How Leaders Lead with David Novak

#66: Ginni Rometty, IBM Former Chairman & CEO—You Only Grow When You're Uncomfortable

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Today’s guest is Ginni Rometty, the Former Chairman, President and CEO of IBM and current Co-Chairman of the OneTen Initiative. Rising through the ranks from systems engineer to CEO, Ginni has learned to be comfortable with situations outside her comfort zone, because that’s where she grew the most in her journey as a leader. While leading IBM, Ginni learned what was essential about IBM that must endure before making changes that set the company up for future growth in new industries. And so what you're about to hear from Ginni, and what you'll learn from her journey to become CEO of IBM, is that great leaders are comfortable being uncomfortable. 


In this episode, you’ll learn: 

  • How to mentally process a promotion to the top job - especially as a woman
  • How Ginni’s mother modelled the courage and leadership Ginni needed to succeed
  • Why propensity to learn is more important than a college degree in a job candidate
  • Why women don’t put themselves forward for new assignments and how to help them go the distance
  • Why preparing for the next job might actually a bad idea
  • How to make the leap from being an individual contributor to a leader who coordinates other people effectively
  • How to focus on the long-term with conviction and a thick skin
  • Why Ginni’s favorite IBM achievement is employee engagement
  • How the hybrid cloud works and the future of artificial intelligence at IBM and around the world
  • How the OneTen Initiative intends to tap hidden pools of talent by changing priorities in hiring
  • PLUS, Ginni’s single biggest piece of advice for reinventing yourself and your company  


    • Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources:


    The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go 

    Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day


    Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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    How Leaders Lead with David NovakBy David Novak
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