Shining the spotlight on ISO Consultant – Michelle Kyker

Michelle Kyker is the focus of this simpleQuE spotlight where she shares what has motivated her to be an auditor and consultant. Throughout her career, she has assisted more than 100 companies to implement, maintain, and improve their quality management systems, continuous improvement projects and overall performance. Her areas of specialty encompass a wide range of management systems standards, including: ISO 9001 (QMS), ISO 14001 (Environmental), ISO 13485 (Medical Devices), AS9100 (Aerospace including AS9110 and AS9120), API Q1 (Oil and Gas), and RC14001 Responsible Care (Chemical).  Learn more about Michelle to see why she is a successful and effective consultant who pours her heart and expertise into every project and client.

Tell us about your background and how you got into auditing/consulting?

Probably like most consultants – just lucky. It started when I was working at a company that wanted to implement a quality management system and obtain certification to maintain and increase their customer base.  We had hired a consultant and had a manager that understood implementation. I was given the chance to work closely with them and this enabled me to learn a lot.  Following that initial certification, I was tasked with ISO 9001 implementation at other company sites throughout the US – which I readily accepted. 

Thinking back over your career, what is the professional accomplishment you are most proud of achieving and why?

Working with over 100+ companies throughout the US and other countries.  Implementing a quality management system and watching a company improve their systems and processes. Quality Management Standards are designed to help you continually improve your business, when companies realize this and use them to their full potential, I feel that I have (in a small way) contributed to the long-term success of the company.

Client satisfaction is pinnacle to your background. What are your client-focused approaches at simpleQuE?

Listen to the client.  Not all quality management systems have to be or should be alike.  Companies have different approaches and ideas which are usually quite interesting.  I always tend to learn something from my clients in addition to helping them make improvements. As a consultant I also try to develop a relationship with the client.  I want them to look at me as one of their team while I am at the site and moving forward. 

What is your favorite QMS standard and why?

ISO 9001.  It is applicable to such a wide variety of industries (general industry, service industries, food manufacturers, logistics companies, etc.). It seems to be easier to understand for clients who first try to implement a quality management system.

How do you stay current in your areas of expertise?

American Society of Quality has many resources in addition, training, and networking events with other auditors and industry leaders.  

What is your favorite part about being a simpleQuE consultant?

• Working with all types of industries and seeing their processes and products.
• Helping companies implement new quality management systems, or improve current ones. In particular, when a company tells me they were able to capture new business or expand current sales to their customers because of a particular certification they obtained.
• Watching the aha moment when clients you are working with start to understand the standard and implementation process.

Who is your hero?

My father.  He instilled in me at a very young age the importance of manufacturing.  It is where wealth is generated and is the building block of a strong society and country. He worked in glass manufacturing his entire career and took me to those facilities and introduced me to how things are made and the idea of processes, and process flows.  I have loved manufacturing ever since.

What is your personal philosophy?

When given an opportunity to do something new – do it.  Don’t be afraid to fail – you have a 50/50 shot and you will learn something.

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?

Definitely flying cars.  Hopefully this would mean quicker trips, less airport travel, and traffic.

How would other people describe you in three words?

Inquisitive, attentive, and candid.