Embedded 509: Swarmed by Engineers
Sep 5, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Steve Hinch, a former executive from Hewlett-Packard and Agilent and author of "Winning through Innovation", shares his extensive experience. He dives into the quirks of project management paired with AI's transformative role in engineering. Steve reflects on the early days at HP, contrasting the founder's values with modern corporate culture. The conversation offers insights on fostering innovation in established labs and managing the complexities of leadership in engineering. Plus, some fun hiking recommendations add a lively twist!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Career Arc From Engineer To Owner
- Steve Hinch spent ~35 years at Hewlett-Packard and Agilent, rising from manufacturing engineer to general manager.
- He left to buy a TeamLogic IT franchise and later sold it, then became a consultant and author.
Guard Against Unfair Tasking
- Do remember: "No job is ever too hard for the person that doesn't have to do it."
- Use that framing to avoid piling unrealistic tasks on others and to rethink assignments.
Short-Term Investors Warp Company Timeframes
- Public companies answer to short-term investors which often shortens management's time horizon.
- Employees are long-term investors too and companies often fail to treat them as such.
