Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks during an Apple event April 8, 2010, in Cupertino, California. | Getty Images | Justin Sullivan

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The Leadership Lessons Steve Jobs Left Behind at Pixar

Steve Jobs wasn’t just the co-founder of Apple—he also played a pivotal role in shaping Pixar into the storytelling powerhouse we know today. Despite having no background in film production, Jobs demonstrated a leadership quality that Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter says made him “uniquely great.”

Speaking at Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies Gala and Summit, Docter, who has been at Pixar for over 35 years, opened up about working closely with Jobs after he acquired the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm in 1986 for $5 million and turned it into Pixar.

Jobs’ Most Underrated Strength: Focused Listening and Clarity

One of the most powerful skills Jobs brought to the table, Docter said, was his ability to walk into a room, listen for just a few minutes, and immediately zero in on the crux of the discussion.

“He could sit in on meetings where he had zero technical or creative expertise,” Docter recalled, “and within five minutes, he’d figured out what the core problem was.”

This ability to distill complex conversations into their essential elements allowed Jobs to make valuable contributions—even in fields outside his comfort zone. According to Docter, this wasn’t just innate brilliance—it was the result of years of intentional practice.

“It’s not something people are born with,” he noted. “It’s something he developed.”

Other former colleagues have echoed this view. Ed Catmull, Pixar’s co-founder and former president, previously wrote in his book Creativity, Inc. that Jobs’ strength lay in his ability to challenge assumptions and ask sharp, illuminating questions.

The Flip Side: Jobs Had No Off Switch

While Jobs’ intellect and focus inspired many, Docter highlighted one trait that made working with him difficult—his disregard for boundaries between work and personal time.

“He would call you—especially the producers—at literally any hour,” Docter said. “Three in the morning, during your vacation, it didn’t matter. If something was on his mind, you were expected to be on.”

This behavior, Docter believes, stemmed from Jobs’ deep passion for the projects he was involved in. However, it also reflected a tendency to prioritize urgency over personal space—something Docter now consciously tries to avoid.

“Now that I’m in a leadership role, I try not to call people in the middle of the night,” he laughed, before admitting, “but I still send emails after hours—my wife’s trying to get me to stop doing that.”

What Leaders Today Can Learn from Jobs

The balance between passion and boundaries is a central theme in Docter’s reflection. Jobs was a visionary who inspired through relentless focus and conviction—but his intensity also came at a cost to those around him.

For aspiring leaders, the takeaway is twofold:

• Master the Art of Clarity: Learn to listen intently, strip away noise, and home in on what really matters. This skill can turn even unfamiliar situations into opportunities for smart decision-making.
• Respect Personal Boundaries: Passion is important, but respecting others' time and mental space is key to maintaining a healthy and productive team culture.

Pixar’s Enduring Legacy—and Jobs' Lasting Influence

Since Jobs helped launch Pixar, the company has produced over 27 feature films, earned 23 Academy Awards, and generated over $15 billion in worldwide box office revenue. From Toy Story to Inside Out, its success was built on a blend of creative brilliance and strong leadership—something Jobs helped foster during his time at the company.

Even after his passing in 2011, Jobs’ presence is still felt in Pixar’s culture.

“He set the tone for what excellence looks like,” said Docter. “We’re still trying to live up to that standard.”

Whether you're a startup founder or a corporate executive, the leadership lessons from Steve Jobs’ time at Pixar offer a valuable blueprint for inspiring innovation—without losing sight of humanity.