September 6, 2013, by Graham Kendall

Mike Gascoyne (F1 Chief Technology Officer) visits UNMC

This post was contributed by Chan Kuan Yoong

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The most eagerly awaited Formula one technician, aerodynamicist and MGI’s founder; Mike Gascoyne had visited our University delivering a talk on innovation. He elaborated on the path and stages that he took to get to his current astounding position in the motorsport industry. Mike described his take on the studies, society, career, market and the motorsport industry. He requested the students to prove themselves by doing something rather than thinking about it.

In addition, he also highlighted the importance of being punctual at work since it was important even at higher level.   Appropriately the talk was titled “Innovation”, Mike was explaining to the students on how he did things differently to achieve results rather than just improvising or bringing better solutions to the problems. His strive to excel was clearly seen as a result in the subsequent racing projects. He also highlighted that managing a team can be a daunting task without discipline. The team has to be fully aware of the consequences of each step that they take since it is very essential for the project to be successful.

Mike Gascoyne while pursuing his PhD at the prestigious Cambridge University also organised and led expeditions in the Himalayas which according to him were a demonstration of the leadership qualities in him. ‘Engaging in an activity, leading a club or organising an event helps you stand out from the crowd ‘, he said. Mike being an open and humble person mockingly commented that “Students, don’t be like me!” since he hadn’t completed his doctorate. He associated his advice to students with the reality of his own life; this was a great learning experience for the students who wanted to be independent while furthering their career. By drawing out personal experiences and incidents from his own life he kindled the interest amongst the students. His opinion was different form the conventional parental advice in the fact that he wanted the students to rough it out before they can take important roles in the real life.

During the question and answer session one of the students asked Mike, “May I know what cars do you drive?”, this not only represents the amount of inspiration and liveliness that he delivered through the talk but also his witty and friendly personality eventually he listed down a few of his favourite rides.

Apart from being supported by the British High commission of Malaysia, the media giant Astro was present to cover the event.

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