In the early stages of my career, fresh out of engineering college, I found myself lacking formal business knowledge. Seeking guidance, I turned to the wisdom of some of America’s most prominent business figures. I devoured books by Bill Gates, found inspiration in Jim Collins’ “Good to Great,” learned invaluable lessons from Louis Gerstner’s “Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance?” and absorbed every word from Jack Welch like gospel, particularly through his seminal work, “Jack: Straight from the Gut.”
In those days, before the ubiquity of YouTube and podcasts, I eagerly sought out every printed interview with Welch and his wife, Suzy, considering their insights akin to striking gold.
Fast forward to today, having accumulated decades of entrepreneurial experience, witnessing the fragmentation of General Electric—once under Welch’s stewardship—into GE Aerospace, GE Vernova, and its healthcare arm feels like the end of an era. Some may argue that Welch’s own strategies set the stage for the challenges GE now faces. Nonetheless, it’s poignant to witness the redefinition of such an iconic company.
Amidst GE’s recent metamorphosis, a particular leadership ethos has captured my attention. Reports highlighting GE CEO Larry Culp’s approach underscore values of trust, continuous improvement, and hands-on engagement, including regular Gemba walks. This blend of leadership aligns with Welch’s principles but is adapted to meet the dynamic demands of today’s corporate environment.
Contemplating this situation leads me to reevaluate the timeless lessons Welch imparted—lessons on leadership, innovation, and strategy. While Welch’s wisdom remains invaluable, the world has evolved considerably since his heyday. How do we bridge the gap between Welch’s teachings and the exigencies of the contemporary business landscape?
I’m keen to hear your thoughts. Have Welch’s ideas influenced your approach? How are you adapting his lessons to navigate today’s challenges? Let’s engage in a dialogue about how we can continue gleaning insights from business legends, even as our surroundings evolve.
This blog post was written by Venkatarangan Thirumalai, CEO, Founder Catalyst.
