An observation often attributed to Winston Churchill — “Success is never final, failure is never fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts.” — is a favorite of Leanne M. (Guyette) Caret ’90.
“Those words really resonate with me because a career truly is a journey,” she says. “There will always be ups and downs, but throughout my professional life I have found that, with the right mindset and the support of great people, you can achieve anything you want.”
Caret, who began working at Boeing in 1988, certainly has achieved professional success.
This February, she was named president and CEO of the aviation company’s $30 billion St. Louis-based Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business.
A member of Boeing’s executive council, she is the first woman to lead BDS.
“Part of what I appreciate most about my path in Boeing is the variety of jobs I’ve had, and one thing I have learned is that you’re never completely ready for the next assignment,” says Caret. “That’s a good thing. It’s only by stepping outside your comfort zone that you learn new things, and I think that makes for a better leader.”
Given this philosophy, Caret no doubt will continue to be successful within the company.
“Boeing turns 100 in July,” she notes. “When I look back on how the men and women of this company changed the world, I am humbled and inspired to have the responsibility of helping take the organization into its second century.”
