I think the important question we all need to ask ourselves is whether he was successful because he was an asshole, or whether he was successful despite being an asshole?

A lot of people seem to think that 'asshole' is a stepping stone to success. With no evidence to support it either way, I try to live presuming that it was 'despite'. That Apple could have been ever greater had he managed to be assertive and strong without being abusive.

I vote “despite”.

I’ve seen this a lot. People are assholes when young and then they mature and manage to maintain their effectiveness while inflicting less damage.

I agree. Whatever he might have been in his personal life, his business sense, and marketing acumen really make it a pleasure to watch the keynotes, and video interviews.

Full disclaimer, I was a full-on Apple fanboi from the Nineties to the mid 2010s.

hope you cashed in on those shares !

Yes sir. Though I held on to a fair share.