From working parents to military veterans, GE would not be the company it is today without its employees. We created “Quick Six” to celebrate our diverse talent by asking employees six questions that uncover the unique ways that they contribute to GE and the world.
In our next installment of Quick Six, we sit down with Savannah Frazier, who is in the XLP program (Accelerated Leadership Program) in Supply Chain, located in Evendale, Ohio.
Can you tell us about yourself and about your current role?
I was born and raised in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) with my parents and six siblings. I graduated from Washington College with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Chemistry with hopes of becoming a doctor and lawyer. I love to travel, learn new skills, plan events and am an avid meal prepper. Outside of work I am guardian to my two youngest brothers Wynton (17) and Myles (19) who reside with me in Cincinnati.
I’m in my second year of XLP program and on the Supply Chain track. In my current assignment I am a Business Leader for the shafts and nozzles production cells at the Evendale Manufacturing Operations (EMO) plant. I am responsible for the operational performance and delivery of multiple assemblies to our marine and industrial, commercial and military customers. My responsibilities also include leading the direct and indirect teams that support the production lines.
Can you explain what XLP is?
The Accelerated Leadership Program (XLP) is a program designed to develop global executive leaders. It is structured to provide individuals with broader exposure of the business, as well as in-depth experience related to a specific development needs. The program is designed as a two-phase program, with options to graduate off after two years or advance to the second phase, for an additional year and a half. XLP offers individuals the opportunity to grow their understanding of the business, build relationships in and across the GE enterprise and develop key leadership skills.
How had past experiences prepared you for XLP?
Past experiences have helped prepare me for XLP because they taught me the dignity of hard work, the value of taking on the tough challenges and the power of perseverance . In my development years my parents always encouraged me to try different things, this shaped my perspective on how I approach new opportunities. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate enough to have met amazing and nurturing individuals that recognized my potential, even when I did not.
While my mentors were my motivation, my mom was my inspiration. Watching her raise seven children and manage her own business for many years while creating lasting relationships is where I developed my ambition and drive. I can now see how it translates into my passion for people. Lastly, I did not follow the traditional path to college after graduating high school. I experienced financial struggles and other obstacles which led to me dropping out of school three times before finally graduating from Washington College. Through each set-back, I developed my resilience and appreciation for facing into challenges. I was the first of 7 to graduate with a degree in my family. That is something I am very proud of and is what motivates me to persevere through challenges.
What inspires you at GE Aviation?
The impact our products have in the world and the talented individuals I get to work with are primary reasons why I come to work every day. I get energized knowing that I am surrounded by people who solve some of the world’s biggest problems and I am constantly challenged in the way I think and solve problems. Knowing that we power 1/3 of the world and that our engines help connect people globally is nothing short of spectacular. All of the above is a reminder that the work we do matters.
What does it mean to be successful at GE?
Being successful at GE means that you are continuously learning. It means you are embracing and leaning into change, it means standing up for what is right and not compromising the quality of our products. It means making sure that what you do always supports the mission, goals of the business and the people. It also means owning the responsibility to solicit diverse talents and perspectives to achieve the best outcome. In my professional experience success has stemmed from collaborative thinking, continuous learning, inclusion and leading by example.
What are the biggest challenges of your job and how do you navigate them?
This is an exciting time to be in GE. With the constant pressure to deliver, I am challenged with how to continuously empower, leverage, develop and celebrate people no matter the circumstance! I navigate through the challenges by communicating, educating, teaching and executing.
Did you know Quick Six is a series? Read our previous features:
- Quick Six with Jack Cohen, Sourcing Commercial Leader in Evendale, Ohio.
- Quick Six with Tiffany Liang, Materials Leader for the LEAP-1A and -1B Core Assembly in Lafayette, Indiana.
- Quick Six with Katie Schafer, Quality Engineer in Asheville, NC.
- Quick Six with Carlos Duenas, lead mechanic at GE Aviation Flight Test Operations, located in Victorville, California.
- Quick Six with Bryne Berry, Environmental Barrier Coating Engineer at GE Aviation in Evendale, OH.
- Quick Six with Dale Hughes, Assembly & Test Technician in Durham, NC
- Quick Six with Terrance Brand, Staff Engineer for GE Aviation in Hooksett, NH.
- Quick Six with Flavio Caciuffo, engineer at GE Aviation business, Avio Aero.
- Quick Six with Phil Woniger, Senior Account Sales Manager, at GE Aviation in Savannah, Georgia.
- GE Aviation’s Quick Six with Mike Bonacum, T901 Technology Maturation Leader at GE Aviation in Lynn, MA.
- GE Aviation’s Quick Six with David Burns, CIO of GE Aviation in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft.
