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When we left the Steve Jobs story back on part three, Steve was at the lowest point of his life. His big dream of creating the perfect computer Next was finished, and in an even crueler twist of fate, his other venture Pixar was in serious trouble too. The lifeline that had been grabbed, when making the deal with Disney was slipping away from them. Disney's Katzenberg had seen what the company had created, and quite simply hated Woody, Buzz Lightyear and all the other characters which we now see as classics. And together with the majority of Disney's creative staff, he declared that the characters were unappealing jerks, the dialogues inappropriately cynical for a children's movie (while he was the one who pushed for such characteristics early in development) and finished. Pixar was back to making TV commercials just so it could survive — but it was obvious it would disappear if the work did not start again. Steve had lost Apple, lost Next, and ploughed a huge amount of money into Pixar with no sign of a return from his investments. But Woody and Buzz had other ideas. Its not often that you can say that someone's life was literally saved by some old toys, but this was going to be the case with Steve Jobs. John Lasseter and other Pixar employees worked very hard at the script that Disney previously hated. They knew that they were in the last chance saloon, so round the clock developed improved character traits in the toys that worked to make them instant classics, and in February 1994, they turned out a new, improved version that won Jeffrey Katzenberg's approval: production could resume. Steve Jobs was not overwhelmed by this tiny success, and his desire to sell Pixar to outside investors never wavered. Even as late as the fall of 1994, Steve Jobs was actively pitching the company to anyone that he felt could help him regain his investment, even getting close to selling it to Apple's arch enemy Bill Gates. Times were not good, but as many things turned out later for Steve, looking back and joining up his dots we can see clearly that it was a blessing that he failed to say goodby to the animation company. In fact we could say that it was less of a blessing and more of an absolute saviour. . According to many people who with him at the time. The realisation that he had in fact tapped into something that was going to be far bigger than he or anyone could have realised came in New York central park in 1995. There within the grass, trees, and open space of the big apples iconic recreational area, the movie studio had set up a gigantic tent with a movie screen showing previews of the two upcoming Disney films, Pocahontas, to be released in the summer, and Toy Story, for Thanksgiving 1995. The watching audience in the tent loved what they were seeing, and watching their reaction more than the film Steve Jobs started to get back in action. The apathy that had seen him while away the hours with his daughter at home, was replaced by a vision of what might just be possible. He realised, although it was true to say that he had kept his ideas firmly grasped to his chest, what he needed to do to get back on top and be seen as the earlier version of Steve Jobs once more. The man who could do no wrong, with the midas touch to business. But first he needed to see if the buzz around the two films could be translated into ticket sales. Could the feeling of anticipation felt within the canvas tent be felt across the country, leading to seats being filled in cinemas across America and the world? Well he didn't know, but he knew that he had things to do before he found out. Steve Jobs started to get himself into position to maximize what could be achieved if the film was a hit. Getting more and more involved with the running of Pixars affairs, he made the bold move of removing Ed Catmull from his position as president and naming himself both president and CEO of Pixar Not frightened by his previous recruitment fiascos, he also hired an outside CFO, Lawrence Levy, to give Pixar a respectable image to Wall Street. This would work wonders if he could force a move to take the company public. An idea that would have been laughed at just a few months earlier. But now was a very different time, and PIXAR like a racehorse ready to explode from the gates and trounce the competition did just that. When Toy Story finally came out on November 22, it wasn't just a hit, but it was a smash hit. Audiences, across America flocked to see the Toy Buddy movie, and to say that Pixar and Disney were delighted was an understatement. It made $28 million in the Thanksgiving 3-day weekend alone, and eventually reached $160 million in US box-office receipts — an astonishing return for a production that cost just $27 million to get to market. Steve Jobs had now got a successful company at the top of his resume once more. And it is true in life, and certainly true in business, that success leads to success very quickly. Most interested parties and investors only care about the recent track record, the hot streak that the incumbent could be seen travelling along at that moment. Within a few weeks, Steve Jobs went from a tarnished ex-genius computer whizzkid, to seeing his face smiling confidently on the covers of business and industry magazines on every stand in America. He was back, and in prime position, to create the largest and quickest influx of wealth he had ever experienced. Dwarfing the kind of financial figures he had enjoyed back in his highflying Apple days. Back in the tent watching the movie pre-launch Steve Jobs had decided that he would take the company public. No one could see how this could have been possible with a failing company who hadn't made a profit in nine years, and instead had only see money go one way….the wrong way. But Steve Jobs, felt strongly that he could ignore the naysayers, and meander his way through legal issues within the company that would stop this from occurring. He after all had a history of finding his way through the insurmountable difficulties that stop others in their tracks. And this situation was no different. He found the solution to the legal difficulties, and fair to say made more than a few enemies within the company in the process. His decision to focus the rewards on five individuals only, with himself taking the lion's share, alienated much of the company's loyal employees. Most feeling that the company should recognise and reward their efforts to bring the film to a successful conclusion. Many threatened to leave upon hearing that new CFO Levy would find himself fantastically rewarded, when he had not done anything remotely significant in the short period he had been with PIXAR. This was a bitter pill to swallow. But Steve Jobs didn't care a bit, and proved to the world that his vision was spot on, when on November 29th, one week after Toy Story was released, the company hit the stock exchange. Such was the positive commentary about the film and the company, it was little surprise that the shares more than doubled from $22 to $49. It became the biggest IPO of the year. Steve Jobs had made it: he was now a billionaire, worth almost $1.5 billion. He had made in one swoop ten times the money he had ever made at Apple in the early 1980s. Steve Jobs was delighted, not just for himself, but he now had a company that had made $123 million, and wrote off all its debts in one go. He was now in the driving seat once more. And there is one thing certain about Steve Jobs, and that is his ability to gain momentum from a situation. He went back to Disney, and instead of thanking them for their support, marketing and production experience, he re-negotiated the deal he had previously made. Steve Jobs made it clear to them that unless a new contract was written, he would take his animation company to the other movie distributors once the three movie deal was concluded. Disney could see what they had on their hands and agreed to every term Steve Jobs dicated. The world was astonished. They were not going to let the golden goose fly from their grasp. Steve Jobs was on a roll and had a vision for himself that most certainly did not bear fruit. To which we mean the company that he had started way back in the 70's Apple was not on his radar at all. He had moved on, and separated himself completely from his past. Reinventing himself within a totally new industry However, we can also see that sometimes in a person's life there are things occurring behind the scenes that can pull them in a direction that they just couldn't have foreseen. And within the walls of Apple, they had no direction, the company was in crisis and losing money hand over fist. The Macintosh which still brought in the bulk of the companies profits was in steep decline. The operating system that a couple of years previously had been seen to be state of the art and cutting edge was now cumbersome and inoperable. The desires for faster and more sophisticated computers had seen their competitors namely Microsoft pull away to claim the lion share of the market and dominate the sales of home pcs Apple was desperate to restore their product to its former glories, they worked around the clock to bring to market an operating system that would fit the bill. Fast, cheap, efficient to build and able to cope with the demands of every consumer in the world at that time. They struggled, and after delay upon delay realised, that they needed to pursue other avenues. The word on the street was Apple were rotting from the inside out. They were unable to operate efficiently and sales were declining in such spectacular fashion that their days were numbered. How could they quickly change the fortunes of the Macintosh? How could they find the operating system that would bring the company back from the dead? They needed to look to what the world was doing and seek collaboration. They needed outside help if the company had any chance of survival. And not even the board of Apple would have considered Steve Jobs to be the collaborator that they required, and certainly not even the most optimistic dreamer would have dared imagine that he not only be that person, but would also save the company in such astonishing fashion. If you recall in the previous episode of the Steve jobs join up dots biographies. Steve had worked after leaving Apple on building the pinnacle of sophistication into the computer world with his Next computer company. So perfect and advanced was the system that he built, that the world was quite simply not ready for it. It had been too advanced for the development costs to be able to be transferred to the buying public. But that of course did not mean that the system was not still valuable to the world, and most importantly Apple computers. Hearing about the company's problems, some NeXT employees made a very bold decision. They would contact Apple and inform them that they had an answer to their problems on hand. A system that was built, tested and now able to be built at a much cheaper cost than previously. The world was ready for the vision of perfection that had cost Steve Jobs, his business and his reputation. When Jobs heard that the phone call had been made, his jaw dropped. He was stunned that the idea had occurred, and even more so that the idea had been placed in front of his own struggling former love..Apple. In December 1996, Steve Jobs, for the first time in over a decade drove to the headquarters of Apple and stepped through its doors, and in his hand he held the future of Apple Computers. The very advanced NeXTSTEP, regarded as one of the best software platforms on the planet. Steve Jobs said, envisioning the finally widespread use of NeXTSTEP, was a dream he had struggled ten years to realize but had always wished to occur. Justifying his efforts and perfectionism. In short time he convinced the board that they should part with $400,000,000 for sole use of the NeXSTEP, with also 1.5 million Apple shares and the appointment as "informal adviser" to CEO Gil Amelio coming his way too. Steve Jobs had remarkably, through a series of fortunate events involving a film company that he had tried to rid himself, and an operating system that nobody wanted, returned home. No longer in the family garage, but this time at the re-birth of Apple. It would not be long until he was no longer the informal advisor but instead be restored as the CEO of Apple. We will see in the last episode of the Steve Jobs story how he placed himself in the midst of a company that had lost direction, lost market share, and lost the belief of the world, but through the experience and dots that were now connecting Steve Jobs would be see forever as the world's greatest CEO

Todays guest joining us on the Join Up Dots free podcast interview is Dr Joel Gould, an entrepreneur, businessman, author, and cosmetic dentist. A man with hustle muscle running through him and a desire to be the best that he can be. As he says "I am the classic, typical won't take no for an answer guy. I am a PROBLEM SOLVER; I won't limit myself, or trust almost anyone's opinion of what I can achieve. This level of self-confidence arose solely from hard work, dedication, experience, and a willingness to be open to anything, and to never say never,except to say never say never." Now if this sounds like a guy who was born with confidence, and complete awareness of what he can achieve, then think again. This is a guy who was influenced heavily by the upbringing he received from his father, and the shocking diagnosis at the age of 14 that he was suffering from Crohns Disease. He is also a guy who was battered and bruised through the recession of 2009, and lost everything he had worked so hard to achieve almost overnight. He moved from a two million dollar house into a one bedroom apartment, and from that point onwards started fighting back And now everything seems great in his life. He has a thriving practice in California, is the author of the book "The Perfect Smile", and appears as a recognised expert on tv and media. So how did this native of Winnipeg, Canada, find himself building his dreamlife in California, USA? And does he accept the lessons life has thrown him as part of the game, or just unfortunate moments in his life that he didn't deserve? Well let's bring onto the show to start joining up dots, as we discuss the words of Steve Jobs in todays Free podcast, with the one and only Dr Joel Gould

Todays guest joining us on the Join Up Dots free podcast interview is a man who has had a fascinating path to where he is today. For many people, as young man he would have been considered a success and leading the kind of life that many people would consider the dream. From the age of 14, you could find him swinging the clubs like a young Tiger Woods, pursuing his passion by playing golf on the PGA tour. And for the next six years, he followed the tour until in 2009 he decided to put down is clubs and begin starting a family. And this is a fascinating point in his life, which will lead the conversation today. After spending so many hours practicing, traveling, practicing, competing, and then giving up, did he consider himself a failure? Did he embrace the freedom of making that decision, or was he surrounded by people who had a different opinion to how he was leading his life? Well whatever he felt, he stopped the touring and become a stay at home dad, and after over two years of that very rewarding yet very challenging experience, got into the telecommunication and technology industry doing sales for a small company remotely. But at his core is this words, his own words "I love to feel inspired. I love feeling connected to others. I'm a dreamer who believes bigger and better things are always coming down the road. I get a lot of inspiration watching and talking to people who are living and walking down an inspired path. I appreciate it because it's something I'm constantly seeking for myself." So has he learnt the ability through his golf, that even in his own business, if you swing madly and hook one into the trees, then the next shot could be the sweetest one he has ever hit? And does he look back at the early golfing hustle that took him around the tour, as the perfect grounding for what he is doing now? Well let's bring onto the show to start joining up dots, as we discuss the words of Steve Jobs in todays Free podcast, with the one and only Tom O'Stasik

My guest on todays Join Up Dots free podcast interview is a man who is driven to make us lead a happy and stress-free life. He is a practicing medical doctor, international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and highly sought after expert on stress and happiness. He believes that there are practices and skills that we can all learn, that can help us push away those stresses and issues that bother us all, and start smiling broadly. And he is certainly a man that has one of the biggest smiles I have seen ,so he must have mastered it himself. And from his base in Vancouver, he is sharing his skills via TV, presentations, podcast interviews, and even speaking directly to Prime Ministers and their cabinets, as we all want to have what he has. A stress-free and happy life everyday. So how has he learned these skills? Was he a big stresshead who realised that he had to do something about it, or was it a path that just found him? Well let's find out as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots, as we discuss the words of Steve Jobs in todays Free podcast, with the one and only Dr Kenford Nedd

Todays guest joining us on the Join Up Dots free podcast interview is Mr Jonathan Van Keulen, a man who is driven to make a difference to the world. A difference to all the people, and familles that during their lives get touched by the illness cancer. Leading up to 2014, our guest was leading a very different life to the one that he leads today. Working for Wells Fargo as a private banker, his day was very much like most men in the world. Wake up with the alarm clock, shave, put on a shirt and tie, kiss the family goodbye and go to work. But what do you do when suddenly that routine is taken away from you? What do you do when you end up wishing with all your heart, that you can just kiss your family again and again, as you might be losing the chance to do it for much longer. Well Jonathan Van Keulen faced that prospect head on, as in 2014 he was diagnosed with a rare and serious form of cancer that is seen mostly in children. He was told that he had Osteosarcoma, and begain with the support and love of his family to fight against it, by undertaking the necessary treatment needed. But this is where, we get to on the Join Up Dots ideal time and time again. When our guests are at the lowest point in their lives, the thing that they should be doing with their lives so often appear. And whilst laying on the hospital bed, making a list of ways that he could make himself more comfortable during his extended stay, he thought "If these things would make me comfortable then what about all the other cancer victims?" He had so many ideas about things he could do to make his stay more comfortable, along with his lovely wife he started a non profit, Cancer Can't, with the mission to attempt to give these same comforts to as many people as we can. So does he look back at his pre diagnosis life as one that needed a shake up to make him become truly alive? And although terrible, and arduous, has the treatment and the cancer been a good thing that he is now glad that he went through? Well let's find out, as we bring onto the show to start joining up dots, as we discuss the words of Steve Jobs in todays Free podcast, with the one and only Jonathan Van Keulen

Todays guest entrepreneur is Tranea Prosser, a lady who likes nothing more than having a laugh, and when it comes to making her listeners and audience laugh then she is in heaven. Where ever there are ears to hear, and a sound system to project her voice, she has been bringing laughter to folks in all sorts of venues. And she does it in a clean, non-profane manner…pleasing to audiences of all ages — from kids to senior citizens. It seems performing was pre-ordained for this Texas native, as both her mom and dad were singers of some note…with her late father, Harvey, being a member of the Soul Savers quartet. She has also sung in church choirs for most of life…as well as of course being a comedian, singer, and author of the book "Celibacy: What was I thinking?" She is flexing the old hustle muscle everyday, and making the most of every opportunity that comes her way. But what I find amazing is that like all of us she has started and worked in jobs that seem a total wrong choice to make, and from an outsider point of view seem madness. She has spent years working as an administrative assistant, and a legal secretary for the attorney general of Texas, responding to inquiries and general complaints. But were these the jobs that actually helped light the passions and started her working towards where she is today? Did she realise that although paying the bills, the roles were actually holding her back from a life of enjoyment and fun? Well let's bring onto the show to start joining up dots, as we discuss the words of Steve Jobs in todays Free podcast, with the one and only Tranea Prosser

Today's bonus episode focuses on another listeners email who asked an amazingly profound question that can effect us all Dear David, Loving the show, and im amazed that you don't seem to lose your energy.......what are you drinking? But here is my question......when do you decide that something isn't working? When do you decided to stop and try something else? All the best and keep on rocking it. Johnathan Adams

Todays guest entrepreneur joining us on the Join Up Dots podcast interview is a man who when it comes to knowing the true value of something is the guy to go to. You see he is the owner of the Art Of value, where he works to assist entrepreneurs, companies, and guys with a product to sell decide on what they should charge. Most of us in the entrepreneurial world have these great dreams of working for ourselves, having time freedom and seeing the money flow effortlessly into our bank accounts. And most of us, at the beginning at least struggle with setting fair prices for our services. We have those self-limiting thoughts that make us go cheap, when actually we should go double. Now our guest can trace his path back to 2009, when he found himself sitting on a panel discussing hourly billing. Set the fee per hour. Do the work. Job done. Another developer on the panel was an advocate for value pricing, and told the audience "If you bill by the hour, there is an artificial limit on your income." And with those words, our guests life changed forever. So why were those words so profound to him? Was he just at that right moment when his mind was ready fro such a message? Or deep down did he always have the belief that you should get for value of what you offer, but wasn't brave enough to bring it to the table? Well let's bring onto the show to start joining up dots, as we discuss the words of Steve Jobs with the one and only Mr Kirk Bowman.

Welcome to another bonus episode of Join Up Dots, where we respond to a listeners email. This is a show that all of us need to reflect on. Dear David and everyone connected with Join Up Dots, I listened to Join Up Dots today as I have done everyday for the last few weeks, and I just had to write to let you know what happened. Episode 197 made me realise that I am letting myself down. In fact not just letting myself down but throwing away the life that I have been given. I was so touched by the mans story, and how his persistence never wavered, no matter what happened in his life, that I broke down in tears at my desk. I couldn't tell my colleagues what had happened to me, so just made up a story about problems at home. But the problems are in me. I shed so many tears today. Tears for him and the uplifting way that he shared his struggles and heartaches. But tears for me and the life that I have led. The years that I have wasted. I would love to go back and listen to the show again, but I don't want to change the mark it has left on me. I want to carry the pain, to drive me forwards to bigger and better things. I know that I have it in me to achieve so much more. I need more shows like this to keep me going. The show you have created is a gift to all of us. Bless you Mindy Artisan Juneau Alaska

Todays guest entrepreneur joining us on the Steve Jobs inspired Join Up Dots podcast interview is Dr Hans Finzel is a successful author, speaker and trusted authority in the field of leadership. For 20 years he had the freedom to led international non-profit World Venture, serving in over 65 countries and now spends much of his time speaking and writing on practical leadership principles from the real world—not the classroom. The kind of stuff that corporations across the world are crying out for as the demand for top, productive and efficient leaders become more and more desirable. He has written nine books, including his bestseller "The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make" and as we said this information is a global concern, which has led to them being translated into over twenty foreign languages. If that doesn't sound like he has enough on his plate already then, he also serves President of HD Leaders, and is chief leadership guru on"The Leadership Answer Man" podcast doing well in ITunes and other platforms. So did his desire to tackle leadership issues come from working with people who just wasn't up to the job, even though they were in prime positions? The kind of people that have built careers more by default than talent? Or like most things that become our lifework, did it simply creep up on him and till he couldn't resist it anymore? Well let's bring onto the show to start todays Join Up Dots free podcast interview, as we discuss the words of Steve Jobs with the one and only super entrepreneur, business man Hans Finzel