Sam McPherson is president of The Lean Leadership Academy, which trains leaders to lead successful lean transformations. Sam leads Toyota gemba walking tours and workshops on leading the Toyota Management System. As an internationally recognized expert on leadership, leader development and organizational excellence, McPherson was trained at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky as a Toyota Scholar from 1993 – 1995. He continues to work with Toyota and transforming Toyota Tier Two, Tier One and alternate suppliers across a variety of industries. McPherson has held manufacturing leadership roles from plant manager to chief operating officer and president. He is a retired combat veteran and Special Forces commander.