In two days from now, on Saturday, October 5th, we will mark 13 years since Steve Jobs passed away, and remember his influence on how we think about leadership, creativity, and even personal branding.
Having started my career selling Apple Macintosh computers at Micro Center in Columbus, Ohio, Jobs was always a figure to look up to. But what’s even more remarkable is how his approach to life and leadership continues to resonate today — not just through the devices he brought to the world, but through the impact he left on how we present ourselves, how we lead, and how we create.
One of the most visible signs of his enduring legacy is how many men today, especially leaders and creatives, have adopted Jobs’ iconic look: the black t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. It’s more than just a style choice; it’s become a symbol of focus, purpose, and stripping away the unnecessary to get to the heart of what matters.
It’s as if, by wearing this uniform, they’re signaling that they, too, are aligned with Jobs’ philosophy — one where clarity of thought and intention are prioritised above all else.
Jobs understood that leadership wasn’t just about making decisions. It was about having a clear vision and a relentless focus on what truly matters. His wardrobe, just like his leadership style, was simple, consistent, and powerful. He didn’t waste time on trivial decisions like what to wear because he was too busy thinking about the bigger picture.
“On this anniversary of his passing, we’re reminded that Jobs’ genius wasn’t just in his products, but in the way he led — by simplifying, focusing, and staying true to his vision. His influence on leadership remains as powerful today as it was during his time at Apple.”
This wasn’t just efficiency — it was a way of reinforcing who he was and what he stood for. Every time he stepped on stage in that black turtleneck, it was a reminder of his philosophy: focus on what matters, cut out the noise, and execute with precision.
That consistency carried over into his leadership at Apple. Jobs wasn’t just leading teams to create products; he was driving them to create a better experience for people. He pushed boundaries by staying true to his vision and making sure everyone at Apple was focused on that same goal. And it’s no coincidence that leaders today who admire Jobs have adopted a similar approach to their leadership—clear, intentional, and focused on outcomes, not distractions.
On this anniversary of his passing, we’re reminded that Jobs’ genius wasn’t just in his products, but in the way he led — by simplifying, focusing, and staying true to his vision. His influence on leadership remains as powerful today as it was during his time at Apple.
His black turtleneck and jeans? They’re a lasting reminder of the kind of focus and clarity that define great leadership. Jobs showed us that sometimes the most innovative thing you can do isn’t adding more but doing less — better.
By Ghassan Kassabji, CEO, Impact BBDO Group – Dubai
