With over 40 years of experience spanning five decades, Curtis Walker is an expert Lean Master, Change Agent, Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and Lean Sensei, specializing in business process optimization, operational excellence, and cultural transformation. As a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations, he has helped businesses unlock efficiencies worth billions of dollars while driving sustainable growth.

Curtis’s path took a pivotal turn when he joined the Japanese clutch manufacturing company in the U.S., for this is where his future became clear. Recognizing his ambition and willingness to learn, a supervisor recommended him for the Toyota Leadership Training. This prestigious opportunity had Curtis traveling back and forth to Japan, where he trained under the guidance of Taiichi Ohno, who was considered the father of the Toyota Production System, which inspired Lean Manufacturing in the U.S. Over the next three years, Curtis immersed himself in the philosophy of continuous improvement at Toyota’s plants in Motomachi, Takaoka, and Tsutsumi, earning the coveted title of Lean Sensei. This role was not just about mastering the tools and techniques but also deeply understanding the cultural nuances of Lean, an invaluable asset that would shape his career.

Curtis’s next challenge was to apply his knowledge in the U.S. manufacturing sector. Through his tenure in various roles, from supervisor to operations manager, and ultimately COO for several Fortune 500 companies, Curtis demonstrated his ability to blend Eastern principles with Western methodologies. His proven success in streamlining operations, reducing costs, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement led to remarkable achievements across industries.