OPTIMISM

Projecting a mindset and aura of positivity helps calm and set those you influence. Doing this, when you are having a rough day, is the key to this leadership constant.

Matt Needy is Vice President of Navy Programs for Huntington Ingalls Industries, America’s largest military shipbuilding company and for more than a century, HII’s Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder employing more 42,000 people operating both domestically and internationally.

Matt leads all Navy programs, including aircraft carrier construction, aircraft carrier refueling and overhaul programs, aircraft carrier inactivation programs, submarine construction, and fleet support operations.  He has more than 28 years of shipbuilding experience including design engineering, systems engineering, manufacturing, process improvement and strategy expertise, as well as Navy program leadership.

Matt is a mechanical engineer from Clemson University.

3-Bullet Summary:

• Optimism creates a highly motivated workforce.

• Being conscious and self aware helps you not to give in to emotions.

• A part of being optimistic is having a well-thought out plan.

Podcast Quotables:

“The basis for optimism really starts with being real.”

“Early in your career, you have to be working on your EQ or your emotional intelligence, as well as your IQ."

“Optimism is essential for you to motivate your team and nobody wants to work for a pessimistic leader." 

• Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
• Start With Why by Simon Sinek