I ran GE for 16 years (2001-2017), through some pretty interesting times. I survived four recessions, 22 market cycles, and five tail risk events. Since then, I’ve opened a new chapter: investing, teaching, reflecting on what I’ve learned and putting it to the test and sharing my experience with others. I consider myself to be very lucky. I have had the chance to learn and get a little smarter every day. Most days I have capitalized on that blessing.
I enjoy reading Arthur Brooks. I have known Arthur as director of American Enterprise Institute. In subsequent years, he has blossomed as a motivational writer/speaker. To be happier, Brooks suggests focusing on building strong foundations in faith, family, friendships and work. His writing reminded me that reinvention is not a solitary pursuit, but something rooted in community and meaning beyond a job. He prompted me to think deeply about my journey — not just as a professional, but as a whole person. I started paying attention to what truly brought meaning: learning new things, guiding others through uncertainty, being proud of my colleagues’ success, and embracing curiosity in unfamiliar territory.
My Substack will reflect this journey and will be called “The Long View” (TLV). I would like to examine leadership, contribution, and meaning in my life after GE. I am still in the mix ... both professionally and personally. My experience is unique: I can bridge legacy and new, big and small; I have survived multiple cycles; I am helping to rebuild my high school; I have been a leader, an author, and a teacher. I attend Men’s Bible Study each week. Meanwhile, the world is more volatile ...cycles are more frequent ... and AI will impact every job. I have the benefit of perspective and time to add context, to help others, and to confirm some “truths.” I hope you find TLV to be honest, and personal, and fun. I’m willing to share the good with the bad ... I don’t need to meet quarterly earnings, and I’m not running for anything. My Substack will always be free.
Those who enjoy a human-interest story of perseverance and recovery ... particularly one that is “lived” in the first person.
Fellow travelers experiencing a time of volatility and change ... this could be a big group. AI is disrupting every career and company. It seems that every part of our life is volatile. I will offer some ideas on navigating through disruptive personal change.
Business students and leaders can learn from my stories. I will share my experiences from the boardroom to the classroom. I have developed 100 public company CEOs at GE and hosted 100+ CEOs/founders in the classroom. My experiences are tough to match. I have developed sharper views on leadership.
People seeking a broader context on contemporary themes; curious readers building a knowledge base around AI, globalization, energy, healthcare, education and more.
Those who enjoy “lived experiences.” In a world where everyone can be an expert, there can be value in the experiences of an actual participant.
Time adds perspective to complicated stories. I believe that Truth = Facts + Context.
Now I would say that:
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Understanding = (Facts + Context) x Time
Time has been my friend. GE businesses – now in multiple platforms – are terrific today. They have great products and dominate their markets. These products were funded and engineered during the most brutal cycles. The businesses have massive market tailwinds (as expected). The current GE teams are doing great! At the same time, the GE culture – that I grew up in and led – has produced more leaders than any other platform. Think about Khozema Shipchandler, CEO of Twilio. After 20 years of growth as a “GE CFO,” he is flourishing as an “AI Tech CEO.” Our decisions and people have stood the test of time. Sometimes the truth unfolds slowly; great companies are patient.
Time allows for personal change. I am more present for the people I love. I have capacity to try new things and meet new people. I have learned new skills. With these, I can help new companies and leaders prosper. I can serve and coach and give back to the communities I care about.
This is what you can expect from “The Long View” ... five primary content pillars:
Persevering. Insights from surviving multiple personal and professional cycles... with modern insights
Learning & Teaching. Being a legacy player developing new tools for the future; bridging eras to teach the foundations of leadership to the next generation
Leading & Perspective from developing 100+ public company CEOs at GE; observing 100+ CEOs/founders while teaching at Stanford
Serving. Bringing “big skills” to smaller places in communities that are important to me
Speaking. Offering a “Point of View” on relevant topics and the environment ... without fear
You can expect good stories told with candor and humor. I will incorporate some guests and video when appropriate. I want you to have fun. I will end each post with some tips.
Look, I’m in a unique place: connected enough to be relevant, but past the point where the haters matter. I can “play free.” So, let’s get started.
Early content (not in order)
A Personal Pivot
Teaching Reveals What Leaders Need
Serving Builders from the Second Row
Winning the Cycles
Building a Network
Making People Your Legacy
I’m a Proud Globalist
Taking Big Skills to Small Places
Importance of Faith
Techniques to Break Through the Noise
Optimism is Realism
The Master Communicator
The AI Winter
Reality of Conglomerates
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