Sonny Patel

I walk through life as a scientist with a spiffy monocle, always in pursuit of knowledge. My greatest lesson: "You can be whatever you want to be" is 8 parts self-confidence and 2 parts work ethic. The world is full of opportunities waiting for us to step up..with the exception of getting called down on 'Price Is Right'. I have yet to crack that voodoo.

I am deeply passionate about continuous improvement, especially in the context of self-growth. In my opinion, there is no greater goal than to wake up every day stronger, smarter, and more passionate than the day before.

Fun fact: I was born in the year of the Rabbit. The closest I have come to crying since then is after freefalling off a 60 foot cliff, crashing gluteus maximus-first into freezing cold water in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand.

Bonus fun fact: In 2012, I was cast outside the Staples Center to film an ABC promo clip for NBA's Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers basketball game. Six takes later, a star was born.

What I do:

• Exercise. I am devoted to weight training. You know the drill - pick things up and put them down. It provides the liberty of wolfing down two of my favorites, cowboy burgers and cinnamon applesauce, without much concern.
• I currently work at an Aerospace company headquartered in Charlotte, NC as a Senior Operations Strategy Analyst. I study, dissect, and review business cases for multi-million dollar manufacturing and supply chain transitions. I learn everyday and have my eye set on running my own factory.
• When I am not conquering the boardroom, deep in Excel, or artistically designing PowerPoints, I read e-books to learn how anything and everything works. I am particularly interested in reading about universal trends.
• I much prefer monthly goals to New Year's resolutions. In November I took up Brazilian jiu-jitsu to improve focus in stressful situations. I have since been tossed in the air multiple times. For December, I am starting a class in Improv to strengthen my public speaking skills. I find the art of thinking on one's feet impressive and valuable, and the class may also open the door to finally be on my favorite show, 'Whose Line is it Anyway.'

* If you are interested in learning more or have a business/operation that is looking to utilize lean principles to increase profit margins - send me an email. I'll be happy to discuss.