Unlocking Marillyn Hewson's Secrets to Success

Marillyn Hewson's rise to success is nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings in Kansas, she became one of the most influential and successful CEOs in the defense industry. Her leadership at Lockheed Martin transformed this once-troubled company into a global powerhouse, with thousands of employees and billions in revenue.

Introduction to Marillyn Hewson's journey to success

Marillyn Hewson's journey to success is one that is worth examining. Working her way up from an entry-level position at the company in the late 1980s, she eventually rose to become the CEO in 2013 – the first woman to hold that position. Her tenure as CEO lasted until 2020, a period of enormous growth and change for Lockheed Martin.

During her time as CEO, Marillyn Hewson oversaw the development and production of some of Lockheed Martin's most innovative and successful products, including the F-35 fighter jet and the THAAD missile defense system. She also prioritized diversity and inclusion within the company, implementing programs to increase the number of women and minorities in leadership positions. Under her leadership, Lockheed Martin's revenue and stock price both saw significant increases. Today, Marillyn Hewson is recognized as one of the most successful and influential women in business.

Marillyn Hewson's early life and career

Marillyn Hewson was born in Junction City, Kansas in 1954. Her father was a mechanic and her mother worked as a bookkeeper. She attended college at the University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After college, she worked for several companies in the defense industry, including Lockheed Martin, RCA, and Hughes Aircraft.

During her time at Lockheed Martin, Hewson held various positions, including senior vice president of Global Supply Chain Management and Operations. She was also responsible for the company's Electronic Systems business area, which included products such as radar and missile systems.

In 2013, Hewson became the CEO of Lockheed Martin, making her the first woman to hold the position. Under her leadership, the company has continued to grow and innovate, with a focus on developing advanced technologies for defense and aerospace applications. Hewson has also been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the industry, receiving numerous awards and honors throughout her career.

Her rise to the top at Lockheed Martin

Marillyn Hewson's rise to the top at Lockheed Martin was not an easy one. She started her career at the company in 1983 as an industrial engineer. She held several different roles throughout the company before being promoted to executive leadership in 2007. Her experience and dedication to the company made her an excellent candidate for the CEO position when it opened up in 2013.

Under Hewson's leadership, Lockheed Martin experienced significant growth and success. She oversaw the development and production of several key products, including the F-35 fighter jet and the THAAD missile defense system. In addition, she prioritized diversity and inclusion within the company, leading to a more diverse workforce and a stronger company culture. Hewson's leadership and vision have solidified Lockheed Martin's position as a top defense contractor and a leader in the aerospace industry.

Leadership style of Marillyn Hewson

Marillyn Hewson's leadership style can be characterized as collaborative, ethical, and forward-thinking. She understood the importance of developing effective communication channels with all levels of the company, including employees, suppliers, and customers. Under her leadership, Lockheed Martin implemented a number of innovative strategies and partnerships that helped to boost growth and profitability.

One of the key aspects of Marillyn Hewson's leadership style was her focus on diversity and inclusion. She recognized the importance of having a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone felt valued and respected. This led to the implementation of various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, such as unconscious bias training and employee resource groups.

Another notable aspect of Hewson's leadership was her commitment to corporate social responsibility. She believed that companies had a responsibility to give back to the communities in which they operated and to address important social and environmental issues. Under her leadership, Lockheed Martin launched several initiatives focused on sustainability, philanthropy, and community engagement.

How Marillyn Hewson transformed Lockheed Martin

One of Marillyn Hewson's most significant achievements as CEO of Lockheed Martin was transforming the company into a global leader in aerospace and defense. She was instrumental in repositioning the company to capitalize on growing demand for advanced technology and defense solutions. Under her leadership, the company invested heavily in R&D, restructured its operations to focus on emerging markets, and identified new growth opportunities.

Another notable accomplishment of Hewson was her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the company. She implemented programs to increase the number of women and minorities in leadership positions and worked to create a more inclusive workplace culture. This not only improved the company's reputation but also helped to attract and retain top talent.

In addition, Hewson was a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility. She led the company in initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, support local communities, and promote ethical business practices. This commitment to social responsibility not only benefited the communities in which Lockheed Martin operates but also helped to strengthen the company's relationships with its stakeholders.

Lessons we can learn from Marillyn Hewson's leadership

Marillyn Hewson's leadership offers many valuable lessons for aspiring business leaders. Her commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation are just a few of the qualities that helped drive her success. Aspiring leaders can also learn from her focus on ethical business practices and her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Another lesson we can learn from Marillyn Hewson's leadership is the importance of adaptability. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and market conditions. This has allowed her to steer her company through challenging times and emerge stronger on the other side. Aspiring leaders should take note of this and strive to develop their own adaptability skills, as they will undoubtedly face similar challenges in their own careers.

The impact of Marillyn Hewson on the defense industry

Marillyn Hewson's impact on the defense industry cannot be overstated. Under her leadership, Lockheed Martin became one of the largest and most influential companies in the industry. Her influence can be seen in the development of new technology and defense solutions, as well as in the company's commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

One of Hewson's most notable achievements was the development and production of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter jet that has become a cornerstone of the United States military's air power. The F-35 program has been praised for its advanced technology and capabilities, and has been sold to numerous countries around the world. Hewson's leadership and vision were instrumental in bringing this groundbreaking project to fruition.

A closer look at the financial success of Lockheed Martin under her tenure

One of the most significant measures of Marillyn Hewson's success at Lockheed Martin was the company's financial performance during her tenure. Under her leadership, the company experienced strong growth in revenue and profits, including a net income of over $6 billion in 2019. This financial success was driven by a combination of effective cost management, strategic investments, and strong leadership.

Furthermore, Hewson's focus on innovation and technology played a crucial role in the company's financial success. She oversaw the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, such as the F-35 fighter jet, which helped to secure significant government contracts and boost revenue.

In addition to financial success, Hewson also prioritized corporate social responsibility during her tenure. She implemented sustainable practices and initiatives, such as reducing the company's carbon footprint and increasing diversity and inclusion efforts. These efforts not only benefited the environment and society but also helped to improve the company's reputation and attract top talent.

How Marillyn Hewson achieved work-life balance as a CEO

One of the challenges that many business leaders face is achieving work-life balance. Marillyn Hewson was no exception. As CEO of Lockheed Martin, she faced enormous demands on her time and attention. However, she was able to achieve a healthy balance by prioritizing her personal life and setting clear boundaries between work and home.

One of the ways that Marillyn Hewson achieved work-life balance was by delegating tasks to her team. She recognized that she couldn't do everything herself and that it was important to trust her team to handle certain responsibilities. By doing so, she was able to free up more time for herself and focus on the things that were most important to her outside of work.

Challenges faced by Marillyn Hewson during her career

Despite her enormous success, Marillyn Hewson faced many challenges throughout her career. These included managing the complex and ever-changing dynamics of the defense industry, navigating the complexities of corporate leadership, and balancing the demands of work and personal life.

One of the biggest challenges that Marillyn Hewson faced during her career was breaking through the glass ceiling in a male-dominated industry. As a woman in the defense industry, she had to work twice as hard to prove herself and earn the respect of her colleagues. She also had to overcome gender biases and stereotypes that often held her back from advancing in her career.

Insights into the decision-making process of Marillyn Hewson

One of the key factors behind Marillyn Hewson's success was her ability to make effective decisions in a timely and strategic manner. Her decision-making process was characterized by careful research, input from key stakeholders, and a commitment to ethical and responsible decision-making practices.

Another important aspect of Hewson's decision-making process was her ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. She was known for her ability to analyze complex situations and make tough decisions, even in high-stress environments. This allowed her to navigate difficult challenges and emerge with successful outcomes.

In addition, Hewson was also known for her willingness to take calculated risks. She understood that in order to achieve great success, it was sometimes necessary to take bold steps and make decisions that others might shy away from. However, she always made sure to weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully before making any major decisions.

The legacy of Marillyn Hewson at Lockheed Martin

Marillyn Hewson's legacy at Lockheed Martin is one of growth, transformation, and innovation. Under her leadership, the company became a global leader in aerospace and defense, and her focus on ethical and sustainable business practices helped to shape the industry for years to come.

One of Hewson's notable achievements was the successful development and production of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter jet that has become a cornerstone of the U.S. military's air power. Her commitment to investing in research and development, as well as her ability to navigate complex government contracts, played a crucial role in the F-35's success.

Conclusion: Key takeaways from Marillyn Hewson's journey to success

Marillyn Hewson's journey to success offers valuable insights and lessons for aspiring business leaders. Her commitment to excellence, collaboration, innovation, and ethical business practices are just a few of the qualities that helped to drive her success. By studying her journey, aspiring leaders can gain valuable insights and guidance on how to build successful, sustainable, and impactful businesses.

One of the key takeaways from Marillyn Hewson's journey is the importance of adaptability. Throughout her career, she faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but she was able to adapt to changing circumstances and find innovative solutions to overcome them. This ability to adapt and pivot is crucial for success in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

Another important lesson from Hewson's journey is the value of mentorship and networking. She credits much of her success to the guidance and support of mentors and colleagues who helped her to develop her skills and navigate the business world. Aspiring leaders should seek out mentors and build strong networks to help them achieve their goals and overcome challenges.