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In the summer of 2006 I had the privilege of interning at Apple. My position was in the retail marketing department with a smart and passionate team looking to make waves in the retail industry. I knew at the time that it would be one of the greatest experiences of my life and that I was to sit back, observe, and learn from everyone around me at the time. 

One of the most surreal moments that summer was when Steve Jobs spoke to the intern class in Town Hall. It’s an opportunity that most full-time Apple employees are not privileged to have but yet there I was, with a handful of individuals, in what felt like a one on one encounter with a 21st century icon.

I remember a few things from that one hour long event. I remember Mr. Jobs wearing jeans and a black t-shirt (not a turtleneck), him mentioning that two industries he could see as exciting and challenging would be the auto and mobile phone industries, and I remember him allowing a fellow intern to do an impromptu audition for the then iconic iPod commercials.

However, what I remember the most is his poise throughout that hour. He was calm and collected. This wasn’t a keynote address and the hour wasn’t scripted or prepared for in advance, yet I still recall how he was able to command our attention with each tale and response. Steve was amazing at the use of metaphors and analogies that hit home when describing complex behaviors and situations. He had this way of really listening, taking the time to think, and then responding in a way that was direct, intelligent, and inspiring. It’s something that sounds simple but no other person I’ve witnessed since, particularly in the business world, has been able to do as well. It was a lesson in the mastery of leadership that I’ll always be grateful to have had.