Automation has become more than just a buzzword for me—it’s a passion that has evolved throughout my career. My journey began at Lockheed Martin, where I refined my mechanical skills working on jet engines. Growing up, I was fascinated by the laminated posters my father brought home, filled with complex hydraulic lines for a TF-39 Engine. To me, these were like intricate race tracks for my Hot Wheels cars, a playful introduction to a world of engineering.From those early days holding a flashlight for my father in the garage to rebuilding engines, I developed a deep appreciation for mechanical systems. This foundation paved the way for my transition into automation and robotics, a field that captivated me from the moment I was introduced to it. My career has since taken me from programming automated guided vehicles to designing sophisticated UR robot cells, fueling my enthusiasm for this work.In recent years, my focus has shifted from mechanical programming to the realms of networking and Operational Equipment Efficiency (OEE). This path aligns closely with automation but emphasizes connectivity and data capture to enhance throughput and efficiency.Every step of my career has been driven by a love for understanding and improving systems, and I’m excited to continue exploring the possibilities in automation and beyond.Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply fascinated by leadership and its impact on performance and team dynamics. My experience in sports has fueled my curiosity about what drives individuals to push their limits and how effective leaders inspire and motivate their teams. I’ve always been eager to understand how teams build camaraderie and unite to achieve common goals.This interest has led me to actively engage in leadership roles across various workplaces. From participating in the diversity council to leading an employee recreation committee, I’ve sought to apply and expand my leadership skills. A pivotal moment in my journey was completing a 360-degree leadership training course, which profoundly shaped my understanding of what makes a great employee and a supportive teammate.One quote that resonates with me is from Richard Branson: “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” To me, this embodies the essence of effective leadership—a balance of empowerment and respect that fosters both growth and loyalty.