[See representative list of projects here]

Hi! My name is Katherine Rosback. I have a BS in Chemical Engineering and a MA in Organizational Communication, both from Purdue University. I started working as a process engineer for DuPont and then took a job with a subsidiary of Exxon as a Supplier Quality Engineer. That job was my first introduction to the art and science of leading cross-functional teams! I had zero experience in working in groups like this (well, other than being a middle child in a family of 6 siblings). I learned so much!

My next roles included regional quality engineer for Union Camp Corporation and a director of quality at a medical diagnostics company. That role included the phenomenal experience of facilitating the executive team’s monthly meetings. It was in this capacity that I was introduced to and became trained as a decision and risk analysis facilitator.

Leading teams to make better decisions absolutely fascinated me, so I joined a consulting firm to focus on this exciting work. I worked with c-suite executives, project teams, and business units assisting with company mergers, leadership transitions, strategy development, organizational redesigns, change management initiatives, and business transformations ). Industries included airlines, pharma, medical diagnostic, family businesses, insurance, oil and gas (upstream and downstream), and non-profit (sporting, educational).

But this engaging work created a search for more learning. Why do people do what they do? Why does it make perfect sense that heads nod in the meeting room, but then the real conversation takes place in the hallway? What are the better questions I should be asking to promote better thinking? How can I assist in fostering a sense of commitment rather than compliance to new organizational initiatives?

So it was back to university to find answers to these questions (thus earning my M.A in Organizational Communication). No more engineering courses! I was immersed in conversation analysis studies, sociology, and anthropology. I took a deep interest in family therapy, not because I wanted to become a family therapist, but because I wanted to have a better understanding of group dynamics. My research in these fields is ongoing.

So I offer to you these summation of these divergent yet wonderfully complimentary experiences when assisting you with your issue or inviting you to attend one of my workshops.

I also love sharing my expertise on leading teams and asking the better question. People like the way I bring a hard edge to the soft stuff for technical audiences. My speaking engagements include Rolls-Royce North American Women’s Retreat, American Society of Quality Control, Society of Decision Professionals, INFORMS Analytics Conference, National Society for Creativity, SPE Women’s Network, and the International Organizational Communication Conference.