The Power of Lifelong Learning and Leadership with Professor Ron Greenwood

In the Episode #1116 of the Arete Coach Podcast, we had the pleasure of engaging with Professor Ron Greenwood, a distinguished leader with a multi-faceted career spanning engineering, space exploration, business management, academia, and executive coaching. Ron’s journey is marked by a commitment to learning and a passion for significantly impacting various industries.

Ron’s career can be divided into three distinct phases:

NASA and Space Exploration: Ron began his career at NASA’s Langley Research Center, where he was deeply involved in pivotal projects, including the Apollo program. His work in managing science and engineering programs at NASA laid the foundation for his approach to leadership—getting the right people in the room and fostering collaboration to achieve remarkable outcomes.
General Electric and Business Management: Transitioning from government to the private sector, Ron managed an Aerospace division at General Electric. Here, he honed his skills in leadership under the mentorship of Jack Welch, learning the importance of selecting the right people and creating a shared sense of purpose within an organization.
Academia and Executive Coaching: After his time at GE, Ron moved into academia as a Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama - Huntsville, and later into executive coaching with Vistage. In these roles, he has continued to emphasize the importance of lifelong learning, ethical decision-making, and contributing positively to the lives of others.

Throughout his career, Ron has remained curious and dedicated to excellence, continuously seeking to expand his knowledge and make a difference. His deep reflections on the universe and the mysteries of life underscore his belief that there is always more to learn and discover.

Learning from Jack Welch

Ron Greenwood’s tenure at General Electric provided him with invaluable lessons under the leadership of Jack Welch, one of the most influential CEOs in modern business history. Welch’s approach to leadership was rigorous yet empowering, with a clear set of expectations and accountability measures.

One of the key takeaways from Ron’s time with Welch was the importance of selecting the right leaders. Welch’s meticulous process of interviewing candidates was not just about assessing qualifications but about ensuring that each leader aligned with the company’s values and vision. As Ron recalls, when he asked Welch why so much time was spent on the selection process, Welch replied that choosing the right leader was crucial for the success of the company, and he expected his CEOs to take the same level of care.

Welch’s leadership style was characterized by a hands-off approach once the right team was in place. He believed in empowering his leaders, providing them with the tools and support they needed, but also held them accountable for their results. Ron shared anecdotes of Welch’s management style, including Welch’s instruction to contact him only when something went wrong—a testament to Welch’s trust in his team’s abilities.

Welch’s emphasis on getting the right people in the right seats, setting clear expectations, and fostering accountability has left a lasting impression on Ron, shaping his own approach to leadership and coaching.

Running CEO and Peer Groups

As a Vistage Chair, Ron Greenwood has successfully translated his extensive experience into guiding CEOs and business leaders. He emphasizes the importance of starting strong, often beginning new groups with a simple breakfast meeting to establish rapport and set the stage for meaningful interactions.

Ron believes that the true value of a CEO group lies not just in the leadership of the Chair, but in the collective wisdom and commitment of the members. He underscores the responsibility of the group to build and sustain itself, with each member contributing to the growth and success of the collective.

When it comes to introducing new members, Ron is deliberate in selecting individuals who not only bring valuable skills but also align with the group’s culture of learning, transparency, and shared values. This approach ensures that the group remains cohesive and focused on long-term success, both for the individual members and their organizations.

Ron also recognizes the importance of continuous learning and humility in coaching. He advises against relying too heavily on past experiences, as what worked before may not necessarily work again. Instead, he encourages leaders to ask the right questions and leverage the collective wisdom of the group to find solutions to new challenges.

In running CEO and peer groups, Ron’s approach is both methodical and empathetic, ensuring that each member is not only supported but also challenged to grow and succeed.

Personal Q&A

First Job

Ron’s first job was delivering newspapers and later selling clothing to teenagers. These early experiences taught him the value of responsibility and trust, particularly when he was given the responsibility of managing a store at the age of 16 (for $.65 an hour).

Mentors

Ron learned valuable lessons from leaders like Jack Welch, understanding that every leader has strengths from which others can learn. This has influenced his approach to mentoring and coaching, where he focuses on drawing out the best in others.

Mantra

Ron lives by the mantra, “Every day is a gift from God, and you’re responsible for using it accordingly.” He believes in using each day to benefit the lives of those around him, guided by a sense of purpose and faith.

Listening

For Ron, listening is about patience and allowing the right path to reveal itself. He believes that if you are forcing something, it’s likely not the right direction and that true listening involves patience and being open to life's guidance.

Life’s Measurement

Ron measures his life by the difference he makes in the world. For him, success is not just about personal achievements but about whether he has made a positive impact on the lives of others.

Advice for Life

Ron advises against following the money, emphasizing instead the importance of following one’s passion. He believes true success comes from being excellent at something valuable, which naturally creates opportunities.

The Main Takeaway

Ron Greenwood's love of learning is a powerful reminder of the importance of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge in both personal and professional growth. Throughout his diverse career, Ron has consistently embraced new challenges and opportunities to expand his understanding, from his early days at NASA to his leadership roles at General Electric, and later as an academic and executive coach. His unwavering commitment to learning demonstrates that true leadership is not about having all the answers but about continuously seeking them. Ron’s journey shows us that by fostering a mindset of lifelong learning, we can adapt to change, innovate, and ultimately make a more significant impact in our fields. His example encourages us to remain open to new ideas, to ask the right questions, and to never stop growing, no matter where we are in our careers.