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One sticking point was that Jobs wanted his payout to be…

“One sticking point was that Jobs wanted his payout to be in cash. Amelio insisted that he needed to "have skin in the game" and take the payout in stock that he would agree to hold for at least a year.” Jobs resisted. Finally, they compromised: Jobs would take $120 million in cash and $37 million…” quote by Walter Isaacson
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““One sticking point was that Jobs wanted his payout to be in cash. Amelio insisted that he needed to "have skin in the game" and take the payout in stock that he would agree to hold for at least a year.” Jobs resisted. Finally, they compromised: Jobs would take $120 million in cash and $37 million in stock, and he pledged to hold the stock for at least six months.””

Walter Isaacson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Jobs and Amelio negotiated compensation, balancing cash needs with long‑term commitment via stock ownership.

In simple terms: Jobs got cash and stock, agreeing to hold the stock.

Key Takeaway

Balance immediate reward with future stake.

Themes

compensation negotiation leadership risk management

Mood

strategic pragmatic

Type

business financial

When to use this quote

  • executive contracts
  • startup funding
  • stock options
  • retention strategies

Key Concepts

equity incentives cash flow corporate governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide the right mix of cash and equity?
  • What risks do you accept when holding company stock?
A Different Perspective

Holding stock may limit liquidity and increase exposure to market risk.

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