers interacted with the users by making it more user-friendly. Some fine details like fonts, typefaces and styling that Steve introduced into the Operating System changed the way people used computers. And so Apple churned out products and the investors were happy to invest into the company.

Post the meteoric success of Apple in the following 3 years, the company was met with fierce competition from IBM. In addition, Apple products met critique of not being IBM-Compatible. Under the pressure of IBM breathing down Apple's neck, a disgruntled CEO of Apple (Mike Sculley) believed Steve Jobs to be hurting Apple and made him feel insignificant in the company that he built.

In 1985, Steve Jobs was made to leave from the same company he built from scratch.

Simply, he was kicked out of his own compay.

In the face of this adversity and challenge, Steve started NeXT a software and hardware enterprise and subsequently purchased George Lucas' animation studio- which later became Pixar. It was because of his foresight of realizing the potential of Pixar, he invested $50 million of his own money into the company.
I am sure many would've laughed at the decision of a recently kicked-out founder investing heaps of his own money into another entrepreneurial plunge that may back-fire.
But it was Steve's gamble that paid off. And Pixar generated truck loads of money by belting out wildly popular hits like Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.


Steve is revered to be one of the greatest inventors and creators of modern technology. I don't doubt that for one bit. He made no compromises in designing the iPad or the iPhone as sleek and user friendly at a time we just couldn't think of a phone that could fit into the palm of our hand.

His achievements have sown the seeds for belief that an entrepreneurial journey can be rewarding regardless of the hurdles that one faces. He has left a technological legacy that many will cherish for decades and more.


What drives you from within is what makes you great!

The most powerful part of his life that made a lasting impression on my mind was him regaining the confidence to build another company from scratch after being kicked out of his own venture. I felt it was remarkable how he did not let the setback affect his belief system in the darkness of adversity, but re-instated his confidence and determination to move ahead to build another great company and keep making marvels.
Steve's life incident is a worthy lesson to me as I draw strength from the way he moved on without cribbing, without any hesitation in taking risks, keeping the passion to excel alive and most importantly NOT GIVING UP.

It was Steve Jobs' self-belief, perseverance and never-say-die attitude in the toughest of times that defined him to be #madeofgreat.

Like a man who embodies qualities like excellence, perfection and never-say-die attitude to be attributed as #madeofgreat, a brand like TATA Motors is displaying these qualities since decades in the motoring world. TATA Motors is an epitome of a brand belonging to the India's globally renowned group TATA, that has now partnered with another renowned brand - football phenomenon Lionel Messi to be their global ambassador.



What do you think of Tata Motor's Association with Lionel Messi?
The best answer will win an Amazon Voucher worth Rs. 750!

Note: Contest closes on November 26, 11.59 PM.
So comment with your answer soon!


49 comments:

  1. Steve Jobs, a wonderful entrepreneur who never said Die at the lowest time of his life. As a IT consultant, there were times when we compared Microsoft to Apple and wondered why such a nice product was never properly marketed. I am talking about late 80s. Today his company products are coveted products which everyone loves to possess. Tata motors and Lionel Messi is a great combination that gives us a Kick and also kicks the hell out of its competitors. Love it. :)

    Best
    Katie
    Admin - Chennai Focus
    chennaifocus.wordpress.com

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    1. You just kick-started the comment flow to this post Katie! Good Luck :)

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  2. The story of a Legend in himself - that's how I will describe it in a short sentence. Very well written to enhance the simplicity yet greatness of the man.

    My answer: Tata is a name which any and every person can rely on for its honesty, commitment and perseverance. Lionel Messi is a legend who has carved his name in history books with total dedication to the game, simple living and improvisation which is seen with each game he plays. The association of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi as their Brand Ambassador will definitely give an edge to the Tata group over its competitors solely because the brand Ambassador also holds the same reputation of not letting his fans down ever, like Tata Motors who have given the best to the world over the decades. Its an exemplary association par excellence.

    You can choose my answer as the best if you feel I described it all well.. :)

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  3. Thought it appropriate to share this with you....Steve jobs’ Last Words -

    I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world.
    In others’ eyes, my life is an epitome of success.
    However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.
    At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death.
    In the darkness, I look at the green lights from the life supporting machines and hear the humming mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of god of death drawing closer…
    Now I know, when we have accumulated sufficient wealth to last our lifetime, we should pursue other matters that are unrelated to wealth…
    Should be something that is more important:
    Perhaps relationships, perhaps art, perhaps a dream from younger days ...
    Non-stop pursuing of wealth will only turn a person into a twisted being, just like me.
    God gave us the senses to let us feel the love in everyone’s heart, not the illusions brought about by wealth.
    The wealth I have won in my life I cannot bring with me.
    What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love.
    That’s the true riches which will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go on.
    Love can travel a thousand miles. Life has no limit. Go where you want to go. Reach the height you want to reach. It is all in your heart and in your hands.
    What is the most expensive bed in the world? - "Sick bed" …
    You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you.
    Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – "Life".
    When a person goes into the operating room, he will realize that there is one book that he has yet to finish reading – "Book of Healthy Life".
    Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down.
    Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends...
    Treat yourself well. Cherish others.

    Taken from (https://www.facebook.com/pingping.highhopes)

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    1. Thanks for sharing Sunita. Wise words from a legendary man indeed.

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  4. Now to answer the delectable question..
    Both Messi and Tata motors are ace strikers on a level playing field with absolute wizardry and magic that has evolved over the years into two distinct and unmatched brands !

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    1. That is a well composed answer Sunita. Good Luck! :)

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  5. Steve Jobs life truly inspires us. Nice to read about him.
    Lionel Messi and Tata Motors worked hard in their own way to attain goals to leave an global impact.

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  6. There's so much we learn every day. Imagine the guts this man had... and his belief in himself that prompted him to make that investment of 50 mn ... wow.
    As to the question... both Tata Motors and Lionel Messi have built a solid reputation. This foundation is built on the sheer perseverance and self belief and the ability to not resting till they achieve what they had planned to. And once they reach that stage... its so easy for both to say Veni Vidi Vici and then move on...to higher and more difficult to achieve aims. They both have set very high standards, and if anyone does want to surpass them they'll have to work very hard indeed.
    Cheers to greatness.

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  7. Tata Motors and Messi compliment each other like aloo does to Samosa. Tata Motors and Lionel Messi have many things in common. Tata Motors and Messi compliment each other just like aloo and Samosa. Firstly both of them have highly credible performance record. Secondly they are both made of great material. Indeed there couldn't have been any other brand ambassador than Messi for Tata Motors

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    1. Interesting analogy Mahesh. Now I'm craving for a samosa :P

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  8. Steve Jobs was a digital visionary who didn't just leave a legacy of great products. And he continues to inspire and motivate, still! Good luck for the contest, Gauri! :)

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    1. Thanks Shilpa. Liked and commented on your entry as well. Good luck! :)

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  9. A true inspiration who followed his passion to leave an indelible mark on the rapidly advancing digital world.

    As for the expression of views towards the question, I would like to answer through a stanza or two of verse:

    ---

    'What drives us from within is what makes us great'
    Belief in oneself, the zeal to put up a brave face,
    In the face of adversity, to stand strong against fate,
    That's how life is - it's an excellent goal to chase!

    To create a name for oneself, from the soil your feet dampen,
    To let critics enhance your effort, not let your spirits dampen,
    It's the journey that counts, more than having scaled the peak,
    To persevere so that it's your actions that have the loudest shriek!

    ---

    To sum up, I feel that this age-old adage rings true whenever I think of this beautiful alliance of an Indian Global Brand - Tata Motors and a Global Argentinian Sportsperson - Lionel Messi

    "Our Similarities bring us to a common ground; Our Differences allow us to be fascinated"

    That realization is truly #madeofgreat. :)

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  10. That was a wonderful insight, we often hear and read about people who make it great in this world but what they have been through is always behind the curtains. I remember reading his last words on a Facebook post, what Sunita has shared here. I was moved then and again now after reading this post. Like how Steve Jobs says "It is all in your heart and in your hands", yes it is in our heart and hands. Players like Messi teach us the same, and with Tata Motors, an empire more than a brand I think this association has so much we can look forward to in the times ahead :-D This contest itself is a good example!

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    1. Very true Raksha. Thank you for the comment. Good luck! :)

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  11. I can resonate with your feelings about this legend, more specifically at the time of the news of his demise. I came to know much more about him after his death than while he was alive, by reading books and articles on him. To rise high after a downfall is indeed a great-some! Appreciate the choice of your inspiration, Gauri.

    I was moved when I heard about Messi's other side of having been selected as the goodwill ambassador by UNICEF for supporting lives of children across the globe. Not only a soccer legend but also a wonderful human by virtue, Messi, deserves to be adorned as a 'made of great' person.

    Tata Motors has brought several dreams of middle class citizens alive with their cheapest car in the world, Nano. Behind Nano's making, there was certainly a touch of humanity. Now imagine the association of these two brands! I believe, with what drives them from within, as individuals, they are sure to create something great for the future of the world. Not to exaggerate, but Messi's words during the event, "Namaste India" has certainly rang a new moment in the history of India!

    Nandhini Chandrasekaran
    (https://pagesfromserendipity.wordpress.com)
    nandhini.pfs@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you for your appreciation Nandhini. Good luck! :)

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  12. Hey hi there Gauri! There is so much to learn from so many people, our paths may or may not cross with them. We just need to keep our eyes and ears open. Well-written!
    About Messi and Tata, I just have one thing to say, both epitomise a solid combination of Sincerity and Dedication, a match made in heaven!

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    1. Thanks for your appreciation Leena! Good luck :)

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  13. Steve Jobs, what a man !!!

    To answer the question on association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi, my answer is the following:

    When excellence in performance marries a touch of class, it invokes awe and respect alike, a la Messi and Tata Motors.

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  14. You have taken a great example of #MadeofGreat : Steve Jobs

    To answer the question you asked :
    Tata Motors has gained the goodwill from giving the best and innovative Automobiles and it is also known as one the best Automobile Manufactures. And if you see the Lionel Messi , his throughout dedication, zeal , targeted goal of life and technically soundness make him big, achiever and remarkable position in the world.
    As per me, the association of Tata Motors and Messi is a grand amalgamation of two legendary entities of the world, and their amalgamation will definitely break down the clutters and affect the cut throat competition of Tata Motors. Tata motors will sure get a huge preference by the fans of Messi. This will sure make a record on the of Tata motors in the world of production or may be the highest selling automobiles.
    Tata motor’s main target is to give an impression on the large amount of crowd and this can be achieved only through the Messi, because the youth generation is crazy for MESSI and this can be smart move and a great achievement for Tata Motors they positioned MESSI as their BRAND AMBASSADOR .
    In the nutshell, Tata Motors , Messi joining hands will definitely give more soundness in technicality of promotional strategies and Messi’s influence will influence the audience for choosing Tata Motors and expand the business drastically.

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    1. Thanks Bhawna. That is one elaborate answer. Good luck :)

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  15. When two greats in their respective fields join hands the result is bound to be greater. Tata Motors with Messi as brand ambassador is definitely soaring to the pinnacle of glory. Let us expect the next beast from Tata's stable to hit the Indian roads to be the greatest.

    Please do visit my blog and put your valuable comments
    http://pramod1962.blogspot.in/2015/11/he-taught-me-values-of-honesty-and.html

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  16. He's been one of my inspirations too! I often quote his life and words to my grandchildren. Good write-up Gauri!

    Relating Steve's downfalls in his early days with Messi and Tata, it reminds me that while I was reading about Messi’s early life, I learned that he had a growth hormone deficiency in his childhood. For the sports legend he is today, I guess none can believe this. His passion for football must have been so great that he could outgrew this condition. Likewise, inspite of the huge criticism Tata Indica, Tata’s first passaenger car, received, Tata Motors could make it as one of the best selling cars in India. These two passion-driven brands coming together marks a legendary association in the Indian automobile industry. And it promises something far greater than what we’ve witnessed so far!

    Nalini (https://vedvyash.wordpress.com)

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    1. You've related the post and the contest answer well. Thank you for your answer Nalini.

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  17. Great choice of person!

    As for the question, i believe that Messi will surely boost up Tata Motors' brand image further. Both of them are stories of struggle and courage and now that they're on a common platform, it will definitely prove to be a fruitful association.

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  18. You choose to write about Jobs. I must congratulate you on such a perfect choice. He was simply someone #madeofgreat.Loved your write-up as you covered all aspects of him from his early youth days to his work life, to being thrown out of his own company and then further extended to his characteristics as a human being. Best wishes to you for the contest.

    My answer to your question: The person you choose to write about for #madeofgreat campaign is the perfect choice in my opinion. So is the association of Messi with Tata Motors, because both of them are committed to deliver 100 percent every single time. These two are behemoth brands which have dedicated themselves to perfection in their respective fields for years and years now.

    It is no coincidence that Messi himself drives a range rover which is a product of Tata Motors now. The brand has been known for its trustworthiness, simplicity, durability and reliability for decades now, A tie-up with legend like Messi whose commitment to his team and ability to deliver whatever is necessary every single time will take the value and goodwill which company has developed since 1945 to a whole new level of awesomeness. The fact that it took 16 months of efforts to get Messi in the driver's seat says a lot about how difficult it is to chase world's most gifted footballer. Hoping to see this association foster into a long term relationship.

    Messi reflects the Trust the soccer fans all around the world put on him while so does Tata Motors for the automobile enthusiasts across the country. Both of them have achieved feats unparalleled and have stood far apart from all their competitors, hope that this association turns out to be a value addition for both the sides. Cheers !!!!

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    1. Some interesting facts on Messi's life. I take it you are a fan, Sumit.

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  19. Indeed! I second your thoughts! I believe Jobs was an incredible person and his life and its course shows how success can come despite all the odds. I am glad you wrote of him.

    I believe Messi and TATA Motors are known for the dedication, perseverance and passion in their respective fields and in a way, they compliment each other. Hence, their association will further strengthen the trust of people in their brand and I hope they flourish well with the same.


    Amreen

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    1. Indeed they make a interesting combo. Thanks Amreen, Good luck! :)

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  20. Hi Gauri,
    Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
    Here is my answer
    The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
    aaloke19@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you for your answer alok. Good luck! :)

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  21. Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
    Here is my answer.
    Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
    In case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.com
    Fingers crossed :)

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    1. Indeed a made for each other combination! Good luck Hemaa!

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  22. Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
    My answer is:
    Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
    Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.com
    fingers crossed

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  23. Good and though provoking answer Shilpa. Good luck! :)

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  24. Your post defines #madeofgreat in an awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
    My Answer
    Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
    bhuwan198grover@gmail.com

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  25. Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
    TATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
    yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com

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  26. When it comes to impact and impacting millions of lives, Yes, we can see both Tata Motors and Lionel Messi being the pioneers here. While the very name Tata is enough to make us go back to all our history books where we have seen there hardly is a comparable name that has contributed so much to the society in such an ethical manner, the very name Messi conjures up images of a boy-man who has turned the world upside down with his talent, determination, discipline and never-give-up spirit. The compatibility between the values they both share is intense and that is the reason this partnership works perfectly.

    With a concern for the society at large,everything that Tata has done has inspired us to dream big, conquer the world and pour all our energy back into the society to do good and inspire good. By facing his demons, Messi has done the same. He enjoys a God-like status in the world today because he dared to dream, achieved the sky and still hasn't lost his humanity a bit. He is still a child at heart and he gives back with his multiple philanthropic activities just like Tata does!

    Talk to any person in India, ask them about the companies they admire the most. Tata is right there at the top. This name is beyond bottomline, spreadsheets, return on investment and share price. It is equivalent to soul of India-soft, kind, diverse, dynamic, eternal. Just like that Messi has emerged as not just another football player but someone whose very life is an inspiration, whose personal struggles are a template for others to emulate and who has morphed into an eternal legend.

    While it would take eons to write about what makes Tata Motors and Messi great, as their list of achievements is too long for us to even skim over, suffice to say that this partnership is for the ages. As they say, some things are made in heaven :)

    Thank you for this opportunity.
    -Richa Shailendra, lovelyricha1@gmail.com

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So, Is your glass half empty or half full? ;)

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