Peter Ungaro, CEO Cray Computers on Innovation and Execution
CMM October 23rd, 2007
At today’s TechX 2007, Peter Ungaro served as the lunch keynote. For a technology speaker, he did a pretty solid job of connecting to business principles and innovative ideas. Probably my favorite quote was, “Your customers have more data on your competitor than you do.” In addition, he emphasized placing the company focus on execution and innovation. Here are some key points I jotted down:
Cray’s Learning Points:
- Two goals (what does Cray want to accomplish) + two focuses (company culture– execution and innovation) + “sweet 16″ (16 critical performance metrics) = Cray’s success
- Stay focused and committed. Remember, “Ready, aim, fire… aim, fire… aim, fire… aim, fire…”
- Design and execute strategy around the current business plan and the long-term plan.
- Leadership is the key and must come from everyone, not just the CEO or executive team.
- Form major alliances with suppliers and customers.
Dare to be Different (and build your brand in the process):
- If it makes sense, go the opposite direction. (example– Apple with OS X)
- Personalize even non-personal components of business (example– Cray personalizes the cover of every supercomputer, i.e. Army has a camouflage cover)
- Go the distance and surprise (example– Cray places a case of beer in the bottom of every supercomputer refrigerator cabinet when they ship to a customer).
Also, John Morris of Sunlight Direct won Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year. His acceptance speech was great– “I’d like to thank God and my wife. Both of them put up with a lot and both deserve more attention than they get.”
