The words “technology” and “innovation” appear together so routinely, they might seem to be synonymous. But Gary Tong, ‘20SPS, knows better. A veteran engineering executive who spent nearly 14 years at Boeing, Tong understands that technology plays a critical role in any enterprise. But unless it adopts a mindset for innovation, a company cannot fully realize the power of technology by embracing change.
“Innovation and disruption go hand in hand,” said Tong, an alumnus of the Executive M.S. in Technology Management. “It’s a process—it’s not just a one-time deal—and you have to be persistent. You have to build arguments if you want to convince others to follow you.”
A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where he received a B.S. in mechanical engineering, Tong began his career as a design engineer in Boeing’s Commercial Airplane Division while simultaneously pursuing his M.S. in mechanical engineering at the University of Washington. After advancing through a number of roles in aircraft interior product development, design, and engineering process improvement, he spent six months in China participating in a supplier development program. Working on-site with a Chinese company, Tong was able to see opportunities for innovation and transformation in each department and division, and motivate workers to think outside the box by engaging them in what he called "a kind of Socratic dialogue." Having helped the company to become the first and only supplier in China that owns the design intellectual property installed in the Boeing 737, the experience cemented his interest in moving into management roles.
Tong began an exhaustive search for management programs, including in business administration. But having seen so many colleagues at Boeing enroll in part-time MBA programs only to continue in the same positions, he decided to focus on a full-time program that could teach him “how to talk like a technology leader.”
With its prestigious academic reputation and New York City location, Columbia was the clear favorite. But Tong was also attracted to the program’s format and the chance to connect with industry professionals through its unique mentorship program.
“The program’s structure is very thoughtful—it has the classroom interface and utilizes carefully chosen tools, like Zoom and Slack, that are common in the workplace,” he said. “Another strength of the program is the emphasis on globalization, mobility, and flexibility. Students need to collaborate across geographical and cultural distances, which reflects what is going on in the real work environment."
This program is focused not only on how you can be disruptive, but how you can use practical tools and relevant cases to successfully lead a digital transformation in the workplace.
Gary Tong, '19SPS, Technology Management
In addition to forging an enduring relationship with his mentor, a consultant and former Apple and Amazon executive who continues to share management advice, Tong enjoyed his interactions with the program’s Academic Director, Dr. Arthur M. Langer, as well as his fellow students. It all added up to a genuinely unique experience.
“There’s no other program [I know of] that focuses on technology innovation, disruption, and transformation,” Tong said. “MBAs are very generic, and a lot of technology management programs are offered by engineering departments and focused on a lot of theories. But this program is focused not only on how you can be disruptive, but how you can use practical tools and relevant cases to successfully lead a digital transformation in the workplace. I learned a lot about the importance of being inspiring and persistent in pushing for your beliefs.”
After graduating last year and looking for opportunities to apply what he had learned, Tong soon found the very thing: In January, he was named Vice President of Engineering and Innovation for the packaging company Kwik Lok—a new role with a mandate “to lead its engineers and foster a culture of increased innovation.”
Learn more about the Executive M.S. in Technology Management program.
