Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Inc., shared insights into his motivations during a commencement address at Grand Valley State University. He emphasized that his drive for starting Apple in 1976 was not financial gain but rather the desire to impress fellow engineers with his designs. After facing five rejections from Hewlett-Packard, Wozniak teamed up with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne to launch Apple. Although he initially held a 45% stake in the company, he gradually sold off much of his stock in the 1980s, reflecting his preference for personal values over wealth accumulation. Wozniak also completed his education at the University of California, Berkeley, under the alias 'Rocky Raccoon Clark.' He encouraged graduates to pursue unconventional paths and find joy in their work, highlighting the importance of creativity and curiosity. His experiences serve as a reminder that innovation often requires perseverance and the courage to follow one's unique interests.