[Consider] The Cobbler and the Software Executive
An old cobbler has been making shoes for over 40 years. His hands are rough, his back bent, but his shoes are works of art — meticulous stitching, perfect leather, precise fit. He knows his craft so deeply he can judge leather quality by touch alone.
Compare this with the modern software executive managing developers, designers, and product managers. They speak of "agile," "lean," "MVP," and "pivot." But how many truly understand the craft of making software?
The Craftsman's Mindset: The cobbler doesn't think about scale or market share. He focuses on making each shoe perfect. His reputation is built on quality, not quantity.
The Executive's Dilemma: They must balance quality with speed, craftsmanship with scalability, perfection with "good enough." They manage people and code, not leather and thread.
The Lesson: The best software companies combine both — the craftsman's dedication to quality with the executive's understanding of markets. Apple under Steve Jobs exemplified this. The challenge is to be both cobbler and executive — caring deeply about craft while building products that change the world.
