Stephen W. Hinch | Source | R&D Section Manager, Digital Test Division at Agilent Technologies

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Stephen W. Hinch

R&D Section Manager, Digital Test Division at Agilent Technologies and 2 other companies
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Stephen W. Hinch is both an experienced senior executive in the high-tech industry and a nationally recognized Benjamin Franklin Award-winning author. His newest book "Winning Through Innovation: Lessons from the Front Lines of Business" is a practical guide that uses detailed, real-life examples to show what managers can do to achieve innovation success. Steve has several decades of management experience in high tech, including twelve years at the senior management level in R&D, marketing, and business general management at Hewlett‑Packard and its spin-off company, Agilent Technologies. He also served as President and CEO of TeamLogic IT, a provider of IT support for small and medium size businesses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He now serves as a consultant to senior executives in high tech.

Steve played a leading role in driving the electronic industry to adopt a disruptive innovation known as surface mount technology. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Surface Mount Technology Association and chairman of its SMT Components Committee, he drove the industry to adopt a set of standards at a time when the technology was languishing. The international industry trade association IPC recognized the importance of his role by naming him recipient of their President's Award for his “outstanding contributions to the advancement of the electronics industry.”

Steve was a key player in the development of fiber optic transmission standards for the telecommunications industry. He served as subcommittee chairperson for the Telecommunication Industry Association's FO4.1 standards committee, responsible for leading the development of standards in this emerging technology.

As an author, Steve has written five books covering a breadth of topics. His first book, Handbook of Surface Mount Technology, was the definitive treatment of this emerging electronic technology. Other books from his second life as an outdoor adventurer include a guide to GPS navigation (now in its third edition) and a hiking guidebook to state parks in Northern California (now in its second edition). His 2022 book, The Slickrock Desert, was named winner of an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for being judged one of the best books of the year. His newest title, Winning Through Innovation: Lessons from the Front Lines of Business will be out May 2025.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from Harvey Mudd College and a Master of Arts degree in Engineering from Claremont Graduate University. He holds three patents and has authored over 20 technical papers, books, and book chapters on electronics technologies.

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  • Smart IT Cost-Cutting: Innovation Without Compromise
    Stephen emphasizes that "innovation can reduce costs" if leaders nurture incremental improvements. He advises against vendor loyalty, citing a case where switching vendors saved costs. Stephen also highlights AI's role in aiding innovation, stressing human oversight. He recommends using AI-enhanced tools for efficiency, allowing automation to handle routine tasks and freeing human resources for strategic initiatives.
  • IT Culture Crisis: Fear of Mistakes Stifles Innovation and Security
    Stephen notes that fear of admitting mistakes is common in IT, possibly higher than 40%. He advises understanding mistake causes, investing in training, and conducting code reviews. Stephen stresses, "Change must be driven from the top," showing executives that eliminating fear can enhance results and customer satisfaction.