Steve Parker has more than 35 years of experience working in the aerospace industry, with extensive expertise in program management, manufacturing, and quality and technical leadership. Originally from England, he has traveled from Australia to Pennsylvania and California throughout his roles at Boeing before landing in St. Louis. “Boeing St. Louis will continue reshaping aviation for generations to come,” he says. Boeing announced in February that it will bring its Defense, Space and Security headquarters back to St. Louis, reversing earlier moves to Chicago and then Arlington, Virginia.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? The breadth of our work in St. Louis and knowing we are making our world safer is exciting to me. Our fighters are the frontlines of defense around the world in action today. Our autonomous tanker makes history every time it progresses, and T-7 is going to redefine pilot training. Boeing St. Louis will continue reshaping aviation for generations to come.
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MENTORS & PEERS
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Never worry about your next role. Focus on your current role and perform.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Carlisle, England, a border town up in the picturesque Lake District area.
What was your childhood aspiration? I was initially interested in joining the Army or doing something with planes, perhaps due to the low-flying aircraft that buzzed over the rooftops growing up—Royal Air Force Jaguars, Harriers, Tornados and the occasional U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle. I think it worked out.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I was an Apprentice Aircraft Mechanic in Melbourne, Australia. Part of that job was making aircraft canopies for the then-McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet fighter jet and assembling the aircraft for delivery to the Royal Australian Air Force.‚ÄØI learned a lot about hard work, teamwork and the importance of quality. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I have a master’s degree in project management from Queensland University of Technology.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? Cycling has always been a passion of mine, so maybe I’d own and run a bike shop. I think that would be fun.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Annie Gunn’s in Chesterfield is a favorite — the smoked shrimp is great, as are the steaks and really any of their specials. Peppe’s Apt 2 is also one of my favorite places to eat — I’d order virtually anything off the menu.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Getting a personal tour of the CIA museum at their headquarters in Langley, Virginia. That was a big bucket list item.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz. A mentor recently recommended I read it, and I listened to it as an audio book. It gave solid and very direct insights into managing the toughest problems in business and was written with a humble and personal tone.
