317. Good Power: How Ginni Rometty Redefined Leadership and Influence (Part 2)

Jul 18, 2024

Ginni Rometty, the former Chairman and CEO of IBM, brilliantly transformed the tech giant and launched a $25 billion hybrid cloud business. In this engaging discussion, she emphasizes the importance of leadership grounded in a greater purpose and building belief within teams. Rometty shares insights on navigating personal growth, combating imposter syndrome, and the critical role of supportive relationships in career advancement. She also advocates for a skills-based approach to education, preparing listeners for the modern workforce.

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ADVICE

Addressing Dysfunction

If you notice micro-nods in a team meeting, address the lack of real agreement directly.
Ask clarifying questions and encourage open discussion to uncover hidden concerns.

INSIGHT

How vs. What

Disagreements on how work gets done are more critical than what gets done.
Transformations often focus on what a company makes, not how work happens, which is key.

ANECDOTE

IBM's Transformation

Rometty pushed IBM to change faster without changing work processes, leading to burnout.
She realized that leaders create the structure of work, not the workers.

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About the Guest:

Ginni Rometty is the former Chairman and CEO of IBM, where she led one of the most significant transformations in the company’s history. She reinvented half of IBM's portfolio and launched a $25 billion hybrid cloud business, positioning IBM as a leader in AI and quantum computing. Beyond her technical prowess, Ginni initiated innovative educational programs and redefined corporate ethos through the business roundtable. She's also co-chair of One Ten, a nonprofit committed to providing substantial employment opportunities for individuals without college degrees. Recognized as Fortune's number one most powerful woman for three consecutive years, Ginni's journey is detailed in her memoir, "Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World."

Episode Summary:

Greg engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ginni Rometty, delving into the dynamics of leadership, teamwork, and organizational transformation. Rometty shares valuable insights drawn from her extensive experience at the helm of IBM, shedding light on the importance of being in service of a greater purpose, building belief, managing change, leveraging technology responsibly, and cultivating resilience. The episode underscores the significance of embracing resilience, fostering meaningful relationships, and navigating challenges with a growth mindset.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

Being in service of a greater purpose leads to meaningful and enduring impact.

Building belief requires appealing to both the head and the heart of individuals.

Distinguishing between what should change and what should endure is crucial for sustained success.

The stewardship of technology plays a vital role in driving positive societal impacts.

Resilience is a key attribute for overcoming hardships and pursuing long-term goals.

Notable Quotes:

"Be sure you're in service of something."

"Building belief means talking to people's head and heart."

"Learning the difference between what should change and what should endure."

"Resilience is the importance of your attitude and relationships."

Resources:

Ginni Rometty’s Book: Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World