Michael A. Davi

Andy E.

November 2023

"A good friend of mine and acquaintance of yours, Mary Rankin, was kind enough to let me borrow her autographed and noted book, "PRIVILEGED"... I found the book to be excellent. I saw a lot of similarities between our careers, both pitfalls and advancements. I want to express my appreciation on such a well written book regarding your GE career. It brought back a lot of memories."

 

Mary Rankin

July 2023

"I LOVED the book. Devoured it in two days.

You should be a teacher. You explain things so well. I wish I had had this book for reference when I came to Power Gen.

I'm glad you wrote this. I'm going to share it with friends."

 

Alan M.

March 2022

I have finished reading your book - very interesting, including interactions with individuals that I also worked with.....I enjoyed the people and technical issues that I worked on at GE, but not the politics and I surmise you feel the same.
 

BookLife Prize

Jan 2022

"..interesting blend of anecdotes, helpful advice and fascinating details....The memoir is unique in that it covers an entire career within a single company...talks about how life of the author and history of this [well known] company intertwine...]

 

Dimitris K.

June 2021

...I keep returning to (your) book because is a combination of good memories, inspiration and good read for me. Your welcoming attitude and leadership are still bright beacons despite the distance and retirement.

Rich F.

June 2021

Michael, I just finished reading your fantastic monologue which was splendidly entertaining and inspiring.

 

 

Tom F.

April 2021

I'm enjoying the book very much. I think you'd be surprised how your experiences correspond to the experiences of others outside of GE. Its a good story and you tell it well.  .... thank you for remembering my father in your [book].

 

 

Seena D.

October 2020

Your story is amazing and I can see why you chose PrivileGEd as your title. I really liked your comments about Application Engineering.  Your quotes from Saul are priceless! Great job and thanks for sharing it.

 

Nancy F.

July 2020

You did a great job in writing about your GE adventures.  I enjoyed reading your book  immensely.

 

Mark D.

June 2020

I have enjoyed every single page.  What made your book so enjoyable was that you took complex engineering tasks and made it easy for a nontechnical person [like me] understand. That takes a certain ability which you obviously have.  Nothing was handed to [me or you] except good genes which made us work hard. Our parents gave us an exceptional work ethic and support. You had one hell of a career! Great job!

 

Rick H

May 2020

Great so far, Mike.  I realize that, by writing your story, you give future generations a chance to know you.

[Amazing  that]..we have a lot of common touch points thru-out our careers.

I am picking up the recurring theme that when things seem to turn to sh*t, there is often a positive side to the ensuing changes you experienced.  I love that theme.  It shows a positive attitude.

 

VC (an inspired reader)

April 2020

"Michael Davi not only gives us a bird's eye view into his own stellar career with G.E. but also gives us wonderful insights into the inner workings of this "iconic" company as he describes it. The whole time he is doing this he makes the narrative totally accessible to the average person by punctuating it with personal anecdotes and heartfelt stories of family and life long friendships made along the way - all shared by him in true awe and grateful humility"

 

Arlene I.

December 2019

"PrivileGEd" is a good read!  Your book gave me new insights & understanding and opportunity to process the tremendous impact GE had on my family...I found myself focusing..on how are family coped with all the changes, both positive and negative GE made in our lives..Thanks..

 

Dimitris K.

October 2019

I have read with great interest [your] book. It is outstanding and well written. I would love to get a signed copy.

 

John G.

August 2019

...finshed your book and enjoyed it.  You have much to be proud of.  Forwarded book to my my father....My mother said he did not put it down.  He enjoyed it [also].

 

Ken J.

Constellation Energy

July 9, 2019

..I recently finished reading your book...I thought it was awesome and reminded me of the exciting times working together...it made me nostalagic and I had to dust off the celebratory memento.  I contacted Daniel Baral afterwards and we reminisced about all the things we had seen and accomplished...Take care and thanks for writing your book.

 

Jack Rightmyer

Albany Times Union

July 7, 2019

 This very readable memoir by the Schenectady native details the ups and downs he experienced working at General Electric for 40 years.  Davi begins the book praising the work ethic of his immigrant grandparents who worked for GE in the early [and mid] 20th century.  He has no kind words for former GE CEO and chairman Jack Welch, but he does emphasize the importance of innovation and teamwork to solve problems.  It is a must read especially for people in the world of business.

 

Louis Moretti

June 30, 2019

Mike, I really enjoyed reading your book and I have no doubt others will too. It was truly a pleasure and privilege to work with you in Gas Turbine Application Engineering. Your book reveals the breadth and depth of technical expertise, business acumen, interpersonal skills and grit it took to be a successful gas turbine application engineer. I also liked reading about your numerous accomplishments, the various people you worked with and the wide variety of challenges you faced throughout your 40 year career. Nice job. Thanks for sharing your journey.

 

 

Susan F.

May 17, 2019

Mike - enjoyed reading your book..Privileged. You did a great job!

 

 

Shana H.

April 20, 2019

... just finished reading your book — it brought back so many memories and was an enjoyable read! Sorry it took me so long to read. Great to read about [our] mutual colleagues — Maybe I will also follow your lead of writing a book.... Time will tell. Wishing you continued enjoyment in retirement and thanks for the fond GE memories!!!

 

 

 

Chip S.

April 14, 2019

Read your book. Good stuff.  Brought back some memories.  Best years of my career from enjoying the people I worked with and their level of talent.

 

 

Jim H.

April 8, 2019

I read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a lot about you that I didn't know and I'm glad you are still the optimistic, can do person that I knew way back when. I especially loved your description of Application Engineering. I have the same feelings and memories. It was one of the most challenging and demanding positions I ever held but also one of the most rewarding. I couldn't have summed it up any better than you did. I will never forget the fantastic Application Engineering team I had with Frank, you, Kathy, Saul, Seena, Lou, Walt Poua and some young kid out of Clarkson whose name escapes me. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful and great career.

 

 

 

Carl M.

April 3, 2019

I sure did [enjoy reading your book]! ...nice that you included the well wishes in the back of the book...never knew I'd be published one day (even if it was a short paragraph of well wishes!). Great read & enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your experiences!
 

 

 

John B.

March 24, 2019

I just read [your book] on a flight home from Hawaii last night. I loved it! I have to tell you that I was amazed at how many common experiences we have had and how closely our careers were in parallel. It is even more amazing that we never worked directly together.... I would love to chat some day to fill in more details. 

 

 

 

Tom L.

March 13, 2019

...Read your book. Enjoyed it immensely. Brought back some good memories of the Bubble. Very impressed with your career and all the directions that it took. You made a lot of outstanding contributions to GE. You helped give me an appreciation of many of the legendary names in GE engineering. In particular, I knew many of the names but didn't understand the major contributions made to GE...

 

 

M. Arar

March 11, 2019 (from LinkedIn responding to Gulen comments below)

Thank you John. I concur with my friend here. This is a highly recommended book ("PrivileGEd") for all. Older engineers can benefit from an advice or two. It has good lessons to learn to understand the predicament many so called managers that put GE and especially power in. Well done Mike and thanks for the good note John.

 

 

S. Can (John) Gulen

March 11, 2019 (from LinkedIn)

Over the weekend, I read my former colleague Mike Davi's memoir "privileGEd", which covers his 40-year career in General Electric's Power/Energy division.
I highly recommend it - especially to young engineers (40 years of age or younger, that is) in the field. The book is not a repertory of juicy gossips and pent-up grievances. Mike was indeed lucky to have had some unique field experiences and had to survive several organizational shenanigans (like 99% of those of us who spent a long enough time in GE). He just recounts them. There are quite a few lessons learned and some colorful characters. For me, the best part was his quite accurate assessment of the severe damage done to the business by one particular charlatan (and his ilk).
Well done Mike.

 

 

EH

March 7, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
5 out of 5 stars. Enjoyable Read. This book covers Michael Davi's amazing career at GE that spans 4 decades. Whether you are related to GE or not, you will enjoy reading this book and learn about the amazing career opportunities and challenges an employee would through in the corporate world and how he managed to succeed and contribute to humanity's well-being. Fun to read, indeed.

 

 

 

Amazon Reader

March 3, 2019

5 out of 5 stars. Lighting the World. News about GE in recent years has been especially difficult for all employees. But, just in time, this book arrives to help us remember that there we were part of something great and meaningful...and in that memory there may be hope. This well-written book is poignant, funny and could be very helpful to anyone, at any point in their career! Also, for those interested in family history and the positive impacts of immigrant families, the early chapters are a must read. Micheal's writing style draws you in, the story makes you stay until the last page.

 

 

Mark Vardakas

March 1, 2019

5 out of 5 stars.  Inspirational, great endorsement and example of a career in Engineering.  Mike's extensive and diverse career in engineering is a wonderful example to those considering a career in one of the STEM fields. Your specific examples of the many different challenges you've approached and overcome are interesting. Good career advice for those starting in their careers.

 

 

John Lobene

March 1, 2019

5 out of 5 stars. Great Read.  Thoroughly enjoyed your book. As a former GE employee in the power group, I can relate to some of the same experiences and people we both worked with.

 

 

Fred W.

February 22, 2019

I read your book....and enjoyed it very much.  I had lost track of your many career moves and after reading your book I can understand why you wanted to document your career.  I give you the highest praise for all the work and survival activities you did in the incredible number of  career changes.  Your joy of life , skill and dedication show through in each chapter... The book is great to read and you did an outstanding job with its publication.
Thank you for sharing your career with all of your GE friends.

 

 

 

Bernie T.

February 18, 2019

Mike, I thoroughly enjoy your book! My career has paralleled yours in many ways (some of that influenced by you). From KAPL to Combustion, Applications, and Comm Ops, your story was a walk through some good old days. I recognize a lot of the characters, even some initialed ones! Your style is personal, like you are sitting next to us telling it, and I just wanted to keep reading to see what your take on the next adventure was and how it compared to my experiences (which just don't seem as exciting as yours). Thanks for sharing. Well done!

 

 

 

Paul English

February 17, 2019

... just returned from trip to Hawaii... that flight gave me the opportunity to hunker down and read your book.  It was a great autobiographical undertaking.  I cannot imagine what it took to pull that together.  As I read it, I imagined what would happen if someone commissioned me to chronicle 40 some years of my life. I doubt that I have the milestoned memories to figure it all out. Yes, as I have heard many times, it does go by in a blur.  Somehow you managed to distill your blur into very distinct and poignant recollections.

 

I very much enjoyed reading it.  It was interesting to read, in view of what I perceived as values that we hold in common. I must say I was quite flattered to be mentioned as an example. 

 

I thought that your criticisms of leadership failures were courageous and did nothing but support the book's title, PrivileGEd---portraying the good, the bad, and the ugly.  From the retrospective view you took, I could not imagine a better title selection.

 

Congratulations on a great first phase of your career, and thank you for sharing it.

 

Kathryn R.

February 1, 2019

I finished your book. Great job. REALLY ENJOYED IT! It's amazing how many similar situations we had during our careers. I marvel at the details you remembered from your various jobs – especially the names of all the people you interacted with.

 

 

Bernard M, MD

January 31, 2019

I enjoyed "Priviliged" immensely. It was fascinating. I couldn't put it down and stayed up late reading it.

 

Kay B.

January 28, 2019

Wow! When you said you were going to write a book, I never thought it would be so personally meaningful to me! This was our time, described in a way which allowed me to reminisce about some of the best and most interesting events of my life. You did a great job! Thank you for the walk down memory lane!

 

 

Howard K.

January 24, 2019

I can't remember the last time I read a book purely for enjoyment, and enjoy it I did.   Maybe because it was so relatable; our careers paralleling in many respects, and my visiting a few of the sites you were managing, even while you were there.   But also because the book was put together so well.   It wasn't hard putting names to many of the initials you referenced, and your take was spot on.   Your recollection is amazing and making a story out of it was the perfect complement to your conversational skills.   I expect to hear about many more printings.

 

 

Mark Little

January 19, 2019

Mike --- I love the book!  I read it straight through.  Your love of technology and your deep humanity shine through.  Your stories about great colleagues, exciting challenges, world-wide engagements and dealing with the ups and downs of life in a big company resonated with me.  It is a fantastic read for experienced technologists and for those starting out who can benefit from your many experiences.  Thanks for putting your heart and mind into writing this wonderful book. --- Best, Mark

 

 

Ann Z.

January 18, 2019

Mike - I've been meaning to let you know I read and enjoyed your book. It was definitely a trip down GE's memory lane. Here's wishing you great success with it... and any future books!

 

 

Mike M.

January 15, 2019

Mike, I have read your book and enjoyed it very much. First off, I noticed that throughout the book, you always dropped a "hint" of things to come. That kept it interesting as I looked forward to following the crumbs. I also felt that I was right along side you as you told the story. Great Job!

 

Your book is now on my desk top book shelf, as I promised, right next to Jack Welch's "Straight from the Gut". In that book he had good things to say about the GT Business.

 

I [also] enjoyed reading the comments in the back [Epilogue] from all the folks. The book really jogged my memory about significant events in my career. We have a lot of parallels. 

 

 

Bob C.

January 13, 2019

Mike Davi is one of the (few) good people that we all wish we worked with. He combined his interests, diligence, and positive approach into a remarkable career. Mike's optimism, and life-long approach to learning, certainly aided his success. For example, some people consider a business trip as something to be avoided. Mike combined work with [fun while] visiting new places and enjoyed his trips. We could all benefit from his approach to his vocation.

 

 

Jeff S.

January 9, 2019

I really enjoyed reading about your great accomplishments throughout your career at GE. It brought back memories for me as many of the individuals you referred to I also work with. To hear about how you advanced so much in your career by meeting all the great challenges you overcame was astonishing. And to think your last position landed you back in Services where you had originally started!

I also enjoyed reading about your life long interest in Aviation, Space & the Sciences. Dr. Story Musgrave seems like an extraordinary person and others that you mention in your book as well. What a ride huh?
Thank you for sharing the personal side setting the stage in how your [grandparents] came over and worked at GE in the early days. That set the stage for your inspiration to do much of what you accomplished. Your Grand Parents would have been very proud of you for sure! As a matter of fact Mike I think anyone that was lucky enough to work with you or know you even outside of work are all very proud of you.

Anyone considering a career in Engineering should read your book "Privileged" as it's a great inspiration. I would recommend this book to others as well as it has many positive messages for anyone who is serious about meeting life's daily challenges, being a responsible person, respecting others, and being a good leader.

I am proud to know you Mike and looking to read all about your new accomplishments post retirement. If you decide to write another book I will be one of your first readers.  

 

 

Don B.

January 8, 2019

I have finished [reading] your book and can tell you I enjoyed it very much.  You have demonstrated a fine skill in writing.  Maybe you should consider doing more of it.

 

 

Bob S.

January 7, 2019

Finished the book last night and enjoyed it thoroughly. You had a great career that really spanned across many different businesses (not sure if one could do that today) and afforded you many opportunities. In reading the book it was like a trip down memory lane as I thought about my 12 years in Schenectady (79 - 91) and all of my own experiences with GE. Many of the names... came ringing back to me.

 

I always thought you folks in Applications were the brightest and respected all that you did. I appreciated your comments about the GE Field Engineering Program (1974 grad). If I had to do it all over again I would start my career the same way. Having that hands on product knowledge and all the additional responsibilities that are forced upon you still serves me well today.

Thanks for mentioning the ladies of GTD who were second to none. I worked with Jean Place...Class and smarts.

Even though I can relatet to the people and work that went on in Schenectady at that time I feel you accomplished one of your objectives that of providing young people an insight into a career and all of its realities. You covered the ups and downs, that first foot in the door, great bosses/lousy bosses, doors closing and others opening, etc., how education (and continuing education) is so important, how networking is more powerful than an organization and that the great people you work with make all the difference. I can't think of a better Company to have worked for at the time.

Thanks for writing the book and all the best.

 

 

Marv S.

January 6, 2019

Mike I finished your book....You amazed me!!

 

Terrific job!! You must have kept great  records/journals to remember all the details, but

you have written a book that many of us GE alumni can appreciate. Not only is it readable,

but the entire book flows as a well written book should. 

 

....I want to point out that when in your career you needed help...it was not coincidence that your past

experience or associations fit the need, but rather YOUR building on your experience, friendships and

mutual respect that made it easy to get help when you needed it. The network that you built over the

years was there because you made it so.

 

Again, Good Job.

 

 

George B.

December 15, 2018

My daughter Lori loaned me your book.  Congratulations on a great story of your professional career.  It was well written and had a lot of human interest.  Although we've never met, I feel as if I know you well!  Congrats again on your career with GE.

 

 

Matt G.

December 10, 2018

Enjoyed the book....[It] is very readable and I like the way you added simple notes to explain something that might not be clear to a "non GE Power" readers. Reading your book certainly brought back many memories!  Having struggled mightily to write a book, I can fully appreciate the effort it took to produce this- well done!

 

 

Ted F.

December 6, 2018

Mike, Just finished your book and very much enjoyed the journey through your career at GE. Very well done.

 

 

Mary I.

November 30, 2018

Hey Mike! I just finished your book and LOVED it. The "Saulisms" were precious. And yes, both Frank and you were under-appreciated for the amount of productivity you delivered then and into the future

 

 

Daniel
5.0 out of 5 stars - Very enjoyable read!
November 29, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Mike does a great job keeping his story fun and easy to read. Without getting into technical issues and jargon few will understand, he relates how being technical he had an exciting and challenging career, with trials and triumphs, that many can relate too (not just the technical folks).

 

 

FJB Sr.

5 out of 5 stars - Good read for an inside look at what a career in GE was.
November 20, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
An interesting and fun walk through the trials of a GE career. If you were there you will recognize much of what Mike talks about. If you are just starting out you will get an idea of what you can do in any company if you work at it.

 

Dale C.

November 18, 2018

Mike. I just finished the book last night. It was a great & very interesting read. (The twists, turns and insights from your 40 year career kept it exciting).

 

 

Isaac B.

November 15, 2018

I am reading your wonderful book summarizing your life experiences of 40 years at G.E. A great company that unfortunately is experiencing now some hard times.  We have a lot in common: although you were born in the US and I am an immigrant (since 1964), our backgrounds are somewhat similar.  What is identical is the work ethics and our resolve to succeed in this great country of ours.

 

Your recap of your grandparents was superb. In my case all my 4 grandparents passed away before I was born, so I was not privileged to know what it is to have a grandparent.

 

...like you I had a drive to study and succeed. And... just like you very fortunate. Hard work, serious commitment to customer satisfaction, and sometimes being in the right place at the right time.

 

Best wishes with your publication.

 

 

Debra's Kindle
5.0 out of 5 stars- Inspirational Tale Gives Inside Look at Business World
November 13, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Michael Davi's heartfelt memoir is inspiring on many levels. This inside look into the business that was GE details Davi's participation in more adventures than he ever would have imagined, all thanks to a job he took on right out of college. His natural curiosity led him on many of those adventures, but it's his guileless gratitude for all he was able to see and do that permeates his book. Another theme throughout the book is education, as Davi obviously hopes to inspire others to pursue the sciences ... so they, too, can enjoy just as "Privileged" a life.

 

 

JDW

5.0 out of 5 stars - PrivileGEd is a Perfect Title

November 12, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
This book is an enjoyable read on the adventures and accomplishments of a very talented GE employee (Michael Davi) during a turbulent 4 decade period where many innovations were realized. The book is also rich in insights of the impact of GE management decisions and also provides some career surviving guidance to younger persons still in the work force.
I look forward to future books detailing the adventures and accomplishments of a GE retiree by Michael Davi!

 

 

M22
5.0 out of 5 stars

A Fascinating and enjoyable read
30 October 2018 - Published on Amazon.com
Verified Purchase
Whether or not you have a professional or personal connection with GE I'm confident you will be intrigued and fascinated by Michael Davi's memoir. While the book focuses on the author's impressive 40 year career at GE, it also reflects his childhood aspirations and obvious love and admiration for his family,in particular his immigrant grandparents.
I couldn't put this book down. Quite an inspirational read for anyone, but particularly for students in a STEM program.

 

Jay P.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Amazing Book for Science and Technology Enthusiasts
October 28, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
This is an epic journey and interestingly narrated by Michael Davi. The language used in this book is very lucid and flow of the book is very well written. I am halfway through this book and can't wait to finish it. Chapter names are very unique and creates a curiosity about the contents. I highly recommend this book for everyone who wants to pursue career in science and technology field. It surely encourages young generation.

 

Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars

Inside a Career
27 October 2018 - Published on Amazon.com
Verified Purchase
What a great insight into the varied opportunities that Mike encountered in his 40 year career at GE as a mechanical engineering grad. Well written, and easy to read, most everyone will identify with the challenges and rewards described. This book will inspire STEM majors to seek out and relish both the usual and unusual twists and turns of their careers.