Yvonne Nkem Ndu — Lean Manufacturing & Process Improvement Manager
Would you study Medicine even though you don't like the sight of blood? Well, it depends, right!
Meet Yvonne Nkem Ndu, whose dislike for the sight of blood led her to study Engineering. Today, she’s a Supply Chain Professional with vast experience in Lean manufacturing and process management.
Wondering what a Supply Chain professional is all about? Get on reading what her typical workday looks like.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Yvonne Nkem Ndu, a Supply chain professional at General Electric, with experience in Manufacturing Operations, Continuous Improvement, and Project Management. My job is similar to that of a detective but instead of real crimes, I solve process crimes and implement new processes to drive optimum outputs.
Your educational background
Mechanical Engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria, and a Masters in Technical Entrepreneurship and Management from the University of Rochester.
Can you share the “backstory” behind what brought you to this particular career path?
Growing up, from about age 10, I wanted to become a doctor and specifically Paediatrics.
This decision was further spurred on by the release of my all-time favorite show Grey’s Anatomy and my love for children. However, when it was
time to make a decision on what exams to take for my university entry exams, it became clear after a conversation with my dad, that for someone who didn’t like the sight of blood, Medicine might not be the right path.
I decided to pursue Engineering as I enjoyed and excelled in Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics. I settled on studying Mechanical Engineering due to its broad nature and versatility, and my current job is aligned with Industrial Engineering.
Hahahaha…quite a path!
Tell us about your typical day as a Lean Manufacturing Manager/Process Improvement Manager
I kick off my day with a daily management meeting for discussing the
daily KPI that tracks production out or process gaps. This is followed by a Genba walk which involves connecting with different team members on feedback on recently implemented processes to get their feedback.
Next is some problem solving for any issues that arose either from the meeting or Genba walk, this usually entails collecting data to create a robust problem
statement and analyze the root cause.
If I am hosting an event that week, it entails some pre-work for either a Value Stream Mapping Activity, 3P — Production Planning process, or Production flow line set up.
What’s the best thing/highlight and worst/failure of your career so far? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
My considered recent failure was not getting a promotion I was in line for.
I learned that my work doesn’t define me and I should never place that much of my self-worth in my work.
It’s important but it’s only one aspect of me as an individual. I’d just keep doing my best and make sure to find authentic ways to promote my work but that starts with me seeing the value in it.
Your favorite “Life Lesson Quote” and how it’s relevant to you in your life? OR Reflection/Life lessons to your younger self?
You go dey alright…
even with the twists and turns, take advantage of every situation as that’s part of your story. No knowledge is lost.
What were you doing the last time you looked at the clock and realized you had lost all track of time?
I was probably working on an Excel Spreadsheet or cooking.
How do you strike a work-life balance?
By reading a book or watching Netflix which involves quality time with my loved ones.
Your favorite work tools?
Excel — Data tools, Waste Hunting through process mapping or value
streams.
What is your Philosophy to work?
To be the best I can be…reaching my full potential
So So Random: What can’t you do without
Hair or heels — Hair, either short or long as long as its style-able
Jewelry or make-up — Jewelry
Books or movies — Books
Club or Cafe — Cafe
DIY or Pay someone — DIY
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