Steve Jobs once gifted a Jaguar to a secretary for being late

A fascinating anecdote from the early days of Apple Inc. has resurfaced, highlighting the dual nature of Steve Jobs’ leadership — both demanding and surprisingly generous. The story, shared by Ron Givens, who served as Apple’s Director of Quality between 1981 and 1986, offers a glimpse into the unpredictable side of the iconic tech visionary.

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In a 2011 interview with WRAL, Givens recalled an incident from the early 1980s when a secretary arrived late to work. Jobs, then only 26, asked her why she was late, to which she replied that her car had broken down. Later that same day, Jobs reportedly walked into her office and handed her the keys to a brand-new Jaguar, telling her not to be late again.

At the time, a Jaguar XJ cost about $35,000 — equivalent to over $120,000 today when adjusted for inflation. Givens said the moment captured Jobs’ contradictory nature: intense, unpredictable, but capable of astonishing generosity.

Jobs was well known for his exacting standards and fierce passion, frequently challenging employees on the smallest details. Yet he could also display unexpected acts of kindness. Givens also remembered being gifted a $1,000 Steuben-glass apple by Jobs, without any explanation.

The stories underscore Jobs’ complex personality — a blend of brilliance, intensity, and inspiration that shaped Apple’s culture in its formative years.