Leah Gettens is a seasoned business consultant and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt who has made remarkable strides in the aerospace and defense industry. With roots at General Dynamics Electric Boat and over a decade leading high-impact projects, she now guides organizations toward innovation, efficiency, and operational excellence. This comprehensive profile explores her educational foundation, professional evolution, leadership approach, and the transformational impact she continues to make across sectors.
From Engineering Foundations to Process Excellence
Leading Major ERP & Lean Transformation Initiatives
During her tenure, Leah spearheaded enterprise-wide ERP deployment projects—most notably with Oracle—instilling ERP-driven transparency and scalable workflows. These projects slashed lead times, improved data access, and streamlined operations across cross-functional teams . As a Lean Six Sigma practitioner, she led DMAIC projects that not only reduced defects but fostered a continuous improvement ethos, delivering tangible ROI for stakeholders.
Independent Consulting: Breaking the Mold
In 2021, Leah transitioned to independent consulting, applying her transformational skillset across industries . She advises on preemptive innovation and strategic execution, helping organizations—particularly in aerospace and defense—solve complex process challenges. Her consultative method encourages paradigm shifts, ensuring long-term success beyond quick fixes.
Innovation at the Core of Leah’s Practice
Innovation is central to Leah’s methodology. She promotes creative problem-solving techniques like biomimicry and cultivates environments where teams question assumptions and explore unconventional solutions. By bridging traditional Lean tools with forward-thinking strategies, Leah guides organizations to unlock new levels of performance and agility.
Mentorship, Volunteerism & Advocacy
Leah’s contributions extend far beyond the boardroom. She mentors emerging female leaders through SHE‑CAN and volunteers with Engineers Without Borders, leading engineering initiatives that impact underserved communities. Her stewardship highlights a genuine investment in nurturing future talent and amplifying diverse voices.
Leadership Style & Vision
Characterized by authenticity and collaboration, Leah’s leadership centers on empowering teams and aligning strategy with outcomes. She prioritizes customer-centric thinking and cross-functional synergy, nurturing a culture that values risk-taking, innovation, and shared purpose . Her vision stretches beyond compliance—it’s about crafting transformational journeys toward sustainable success.
Key Achievements
-
Oracle ERP Deployment: Realized enterprise integration, data clarity, and operational cost savings.
-
Lean Six Sigma Impact: Led multiple waste-reduction and quality-enhancement projects with measurable results.
-
Mentorship & Global Impact: Active role in developing emerging leaders and advancing socially responsible engineering initiatives.
Conclusion
Leah Gettens exemplifies what it means to be a transformational leader in process improvement and strategic innovation. With a foundation in rigorous Lean Six Sigma practices and real-world aerospace consulting, she offers unparalleled value through independent consulting engagements. Add to that her commitment to mentorship and social impact, and you have a well-rounded leader poised to make waves across industries.
📋 FAQ Section
Q1: What is “Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt”?
It’s the highest level of Six Sigma certification. Leah is trained to lead large-scale process optimization initiatives, mentor other Black Belts, and use advanced statistics and change management.
Q2: Which industries does Leah specialize in?
Her primary focus has been aerospace and defense, but through independent consulting she serves diverse sectors needing operational transformation.
Q3: Why is ERP experience important?
ERP systems like Oracle are foundational to integrating data, improving visibility, and enabling scalable process improvements—skills Leah has mastered.
Q4: What kind of consulting engagements does she take?
She leads strategic and operational transformation projects, including Lean Six Sigma implementations, digital innovation, supply chain reengineering, and leadership training.
Q5: How does she support mentorship and community?
Leah mentors through SHE‑CAN, supports engineering-based humanitarian projects, and volunteers in youth development programs—aligning technical skills with social impact.
