316. Good Power: How Ginni Rometty Redefined Leadership and Influence (Part 1)

The Greg McKeown Podcast

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 profound conversation with Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, who shares insights from her new book, "Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World." The discussion dives deep into the themes of resilience, leadership, and personal growth, illustrated through Ginni's compelling life story and professional achievements. Evan as Ginni steered IBM through major transformations, her personal journey of overcoming adversity shines through, offering valuable lessons on redefining power and leadership in both personal and professional domains.

Greg and Ginni explore the concept of the "intergenerational self", emphasizing how our past, including influences from family and early life experiences, shapes our identity and capacity for resilience. Through anecdotes about her family's struggles and triumphs, Ginni articulates how these experiences cultivated her determination and leadership style. She talks about the importance of relationships in building resilience, a key aspect often overlooked in discussions about personal and professional growth. Ginni's philosophy of "good power" incorporates respecting others, avoiding fear-based actions, and celebrating progress over perfection, providing a roadmap for modern leadership.

Key Takeaways:

Intergenerational Influence: Our identity and resilience are profoundly shaped by the experiences and hardships of our family.

Good Power: Effective leadership involves harnessing power for positive change, respectful conflict resolution, and celebrating incremental progress.

Resilience Components: Strong resilience comes from both a positive attitude and robust, quality relationships.

Conflict Resolution: Approaching conflict positively and respectfully can transform adversarial relationships into constructive ones.

Access vs. Aptitude: There's a significant gap between talent and access to opportunities, which leaders should strive to bridge.

Notable Quotes:

"When they had nothing, they had power." - Ginni Rometty

"Bad is homeless and bad is having nothing. Nothing else will ever meet that bar." - Ginni Rometty

"Good power is about loving tension, not dividing people but bringing them together respectfully." - Ginni Rometty

"You can love tension, but you can do it respectfully, not from a source of fear." - Ginni Rometty

"Transformation should be celebrated, not endured." - Ginni Rometty

Resources:

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

110 Nonprofit Organization: 110.org

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