How Identity Has Influenced A CEO's Career At Blue Dot Motorworks
Tom, Blue Dot Motorworks' CEO, prioritized mastering "the core physical and physics… phenomenon behind the engineering" during undergraduate studies, focusing on deep understanding over specific problem-solving. This approach fostered an "instinctual" grasp of core principles, enabling a "gut feel" for evaluating potential solutions and technologies, a skill invaluable in their successful career.
Engineering Fundamentals, Core Principles, Problem-Solving, Instinctual Understanding, Deep Learning
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tom Gurski
CEO
Blue Dot Motorworks
MIT 1999
N/A
Engineering - Mechanical
Automotive & Auto Parts
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Focus on fundamental principles in your undergraduate studies. Develop a deep understanding of core concepts, rather than just problem-solving techniques. This will build an intuitive sense for evaluating solutions and technologies.
2. Cultivate an instinctive understanding of core principles. This will allow you to quickly assess the feasibility of ideas and approaches, building a strong foundation for your career.
3. Develop a strong foundation in core subjects like physics and engineering. A deep understanding of these fundamentals will provide a strong base for future problem solving and innovation in any engineering field.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I think I focused heavily on the fundamentals in undergrad. My main interest was in the core physics and the physical phenomena behind engineering.
When I was learning, I tried to focus on establishing a deep understanding of the core principles. I prioritized this over the specific problem-solving aspects related to tests or problem sets.
By focusing on the core concepts, my understanding became instinctual. When I look at a potential solution or technology, I have a gut feeling about whether it will work.
Then, I can unpack that gut feeling to understand why it might or might not be the case. This instinctual reaction comes from being very close to all the core principles involved.