Building a $20B IT Infrastructure From Scratch | Michael Loechle
How do you build a winning IT strategy, scale a global organization, and lead high-performing teams without micromanaging?
In this episode of **Leading with Curiosity**, host Nate Leslie sits down with Michael Loechle, former CIO of Hitachi Energy and now an advisor to the Chief Digital and Security Officer at Hitachi Group in Japan.
Michael shares his experience building Hitachi Energy’s IT infrastructure from scratch following its separation from ABB. As the company grew from approximately $9 billion to $20 billion in revenue, he learned valuable lessons about strategic leadership, team development, trust, and scaling technology to meet business needs.
In this conversation, you'll discover why clear communication matters at every level of an organization, why curiosity helps identify high-potential leaders, and why successful executives must learn to trust specialists rather than try to master every detail themselves.
Michael also explains the importance of a “fit for purpose” strategy, the hidden costs of separating corporate services, and how leaders can navigate cultural differences in a global organization shaped by Japanese business values.
**WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:**
- How to build and communicate a clear business strategy and vision
- Why people matter more than processes in leadership
- How curiosity connects technology to business impact
- What it takes to build IT infrastructure from scratch
- Why “fit for purpose” beats unnecessary complexity
- How to lead experts without micromanaging
- Why trust, accountability, and regular communication matter
- How to navigate Japanese business culture, harmony, and long-term thinking
- Why developing people is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader
**CHAPTERS**
00:00 – Meet Michael Loechle and Hitachi Energy
01:42 – Building a Clear Strategy and Vision
03:29 – Why People Matter More Than Processes
04:46 – Identifying High-Potential Leaders
06:14 – Curiosity and Business Impact
07:00 – The “Fit for Purpose” Principle
09:22 – Why Hitachi Energy Built IT from Scratch
11:49 – Building Infrastructure During a Major Transformation
14:07 – The Hidden Costs of Corporate Separation
16:50 – Leading Through a Three-Year Transformation
18:54 – Building a Strong Team and Leveraging Strengths
20:41 – Why Leaders Cannot Be Experts in Everything
21:55 – Trusting Specialists Without Losing Alignment
22:39 – Handling Disappointment and Broken Trust
24:22 – Daily Check-Ins and Leadership Accountability
25:41 – Hiring the Right People
27:06 – Leading Across International Cultures
28:35 – Japanese Business Culture and Team Harmony
29:55 – Long-Term Thinking and Quality Standards
31:56 – Learning Patience and the Power of Listening
33:24 – Leading Across the Broader Hitachi Group
34:38 – The Value of Executive Coaching
37:27 – Michael’s Leadership Legacy
**ABOUT MICHAEL LOECHLE**
Michael Loechle is the former CIO of Hitachi Energy and currently advises the Chief Digital and Security Officer at Hitachi Group in Japan. His leadership experience includes building global IT capabilities, leading complex organizational transformations, and developing teams across international business environments.
**CONNECT WITH NATE LESLIE**
Website: https://www.nateleslie.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelesliecec/
Leader Self-Assessment: https://www.nateleslie.ca/gift
Leading with Curiosity features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and executive coaches who challenge traditional leadership thinking and explore new ways to build stronger teams and organizations.
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