Mary Poppendieck
Her 1st job programming was in 1967. In the 1970s, programmed minicomputers to control high-energy physics experiments at the University of Wisconsin. Moving to 3M, developed digital systems to control roll-goods processes, spearheaded one of the first Just-in-Time production systems, and led new product development teams that commercialized products ranging from digital controllers to lighting systems. Retiring from 3M in 1998, she discovered that the typical software development process was quite different than the engineering-inspired approach she had found effective with control systems. So she wrote the now-classic book: Lean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit, proposing an approach that focuses on customers, respects software engineers, concentrates on learning, and leverages flow. Sequels of her first book include Implementing Lean Software Development: from Concept to Cash, Leading Lean Software Development: Results are Not the Point, and The Lean Mindset: Ask the Right Questions.
