Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, shared insights into his early work experiences during a recent appearance on the podcast Table Manners. Cook revealed that he began working at the age of 11, delivering newspapers, which instilled in him a strong work ethic.
He described his first job flipping burgers at Tastee Freez, a local fast-food restaurant, where he earned $1.10 an hour, below the minimum wage at that time. Cook emphasized that his upbringing in a modest environment in Robertsdale, Alabama, shaped his values regarding hard work.
Cook also reflected on his time in high school, where he played the trombone in the band and managed the school yearbook's finances, selling advertisements to local businesses. He attributed his success in business to the lessons learned from his parents about the importance of hard work.
After graduating from Auburn University, Cook worked for various technology companies, including IBM, before joining Apple in 1998 at the invitation of Steve Jobs. He noted that he worked closely with Jobs for 13 years until Jobs' death in 2011.
As CEO, Cook maintains his early morning routine, starting his day at 5 AM to manage the influx of emails from Apple customers. He stated that this quiet time allows him to focus on essential tasks before the unpredictability of the day unfolds.
Cook's reflections highlight the foundational experiences that have influenced his leadership style at Apple.