Good Mourning in America

Yesterday, when asked if my blog was going to be about Steve Jobs, I said “No." Not because of any negative thoughts but I did not see how I could add to the accolades or remembrances written by so many. However, I decided to consider what we could learn from his life. It isn’t possible for us to become the genius that he represented. The U.S. patent office credits him with over 300 patents. Similarly, achieving his level of vision is unlikely. Furthermore, as I understand his management style, it would be divisive if used by a lesser man. So, what is the lesson that we can all learn from him?

I listened to him extol a graduating class at Stanford to pursue their ambitions above all else.

Steve Jobs said, “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."

Jobs clearly led his company in the direction that his inner voice commanded. We, as members of the IP community, can benefit from that example. What we offer to the world is change. What we do every day changes the way people communicate and use technology. This blog for me is a marketing tool for Broadvox and allows me to share my inner voice and one of my passions, cooking. Yet, I know I can do more.

With every new idea, leadership action and, yes, new recipe, I pursue my inner voice. Your life should be an example as well. Whether at home, work or in your community, you can find your voice, your tempo and ultimately, yourself.

Steve Jobs lived a full life in his limited time. That is something we can all strive towards.

David Byrd is vice president of marketing and sales for Broadvox, and is responsible for marketing and channel sales programs to SMBs, enterprises and carriers as well as defining the product offering. Prior to joining Broadvox, David was the vice president of Channels and Alliances for Eftia and Telcordia. As director of eBusiness Development with i2 Technologies, he developed major partnerships with many of the leaders in Internet eCommerce and supply chain management. As CEO of Planet Hollywood Online he was a pioneer in using early Internet technologies to build a branded entertainment and eCommerce website company partnered with Planet Hollywood. Having over 20 years of telecom sales and marketing experience, he has held executive positions with Hewlett-Packard, Sprint and Ericsson.