Posts Tagged ‘disclosure’
Jobs’ Health = Apple’s Health
What does Steve Jobs’ health have to do with Apple? EVERYTHING! He is not only the CEO of Apple, he IS the Apple brand. When there is a possibility that the leadership of a company is facing a life-threatening illness, it could mean serious speculation about the strength of the brand.
Steve Jobs has intrigued me ever since I watched the Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech 2005 on You Tube. His speech was amazing. It was an inspiring story about the many ups and downs in Jobs’ life. He is an amazing storyteller. This speech builds trust in him and the Apple brand.
Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech
In his speech, he was candid and open about his heath struggles. So, why the change of heart? Why is he so secretive about his health now?
Because the possibility of Jobs leaving the company could mean a HUGE loss for Apple-both physically and financially.
Yes, there are laws to protect employee privacy when it comes to health. However, from a PR standpoint, withholding this information could be detrimental to the health of the company.
With the launch of the new iPhone convergence, Apple would be taking a huge risk by disclosing Jobs’ liver transplant. (Mind you, he received this transplant because HE was the sickest person on the transplant list.) I agree with Laura Ries’view on the iPhone craze. Apple may dominate the market right now, but they still have strong competition and Jobs’ health could stop the juggernaut in its path. The mere speculation of Jobs’ health could cause problems for Apple.
The SEC is currently trying to pass laws that force companies to disclose the health of CEOs. This is controversial, but could be necessary if companies want to please their shareholders and improve brand equity. If CEOs choose to be the spokespeople for their companies, they should be prepared to live in the limelight in all aspects of their life. After all, they are a direct reflection of the brand!
