As a child I was horrible with math, even with the rudimentary. In fact, I had to go to summer school once. However, I understood when I was being taken advantage of and when I was in control.

(…)

I always relied on my own instincts. I knew that if I wanted to get something done, I had to do it. Nobody else was going to do it for me. Nobody else was going to support me. I didn’t expect to be supported. I just knew I had to do it if I wanted to do it. That’s how I lived every aspect of my life.

(…)

The music industry had the exact same attitude about people. They didn’t care what package or experience you came in. If you could play your part, that’s all that was required for acceptance.

Tom Williams – Hired by Apple at 14