Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died on Oct. 5, depriving the world of one of its greatest innovators.
Jobs oversaw Apple’s revival, creating the iconic iPod, iPhone and iPad that changed the technology industry. Apple is now world’s most valuable company with a market value of $350 billion.
Jobs revolutionized how we communicate, work, listen to music and do many other things.
He was knocked down when some early products failed and was even fired by Apple in 1985. But he fought back, trusted his creativity and ideas, and was rewarded with the label that few businessmen can claim – that of a visionary.
How Ukraine needs a man like Jobs.
Most if not all of this country’s business leaders acquired Soviet-era assets at firesale prices in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Instead of creating, they have taken and then milked.
Ukraine is full of smart people, but they are often turned in the wrong direction by the culture of nepotism, corruption and impunity. Those wanting to start up a new business are quickly slapped down by corrupt officials demanding bribes.
In a meritocracy where talent is rewarded, this country’s world-famous hackers would not be working on how to steal passwords and card details, but how to create brilliant new computer programs and electronic products.
Its undoubtedly smart businessmen would be rewarded for creating, not for sucking out profits. Those who do try to create something new and innovative would be encouraged, not crippled by high taxes, demands for bribes and excessive red tape.
But the current climate – where knowing which official to pay off is the key talent – simply send people toward the exits. Those who stay are faced with substandard educational institutions, frustrations in the workplace and an economy tilted towards insiders — based on who you know, not what you know.
If Steve Jobs had been born in Ukraine, he would likely have left.
