Boss Class from The Economist Company profile: Corning
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Jun 23, 2025 
Wendell Weeks, Corning's CEO since 2005, has steered the company through significant challenges, including the dot-com crash. Jamin Amin, the Chief Technology Officer, dives into the intricacies of glass innovation. They discuss a surprising partnership with Steve Jobs that resulted in the creation of ultra-thin glass for the iPhone. The duo reflects on the value of humility in business, their rigorous testing for Gorilla Glass, and how a hands-on leadership style fosters creativity and adaptation in a fast-paced tech landscape.
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Steve Jobs Confronts Corning CEO
- Steve Jobs directly challenged Wendell Weeks on Corning's fear of risk during the iPhone glass project.
- Jobs's blunt words changed Corning's approach, enabling them to supply glass for billions of devices.
Rethinking Risk in Innovation
- Innovative leaders view risk mathematically, focusing on potential positive surprises.
- Being wrong with upside outcomes is more valuable than avoiding downside risk.
Local Pride in Corning's Glass
- Corning scientists took pride in showing their kids and community the phones using their glass.
- The town of Corning intimately connects with the products through personal stories of their makers.