Steve Jobs: The Innovative Leader Behind Apple Reflecting back on Jobs' life and his history at Apple. Some notable quotes from this master of innovation tell us how thoughts become things. Monroe, Louisiana . In the book, Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader, it is revealed that succession planning at Apple started even as early as 2004. As The New York Times … But most of all, the name Steve Jobs became almost synonymous with innovation. It’s no wonder that CNBC named Steve Jobs the #1 most innovative and transformative business leader of the past 25 years. Innovative leaders are creative visionaries who have big ideas and, most importantly, can motivate people around them to turn those ideas into reality. Classic examples of innovative leaders include people like Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple) and Thomas Alva Edison (who commercialiZed electric lighting and many related things). When Jobs had medical issues in 2004 and 2009, Cook had already taken over indefinitely. Carter Saterfiel. Steve Jobs was known for rebellion, his vision, and his creativity. Steve Jobs was a product of the two great social movements that emanated from the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s. Oct 11, 2016. To see an Apple product is to see the results of Jobs' thoughtful drive. Cook knew very well that Jobs was not looking for an exact replica of himself – just a worthy successor. Steve Jobs was a computer designer, executive and innovator, as well as an all-around role model for many people in both their businesses and their personal lives.