Chet Kapoor, the current CEO of DataStax, has a remarkable career trajectory that traces back to his formative experience as an intern for tech mogul Steve Jobs at software company NeXT. Reflecting on his journey, Kapoor credits a significant portion of his success to those early years under Jobs’ mentorship.
Kapoor’s proximity to Jobs, albeit in a humble role, provided him with invaluable insights. He intently observed Jobs’ thought process, particularly through the questions he posed in meetings. This exposure to Jobs’ analytical approach and problem-solving techniques laid the foundation for Kapoor’s future leadership style.
Beyond the direct mentorship, Kapoor also absorbed the product and design-centric culture that Jobs cultivated at NeXT. The emphasis on user experience and unwavering focus on engineering excellence left a lasting impression on Kapoor. He recognized the importance of creating products that seamlessly align with user needs and the rigor required to achieve technological breakthroughs.
Kapoor’s subsequent leadership roles at companies like Google and IBM further honed his skills and expanded his experience. However, he consistently attributes his early encounter with Steve Jobs as the catalyst for his growth and success. Kapoor’s journey underscores the profound impact that mentorship and exposure to exceptional leaders can have on shaping professional trajectories.
Recounting his early career aspirations, Kapoor shares that his fascination with Steve Jobs and Apple began at the age of 15 or 16. Reading ‘A Little Kingdom’ by Michael Moritz, a book about Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, ignited his desire to work for the tech visionary. Kapoor’s unwavering determination led him to pursue an internship at NeXT, where he eventually crossed paths with Jobs.
Kapoor’s experience at NeXT not only provided him with invaluable mentorship but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the power of technology to transform lives. He witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of products like the NeXT Cube and the NeXTSTEP operating system, which paved the way for future advancements in computing. Kapoor’s journey is a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities, embracing mentorship, and relentlessly pursuing one’s passions.
