BOUNDARYLESS LEADERSHIP PODCAST

Episode 42.

Highlight: Leading with Heart and Soul

with Suyin Copley

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In this episode, Nozomi and Suyin discuss:

  • Soul searching your career every decade. 
  • Evolution of intellectual diversity. 
  • The stories we tell ourselves and how it affects our jobs. 
  • Leading and communicating with heart. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Every decision we make is a tradeoff. If you know what is most important, you will understand what tradeoffs you are making. 
  • Have a direction, but be open to opportunities you may not even know exist. 
  • When change is happening, be aware of what you can and cannot control and know that it will work out. 
  • Leadership is human development. The best leaders are the best humans. 

 

“It’s important to know what is important to you. What are your top values and priorities?” —  Suyin Copley 

“Attitude matters. It may not be what you thought, but there is always so much to be gained.” —  Suyin Copley

“When you start with heart, the person knows if you respect them or not, no matter how hard the message is. It doesn’t change what has to be communicated, but at least you show respect and people know if you care or not.” —  Suyin Copley

About Suyin Copley

Suyin Copley is the Head of HR for GE Edison Works. The GE Edison Works team of more than 3,000 talented engineers and employees is focused on the design, development, and management of next-generation combat engines and systems for military customers, working mostly in a classified environment within GE. Suyin has garnered a breadth of leadership and functional experience across multiple locations within GE Aerospace, GE Transportation, GE Healthcare, and GE Plastics during her 32-year career. As a resilient HR professional, she has a proven record of building strategic partnerships, improving team dynamics, developing talent, and driving culture change.

After spending a decade in Environmental Engineering, Suyin made a career change into HR based on her growing interest in organizational behavior. As an HR leader, she supported global P&Ls, manufacturing operations and global sites, and global functions such as digital technology and finance. Key challenges through which she managed include divestiture preparation, Hurricane Katrina recovery, FDA shutdown and remediation, leadership transitions, business transformations, and restructuring.

Suyin has been passionate about GE’s Asian Pacific American Forum (APAF) since it began in 1999, serving as a GE APAF national co-leader between 2010 to 2013. During this time, she also helped launch the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) and served on the non-profit organization’s board. Today, she remains engaged with APAF and SASE as well as serving as a business champion for GE Aerospace Veteran’s Network.

Suyin holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and is Six Sigma Black Belt certified. Her current professional passions include intellectual diversity and neuroscience. She is certified for Hogan assessments and Whole Brain® Thinking.

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