Lauren Tori

I attribute my success to discipline, objectivity, and a willingness to take responsibility when things are difficult. I have learned that staying calm, asking better questions, and relying on facts, especially under pressure, leads to stronger decisions and better outcomes.

Some of the most meaningful work I have been part of involved developing technology that improved the safety of our soldiers. That experience reinforced something I carry into every role: the work matters, and details matter even more when people are depending on the outcome. It shaped how I approach problem solving, accountability, and decision making today.

I do not measure success by titles or recognition. I measure it by whether the solution holds up, whether the system works when it is stressed, and whether people can trust the process after I step away. That mindset, combined with continuous learning and a refusal to cut corners, is what has consistently moved me forward.

Stay calm and objective, especially when the stakes feel personal, and remember that it is not anyone else’s responsibility to recognize or advocate for your worth.

Early in my career, I expected that hard work alone would speak for itself. I assumed leaders, peers, or organizations would naturally see the value I brought. But the reality is that emotions can cloud decision-making, and others are often focused on their own priorities. When I learned to pause, remove the emotion, and look at situations objectively, I started making clearer decisions and communicating more effectively.

Owning my value, setting boundaries, speaking up, and advocating for what I bring to the table has been a game-changer. Staying calm allows me to stay strategic. Knowing my worth allows me to stay confident.

Together, those two things have shaped the way I lead and how I grow.

Stay calm, stay objective, and know your worth, because no one else can advocate for it better than you.

Manufacturing can be fast-paced and emotionally charged. Decisions are often driven by deadlines, production pressures, and strong personalities. The ability to pause, separate emotion from fact, and approach problems with clarity will set you apart quickly. Calm isn’t passive; it’s powerful. It allows you to lead with credibility and earn trust.

At the same time, don’t wait for someone to recognise your value. Document your contributions, speak to results, and confidently communicate what you bring to the table. Respect is earned through consistent performance, but visibility comes when you advocate for yourself.

Ask questions, stay curious, build relationships on the shop floor, and never underestimate the impact your voice can have. This industry needs thoughtful, objective leaders, and you absolutely belong here.

The Biggest Challenges and Opportunities in Quality Today: Why Data Matters More Than Ever

The manufacturing and quality landscape is shifting rapidly, and one theme stands out above all others: data-driven objectivity is no longer optional. Decisions based on “we think” or “we feel” no longer hold weight in environments where efficiency, cost, and customer expectations are under intense scrutiny. Now more than ever, evidence must support action.

One of the biggest challenges organizations face is data quality and accessibility. Many companies collect information across multiple systems, spreadsheets, and departments, but very few have confidence that the data is accurate, consistent, or usable. Without trusted metrics, teams default to anecdotal observations or past practices, and objective decision-making becomes nearly impossible.

Another challenge lies in making data meaningful. Even when information exists, companies often lack the skills, governance, or standardization needed to interpret it. Different departments may define defects differently, track issues inconsistently, or prioritize their own metrics. Without alignment, data becomes noise instead of direction.

Yet, within these challenges lies an enormous opportunity. Real-time monitoring and predictive analytics are enabling organizations to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive prevention. Instead of waiting for defects to appear, teams can identify trends, correct issues sooner, and significantly reduce the cost of poor quality.

Perhaps the most powerful opportunity is cultural. Data gives leaders credibility. When decisions are supported by clear evidence rather than emotion or tradition, they gain traction faster. Objective metrics allow organizations to communicate value, justify improvements, and build trust across operations.

The future of quality belongs to those who can collect the right data, interpret it consistently, and use it to drive informed action. Feelings and assumptions can provide perspective, but they are no longer accepted as evidence. In today’s environment, the strongest leaders are the ones who can say not just “we believe,” but “the data shows.”

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, integrity, and dedication. I am deeply committed to my family and stay actively involved in the lives of my four children and our dog, which keeps me grounded and inspired. In my professional life, I bring the same sense of responsibility, accountability, and care to every project I take on, ensuring that my work is thorough, ethical, and impactful. Balancing these values allows me to lead with purpose, build meaningful relationships, and approach challenges with focus, empathy, and resilience.