Working Together and Love by Design with Alan Mulally
Seasons leadership podcast
The women in leadership podcast

Working Together and Love by Design with Alan Mulally

Season
5
| Episode
57
3/27/2024
Apple podcast iconSpotify icon

Join us for an incredible discussion with Alan Mulally, one of the greatest leaders of the 21st century, on the Seasons Leadership Podcast. Our conversation takes you behind the scenes of Alan’s tenure at Boeing and Ford, where his 'Working Together' principles propelled both companies to new heights. From the engineering marvel of Boeing’s 777 development to the boardroom of Ford, we explore how love, humility, and service are essential ingredients in crafting a culture of excellence. Sarah McArthur, editor in chief of the Apex Award-winning Leader to Leader journal, also joins us for this enriching discussion where you will learn how to put into practice the Working Together Leadership and Management System.
 
We recommend watching this episode on our YouTube or Patreon platforms because this includes charts. You can download the charts here: patreon.com/seasonsleadership

Show Notes:

(8:46) Alan introduces his approach to leadership. 

(14:36) Alan talks about his early family life and the development of his values. 

(26:22) Alan reviews the Working Together Operating Principles and gives examples of how he put these into practice in his own leadership.

(31:55) The story of the airplane signature – Alan shares how it evolved and what it represented. 

(40:17) A Boeing example – Alan shares how the first flight of a Boeing airplane emulated the Working Together principles. 

(41:56) A Ford example – Alan shares how he translated his leadership success to Ford, bringing a new culture to their board room.

(47:52) The leaders discuss how to set up the Working Together Leadership and Management System and how it starts with having a psychologically safe environment.

(56:38) Alan dispels the idea of work life balance and argues instead for authenticity as the way to have one authentic and integrated life.

(1:02:17) The family plan review – Alan shares how he implemented this same system at home.

(1:12:50) Debbie and Susan ask questions of Alan.

(1:27:15) Alan revisits his time at Ford and shares more about the references in his accompanying charts included with this special podcast episode.

About Alan: Alan Mulally served as president and chief executive officer of the Ford Motor Company and as a member of Ford’s board of directors from 2006 - 2014.  Prior to joining Ford, Alan served as executive vice president of the Boeing Company, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and president of Boeing Information, Space and Defense Systems from 1969 – 2006, where he created his “Working Together” Leadership and Management System.

Join Debbie Collard and Susan Ireland, certified coaches and co-founders of Seasons Leadership, in making positive leadership the norm rather than the exception on Wednesdays on the Seasons Leadership Podcast. (Selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 15 Positive Leadership Podcasts on the web!)

And now you can join our community of values-based leaders on Seasons Leadership Patreon at Patreon.com/seasonsleadership. At our gold-level, unlock our exclusive Lessons in Leadership Column from our Resident Seasoned Leader David Spong, a lifetime member of the Board of the Malcom Baldrige Foundation and our Leadership Elements Series.

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