GE : imagination at work - General Electric

领 导 力 连 线 Leaders’ ConnectionFrom Wanderlust to World Explorer— Getting to Know Our CEOinfrastructure finance, power projectsand tunnels and acting as the advisorto the Hong Kong government on theprivatization build of the West Harborhis goal in today's changing world. Markhad no idea he would go to Japan, but heknew he wanted to be global.advantage for Mark, as he has beenable to see the enormous progress thathas been made over time. Mark seesthe Chinese people as entrepreneurial,Crossing, Mark's diverse experience in this"Being global to me is having the abilityhardworking and easy to work with. "Irole gave him a broader perspective andto be culturally adaptable. It's being ablethink I have the best job in the company.direction for his career going forward.to move from one culture to another andThere is so much to do and I find thatMark spent his childhood in the old town of Ipswich, England located about an hour and a half north of London. As alearn to understand different cultures.extremely exciting."middle child with two sisters, he was born to stand out. Referring to his childhood self as "sports crazy," Mark was theAs Mark continued to climb higher within theLiving in a place, you get to really see andschool rugby and athletics captain and used to play basketball, volleyball, hockey and tennis. With his mind on theorganization, the more uncomfortable heunderstand the locals. It's just somethingLooking back on Mark's past, his collectionplaying field, he wasn't particularly a top student, but had a natural gift for Math and a genuine love for History andbegan to feel about the values of investmentyou can't get from flying in for a businessof diverse experiences led him, but hisGeography.banking. Despite his love for Hong Kong, hismeeting and leaving the next day."ability to adapt and relate is what will keepvalues were something he just wasn't willinghim here. From small town rugby captain"As a kid, I loved to look at maps. I remember looking at them and trying to imagine what all the countries were like. Ito compromise. And then, GE came along.Looking back on his journey, Mark describedto big country CEO, Mark Hutchinson'sguess that's what started my wanderlust," he said.his accumulation of diverse experiences ascolorful past and vibrant outlook fits"I liked GE's values. They hired me becausea jigsaw; a collection of pieces put togetherperfectly with GE China's optimistic future.With a very modest upbringing, his parents were never able to afford a trip overseas. "We used to go on holidays ina caravan!" Mark shared with a laugh. Mark's desire to explore the world became a reality when he turned 18. Uponfinishing school, he decided to take a year off to travel before starting university. Only being able to afford a one wayticket to Australia, he boarded the plane and took off on what would soon become a journey of a lifetime.they were looking for someone to helpwith financing big infrastructure projectsin the region and ultimately, because theyliked that I had a diverse background ofexperiences."that lead him to where he is today."I can't say it was because of that 'one'experience by itself. I moved aroundgeographically and got a diverse senseWant to learn more about MarkHutchinson and GE China? Pleasecheck out his personal blog at http://markhutchinson.ge.com/ as he shares hisexperience and observations.He ended up traveling through Europe and Asia and landed in Australia to start hisof the world and cultures. Each job, eachfirst job as a drover in the outback of Queensland. "I loved Australia so much,"he expressed. Mark stayed there for the next two years and had the chance tosee most of the country. Rather than going back to England, Mark applied forUniversity in Australia. He ended up getting a scholarship and was an Economicsmajor at the University of Queensland. Starting full time, he quickly felt a realpassion to succeed so he decided to take a job with Barclays InvestmentBank, finishing school part time. Not long after starting work, Markcame face-to-face with a challenge that would soon put an end to hisFollowing Mark's GE job in Asia, he bookedanother one-way ticket to the US to joinCapital Markets and work in securitizationfor the company. Mark's many movescame from two things: a clear-cut goaland an open mind."I wanted to be a CEO and an officer. Thelocation, each new skill was a part of thatjigsaw and each piece was important."Mark's one-way ticket to China can be seenas the buildup of many diverse experiencesin many different locales. Mark has lived inEngland, Australia, Hong Kong, USA, Japan,France and now, China. "I hope they leaveMark's top 5 tips for success• Be flexible• Set a precise goal and expressyour interests• Diversify your experiences• Do your job well and get involved• Share your thoughts and opinionsAustralian adventure."My boss had resigned. His boss came up to me not long after andsaid, "Listen, I know you're young – but I think you can do it. I'll giveyou six months to prove you can." Needless to say, I never worked sohard in my life."Not long after, Barclay's offered Mark a one way ticket to Hong Kongwhere he would spend the next four years of his life. Focusing onroad to get there was not planned – butthe vision was very much alive. I alwaysexpressed mobility as well. Through,coupled with a high-level plan, I foundopportunities."The third GE career for Mark was runninginternational business for Real Estate inJapan and then in Paris. After traveling allover the world and holding many variedroles, it was clear to Mark that beingflexible was a requirement in reachingme here for a long time," he said.In the past few months, Mark sharedhis two big learnings. "Firstly, there isenormous good will towards GE. Weare really liked here at all levels ofgovernment.Secondly, there is just somuch opportunity - our constraint is ourown capability."Having a chance to see China developover the last twenty years was a hugeSome fun facts you may notknow about Mark:• Has four kids• Has a home in Phuket, Thailand• Two of Marks favorite bands arePink Floyd and Bruce Hornsby• Wanted to be a landscapearchitect when he grew up• Loved to garden with his motheras a child• Favorite food: sushi and Thai47 LIFE at GELIFE at GE 48