Leah Gettens: A Transformational Leader in Innovation, Lean Six Sigma, and Strategic Development
Leah Gettens has had a significant impact as an independent consultant, helping organizations across industries, particularly aerospace and defense, to preempt disruptive solutions, and achieve operational excellence. With a track record of leading transformational change, Leah specializes in strategy development, innovation, Lean Six Sigma, business improvement, and program management. Her hands-on expertise is grounded in years of experience leading high-performing teams and delivering customer-centric solutions that enhance user experiences, disrupt market segments, and improve profitability.
This article will explore Leah Gettens’ journey, professional background, core expertise, and contributions to business strategy and innovation. We will also discuss how her knowledge of Lean Six Sigma and process improvement has shaped her career and influenced organizations, positioning her as a sought-after expert in the industry.
Leah Gettens’ Professional Journey
Leah’s career began with an educational foundation in Operations Management and Supervision from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.). This education laid the groundwork for her to excel in process optimization and strategic leadership. Her rise to prominence began at General Dynamics Electric Boat, where she served in various roles over 12 years, including Senior Process Engineer, Program Manager for Oracle ERP, and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.
During her tenure at General Dynamics, Leah led cross-functional teams in innovation and process improvement projects, aligning them with organizational goals and customer needs. One of her key roles was managing large-scale programs that optimized supply chain management, developed lean processes, and implemented transformative business strategies.
Expertise in Lean Six Sigma and Business Strategy
Leah Gettens is an accomplished Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a prestigious designation highlighting her expertise in improving processes, reducing waste, and enhancing operational efficiencies. Lean Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to eliminating defects and inefficiencies. Leah’s mastery of these techniques has allowed her to play an instrumental role in turning around struggling programs and leading successful operational changes.
Her proficiency in Lean Six Sigma is coupled with a deep understanding of business strategy and innovation, which has enabled her to spearhead initiatives that deliver long-term value. Whether working on process improvement in supply chains or leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) programs, Leah has consistently brought measurable improvements to the organizations she has worked with.
Contributions to Aerospace and Defense
Much of Leah’s career has been centered in the aerospace and defense industry, known for its complexity and high regulatory demands. Leah’s ability to navigate these challenges while implementing lean strategies and fostering innovation has earned her recognition as a leader in this field.
At General Dynamics Electric Boat, Leah was pivotal in driving continuous improvement initiatives. One of her significant achievements was successfully implementing the Oracle ERP system, a critical tool that streamlined operations and enhanced data transparency across the organization. Her work helped reduce lead times, cut costs, and improve overall project outcomes, demonstrating her ability to deliver results in high-stakes environments.
Independent Consultancy: Challenging Paradigms and Driving Innovation
In June 2021, Leah Gettens transitioned to becoming an independent consultant, where she continued applying her Lean Six Sigma, strategy development, and program management expertise to help businesses achieve their full potential. Her consultancy services focus on pre-empting disruptive solutions and aligning business strategies to create customer value and maximize profitability.
As an independent consultant, Leah Gettens works with organizations across industries, helping them navigate complex market environments, improve user experiences, and drive innovation. Her approach to consultancy is centered on challenging existing paradigms, pushing the envelope on what is possible, and delivering transformative solutions that position businesses for future growth.
The Role of Innovation in Leah’s Work
Innovation has always been at the heart of Leah’s career, and her consultancy work is no different. Leah’s passion for leading strategic change is fueled by her desire to help businesses think outside the box and adopt new, disruptive technologies that give them a competitive edge. In the Aerospace and Defense sector, where technological advancement is critical, Leah has helped organizations rethink their approaches to problem-solving and adopt innovations that significantly enhance operational performance.
One of Leah’s standout characteristics is her ability to boost creative confidence among her teams and clients. Whether adopting biomimetics—using nature-inspired designs to solve engineering challenges—or fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Leah’s innovative thinking has helped businesses unlock their full potential.
Mentorship and Volunteer Work
Beyond her professional career, Leah is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She is a mentor with SHE-CAN, an organization that empowers young women from developing countries to become leaders and change-makers. Leah’s mentorship involves supporting these women pursuing higher education and developing the skills necessary to drive positive change in their communities.
Leah Gettens is also involved with Engineers Without Borders USA, where she has participated in several initiatives to improve the quality of life in underserved communities through engineering projects. Her volunteer work with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America further demonstrates her dedication to fostering growth and development in her professional and personal life.
Leah’s Approach to Leadership
Leah’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to inspire and challenge her teams. She is a firm believer in the power of collaboration. She strives to create environments where individuals feel empowered to take risks, think creatively, and contribute to the organization’s strategic vision.
In her leadership roles, Leah Gettens has always emphasized the importance of alignment between business strategy and customer needs. By keeping the end-user in mind, she has consistently delivered solutions that improve operational efficiencies and enhance customer satisfaction.
Key Achievements and Impact
- Oracle ERP Implementation: Successfully managed the implementation of the Oracle ERP system at General Dynamics Electric Boat, which streamlined operations, improved transparency, and led to cost savings.
- Lean Six Sigma Projects: Led numerous Lean Six Sigma projects that reduced waste, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced product quality across various departments within General Dynamics.
- Mentorship and Community Engagement: Through her work with SHE-CAN and Engineers Without Borders, Leah Gettens has impacted individuals and communities, helping shape future leaders and improve living conditions in underserved areas.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Leah Gettens?
Leah’s journey is far from over. As an independent consultant, she continues to lead businesses through transformational change, and her influence on innovation and process improvement remains strong. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible ensures that she will remain a key player in driving strategic development and innovation in the years to come.
In the future, Leah aims to expand her consultancy services to new industries, helping businesses across the globe achieve greater efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Her passion for mentorship and community service also suggests that she will continue positively impacting the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.
Conclusion
Leah Gettens’ career is a testament to the power of innovation, strategic thinking, and process improvement. From her early days at General Dynamics Electric Boat to her current role as an independent consultant, Leah Gettens has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead transformational change and deliver exceptional value to the organizations she serves. Her expertise in Lean Six Sigma, strategy development, and business innovation has made her a trusted partner to businesses looking to enhance their operations, and her commitment to mentorship and community service highlights her dedication to making a lasting impact.
As Leah Gettens continues to push the envelope of what is possible, her influence on the industries she touches will undoubtedly grow, making her a leader to watch in innovation, Lean Six Sigma, and business strategy.
