S6E21 Ron Higgs | Systems Thinking, People Skills, & Executive Leadership

Being an Engineer

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Ron Higgs shares insights on transforming engineers into effective executive leaders, drawing from his extensive experience in military aviation, aerospace, and consulting. He discusses the critical skills engineers need to advance into leadership roles, emphasizing people skills, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.

Main Topics:

• Journey from Naval Flight Officer to Executive Coach
• Developing People Skills in Technical Professions
• Systems Thinking in Leadership
• Overcoming Communication and Leadership Challenges
• Strategies for Engineers Transitioning to Leadership Roles

About the guest: Ron Higgs is an experienced executive coach and operational strategist with a strong background in both military and corporate leadership. A U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School graduate, he began his career as a Naval Flight Officer, developing key leadership skills in adaptability and mission execution. With over 20 years in engineering and operations roles at companies like Boeing and L3 Technologies, Ron has successfully led initiatives that enhanced performance and increased company valuations.

He now leads Wolf Management Solutions and serves as a Scale Architect using the Predictable Success model, helping technical leaders grow into visionary executives. Ron also acts as a Fractional COO and board member, emphasizing emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and sustainable team development. His human-centered approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that great leaders are made and that engineers have the potential to become exceptional leaders.

Links:

Ron Higgs LinkedIn

Wolf Management Solutions Website

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PDX 2025 is the Product Development Expo designed for engineers who want hands-on training from industry experts. PDX focuses on practical skill-building, cutting-edge tools, and real-world solutions.

📅 October 21-22, 2025
📍 Mesa Convention Center, AZ
🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/product-development-expo-2025

Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

About Being An Engineer

The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community.

The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Chapters

1. Ron Higgs' Background and Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Ron's Journey to Becoming an Engineer (00:01:56)

3. Transition to Executive Coaching (00:06:58)

4. The Importance of Feedback and Self-Awareness (00:12:20)

5. Developing People Skills in Leadership (00:14:05)

6. Systems Thinking and Leadership (00:28:19)

7. Overcoming Leadership Challenges (00:35:08)

8. Advice for Aspiring Leaders (00:44:52)

9. Engaging with the Audience for PDX Event (00:48:21)