Phebe Novakovic Quotes

Powerful Phebe Novakovic for Daily Growth

About Phebe Novakovic

Phebe Novakovic, an accomplished business leader and former CEO of General Dynamics (GD), was born on October 10, 1957, in New Jersey. Her parents, both immigrants from Croatia, instilled in her a strong work ethic and the value of education. After earning a B.S. in electrical engineering from Cornell University in 1980, she went on to receive an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in 1982. Novakovic started her career at General Electric (GE) and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming vice president for GE Capital's Global Transportation Finance division. In 1995, she joined General Dynamics as executive vice president of the company's Marine Systems Group. Over time, she held various positions within GD, culminating in her appointment as CEO in 2013. During her tenure as CEO, Novakovic successfully managed multiple acquisitions and restructurings, positioning General Dynamics for long-term growth. She also championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, recognizing that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and better decision-making. Novakovic's impact on the defense industry is significant, earning her recognition as one of Forbes' "Most Powerful Women" in 2014 and 2015. Despite her success, she remains modest about her achievements, often attributing her success to the strength of her team and the company's strategic vision. In 2018, Novakovic retired from General Dynamics but continues to serve as a trusted advisor and advocate for women in business. Her leadership style, grounded in a clear vision, strong values, and a commitment to collaboration, has inspired countless professionals across industries.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Risk is a part of business, and if you're not comfortable with that, then this may not be the career for you."

This quote by Phebe Novakovic emphasizes that business inherently involves taking risks, as it is an essential aspect of entrepreneurship and investment. If a person feels uneasy or uncomfortable with the idea of risk, then they might not find a career in business fulfilling. In other words, success in business requires a willingness to take calculated risks, adapt to change, and navigate uncertainty, which can be challenging but ultimately rewarding for those who are prepared to embrace it.


"The key to long-term success in business is consistency – delivering on your promises and meeting or exceeding customer expectations."

This quote by Phebe Novakovic emphasizes that the foundation of lasting business success lies in consistency, which is demonstrated through reliability and exceeding customer expectations. Consistency in delivering on promises builds trust, fosters loyalty, and positions a business as dependable in the eyes of its customers. Moreover, consistently meeting or surpassing customer expectations sets the bar high, encouraging continuous improvement and staying ahead of competitors in terms of quality and service. In essence, consistency is the cornerstone that ensures long-term success for any business by fostering trust, building a strong reputation, and driving growth through satisfied customers.


"Innovation is critical for staying competitive. You have to constantly look for new ways to do things better, faster, and more efficiently."

This quote by Phebe Novakovic emphasizes that innovation plays a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness. To stay ahead in any field or industry, one must persistently seek improved methods, increase efficiency, and streamline processes. It's not just about doing things differently; it's about doing them better to outperform competitors and thrive over time.


"Leadership requires the ability to inspire and motivate others, and that's something that can't be taught in a classroom."

This quote by Phebe Novakovic emphasizes that while technical skills can be learned through formal education, effective leadership also relies on innate qualities such as inspiration and motivation – traits often developed through personal experiences and interpersonal interactions. In essence, it suggests that true leadership is more about fostering emotional connections with others and instilling a shared vision than just possessing a set of teachable skills.


"The most important qualities for a leader are integrity, intelligence, and courage."

This quote highlights three essential qualities that effective leaders should possess: Integrity, Intelligence, and Courage. 1. Integrity refers to being honest, ethical, and trustworthy in one's actions, which builds respect among team members and fosters a positive work environment. 2. Intelligence here signifies not only intellectual capability but also the ability to understand complex situations, make sound decisions, and find innovative solutions. 3. Courage is crucial for leaders as it enables them to take bold steps, stand firm in their convictions, and face challenges head-on, inspiring others to follow suit. In summary, a great leader embodies strong moral principles (integrity), analytical skills (intelligence), and bravery (courage) – qualities that foster trust, encourage growth, and inspire others to achieve their collective goals with confidence.


Chasing revenues that don't have good earnings doesn't help us or shareholders one lick.

- Phebe Novakovic

Help, Chasing, Earnings, Shareholders

The Virginia class is an extremely successful program, and we'd like to keep it that way, and we're confident in our performance. But the Ohio replacement is a significantly larger ship.

- Phebe Novakovic

Confident, Like, Larger, Virginia

We are not going to compete for programs where we do not believe we can get a fair and sufficient return.

- Phebe Novakovic

Compete, Going, Get, Sufficient

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