Frankie Sholes’ Post

Boeing’s just-announced search for a new leader looms as the premier succession drama in modern corporate history. Boeing desperately needs a superstar featuring a totally different profile from its last several pilots. That’s the only way it can recast its production processes and procedures to regain its old record of safety excellence following the two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, and the notorious door-panel blowout over Portland in January. That Boeing picks the right CEO is of paramount importance to the future of both the global aerospace industry, and the U.S. economy given the planemaker’s role as America’s largest exporter. The company’s production stall has already worsened an airplane shortage that’s forcing customers worldwide to slash flights and raise prices. That Boeing lands smoothly is also critical to the expansion of low- and ultralow-cost carriers essential to keeping fares in check. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e54r7jCg

In reading today's news about Boeing's new #CEO, Kelly Ortberg, I'm reminded of my friend and former Partner, Aaron Sorensen PhD's research into the risks and results of internal/external CEO candidates, published recently in Directors & Boards. Certainly, Boeing faced immense pressure for an external hire and it will be interesting to follow Ortberg's turnaround effort. #CEOsuccession #executivesuccession #externalversusinternal #turnaround #predictiveanalytics #successionplanning #crisismanagement #talentacquisition #aerospaceanddefense #AandD Lotis Blue Consulting https://lnkd.in/eF3jTxpP

🛫👩✈️ As Boeing embarks on its critical quest for a new #CEO, the aviation giant stands at a crossroads where the choice reflects much more than a leadership change—it will show its ability to overcome adversities and start a strategic renewal process. 👨🎓Having dedicated my academic journey to understanding the intricacies of strategic management and leadership in the aviation industry during periods of crisis and environmental turbulence, my PhD thesis at the Universität St.Gallen (HSG), several academic papers and my experience in the industry carved a path through navigating crises, managing the complexities of top management teams' strategizing, and spearheading strategic change. 💡My main findings are to be aware of a) the relevance of the #StrategyTeam (CEO & Chairman with main role!), its structure and dynamics as well as carving out clear roles and responsibilities, b) leveraging the #board as a co-creating team (not as a controlling board!), c) not exaggerating the current, short-term developments and pressures (do not be an actionist!), and d) foster a dialogue (formal & informal) with internal and external stakeholders on strategic turnaround and change. 📢 In light of recent opinions of a new Boeing CEO (https://lnkd.in/eNy98bDm; https://lnkd.in/eWR6s2ny), my research and experience offers insights on the CEO's experience, knowledge and network: 1. An #IndustryInsider and #BoeingOutsider seem to be a good strategic fit. This aligns with my thesis findings, where a blend of industry insight and fresh outlooks significantly contributes to overcoming blind spots, groupthink and industry blindness in strategy while fostering openness to strategic change. 2. #EngineeringKnowledge will be key as the new CEO navigates the intricate realms of aviation, echoing sentiments from industry stalwarts like #SirTimClark of Emirates and #MichaelOLeary of Ryanair - Europe's Favourite Airline. 3. #PoliticalSavviness and #IndustryConnections are key to navigating the complex stakeholder landscape, which is vital for restoring trust with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders. 🔝 As Boeing embarks on this crucial search, it's imperative to appoint a leader capable of not just navigating Boeing through its immediate crises but steering the company towards a future where it can reclaim its pioneering status, underscored by a commitment to safety, innovation, and integrity. You can find more insights on the relevance of the CEO and strategy team in times of uncertainty in one of my papers (https://lnkd.in/esTZzevU) and a blog post (https://lnkd.in/euTne4EB). #Boeing #CEO #AviationIndustry #Crisis #Strategy

#Wisdom2Reign Whatever Business Model one chooses, or debating whether the CEO should come from an Engineering, Finance, Commercial, Technology, or Legal background, looking after the fundamentals is always fundamental. Boeing: how not to run a national champion - https://on.ft.com/3vbjxX6 via @FT #ExecutiveCoaching #PeakPerformance #FamilyBusiness #Careers

Boeing's rolling strategic restructuring means every major fire burning at the company is interconnected. The latest from The Air Current is insight into what's holding up a deal with Spirit AeroSystems (it's Airbus, but why?) and how the chess pieces moving around on the board for the (second) most important U.S. job search in 2024. Yes, there's an entire section of this deep dive called 'CEO politics'. #staycurrent

I'm going to predict something here - I'm seeing more indications that boards of directors are moving away from finance-oriented CEOs and towards those with more engineering and technical experience. I believe this will be a driving trend for the next several years. There are a few reasons I believe this. First of all, the news cycle lately seems to be awash with companies that are failing because they've put profits ahead of research, safety, security, and infrastructure, all things that were key to making these companies competitive in the first place. This decline in engineering quality translates directly to lost sales, dissatisfied customers, and increased regulation (with hefty fines). Additionally, there's a generational change occurring as those born in the 1960s increasingly are making their way to the helm of these companies even as existing executives, brought up primarily in the sales and financial world, are retiring. This cohort, in general, is much more engineering and technically focused, meaning that they have an understanding of the underlying product in a way that salespeople usually don't - and are much less likely to cut corners because of it.

Remember the days when "if it's not a Boeing, I ain't going" was a passenger's mantra? Fast forward to today, and Boeing faces a different reality. In his latest piece for the Forbes Business Council, Barrie Brien explores why Boeing's story is a stark reminder why companies can't afford to lose sight of the people who keep them afloat - and why the customer should become the ultimate change agent. Read more > https://lnkd.in/eEKuK6pA #STRAT7 #WinningAtChange #CustomerCentricity #Forbes #boeing #marketing #change

# Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone ## Boeing's New CEO Moves to Seattle to Address Safety Crisis Boeing's \(\<a href= "https://lnkd.in/gtmRdr6h"\>BA\</a\>\) new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has made a bold move by announcing his decision to be based in Seattle, bringing himself closer to the factory floor in order to directly tackle the ongoing safety crisis. This strategic decision comes after months of mounting pressure on Boeing to reconnect with its industrial roots, following incidents such as a door plug falling off a 737. With safety being of paramount importance, Ortberg's relocation clearly demonstrates his commitment to addressing the concerns head-on. By immersing himself within the heart of Boeing's operations, he aims to regain control of the situation and ensure that safety remains a top priority throughout the company. As investors, it is essential to monitor the actions of industry leaders like Boeing in order to make informed decisions. Investing in companies that prioritize safety and take proactive measures to address crises can help safeguard both your financial future and promote a sustainable, secure healthcare system. Take action now to avoid the Fear of Missing Out on potential growth opportunities within the healthcare sector. Consider allocating a portion of your Health Savings Account \(HSA\) towards investing in companies like Boeing, which are actively working towards enhancing safety standards. Empower yourself and your family by staying informed and capitalizing on the potential of healthcare investments. #hsa #investing #healthcare #health #family #wellness 💪📈💼🏥💙

Boeing's CEO Search... Patrick Shanahan's Candidacy? Current Situation: Boeing is looking for a new CEO because Dave Calhoun will step down by the end of the year. This search started after a panel on a Boeing 737 MAX plane blew out in mid-air in January. Patrick Shanahan: 🌀Current Role: CEO of Spirit AeroSystems. 🌀Experience: Worked at Boeing for 31 years and known for fixing tough problems. 🌀Respected by industry and acknowledged as good fit for Boeing CEO. Timing Issue: 🌀Shanahan might not be able to become Boeing's CEO until mid-2025 when Boeing's deal to buy Spirit AeroSystems is expected to close. He has fiduciary responsibilities to Spirit's shareholders until then. 🌀Dave Calhoun Stays Longer and remain in place as CEO till acquisition is completed mid-2025. Summary of Reuters Article on Patrick Shanahan (See Link Below) 🌀Shanahan's Role at Spirit: Became CEO nine months ago and is trying to fix problems there. 🌀Industry Opinions: Some shareholders and experts think he's a good fit for Boeing. Pleas like, comment, share... Follow #PoynterSpiritSale Reference Reuters Article 7-2-24 -https://lnkd.in/gijY7eBs