Interview With the CEO of Alyse Engineering Innovations, Dr. Cristi A. Haygood/INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE NEWS

Hi Influential People News readers, it is our distinct pleasure to introduce you to such an inspirational and influential woman as Dr. Cristi A. Haygood who is the CEO of Alyse Engineering Innovations. Alyse Engineering Innovations is the premiere organization that amplifies Engineering Management and Value Engineering skills to elevate Technical Professionals to become dynamic leaders who innovate real value in their companies. She provides a straightforward approach — Cultivate Clarity, Challenge Norms, Consistently Execute & Optimize — to engage and empower Leaders with a proven system to improve behaviors, boost productivity, and enhance performance so that you’ll consistently be able to meet Key Performance Indicators and create value, without sacrificing team morale, product quality, and time-to-market. Additionally, her services include Business Operations Support, Productivity and Performance Coaching, Risk Management, and Leadership Development. Dr. Cristi’s prior experience includes being the Director of Value and Component Engineering at Honeywell, 7 years at UTC/Carrier in Elevator Systems Engineering and Refrigeration Engineering Divisions, and at Raytheon for 9 years in both the Missile Systems and Integrated Defense System Divisions.

Dr. Cristi is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Phoenix with a MBA, and George Washington University with both a Master of Science in Engineering Management and a Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) degree. As a Life Member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), she has been an engaged member since joining her high school’s chapter in 1998 and is currently a member of the Atlanta Professionals Chapter (Professional Development Chair). In her spare time, she enjoys being a STEM Mentor at local schools; providing Technical and Management Professional Development Workshops & Seminars; traveling; and being an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Society of Women Engineers, American Society of Engineering Management, International Society of Value Engineers, and the Project Management Institute.

Influential People News readers, please enjoy our interview!

Please tell us the backstory of how Alyse Engineering Innovations came about?

Cristi: Over the last 17 years of working with big corporations, I rose through the ranks from Mechanical Engineer all the way to Engineering Director. One thing that struck me was how little training Technical Leaders received before becoming Managers. Many of these leaders were promoted into these roles due to longevity or to afford them a “stretch goal” to try managing people due to their strong technical skills. Throughout my career, I always worked to develop my teams and build leaders who excel at managing people, driving productivity, and accelerating performance to meet and exceed organizational objectives. I also became a sought after speaker at Technical Conferences & Universities. After every speaking engagement, there’s always a line of people who ask for additional advice, want to come work for me or share their desire for me to work at their companies to help them turn their Leaders and processes around. These encounters, along with my professional experiences, helped me identify my purpose and led me to push past fear and step out on faith to create Alyse Engineering Innovations. I am committed to showing clients how to “Engineer dynamic Leaders who innovate real value to their companies.” Real Value is not only the profits a company generates, but also its people – because the people doing the work are more than just a number in a spreadsheet. They are the life’s blood of an organization and Leaders who prioritize their employees see the biggest returns with employee engagement, retention, and improved workplace culture.

What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?

Cristi: I really enjoy leaning into my purpose and leveraging my experiences to create change in today’s workforce. Working with different companies to engage and empower their Leaders is work that comes with a domino effect of knowing you’re helping someone improve their behaviors, productivity, and performance while impacting the next generation of Leaders. Freedom is also a big driver behind my entrepreneurial journey. Running my own business affords me the opportunity to set my own schedule, pursue multiple passions, and build a life I love.

As an expert in Tech, Engineering, and STEM, what are some of the latest trends that our readers should know about, be aware of, or be on the lookout for?

Cristi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to be a gamechanger in the same way the Digital Revolution changed how we access and interact with information. Companies that figure out how to automate their processes and evolve their product offerings with AI will be the biggest winners during this era. During the pandemic, the global supply chain collapsed and access to materials has continued to be strained. Entrepreneurs and businesses that mitigate supply issues with multiple alternate suppliers and dual sourcing relationships will see improvement in their customer delivery and growth in their overall profit margins. On the Leadership front, the pandemic provided time and space for employees to reevaluate how and where they work. The Great Resignation ushered in an era where employees feel empowered to reimagine their relationship with work and seek more equity in their careers. Gone are the days of putting up with bad managers, low pay, and long hours. More and more people are changing jobs and starting their own businesses. Companies must see this as a sign to fundamentally change leadership practices, improve workplace cultures, and invest in the growth and development of their employees.

What impact do you aspire to make as a Life Member of the National Society of Black Engineers?

Cristi: To leverage my experience, talents, and networks to increase the number of Black Engineers and expose kids to the magic of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education and Careers. Black Engineers are only 6% of the Engineering profession in the US. By engaging kids early, a seed is planted to show them how enriching a STEM Career can be. This exposure can dynamically change the pipeline for Black Engineers and their communities. This passion has been a key driver for me to host “Engineer for the Day” Events at local schools for almost 10 years. I get very excited doing the activities with the kids and bringing in guest speakers to share their Engineering Journeys with them.

What is a super fun fact about yourself that many people are not aware of?

Cristi: I love to travel, cook, and zipline. I think ziplining is the most surprising thing about my hobbies, but once you get over your fear of falling, the ride across a rainforest or mountain becomes exhilarating.

What else would you like our readers to know about you and the work that you do?

Cristi: Alyse Engineering Innovations is the manifestation of a 10+ year dream, many years of hard work, and repeatable success. We provide a straightforward approach to engage and empower Leaders with a proven system to improve behaviors, boost productivity, and enhance performance so that they’ll consistently be able to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), while increasing team morale, regardless of the industry or field. We look forward to working with you to #EngineerBetterLeaders!