46| Lead Change at Scale: Inside GE Aerospace’s Lean Cultural Transformation [with Phil Wickler]

Apply for the Nov 2025 (limited spots remaining) or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ Is it possible to lead a real, long-term cultural transformation in a publicly traded company—where shareholders often demand short-term financial results?It’s challenging, yet possible. And GE Aerospace, with CEO Larry Culp at the helm, is leading the way. I invited Phil Wickler, Chief Transformation Officer, back to discuss the enterprise-wide shift toward lean at GE Aerospace.We explore what it takes to build a lean management system across a global company of 50,000+ people and how GE Aerospace is embedding problem-solving thinking, leadership behavior, and capability building into every layer of the organization as the strategic approach to getting business results.Discover the difference between “doing” lean and “being” lean and what it takes to shift from operational leadership and “being the expert” to transformational influence and building capability across the organization.If you’re an operational leader, internal lean practitioner, external consultant, or if you want to lead change at scale, don’t miss this episode!YOU’LL LEARN:How to strengthen the positioning of internal change teams and continuous improvement efforts—with and without executive supportWhy real transformation starts with leadership behaviors—not tools—and the key mindset and behavior shifts needed for lasting impactHow GE Aerospace is overcoming GE’s Six Sigma historic approach to improvement and leaders’ long-standing misconceptions about lean The purpose and elements of GE Aerospace’s proprietary FLIGHT DECK lean operating system and how it’s aligning lean fundamentals and behaviors across the organizationWhy shifting the ROI conversation on capability-building (not just cost savings) is critical for long-term transformation successABOUT MY GUEST:Phil Wickler is a Chief Transformation Officer at GE Aerospace where he has enterprise responsibility for EHS, Quality, Lean Operations, Sustainability and Transformation. Phil joined GE in 1995. He progressed through several operations roles, including Six Sigma Black Belt in assembly and component manufacturing, and as a facility manager. Then most recently, the Vice President of Supply Chain at GE, leading global manufacturing and supply chain operations.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/46Connect with Phil Wickler: linkedin.com/in/philip-wicklerCheck my website: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonLearn more about lessons from Toyota Leader, Isao Yoshino: Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn  TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:54 Phil’s career journey to Chief Transformation Officer04:28 Steps to lead culture change and build a thriving lean enterprise07:23 Common leadership misconceptions09:13 Helping leaders go to gemba with humility12:14 Setting up hoshin kanri up for success14:25 Importance of reflection for continuous improvement16:41 Narrowing down objectives vs. working on everything at once20:18 Moving from an operational leader to a transformational change leader22:04 How centralized and decentralized lean teams support enterprise culture change25:15 Integrating communications and HR functions in transformation & talent development26:18 GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean management system – FLIGHT DECK28:12 Mindset shifts that shaped Phil’s leadership31:00 Measuring cultural change through lean and FLIGHT DECK34:57 Starting with the basics is critical in leading change37:55 Real-world example of progress at site level39:21 How to strengthen the positioning of lean/Operational Excellence in your organization41:55 One element that accelerated GE Aerospace’s transformation42:31 How to get started/ bring senior leaders on board Apply for the Nov 2025 or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

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You’re a leader who knows that people are at the center of an exceptional organizational culture. You're excited to activate a culture of continuous learning – where everyone is capable, confident, and empowered to solve problems and innovate at all levels. This podcast is all about inspiring and equipping you to do that – through the power of learning and leading. Chain of Learning® is where the links of leadership and learning unite. Join your host, Katie Anderson, internationally recognized leadership consultant, award-winning author of “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”, and fellow learning enthusiast, for a journey that will help you master the skills to lead your organization from a traditional culture of “doing” into a vibrant, high-performing organization of continuous learning. Chain of Learning® is the trusted source for purpose-driven leaders and continuous improvement, lean, and agile practitioners seeking positive inspiration, innovative ideas, proven best practices, and actionable strategies to lead transformational change. Tune into each episode to gain the knowledge and skills you need to build a thriving people-centered learning culture, achieve needed business results, and expand your impact, so that you – and your team – can leave a lasting legacy. Subscribe and follow Chain of Learning® today so you never miss an episode! Share this podcast with your friends, fellow leaders, and colleagues, and let’s strengthen our Chain of Learning® – together. Podcast website: ChainOfLearning.com Katie Anderson’s website: KBJAnderson.com Connect with Katie Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/ Read Katie's book: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com