(From Holvi co-founder, Kristoffer)

When I was a small kid I read a wonderful Finnish book about great inventions in the world. This was in the late 80s. There was a piece about this amazing new computer, the NeXT workstation, with a picture of Steve Jobs proudly showing it off. Here was a guy who had not only set up one of the most influential companies of that era, but who was then forced to leave the very company he started. But with no loss of enthusiasm, he continued onwards to create the next revolutionary new thing. I had already a fair knack at coding, an understanding of technology, and a huge desire to make my mark in the world. Seeing the ambition Steve possessed made me decide to be that guy, and I have since taken every opportunity I can to reach that point. I do not have many idols, but Steve is quite possibly the most important personal hero of my life.

I think one of the most important lessons he has often talked about, and one which I have taken too long to learn, is that your gut instinct is generally right. This has happened time and time again, and for whatever reason, I have chosen to ignore it or listen to what others were saying. The problem with gut knowledge is it’s difficult, or even impossible to quantify or argue, until it eventually turns out to be right. Your gut operates years ahead of everything else. In fact, I can’t remember a single time my gut was dramatically wrong. All that is needed is the courage and stamina to push forwards with that belief. It will be the most rewarding decision you end up making.

Last night something very odd happened. I went to bed and dreamt that Steve Jobs was in hospital dying. I have never had a dream with him in it before. A crowd had gathered at the hospital to hear or see him, for one last time. He went through a long and painful operation at the hands of many doctors. Miraculously he survived from that and eventually had the strength to come out to see everyone. He smiled that beaming, impish, world-beating smile, so typical of him, and told everyone who had gathered there to remember to eat healthily.

Then I woke up to find he had died.

Steve will be forever remembered as the leader who would boldly go where nobody else dared. To forever question the norm and strive constantly towards excellence. He is an inspiration, and our company will be waving the pirate flag in his honour, as we work hard to fulfill our own dream.