In his emblematic speech at the Stanford University graduation ceremony in 2005, Steve Jobs expressed his conviction that the real nuggets for companies are self-taught individuals. In his view, these talents with no formal qualifications, a free spirit and a remarkable capacity for innovation deserve to be recruited immediately – and without the slightest hesitation – if you’re lucky enough to discover a rare specimen.
Even if you’ve already seen it, I suggest a little trip back in time: watch this video again, this time thinking of that dream you cherished so much as a child, when, quite innocently, you were asked «Hey kid, what do you want to be when you grow up?».
Even if the specifics of my story differ from Steve Jobs’, his extraordinary itinerary resonated deeply with me, and I recognized myself in his atypical life path. We share the same uniqueness of our respective life paths, shaped by fundamental values instilled by those around us from an early age.
« N’oubliez jamais que ce sont des professionnels qui ont construit le Titanic et des amateurs l’Arche de Noé ! » — Morgan Freeman
During my childhood, my father, then a teacher of French, Latin, and religious studies, planted in my siblings and me the seeds of values such as rigor, an appreciation for beauty, creativity, precision, a passion for language and literature, unwavering loyalty to our commitments, courtesy, chivalry, a love for debate, and a curiosity for philosophy. These principles, steeped in family tradition — and perhaps seen as somewhat old-fashioned today — laid the foundations of my personality. Growing up in such an environment allowed me to develop independent thought and the ability to make free choices, aligned with a set of values that resonate with my deepest essence. This upbringing opened my eyes to the world, guided by these values like a reliable compass, to learn and experience life, thus endowing me with a spirit of independence and freedom of choice that I recognize in this video.
Steve Jobs shares with these Stanford graduates three stories from his life that illustrate not only the strength of following one’s passion against all odds but also how failures can be stepping stones to greater successes. His decision to leave university, driven not by a lack of interest in learning but by a desire to find a path more in tune with his intrinsic curiosity, deeply echoes my own choice to refuse my degree, in order to stay true to my convictions. Like Jobs, I too have embraced uncertainty, learned from my failures, and persisted in my quest for innovation, thus proving that success and impact are not solely the result of formal education but can also emerge from a passionate commitment to personal exploration and self-development.
«Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.» — Albert Einstein
Drawing on Jobs’ success and his famous speech, I aim to highlight the importance of unconventional paths in today’s professional world. By paralleling my own experience with that of Steve Jobs, I want to show companies the importance of recognizing and cherishing atypical profiles. These individuals, even without traditional degrees, enrich the professional environment with innovative perspectives, innovations, and creative solutions. Our journeys illustrate the crucial need for an open and flexible professional environment, ready to embrace and support those driven by a true passion, insatiable curiosity, and the desire to make a difference, regardless of their academic background.
«Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.» — Steve Jobs
Ultimately, Jobs’ story encourages us to value the diversity of paths in the professional world and to recognize that success and innovation are not only the products of formal education, endorsed by official degrees, but are sometimes also the result of the ability to follow one’s passion, learn from failure, and live with personal intention.
