We regularly have "Peer Presentations" at our office where we all take turns to show off something cool or clever that we have discovered (or invented) recently ... and so a couple of months ago when we found out that he would be coming to Australia, we thought we would ask Woz (via his agent) if he would like to take part.
Steve "Woz" and Janet Wozniak with Creative Intersection's Development TeamYep - we just asked. Pure and simple. Didn't think we'd hear back from anyone at all.
After a few emails back and forth, Woz emailed us and said yes!
The venue was suitably spectacular too - being on the 77th Floor of the Q1 building. At sunset. Thank you Queensland for showing off for us.
Over the course of 2 hours, sharing some drinks and finger food, Woz regailed us with numerous tales of his time working at Apple, his fascination for numbers (he has owned the most amazing "collection" of phone numbers), his Fusion-io IPO plans, and many other stories of his life in the hotbed of Silicon Valley's tech intrigue and hijinx.
And, of course, because of our own passion for web-connected iPhone, iPad, and Android applications, we talked with Woz about his thoughts on mobile devices, business applications, and "The Cloud".
Too many other stories to tell here, but let's just say that if you ever mis-dial a certain airline reservation line and are connected with someone who sounds like Woz pretending to be a travel booking agent ... it probably *is* Woz. Don't let him take your booking! (BTW: If he does, he'll tell you at the end that it's him and the booking isn't real).
We were inspired, awestruck, and humbled that Woz and Janet gave so generously of their time just to hang out with us and talk "geek" ... just because we asked nicely.
Only problem is: Who do we invite to our next Peer Presentation ?
