Leading Through Change: David Burns on GE Aerospace’s Independence and Innovation in AR Capabilities
Aug 1, 2024
auto_awesome
David Burns, the Chief Information Officer at GE Aerospace, shares his journey of innovation and leadership within the company. He discusses the challenges of independence from General Electric, focusing on decentralized IT and the transformative role of AI and augmented reality. David emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and talent development, especially during crises like COVID-19. He also highlights how augmented reality enhances maintenance efficiency and fosters a culture of curiosity and collaboration in driving technological advancements.
The separation of GE Aerospace from General Electric necessitated a careful transition to decentralized IT services while maintaining operational standards.
Investments in AI and augmented reality are crucial for enhancing operations, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability within the workforce.
Deep dives
Opportunities Created by Crises
Leading through challenging times such as the COVID pandemic and the financial crisis of 2008 has taught that these situations can create unique opportunities for progress and change. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing these moments as chances to drive innovation at a rate that might not occur under normal circumstances. This perspective aligns with the adage of not letting a crisis go to waste, suggesting that adversity can serve as a catalyst for necessary transformations within the organization. Reflecting on these experiences can inform better leadership during prosperous periods, as the lessons learned in tough times often translate into improved decision-making in better times.
Decentralization and IT Transformation
The separation of GE Aerospace from its parent company brought significant changes to the information technology structure, transitioning from centralized services to independent IT teams. This decentralization required careful planning to determine which responsibilities to redistribute and which processes to maintain centrally. The CIO highlights the necessity of balancing the desire for localized decision-making with the need to uphold standardized practices that enable operational effectiveness. The ongoing transition necessitates continuous adjustments, ensuring that teams are equipped with the necessary frameworks and controls to succeed in this new model.
Embracing Technology and Continuous Learning
Investments in artificial intelligence and augmented reality are part of the strategy to enhance services and maintenance within GE Aerospace, allowing for more efficient operations. While there is confidence in the existing use of machine learning, a focus remains on keeping pace with rapid technological advancements, especially in generative AI and augmented reality. The organization prioritizes continuous learning among its workforce to fully capitalize on these technologies, understanding that the evolving nature of AI requires an adaptable approach. The experiences gained over the years, combined with a culture that values curiosity and development, position the company to harness these trends effectively.
894: General Electric (GE) historically has been a powerhouse in the technology world as a bootcamp for some of the most prestigious tech leaders of today. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews David Burns, Chief Information Officer at GE Aerospace. They discuss the company’s recent separation from General Electric and its transformation into an independent entity. David shares insights into the challenges of decentralizing IT services, the role of AI and augmented reality in enhancing operations, and the importance of a lean and cloud transformation journey. He also reflects on his extensive career at GE, the lessons learned from crises, and the value of continuous learning and talent development.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode