I grew up wanting to be an astronaut. But at 6'4", I was three inches too tall for NASA’s requirements. That setback turned into a new mission—if I couldn’t fly the spaceship, I’d help build taller ones.

For more than 25 years, I worked as a Quality Engineer and Leader in the automotive industry before expanding into medical devices and consumer products. Over that time, I earned Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Shainin Red X Journeyman certifications, leading projects that consistently delivered multi-million-dollar savings year after year. My specialty has always been solving the problems others couldn’t crack.

Today, through my company Protean Quality Systems, I help organizations and leaders move beyond firefighting into faster, smarter problem solving. My work is built on the 16 Strengths of Successful Problem Solvers, a framework that develops detective-level thinking, strengthens teamwork, and equips leaders to drive innovation.

I’ve shared these ideas on TEDx stages and with corporations worldwide, blending storytelling, humor, and practical tools that leaders can use the very next day. The result? Stronger teams, measurable savings, and organizations that are ready to face the future with confidence.