Retiring after 41 years … what did I learn? It’s all about the people.

When I joined GE for my first job as a field engineer in 1982, I did not anticipate being at a single company for the entirety of my 41-year career. Now that I am retiring, I have been reflecting … what kept me here, engaged, and excited to work, for so long?

While it is difficult to summarize everything, as I begin to organize my thoughts from this life-long GE journey, one theme stands out to me clearly. My experience at GE has been all about the people.?There are a few thoughts around this that I would like to share.

Authentic relationships matter. The field engineer you work with shoulder to shoulder might become a CEO. The intern you mentor might become a Minister in a government. Building authentic relationships based on knowing and embracing the whole person – not the role they hold – helped me tremendously, especially as I rallied to bring internal and external teams together around a common objective.

Share in the joys of growth for others, as much as for yourself. Working with mentors and mentees at GE helped me to grow technically, operationally, and as a leader. And I can say now looking back that my greatest source of pride is to see the people who have worked for me grow into executives, VPs, CEOs across different industries. Sharing the beauty of learning something new and lifting others up lifts you up in turn.

Diverse teams coming together will create something meaningful. It is a simple fact that more perspectives means better solutions. Throughout my career, and particularly as head of GE International Markets, I have witnessed how leaders I have worked with from all over the world, of different genders, hailing from every background, have made a difference to the team, to the company, to our customers, and to our communities. They are truly global and have created something meaningful, not because of their physical location, but due to the value of their diverse viewpoints.

Surround yourself with integrity. There is no other way than to be around people who share your commitment to integrity. It is a matter of working within a network that can help you develop the intrinsic feeling of what is right. Early on in my career, I had to make a difficult decision: report a serious compliance matter or win a large project. The decision I made to report the issue was obvious and that protected the company for the long term. The support I received after this decision cemented my belief in the values of this company and its culture – which I cherish.

I am reminded of the advice my father gave me on my first day of work: “Keep your name clean and make a difference.” He was a wise man, and his guidance has carried me through every step I have taken. I believe all four of these key thoughts above fit right in with his words.

As I look to the future, I will miss being with the people who have been – and will continue to be – my friends. GE will always be a part of who I am. And of course, I owe enormous gratitude to the customers and partners I have worked with – some of them for decades – who have also become important advisors and trusted friends. Their imprint upon me is indelible.

As I move forward with my focus on healthcare, education, and climate change, I know the lessons learned from GE and the many I worked with outside the company will continue to guide me.

Thank you all for being part of my GE journey.