Offered Stock to Apple Employees

When Apple went public, co-founder Steve Wozniak made a notable decision to offer $10 million worth of his own stock to early employees of the company. This gesture was rooted in Wozniak's personal philosophy regarding wealth and values. He has expressed a strong belief that excessive wealth can lead to corruption of one's values, stating that he preferred to avoid the pursuit of money for its own sake. Instead, Wozniak focused on investing in ventures that aligned with his personal interests and values. This offer to employees was a significant act of appreciation for their contributions to the company during its formative years. In contrast, co-founder Steve Jobs did not support this initiative, reflecting differing perspectives on employee compensation and equity within the company. Wozniak's decision to share his wealth with employees highlights a commitment to fostering a sense of community and loyalty among the team, which was crucial during the early stages of Apple's growth. The impact of this decision can be seen in the culture of Apple, which has evolved to prioritize innovation and employee engagement, setting a precedent for how companies can value their workforce beyond traditional compensation methods.