Leah Gettens stands out as an exemplary figure in the realm of business consulting, particularly within the high-stakes industries of aerospace and defense. Based in New London County, Connecticut, Leah has carved a niche as an independent consultant, focusing on innovation, Lean Six Sigma, and strategic development. Her journey displays a robust alignment of high-caliber expertise, deep industry insight, and a fervent passion for transformative change.
Leah Gettens Career Highlights and Professional Milestones
Leah’s professional timeline is rich with significant roles and accomplishments. Before stepping into her current role as an independent consultant in June 2021, Leah served at General Dynamics Electric Boat for over a decade. Progressive responsibilities distinguished her tenure at General Dynamics, starting as a Senior Process Engineer in Supply Chain Management and eventually advancing to a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Each role held by Leah not only emphasized her proficiency in process improvement and program management but also highlighted her commitment to applying rigorous methodologies to achieve substantial business outcomes.
From January 2018 to June 2021, Leah excelled as a Program Manager for Oracle ERP, where she led major software implementation projects that significantly enhanced operational efficiencies. Subsequently, her role as a Process Engineering Supervisor, starting in March 2016, allowed her to hone her leadership skills, effectively overseeing initiatives that bolstered production processes and reduced waste.
Leah’s expertise extended beyond the operational aspect; as an Innovation Expert from May 2011, she spearheaded initiatives that broke new ground in product development and strategic market disruption. Consequently, her work consistently pushed the envelope, challenging existing paradigms and seamlessly integrating cutting-edge innovation into practical, scalable applications.
Leah Gettens Educational Foundation and Continuous Learning
Leah’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her professional achievements. Significantly, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Operations Management and Supervision from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a course that further solidified her understanding of business processes and strategic oversight.
Leah Gettens Commitment to Community and Mentorship
Beyond her professional endeavors, Leah’s deep commitment to volunteer work and mentorship reflects her broader vision of empowering others and giving back to the community. Since October 2022, she has been a mentor with SHE-CAN, an organization dedicated to grooming future female leaders from post-conflict countries. Additionally, her involvement with Engineers Without Borders USA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America showcases her dedication to fostering development and nurturing potential at both local and international levels.
Leah Gettens Personal Passions and Interests
Leah’s interests outside her professional sphere are as diverse and dynamic as her career. Interestingly, an avid surfer, she finds balance and inspiration in the waves, a passion that not only complements her professional drive for fluidity and adaptability but also enhances her ability to manage challenging environments. Her dedication to healthy living, creative confidence, and innovation sciences like biomimetics further illustrate her holistic approach to both life and work, seeking inspiration from the natural world to fuel her professional creativity and innovation.
Leah Gettens Strategic Vision in Practice: Leading with Lean Six Sigma
- Integration of Best Practices: Leah Gettens’ application of Lean Six Sigma principles stands as a testament to her commitment to operational excellence. Her strategic vision involves a systematic approach to minimizing waste and enhancing productivity.
- Achievements in Efficiency: Through her rigorous application of these methodologies, Leah has led teams to reduce cycle times and streamline processes, thus achieving significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Leadership and Training: Beyond implementing strategies, Leah has actively trained and mentored colleagues in these principles, broadening the impact of her expertise across organizations.
Innovation at the Forefront: Disrupting the Aerospace and Defense Industry
- Challenging Conventions: Leah’s role as an Innovation Expert involved questioning and overcoming outdated industry practices, paving the way for breakthrough advancements in aerospace and defense.
- Project Highlights: She has initiated and led several high-profile projects that introduced disruptive technologies and processes, significantly enhancing product capabilities and market responsiveness.
- Future-Oriented Strategies: Leah’s foresight in recognizing emerging trends and technologies has positioned her companies as leaders in adopting next-generation solutions.
Building Stronger Communities: Leah’s Volunteer Initiatives
- Empowerment through Mentorship: As a mentor with SHE-CAN, Leah has guided young women from conflict-affected areas, empowering them with the skills and confidence needed to become leaders in their own right.
- Engineering Solutions for Global Challenges: Her involvement with Engineers Without Borders USA illustrates her commitment to leveraging her technical skills to address critical engineering challenges in underprivileged communities worldwide.
- Personal Impact: Leah’s role as a Big Sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America highlights her dedication to making a difference on a personal level, influencing the lives of young individuals through consistent, supportive engagement.
Work-Life Harmony: Balancing Professional Drive with Personal Passions
- Surfing and Wellness: Leah uses her passion for surfing not just as a hobby but as a way to maintain balance, discipline, and perspective—qualities she translates into her professional life.
- Health and Innovation: Her interest in healthy food and biomimetics reflects in her innovative approach to both personal wellness and professional projects, often exploring how natural efficiencies can inspire better business processes.
- Creative Confidence: By fostering an environment that values creativity and open ideation, Leah promotes a culture where innovative thinking thrives both in the boardroom and beyond.
Conclusion
Leah Gettens exemplifies leadership in today’s fast-paced, technologically driven business world. Firstly, with a clear focus on delivering value and driving strategic change, Leah continues to influence the aerospace and defense industries profoundly. Additionally, her approach goes beyond mere business success; it is about fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovative thinking, and strategic foresight. Moreover, as Leah continues to challenge the status quo and inspire her teams, she remains a pivotal figure in shaping the future of business innovation.