Leading personalities: Jobs, Polet and Gunn

Abstract

Purpose

Focuses on the successful leadership techniques of three unexpected leaders: Steve Jobs, Robert Polet and Tim Gunn.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments.

Findings

In 1976, at the age of 21, a then unknown young innovator co‐started a company in his parent's garage. Four years later he was worth $200 million, but when he was thirty his own company threw him out. Twelve years later they begged for him back, and Steve Jobs returned to Apple. In the fashion sector, France's Pinault family paid $8 billion for Gucci, sacked the company's CEO and most famous designer and hired the so called “ice‐cream” man Robert Polet to come and direct the show. Equally unpredictable, young CEO of Liz Claibourne Inc. William McComb decided to hire Tim Gunn, a man with a background in education and, more recently, TV, to change the fortunes of his company. In all three cases, hiring and firing decisions have been the subject of outrage, derision and very nervous stock brokers. But in all three cases the decisions have proved good. What is it about these three leaders that have them succeeding against the odds?

Practical implications

Offers advice to aspiring leaders in the business world.

Originality/value

Presents three successful but different leadership personalities, pointing out what three diverse men actually have in common.

Citation

(2008), "Leading personalities: Jobs, Polet and Gunn", Strategic Direction, Vol. 24 No. 11, pp. 17-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540810914995