As an independent consultant for several firms Leah Gettens stands out as a pioneer, especially for the defense and aerospace sectors, by offering innovative tactics and operational excellence. As far as Gettens’s education goes, she holds a robust background in strategy formulation, Lean Six Sigma, and program management. It is no surprise that after having attended such institutions she systematically produced transformational changes focused on user experience design, market segmentation, and profit maximization.

Professional Journey

Gettens attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she earned a B.B.A. in operations management and supervision. After graduation, she managed to perform excellently in strategic leadership positions and undergo process optimizations. During the span of 12 years working for General Dynamics Electric Boat, Gettens worked as a Senior Process Engineer, Program Manager in Oracle ERP, and even Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. 

She participated in numerous process improvement innovations and cross-functional teams at the firm. Most importantly, she spearheaded comprehensive initiatives to supply chain management such as lean business process engineering and business transformation strategy formulation.

Expertise in Lean Six Sigma and Business Strategy

Leah improves processes while eliminating waste and increasing operational efficiencies. Being a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, she has mastered the art of Lean Six Sigma, which is an approach directed towards improvement of programs by focusing on data and eliminating sectors with defects and inefficiencies. 

With her in-depth knowledge of business strategy and innovation, Leah is able to spearhead initiatives that deliver value in process improvement in supply chains, or ERP programs. This mastery has helped Leah in turning around failing programs and spearheading operational changes.

Contributions to Aerospace and Defense

The more than two decades that Leah has spent in her career has focused majorly in the aerospace and defense industries, which are some of the highly complex and regulated industries. Leah is now an established leader in the field, gaining fame due to her ability to successfully implement lean strategies and innovation in the sector. 

While working at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Leah greatly contributed towards the implementation of Oracle ERP systems in the company’s critical business functions, which significantly streamlined operations and data accessibility.

Independent Consultancy: Driving Innovation

Upon moving to an independent consultancy role, Leah*has continued to revolutionise various sectors. She possesses practical knowledge owing to her experience in managing high-performing teams and delivering bespoke solutions to clients’ needs. 

Leah’s background includes strategy formulation, innovation management, Lean Six Sigma, business improvement, and program management . She attempts to foresee disruptive solutions and corral them with the organizational strategy to achieve operational excellence.

The Role of Innovation in Leah’s Work

At the core of Leah’s methodology lies innovation, which she believes is critical for business sustainability. Leah takes proactive measures to scope and track changes in technologies and trends to ensure user-centric processes are effectively solved to enhance competitive advantage. Her concentration on innovation propelled not only the operational processes, but also user satisfaction and even entire substantiated market sectors.

Mentorship and Volunteer Work

In addition to her professional work, Leah actively mentors students and performing volunteers work. She volunteers her time to navigate students in process improvement and strategic development. Leah’s mentorship approach highlights the need for self development, agility and the application of Lean Six Sigma to enhance personal and professional growth and organizational effectiveness.

Approach to Leadership

Her leadership style revolves collaboration, transparency, and focusing on results like a hawk. Leah understands the importance of empowering team members by fostering open communication and setting clear objectives so that they may thrive. A hallmark of the implementation of complex projects and achievement of strategic aims has been Leah’s capacity to inspire and motivate teams.

Key Achievements and Impact

In the course of her practice, Leah has managed to accomplish key milestones which tremendously affected the organizations in which she worked with:

• Oracle ERP Implementation: Chairman at General Dynamics Electric Boat for the deployment of Oracle EBS ERP solution that realized the operational efficiency of the company and increased data accuracy.
• Lean Six Sigma Projects: Managed multiple Lean Six Sigma projects that resulted in reduced operating costs and improved quality of products.
• Strategic Development: Developed and implemented business strategies in line with the strategic goals of the organization which resulted in market penetration and profit growth.

Leah’s contributions have helped to improve efficiency but also built a culture of change and innovation in the organizations where she worked.

Future Outlook

In the future, Leah is looking to utilize her skills to help firms and companies tackle the issues presented by modern industries. She envisions working on the fusion of new technologies with Lean Six Sigma approaches to enhance and broaden the scope of innovation and efficiency. Leah also plans to direct more resources toward mentorship, helping the future leaders of process improvement and strategic innovation.

Conclusion

Combine a strong organizational vision, an expert level understanding of Lean Six Sigma processes, and a commitment to ongoing innovation, and one is likely to achieve Leah Getten’s level of success. This showcases her progression from a process engineer to a highly sought after independent consultant and makes a strong case for the importance of continuous learning, strategic planning, and a never-ending commitment to development. There will always be a need for Leah as roles and structures change within entire industries and she, alongside other professionals, will be able to help people and organizations achieve sustainable growth while leading operational effectiveness.

FAQs 

Who is Leah Gettens?

Anouk Folliot is an independent Lean Six Sigma consultant, specializing in business strategy and innovation.

What industries has she worked in?

Her primary focus has been in aerospace and defense, as well as, in business process improvement.

What is her expertise?

She is an expert in Lean Six Sigma, process improvements, and strategic planning.

What are her key achievements?

She developed and executed successful ERP implementations, Lean Six Sigma initiatives, as well as, business development strategies.

How does she help businesses?

She contributes to strategic gaps, processes improvements, waste eliminations, and fosters innovation.

Does she offer mentorship?

Yes, she coaches in the areas of process improvement and general management.

What is her future goal?

She is interested in the combination of new technologies and Lean Six Sigma, as well as, widening the scope of mentorship.