Tech
Companies Which Became Successes Despite Almost Failing
Published
6 years agoon
A major chunk of the companies who are successful today have faced their fair share of breakdowns and failures, giving the world the impression they may not recover from the blow. However, with all the effort the CEOs put into bringing these companies back on track, it is noteworthy to see the way these companies have turned out. Here’s a list of companies which bounced back from almost ceasing to exist to becoming one of the most valuable companies in the world.
1. Apple (Steve Jobs)
Probably one of the most successful stories of a startup bouncing back from destruction, Apple had a tough time coming back from the dead. When Apple hired Steve Jobs back as the interim CEO, he turned out to be the man who made the impossible possible. Steve Jobs realised one of the major things going against Apple was they were not thinking of doing something great with the company and were just stuck in the production phase for a long time. The moment he got back as the CEO, the first thing Jobs did was reduce the number of projects from 350 to 50 and then, to 10. A move that made him instantly famous with Apple’s Board of Directors, Jobs joined back as a full time CEO in 1997. Post this, he launched a series of new inventions like the iPod, the first ever iMac, iTunes and the iPhone! Increasing Apple’s stock by more than 9,000 %, Jobs was instrumental in bringing back Apple from near destruction. Today, Apple stands at a valuation of a trillion dollars. Unfortunately, Jobs was diagnosed with cancer and breathed his last in 2011, before he could see Apple become the revolution it is today.
2.Hewlett Packard (Mark Hurd)
When Mark Hurd took over for Carly Forina as the CEO of HP in 2005, he realised the company was in bad shape. At the time, HP had more people on their roster than they knew what to do. Further, this was also the point where HP was recovering from the extremely infamous Compaq acquisition of 2002. Hurd’s first move at ensuring the stability of HP was by decentralizing the staff and increasing the emphasis on field training, improving efficiency and increasing customer support. This move proved to be extremely favorable and from the years 2006 to 2009, HP’s profits increased to $ 80 billion, with the value of the shares doubling from its rate at the point. On a side note, despite ensuring the success of HP, Hurd was forced to step down as the CEO in 2010 post several allegations of sexual harassment.
3. Yahoo! (Terry Semel)
With companies plummeting into sure fire destruction, Yahoo! was one of the websites which suffered the most during the dot com bubble burst. Despite launching to a stupendous fan base before the burst, the mail platform just could not take off the right way. Terry Semel joined the board of Yahoo! as a CEO in the year 2001, with a wealth of experience as the Chairman of Warner Bros. When Semel came on board as the CEO, the company morale was at an all time low and the previous year had ended with a loss of $ 93 million. Semel realised one of the ways to bring back the company was by shifting focus. He changed Yahoo’s business plan and made it a platform which distributed news and user based content through channels like Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance and Flickr. Within a year of Semel becoming Yahoo’s CEO, not only was there a massive turn around with an eradication of all the losses, Yahoo! recorded an impressive profit of $ 43 million. With a successful reign of 6 years, Semel stepped down as the CEO in 2007.
4.McDonald’s (James. R Cantalupo)
When James Cantalupo retired as the CEO of McDonald’s in the year 2001, the company realised they needed him far more than they thought. A short year after Cantalupo stepped down as CEO, stocks started plummeting, with customers across the world complaining about McDonald’s unhealthy menu. When Cantalupo joined back as the CEO in 2002, the first thing he did was to introduce a low on carbs menu in select countries. With a focus on consumers who wanted to eat healthier, the menu changed completely and the results of Cantalupo’s efforts were clearly showing. Within a year, the profits increased massively and in the year 2003, McDonald’s recorded a whopping profit of $ 327.4 million, almost a $ 100 million more than the previous year. Unfortunately, before Cantalupo could use his Midas’s touch for good, the highly effective CEO passed away in 2004 as a result of a massive heart attack.
5. Dan Hesse (Sprint)
Dan Hesse came on board as the CEO of Sprint in 2007, a period when the company was majorly free falling into destruction. It didn’t take long for Hesse to realise that the biggest problem Sprint was facing was the fact that consumers thought the prices were extremely high. One of Hesse’s first moves as the CEO was to introduce the Simply Everything plan, a strategy which redefined the way Sprint functioned. However, unlike other turnarounds, it took Hesse quite a while to restructure the profits of this particular company. It wasn’t till 2010, after a series of takeovers by Sprint and the introduction of new plans, that the company saw its first profit. By the year 2012, Sprint had recorded a massive profit of $ 35.3 billion, as opposed to the previous year’s profits of $ 33.7 billion. Hesse still continues to serve as the CEO of the company.
These CEOS have turned the world around and given their contemporaries a new milestone to achieve. Who’s your favourite CEO? Comment and let us know.
You may like
Latest News
Navigating Instagram’s New Teen Accounts: A Guide for Parents and Teens!
Published
3 weeks agoon
September 20, 2024Instagram has introduced a new feature called “Teen Accounts” to enhance the safety and well-being of its younger users. This initiative aims to address growing concerns among parents and guardians about the potential risks associated with social media use among teenagers.
Understanding Teen Accounts
Teen Accounts are automatically assigned to users under 18 years old and come with built-in safety features. These accounts are designed to provide a more secure online experience for teenagers by protecting them from inappropriate content and unwanted interactions while giving parents more control over their teens’ social media activities.
Key Features of Teen Accounts
- Default Private Settings: All Teen Accounts will be set to private by default, requiring teens to approve follower requests and ensuring that only people they know can see their content.
- Messaging Restrictions: Teens can only receive messages from accounts they follow or are already connected to, limiting the risk of unwanted contact from strangers.
- Sensitive Content Filtering: Teen Accounts will automatically have the most restrictive content settings, filtering out sensitive material such as violent videos or posts promoting cosmetic procedures to create a safer browsing experience.
- Hidden Words Feature: Instagram’s anti-bullying tool, Hidden Words, will be activated by default on Teen Accounts, filtering out offensive comments and messages to help reduce cyberbullying.
- Time Management Tools: Teens will receive reminders after using the app for over an hour, encouraging them to take breaks. A sleep mode will mute notifications between 10 PM and 7 AM, promoting healthier usage habits.
- Parental Controls: Parents can monitor their teen’s messaging activity over the past week without accessing the actual messages. They can also set daily time limits for app usage and block access during specific hours.
Parental Oversight
The introduction of Teen Accounts gives parents greater oversight of their children’s social media interactions. By enabling parental supervision features, parents can approve or deny changes to account settings, view topics their teens are exploring on Instagram, and set daily time limits for app usage. This level of control is designed to reassure parents that their teens are engaging with age-appropriate content and are protected from potential online dangers.
Implementation Timeline
Instagram began rolling out Teen Accounts on September 17, 2024, starting with users in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Existing accounts for users under 18 will transition to Teen Accounts within the next 60 days, and the rollout will extend to other regions, including the European Union, later this year and into early 2025.
Conclusion
Instagram’s new Teen Accounts represent a significant step towards ensuring the safety of younger users on social media platforms. With enhanced privacy settings, content filtering, and parental controls, these accounts aim to create a more secure environment for teenagers while allowing parents to stay informed about their children’s online activities. As social media continues to play a crucial role in young people’s lives, initiatives like these are essential in fostering safe and responsible usage. Parents should familiarize themselves with these features and engage in conversations with their teens about safe social media practices.
Latest News
Apple Halts iPadOS 18 Update for M4 iPad Pro Amid Reports of Bricked Devices!
Published
3 weeks agoon
September 18, 2024Apple has recently pulled the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro models following a wave of complaints from users who reported that their devices became bricked after installing the software. This decision comes just a day after the update was made available, highlighting significant issues that have rendered some iPads unresponsive.
The Rollout of iPadOS 18
On September 16, 2024, Apple launched iPadOS 18, which introduced several new features, including customizable home screens, a calculator app for the first time on the iPad, and enhanced note-taking capabilities. However, shortly after the rollout, many M4 iPad Pro owners began reporting serious problems. Users took to platforms like Reddit and Apple’s Discussion Forums to share their experiences of devices that turned off during the update process and failed to power back on.
One user recounted their experience: “I just took it to the Apple Store, who confirmed it’s completely bricked,” indicating that they would need to send the device to engineers for assessment before receiving a replacement, despite having AppleCare. This frustration was echoed by numerous other users facing similar issues.
Apple’s Response
In light of these complaints, Apple has temporarily removed the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro models and has stopped signing the firmware files necessary for restoring these devices. While Apple has not publicly acknowledged the full extent of the problem, they confirmed they are working to resolve it. Notably, other devices are still able to download and install the update without incident, suggesting that the issue is isolated to specific models.
User Experiences
Affected users reported various scenarios leading up to their devices becoming bricked. Some noted that their iPads were fully charged and connected to power during the update process but still encountered failures. Attempts to recover their devices using recovery mode or connecting them to a computer yielded no positive results, leaving many frustrated and seeking assistance from Apple Support.
Community Reactions
The community response has been overwhelmingly critical of Apple’s quality assurance processes. Many users expressed disappointment over experiencing such severe issues with a brand-new device. Comments highlighted concerns about whether adequate testing was conducted prior to releasing the update. Some users even compared their experiences unfavorably with Android devices, stating that they had never encountered such critical failures during updates on other platforms.
Looking Ahead
As of now, Apple has not provided a timeline for when iPadOS 18 will be re-released for M4 iPad Pro models or what specific measures will be implemented to address these issues. Users are advised to refrain from installing the update until further notice and are encouraged to contact Apple Support if they experience problems.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro models underscores the challenges tech companies face in ensuring software reliability across diverse hardware configurations. As Apple works to rectify this situation, affected users are left navigating uncertainty regarding their devices’ functionality and future updates. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing in software development and maintaining user trust in technology companies.
Latest News
Essential Steps to Prepare Your iPhone for the iOS 18 Update!
Published
3 weeks agoon
September 16, 2024Preparing Your iPhone for iOS 18: Essential Steps
As Apple rolls out the much-anticipated iOS 18 today, it’s important to ensure your device is ready for the update. This guide outlines the necessary steps to prepare your iPhone for a smooth installation of iOS 18, which promises to enhance customization and introduce several new features.
1. Verify Device Compatibility
Before proceeding, confirm that your iPhone is compatible with iOS 18. The update will be available for the following models:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
2. Free Up Storage Space
iOS 18 requires approximately 6.98 GB of available storage. To ensure a smooth installation, check your storage by navigating to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Delete unused apps, photos, and files. Consider offloading photos to iCloud to create additional space.
3. Back Up Your Data
Backing up your iPhone is crucial before any major update. Use iCloud or connect your device to a computer with iTunes/Finder to create a backup. This protects your data in case of any issues during the update process.
4. Check App Compatibility
Some apps may not be immediately compatible with iOS 18. Check for updates from app developers or consider waiting a few days after the update to ensure your essential apps function correctly.
5. Ensure a Stable Wi-Fi Connection and Charge Your iPhone
A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for downloading the update. Additionally, ensure your iPhone is charged to at least 50% before starting the installation to avoid interruptions.
6. Wait for Early Reviews
If you’re not in a rush, consider waiting a few days after the initial release to install iOS 18. This allows time for developers to identify and resolve any initial bugs, ensuring a smoother experience.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to install iOS 18 and take full advantage of its new features. Enjoy your updated iPhone experience!
Recent Posts
- Remembering Ratan Tata: A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Philanthropy!
- Sachin Tendulkar Joins Bank of Baroda as Global Brand Ambassador: A Strategic Partnership for Growth!
- Swiggy Secures ‘Shark Tank India’ Sponsorship as Zomato Faces Leadership Changes!
- Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association Announces Boycott of Swiggy Over Unethical Practices and Payment Delays!
- Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s Day as a Delivery Agent: A Call for Change in Worker Treatment!
- OpenAI Launches Canvas: A Revolutionary Interface for Enhanced Collaboration in Writing and Coding!
- Is Samantha Prabhu joining Secret Alchemist to launch a new era of wellness and aromatherapy?
- Greenikk’s Closure: A Cautionary Tale in the Agritech Sector!
- Josh Talks FY24: Reduced Losses and Modest Revenue Growth Signal Positive Momentum!
- WhatsApp Channels Revolutionized: Channel Categories Simplify Content Discovery!
- Mobikwik Secures SEBI Approval for ₹700 Crore IPO: A Major Step in India’s Fintech Landscape!
- Mahindra Group Launches Dedicated AI Division to Drive Innovation and Efficiency Across Its Business Portfolio!
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Partner Sharing in Google Photos!
- Unmissable Savings: The Amazon Great Indian Festival and Flipkart Big Billion Days 2024!
- Navigating Instagram’s New Teen Accounts: A Guide for Parents and Teens!
- Apple Halts iPadOS 18 Update for M4 iPad Pro Amid Reports of Bricked Devices!
- Essential Steps to Prepare Your iPhone for the iOS 18 Update!
- Apple India’s Website Goes Down Hours Before iPhone 16 Pre-Orders Open!
- Apple Ordered to Pay €13 Billion in Back Taxes to Ireland by EU’s Top Court!
- Swiggy Instamart Celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with Free Modak Dispenser in Mumbai