About Barrett
I am a transformation-minded operations executive, marathoner, author, and speaker who has dedicated my life to helping leaders navigate the messy middle between vision and execution. With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and operations leadership, I currently serve as Director of Operations at MKS Instruments, where he leads MES implementation, Lean transformation, and strategy deployment efforts across complex, multi-site environments.
A passionate runner since 1983, I have completed 52 marathons, including eight Boston Marathons, often drawing parallels between long-distance running and sustained operational excellence. I believe that the most meaningful progress—whether in leadership, life, or process improvement—comes not in leaps, but one mile at a time.
I am also an author, having written *Herman’s Journey of Purpose*, an illustrated business fable on leadership and teamwork, and *Running Into Motivation: How Running One Mile at a Time Can Help You Win the Day, Even When You Trip*, a candid look at perseverance and self-leadership.
I currently reside in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is known for bringing a grounded, relatable voice to leadership development—blending practical tools, lived experience, and stories that stick.
Signature Keynotes
- Checklists to Culture: The Rise of Stratical Leadership
A deep dive into Barrett’s signature Stratical™ model, which blends tools, systems, and people to create culture-driven execution—turning checklists into lasting transformation.
- One Mile at a Time: Transforming Teamwork and Leadership Challenges into Triumphs
Based on his 40+ years of running and leadership, this inspiring talk shows how the endurance mindset can help leaders and teams overcome setbacks and win—mile by mile.
- Faceplate Forward: How Failing Can Lead to Your Finish Line
Barrett shares personal stories of professional stumbles and physical faceplants, revealing how failure can become fuel for purpose, innovation, and authenticity.
- From Resistance to Results: An MES Journey of Implementation
A behind-the-scenes look at the digital transformation journey at MKS Instruments, where Barrett led cross-functional teams through culture shifts, tech adoption, and measurable gains in visibility and execution.
My Approach
I enjoy learning from and sharing experiences with people. We all have a unique perspective that can add value to someone else. We can also receive value if we are looking for it. At the end of the day, people matter most. It is through engagement and true empowerment that everlasting gains are realized. I believe in playing the "long game" to get uncommon and repeatable results. I do this by bringing my marath9on mentality to everything that I get to do. That means taking one mile at a time and focusing on the next step.