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Steve's head dropped and stared at his feet. After a…

“Steve's head dropped and stared at his feet. After a weighty, uncomfortable pause, he issued a challenge that would haunt me for days. " Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?" Sculley felt as if he had been punched in the…” quote by Walter Isaacson
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““Steve's head dropped and stared at his feet. After a weighty, uncomfortable pause, he issued a challenge that would haunt me for days. " Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?" Sculley felt as if he had been punched in the stomach. There was no response possible other than to acquiesce. " He had a uncanny ability to always get what he wanted, to size up a person and know exactly what to say to reach a person," Sculley recalled. ””

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.

A mentor challenges a leader to choose between mundane work and impactful change.

In simple terms: Choose work that changes the world over trivial tasks.

Key Takeaway

Pursue purpose-driven work.

Themes

leadership career choices impact

Mood

determined urgent

Type

inspirational motivational

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • entrepreneurship
  • product development

Key Concepts

Motivation visionary thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you sacrifice for world-changing work?
  • How to recognize a meaningful opportunity?
A Different Perspective

Fear of failure may deter bold choices.

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