Jim Mallekoote brings nearly three decades of experience at Apple, spanning from his early days as a contractor in 1980 through his retirement in 2013. Over that time, he served in senior leadership roles, including Senior Director of Retail Sales, and worked closely with Steve Jobs during two pivotal eras, first with the visionary founder in Apple’s early growth years, and later with the more reflective, business-minded leader who returned in 1998 and helped save the company.

In 2002, Jim led the creation of Apple’s original iPod team, a six-person group that helped intentionally shift Apple from a computer-only company to a broader consumer technology brand. That strategic evolution (moving Apple’s revenue mix beyond computers) paved the way for the launch of the iPhone just a few years later and fundamentally changed the company’s trajectory.

Today, Jim draws on this firsthand experience to offer a rare, insider perspective on Apple’s evolution, leadership culture, and retail innovation. A natural storyteller, he shares lessons learned from inside the company’s most formative years, including little-known stories about Steve Jobs and a pivotal cultural shift at Apple in 1999.

On April 1, as we commemorate Apple’s 50th anniversary, Jim will reflect on his journey from Apple’s first $100 million in sales to its rise to $170 billion in revenue and invite questions as he shares insights on innovation, resilience, and building enduring impact.