Is it possible to lead a real, long-term cultural transformation in a publicly traded company—where shareholders often demand short-term financial results?
It’s challenging, yet possible. And GE Aerospace, with CEO Larry Culp at the helm, is leading the way.
I invited Phil Wickler, Chief Transformation Officer, back to discuss the enterprise-wide shift toward lean at GE Aerospace.
We explore what it takes to build a lean management system across a global company of 50,000+ people and how GE Aerospace is embedding problem-solving thinking, leadership behavior, and capability building into every layer of the organization as the strategic approach to getting business results.
Discover the difference between “doing” lean and “being” lean and what it takes to shift from operational leadership and “being the expert” to transformational influence and building capability across the organization.
If you’re an operational leader, internal lean practitioner, external consultant, or if you want to lead change at scale, don’t miss this episode!
YOU’LL LEARN:
ABOUT MY GUEST:
Phil Wickler is a Chief Transformation Officer at GE Aerospace where he has enterprise responsibility for EHS, Quality, Lean Operations, Sustainability and Transformation. Phil joined GE in 1995. He progressed through several operations roles, including Six Sigma Black Belt in assembly and component manufacturing, and as a facility manager. Then most recently, the Vice President of Supply Chain at GE, leading global manufacturing and supply chain operations.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:
01:54 Phil’s career journey to Chief Transformation Officer
04:28 Steps to lead culture change and build a thriving lean enterprise
07:23 Common leadership misconceptions
09:13 Helping leaders go to gemba with humility
12:14 Setting up hoshin kanri up for success
14:25 Importance of reflection for continuous improvement
16:41 Narrowing down objectives vs. working on everything at once
20:18 Moving from an operational leader to a transformational change leader
22:04 How centralized and decentralized lean teams support enterprise culture change
25:15 Integrating communications and HR functions in transformation & talent development
26:18 GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean management system – FLIGHT DECK
28:12 Mindset shifts that shaped Phil’s leadership
31:00 Measuring cultural change through lean and FLIGHT DECK
34:57 Starting with the basics is critical in leading change
37:55 Real-world example of progress at site level
39:21 How to strengthen the positioning of lean/Operational Excellence in your organization
41:55 One element that accelerated GE Aerospace’s transformation
42:31 How to get started/ bring senior leaders on board