Layne Lewis, a seasoned aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and transformative leader, has cultivated a distinguished career in the engineering field for over 30 years. Currently serving as the President of Willowview Consulting (WVC), Layne shares valuable insights into her leadership journey, the evolution of Willowview, and the strategies that have positioned the company as a trusted engineering partner in both commercial and government sectors.
Influence of Educational Background on Leadership Style:
Layne attributes her critical thinking skills from her aerospace engineering background and emphasizes the significance of alliances and partnerships, a lesson learned from her MBA. This fusion forms the backbone of her leadership style at Willowview.
Lessons from Booz Allen & Hamilton and Hewlett Packard:
Her roles at Booz Allen & Hamilton and Hewlett Packard provided crucial lessons in systems engineering and accelerated product development. Layne’s ability to integrate these lessons into Willowview’s approach has resulted in a hybrid methodology that combines efficiency with structured project management with “just enough” engineering.
The Birth and Evolution of Willowview Consulting:
Layne founded Willowview in 2003, and over the years, the company underwent mergers and organic growth, maintaining a focus on customer solutions. Today, WVC stands as a testament to Layne’s resilience and strategic leadership.
Client Satisfaction and Relationship Building:
Layne emphasizes the importance of honesty, direct communication, and a focus on finding solutions efficiently. The company’s willingness to identify other suitable partners when needed underscores their commitment to client success.
“Edge to Analytics” Engineering Approach:
Willowview’s unique approach involves understanding the entire data pipeline, particularly for clients working “at the edge” a term referring to the software and devices located outside of bricks and buildings. Layne explains, WVC clients benefit from this understanding of data generation (edge) and data utilization (analytics) through overcoming early design challenges and providing complete connected solutions.
“Just Enough” Engineering Methodology and Agile Approach:
Drawing from her experiences at NASA and HP, Layne introduced a more streamlined “just enough” engineering methodology at Willowview. This approach fosters structured project management without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Strategic Balance Between Structure and Flexibility:
Balancing structure and flexibility is a delicate act, and Layne’s leadership at Willowview reflects a keen understanding of this dynamic. The “just enough” engineering methodology epitomizes the strategic equilibrium between streamlined processes and effective project management.
Adapting Strategies for Global Reach:
Willowview focuses on identifying competitive engineering spaces globally, with an emphasis on systems engineering. This allows the team to adapt quickly to the diverse needs of clients and partners around the world.
Diverse Team Dynamics:
Layne’s commitment to intellectual diversity within her team enables innovative problem-solving. By bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds, Willowview can provide unique and effective perspectives to complex challenges resulting in better overall solutions.
Addressing Technological Challenges as a Military Advisor:
In her role as a science and technology advisor to MARSOC, Layne discusses the rapid changes in the battlespace due to Artificial Intelligence and the importance of adopting new technologies to enhance leadership decisions.
Strategies for Organic Growth:
Willowview’s growth has been deliberate and organic, focusing on customer solutions. Layne explains how WVC emphasis on value creation for customers has led to increased project opportunities and an expansion of team capabilities.
Notable Success Story:
The Soldier Sync program with the Army stands out as a success story, showcasing Willowview’s impact on troop readiness and injury prevention. Layne highlights the company’s commitment to employing veterans.
Staying Ahead of Tech Trends:
Layne discusses how working across commercial and government sectors allows Willowview to develop technologies applicable to both sectors referred to as a “dual purpose” strategy. Using a dual purpose strategy allows employees to simultaneously develop technology of value to both government and commercial organizations.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development:
Layne stresses the importance of ongoing education, encouraging her team to explore areas of personal and professional interest. Willowview Consulting’s commitment to knowledge dissemination across sectors positions the company at the forefront of cutting-edge solutions.
Life/Work Balance Philosophy:
The philosophy of life/work balance at Willowview, championed by Layne, has proven instrumental in fostering a motivated and enthusiastic work environment. Acknowledging the importance of personal well-being contributes to the overall success and satisfaction of the team.
Show and Tell Sessions:
Willowview’s unique approach to team-building through “show and tell” (S&T) sessions reflects Layne’s commitment to understanding and appreciating the life/work balance of her team members. The premise for S&T is for employees to share what they do outside of work and talk about how it impacts them, such as hobbies, or passion projects. This inclusive practice creates a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences within the company.
Leadership Principles in a Dynamic Industry:
Layne emphasizes the need for providing enough structure for effective operations while defining the future and removing hurdles. She believes in soliciting team opinions and fostering an environment where needs are met, enabling the team to focus on problem-solving.
Leveraging Team Diversity for Innovation:
The intentional cultivation of a diverse team enables Willowview to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Layne’s commitment to intellectual diversity has become a cornerstone of the company’s ability to deliver innovative and customized solutions to clients.
Embracing Uncomfortability:
Layne’s mantra of getting comfortable being uncomfortable underscores the ever-changing nature of the consulting field. In an industry where adaptability is paramount, her advice serves as a compass for those navigating through uncertainties and rapid transformations.
Fostering a Culture of Transparency:
The emphasis on honesty and direct communication within Willowview contributes to a transparent and collaborative work environment. Layne’s leadership principles prioritize open dialogue, ensuring that challenges are met with collective problem-solving.
Future Technological Landscape:
Considering the evolving technological landscape, Layne envisions challenges and opportunities arising from the integration of Artificial Intelligence in various domains. Willowview, with its involvement in Special Operations projects, is well-positioned to address and navigate these emerging concerns.
Veteran Employment and Social Impact:
The success story with the Soldier Sync program not only showcases Willowview’s engineering prowess but also underscores Layne’s commitment to social impact. The company’s employment of veterans contributes to a workforce with diverse skills and experiences.
Navigating Growth:
Willowview’s organic growth strategy, rooted in customer satisfaction and proven value propositions, speaks to Layne’s ability to navigate the complexities of scaling a consulting firm. The deliberate approach to growth ensures sustained excellence in service delivery.
Adaptability in a Competitive Industry:
The dynamic and competitive nature of the consulting industry demands constant adaptability. Layne’s leadership principles, focusing on defining the future while removing obstacles, position Willowview as a resilient player capable of thriving in a challenging landscape.
Conclusion:
Layne Lewis’s journey as the President of Willowview Consulting illuminates not just the success of a consulting firm but the values and principles that guide it. As the industry continues to evolve, Layne’s leadership, commitment to diversity, and strategic vision position Willowview as a beacon of excellence in engineering consulting. Her insights provide a roadmap for aspiring consultants and a testament to the enduring success of Willowview Consulting in an ever-changing landscape.
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