When Steve Jobs stepped down from his role as the leader of Apple in 2011 before his tragic passing later that year, the sustainability of Apple’s phenomenal success without its visionary leader was in serious question. He had been grooming then COO Tim Cook to take over since 2004 when Cook had first stepped into the role while Jobs was recovering from pancreatic cancer.
When Jobs chose Cook as his successor, he offered two pieces of advice, which speaks to the kind of man and leader Steve Jobs was at his core. He told Cook: 1) Not to think of what he [Jobs] would do, and 2) To “do what’s right.” If it weren’t for Jobs’ foresight to prepare the way for his successor, Apple wouldn’t be the trailblazer it is today. Jobs himself said it best as he stepped down, “I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it.”
Assets, value, and reputation should be treated the same no matter whether they belong to an individual or to a business. So why would you treat your own assets any differently than you would in the business world? Just like in business, you need the right plan in place to make sure your wealth and your legacy remain intact.
Ask any successful businessman what drives his or her company, and they will tell you it is their passion for the business and what they produce. Now imagine how powerful that kind of passion could be if applied to your wealth planning.
Wealth is far more than the figures on your net-worth balance sheet. I encourage you to listen to your heart, and if you do, you’ll not only act wisely, but you’ll join passion and excitement with clear thinking and thorough planning.
Wealth is more than money. Don’t just plan for your future, live it right now. Pass it on and share the insights like this that you find valuable.
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-Alan Lakein