About Us OG - Leader Sensei

Introduction

Welcome to Leader Sensei, where our mission is to empower you to master your strengths and continuously grow in your leadership journey. Whether you’re a first-time manager learning the fundamentals or an experienced leader aiming to elevate your impact, we are here to support your development every step of the way.

We recognize that learning is a lifelong journey and we aim to meet you where you are along this path. No one arrives at their destination overnight; instead, we progress through each successive step we take. Our topics cover a focused yet wide spectrum, offering quick and easy resources that you can add to your ever-growing tool chest.

We believe that the most effective learning paths combine hands-on experience with targeted learning and development. This approach, supported by leadership development models like the Leadership Development Framework by Rooke and Torbert (2005), shows that individuals progress through different stages of leadership maturity through experiences, reflection, and learning.

You may find that tools you’ve previously used are no longer as effective. This is natural. Leadership styles and approaches need to evolve to meet the demands of varying team and broader company dynamics (size, experience, tenure, locations, cultures, etc.). Therefore, we advocate for continuous improvement and learning, embracing the concept of experiential learning as popularized by Kolb (1984). Leaders are shaped by their experiences, and the journey to perfection, while impossible, is paved with continuous development through successes and learning from mis-steps.

If you share our drive to become a better version of yourself each day, we are excited to help you on that journey. Together, we can achieve greater heights.

Our Mission

At Leader Sensei, we are dedicated to providing practical knowledge and tools that are quickly accessible and not bogged down in theory. We are in the business of people, just like our subscribers and casual readers. Our goal is to equip you with a wide array of skills that can empower you to excel at work and reach your full potential outside of it.

Our Guiding Principles

Master Yourself to Lead Others: “To lead others, first know thyself. In the mirror of self-awareness, wisdom blossoms.”

Cultivate a Vision and Inspire Action: “A leader’s vision is a lantern in the dark; it illuminates the path and kindles the flame of purpose in others.”

Foster Inclusive and Collaborative Environments: “In diversity, there is harmony. Embrace each voice, for together, we create a symphony of strength.”

Adapt and Innovate in a Changing World: “The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists. Embrace change, and let innovation flow like a river.”

Our Approach

We have worked to integrate our guiding principle into everything we do to ensure that our content is not only relevant but also transformative, helping you achieve your highest potential in both your professional and personal life.

Why Choose Us?

Our goal is to provide resources for self-improvement to lifelong learners. We are passionate and committed to continuous learning and self-betterment, offering the tools and support you can leverage to grow as a leader. Join us at Leader Sensei and start your journey towards becoming a true leader today.

Meet Our Team

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in education, hard work, and the importance of giving back, we were inspired by our parents’ dedication and perseverance. Both our mother, a dedicated teacher for nearly 30 years, and our father, who built a successful career in corporate insurance, graduated from UCLA, along with several aunts and uncles on both sides of the family.

Our father’s heritage is a unique blend of African American and Japanese (or as Chris Tucker might say blackanese) adding a rich cultural dimension to our family history. On our mother’s side, we have a predominantly African American background.

We were born in Southern California before calling the Bay Area home in the early 90s, with a short stint in Connecticut in the late 90s. Frequent moves, driven by our father’s career opportunities and our mother’s commitment to education, taught us resilience and the importance of embracing new experiences.

In setting our own course and tradition, all three brothers, along with a close cousin, attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with the Thomas family having a presence there consistently for over a decade.

Leadership, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing are core themes that define us as brothers. Justin, with his extensive experience leading global teams and innovative projects at Vantage Data Centers, exemplifies leadership and mentorship, guiding both new managers and executive-level leaders. Andrew, a seasoned laboratory manager at Apple, demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development, impacting future generations through his volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Family has always been our cornerstone, and we recognize that we stand on the shoulders of giants. The sacrifices and achievements of those before us have paved the way for our success, instilling in us deep respect and gratitude. This legacy motivates us to strive for greater heights and to support the next generation in achieving even more.

As brothers, we bring forward these lessons with a unique blend of creativity, technical adeptness, and a commitment to excellence. We invite you to explore our individual journeys and see how our shared background has shaped who we are today and the aspirations we have to positively impact others on their own journey’s towards leadership and a life of influence.

Justin Thomas aka JT

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Drew Thomas

Championing Innovation and Curiosity

Andrew Thomas, the middle of three brothers, has established a robust career in the packaging and containers industry, demonstrating a commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement. Currently serving as the Display Technology and PPO Lab Manager at Apple, Andrew’s expertise in ISO 17025, medical devices, test method validation, and quality assurance has made him a key figure in his field.

Before joining Apple, Andrew spent over 13 years at WESTPAK, Inc., where he held various positions, culminating in his role as Laboratory Manager. During his tenure, he led teams in continuous process improvement and advanced testing methodologies, significantly contributing to the company’s success. His journey at WESTPAK began as a Test Engineer III, where he honed his skills in laboratory management and quality assurance.

Andrew’s educational background is a testament to his dedication to continuous learning. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology with a Minor in Package Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Furthering his education, Andrew earned an MBA with a focus on Leadership and Project Management from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School in 2024.

Andrew’s commitment to professional development is evident in his numerous certifications, including Agile Foundations, Business Analysis Foundations, Customer Experience Journey Mapping, and Learning Design Thinking. These credentials underscore his ability to lead change and implement innovative solutions in his organization.

Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew is deeply committed to giving back to the community. For over eight years, he has volunteered as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, impacting the lives of young people and fostering positive development.

Andrew’s blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to mentorship positions him as a valuable asset to any organization. His passion for learning and his ability to impart knowledge to future generations reflect his belief in the power of education and mentorship. As he continues to excel in his career, Andrew remains committed to driving innovation and quality in the packaging and containers industry while making a meaningful difference in his community.