JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

I wasn't thinking of making money; I just wanted to make a better vacuum cleaner.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

I'm still learning a lot and always will learn, and everyone's been really supportive in involving me in all the executive decisions.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

We indulge in things that a public company wouldn't, like architecture and the university, because we think they're the right thing to do.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

I started off making high-speed landing craft, which I only really used by the military and construction companies, and I really wanted to do something for the home.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Designing and developing products we use ourselves makes us much happier and helps us understand what will work.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Failures are actually more interesting than successes; you learn from failures, but successes are just done and you don't question them.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The education system is broken; it focuses on getting the right answer straight away instead of learning from failure.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Schools should mark the other way around; children who fail and try several things before getting it right are the ones who really learn.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

I learned much more from sport than academic work because you have to experiment, learn to work with people, and understand competition.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The act of making something helps you understand it better, and when you test it, you know what might be going wrong because it always goes wrong.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Communication is key; students can work for Dyson after graduation, and they should work abroad to gain experience before settling down.

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ainslie + ainslie Performance People Cast

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The UK faces a significant shortfall of engineers, with an estimated two million engineers needed in two years, which is a real problem for industries like America's Cup.

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ainslie + ainslie Performance People Cast

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The government's actions have led to a decline in students taking design and technology courses, which are essential for fostering interest in engineering.

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ainslie + ainslie Performance People Cast

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Students can contribute to innovative projects and even patent inventions by the end of their first year at university, which helps create a culture of empowerment and creativity.

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ainslie + ainslie Performance People Cast

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Graduates often seek roles in various business areas like marketing, which helps them become well-rounded professionals rather than just specialists in engineering.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

After university, I initially felt confined in the family business, so I explored other projects before returning to work on ambitious engineering projects.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

My early experiences with failure, including poor exam results, motivated me to prove my capabilities and set personal challenges in engineering.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

I spent three years developing a counter-rotating ceiling fan, which was complex and required collaboration with experienced engineers to refine the design.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Working with skilled engineers taught me the limits of materials and the importance of precision in manufacturing, which influenced my product designs.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

I learned that being passionate about a product can hinder sales, as it’s crucial to communicate its value simply and effectively to customers.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Retailers often hesitate to stock new products because they are unsure of their marketability, but excitement and innovation can drive consumer interest.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The initial success of a new product often relies on early adopters who are willing to take risks, which can lead to broader acceptance if the product performs well.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

When launching a new product, it’s essential to justify a higher price point by demonstrating significant improvements in quality and sustainability.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Being an inventor involves taking risks, and the combination of innovative technology and appealing design can create a strong market demand for products.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Developing new technologies, like electric motors, can take years of investment, but once successful, they can revolutionize existing products and markets.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

As a family business, we can invest in long-term innovations without the pressure of short-term profitability, allowing us to maintain our core values.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The integrity and authenticity of our business decisions are preserved because they are made collectively by the family, rather than by external stakeholders.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

It's crucial for businesses to anticipate future trends and invest in diverse technologies to remain competitive and avoid stagnation.

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ainslie + ainslie Performance People Cast

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

We have very good non-executive directors who add huge value to our company, making us feel a bit like a public company.

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ainslie + ainslie Performance People Cast

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Sustainability was hardwired into our engineering approach from the beginning, as engineers aim to use the least amount of energy and materials.

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ainslie + ainslie Performance People Cast

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

We eliminated non-biodegradable plastic bags from our products, reducing power consumption significantly; now we use a tenth of the power compared to before.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The future of our technology will focus on integrating semiconductors, sensors, and vision systems, allowing products to communicate and create an ecosystem for better functionality.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Moving forward, our products will perform more advanced tasks autonomously, benefiting users beyond just mechanical solutions.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

We need to monitor our products in the market to address faults proactively, ensuring consumers are informed before issues arise.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The ability to understand how consumers use our machines will guide us in designing better products tailored to their needs.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

As a parent, I worry about technology's negative impact on children's mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of outdoor activities and sports for their health.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

I believe that while AI will take over certain tasks, it will free us to focus on more creative endeavors, as true creativity cannot be replicated by machines.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

We are developing robotic strawberry pickers to automate the labor-intensive process of harvesting, which currently relies on human speed and efficiency.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The car project was a significant disappointment, but it taught us valuable lessons and allowed us to redirect talented individuals into other areas of the business.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

I feel a sense of responsibility in taking the company forward, but I am not scared; I am learning and growing with the support of my team.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

The freedom of invention excites me, as it allows us to explore new areas and create innovative products that can make a difference.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

To create successful products, they must be better than previous versions, excite consumers, and align with their values, focusing on ecological and efficient solutions.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Maintaining the right culture in our business is crucial as we transition from a startup to a larger company, ensuring we continue to innovate and thrive.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Recruiting young, naive talent is important for fostering creativity and challenging the status quo, as they question existing methods and drive innovation.

JD

Jake Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Being observant of cultural trends and working hard at what you enjoy are key performance tips for daily improvement.

JD

James Dyson

04/04/23

@ ainslie + ainslie Performance People

Curiosity about how everything works is essential; come in every day to make a difference and achieve something new.

Sir James Dyson + Jake Dyson: A Life of Failure + Success | Performance People

Takeaways