Mar 21, 2018
Martin O’Neill, is the Senior Executive for Engine Technology
at GE Transportation. Martin joins Jim and Jan in a discussion
about innovation and leadership, and how they’re connected and
intertwined.
Listen in to learn more about
how Martin balances the divergence of structure and
organization with experimentation and expansion.
Key Takeaways
[6:12] When you are working with
large scale industrial product development, there is typically a
type of mindset that has been around for years that has little to
do with leadership. Martin and his team have shifted to different
practices to pursue an innovation agenda.
[13:56] Martin manages the
collaboration of others all around the globe. He overcomes
challenges of different time zones and work times by clearly laying
out what is expected and when for every member. Structure is also
very important, and they have operating reviews on a strict and
consistent schedule. He spends time up front explaining clearly
what is expected.
[20:56] Not only is Martin
dealing with the different cultures due to geographic span, but the
culture within the engineers is something he makes sure is
structured and organized.
[28:36] Martin really drives
home the point of self informing and continuous learning to the new
engineers.
[32:52] Martin is not afraid to
celebrate the failures of projects they need to kill and views it
as a learning lesson and way to veer off stagnation.
[35:53] The rally call should
always be on customer outcome, customer value and business value
proposition.
[36:24] Engineers used to be
much more autonomous, but now there is a shift away from
traditional thinking and a move towards horizontal work and
collaboration.
Website: www.getransportation.com
LinkedIn: GE Transportation
Twitter: @GETRANSPORT
Facebook: GE TRANSPORTATION
Quotable Quotes
“You have to be
bold.”
“A little bit of personality
goes a long way.”
“Allow people some self
governance and a way to correct themself.”
Correct
Thyself
“Kill the stuff that isn’t so important.”
“You have duty as a leader to
fish out what’s really not adding value and put it down publicly,
humanely and move on.”
“True innovations come from when
you start to work horizontally.”
Bio
Martin O’Neill has worked in transportation, aviation, marine
propulsion and energy segments for over 20 years; most recently
with General Electric. Martin has worked in transportation,
aviation, marine propulsion and energy segments for over 20 years;
most recently with General Electric. Trained originally as an
aeronautical engineer & program manager in the UK, he has worked in
global product and technology leadership roles with nuclear, gas
turbines, diesel engines & controls systems. In his current role as
Senior Executive – Engine Technology at GE Transportation he leads
a team of product managers, engineers & technologists to develop &
sustain diesel engine platforms in rail & marine
markets.
Martin enjoys working with
creative people to bring solutions to customers through applied
technology & business operations – increasingly through the
marriage of digital, data, software & engineering methods. He
values cultural & thought diversity together with engaging debate,
has been resident in Chicago since 2013 with his wife and two
children, and is keen to engage with the Chicago business &
scientific community.