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People stories

Blueprints to Big Picture

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Ian

Programme Manager, Philippines

Lessons in leadership and innovation

Since joining Dyson in 2017, my career journey has been marked by continuous growth and transformation. I started in design engineering and product development, then took my first big leap into category design management. But the move to programme management was an even greater evolution.

Programme management isn’t just about project timelines and deliverables; it’s about people development, site growth, and ensuring that every element aligns with Dyson’s vision. It’s a discipline that touches on every aspect of a project, from scheduling work years in advance to building systems that improve sustainability and efficiency.

Today, I’m leading a large-scale transformation programme to enhance Dyson’s product and technology development capabilities in the Philippines. This involves centralising technology manufacturing and contract manufacturing operations, developing an integrated campus that fosters collaboration, and streamlining workflows to position Dyson Philippines for continued growth. It’s a complex and exciting challenge, one that’s made even more rewarding by the opportunity to work closely with Dyson’s key leadership team. Exchanging ideas and contributing to high-level decision-making has provided invaluable insights that continue to shape my approach.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is expanding Dyson’s presence in the Philippines. We’ve grown our engineering team from a few employees to hundreds, building diverse technical expertise and establishing facilities that empower autonomous engineering and end-to-end product development. Witnessing the tangible impact of these efforts has been incredibly fulfilling.

Leading such a multifaceted initiative has taught me the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and motivating cross-functional teams. Leading without direct authority has taught me to build trust and align diverse stakeholders. These skills were shaped through hands-on experience, embracing challenges, and utilising Dyson’s training resources.

My advice? Be proactive and embrace opportunities. Dyson thrives on innovation, so challenge the status quo and share your ideas. Build relationships, invest in continuous learning, and stay adaptable. The fast-paced environment may be demanding, but it offers incredible opportunities to grow and make an impact.

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