“Over the past three years Dr. Katrina Appell has challenged our organization and helped us gain a vision and momentum towards becoming world class in lean product and process development. Katrina’s approach is to observe to gain understanding of our business and problems so that she can effectively coach us from where we stand.  Katrina knows when and how to ask the tough questions that enable us to have our eyes opened to gaps in our thinking. When we have become stuck on a problem, Katrina has drawn on her wide experience and helped us find a path forward. Katrina has had a significant influence on our thinking, systems and people. Furthermore, Katrina has helped me develop as a leader and I highly value being able to consult with her on our problems and ideas. Her contributions have helped us systematically reduce the time to commercialize a new product while also increasing performance and quality.” – Brandon Linford, Director of Product Development at US Synthetic

“Dr. Appell has been an excellent sensei for our organization. She provided deliberate structure and context for our lean learning cycles and lean leadership training deployment. She is warm and willing to share insights and intent with all participants. She is committed to deep learning, and to developing the people of our organization to think differently. All of this was done with respect for our organization, our culture and our varying levels of personal development.  I was impressed with her ability to gently teach senior vice presidents, part time front desk staff, and everyone else in between, with kindness, and persistence.  Katrina taught with her formal curriculum, and her role modeling.  She personally has challenged me to read more, think more and push my own understanding.  I am grateful for her attention and commitment to our development.”

“Having the opportunity to have worked with Katrina has been a meaningful experience! It has provided me an understanding of lean work, and the ability, and confidence to lead and coach others in the future.  She is a tremendous coach, practicing at all times humility, while allowing me to find my way with her support.” 

“Katrina Appell’s ‘Putting People First’ workshop was valuable.  Using four psychology frameworks, Katrina led the group through thoughtful dialogue on how to set people up for success and reflect on our own strengths and opportunities to improve how we lead others.  There was a nice mix of theory and relatable examples in the materials presented.  A good balance between listening and sharing that made the time pass quickly.  I highly recommend this workshop for anyone looking for tools to make the often nebulous topic of ‘Respect for People’ more actionable. –Lynne Johnson, Operational Excellence Leader Thermo King Central Carolinas and AME 2021 International Conference Chair