Back in 1911, when IBM founder Tom Watson established the company’s mantra, ‘think to solve the problems of the world,’ little did he know that premise would lead the company to success over 100 years.
Pat Horgan, HBA ’82, Vice-President, Manufacturing, Development and Operations for IBM Canada, spoke at Ivey on October 4 about IBM’s history, success, and continuing commitment to innovation. He discussed how the company’s core values have been reinforced and retained even as it evolved through expansion, acquisition and transformation. Although the leadership at IBM has changed over time, its values have remained consistent. In 2003, these core values – be dedicated to every client’s success, create innovation that matters for the company and the world, and practise trust and personal responsibility in all relationships – were re-established.
“We have always lived and believed that employees embrace values when they have a role in shaping them,” said Horgan. “Success is due to the resilience of values to corporate culture.”
Horgan said IBM’s constant innovation and development of new technologies is helping to build a future by “making cities smarter,” through such technological developments as the introduction of the PC in 1981, the ThinkPad n 1992, the barcode and Lasik surgery. He added IBM is continuing to innovate quickly and its commitment to social progress makes it one of the most attractive employers in Canada.
IBM has marked its centennial with a focus on charitable efforts and Horgan himself has volunteered his time at public schools and threw the first pitch at a Blue Jays’ game as part of the company’s “celebration of service”.