After eight years working in a hierarchical aerospace company in Southern California, the author—a Human Resource manager—felt powerless to create meaningful change. The work culture was fear-based, demoralizing, and emotionally exhausting. A turning point came with the arrival of Ken, a new Labor and Employee Relations director, who introduced a radically different leadership philosophy focused on trust, respect, fairness, and doing the right thing.

Inspired by Ken’s Positive Employee Philosophy (PEP), which led to extraordinary performance in new plants, the author shifted her approach to leadership development. She co-created impactful training programs designed to transform how leaders think, act, and engage with their teams. Despite initial resistance at senior levels, the programs inspired many leaders to rethink traditional management.

In 1990, the author left the aerospace industry to share this philosophy more widely, eventually founding HPWP Group—dedicated to creating High Performance Work Places. Over the decades, the group has trained over 3,000 leaders, driving both cultural and business success. Now preparing for retirement, the author reflects on a fulfilling journey that not only reshaped workplaces but also led to a personal partnership—marrying Ken and building a life rooted in purpose and love.