In the sprawling landscape of Tucson, Arizona, where fighter jets from Davis Monthan Air Force Base regularly trace patterns across the desert sky, a young girl with a particular talent for mathematics looked upward and saw not just aircraft, but possibility. Today, that same visionary stands at the helm of Willowview Consulting, LLC, a company reshaping how we think about engineering and military technology. Layne Lewis represents a new breed of technical leadership—one that combines rigorous engineering expertise with empathetic leadership and the agility to navigate rapidly evolving technological frontiers.
“I could actually use math to build things,” reflecting on her early decision to pursue engineering rather than follow directly in her mathematician father’s footsteps. That practical application of abstract concepts has become something of a personal philosophy for Lewis, whose career spans decades of transformative work across aerospace, technology, and defense sectors.
As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems revolutionize military capabilities and civilian applications alike, Lewis’s company stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. In an industry still working to overcome historical gender imbalances, her story provides both inspiration and a practical roadmap for the next generation of women in engineering and technology leadership.
THE CALCULATED PATH: FROM MATHEMATICAL PUZZLES TO MILITARY TECH
Long before founding Willowview Consulting, Lewis was solving mathematical puzzles presented by her father, a University of Arizona mathematics professor. “He had me working on math puzzles and problems from a young age—and I loved them!” This early foundation proved crucial, as she discovered not just an aptitude but a passion for quantitative problem-solving.
While pure mathematics offered one potential career path, Lewis was drawn to engineering’s tangible applications. Growing up near an active Air Force base during the height of the Space Shuttle program in the mid-1980s provided living inspiration. “Both [influences] led me to Aerospace Engineering,” describing a childhood where the extraordinary—rocket launches and supersonic aircraft—formed part of the everyday backdrop.
The journey through higher education brought the first glimpses of the gender disparity that would follow her professional life. “There were only two females in our class of Aerospace Engineers.” “Not a huge deal, but definitely something you notice.” Despite being significantly outnumbered, her academic performance spoke for itself. Graduating Cum Laude on an academic scholarship opened doors at numerous companies eager to recruit her.
It was during those first job interviews that Lewis confronted the double-edged sword of being a woman in a male-dominated field. “Folks clearly wanted me to work for them, not only for my capability, but also for my gender. There were so few of us!” This early experience highlighted the complex reality many women in STEM fields navigate—being simultaneously highly sought after and potentially underestimated.
Lewis’s early career included a position at Hewlett Packard, which she describes as both “fun and lucrative.” However, the entrepreneurial pull was strong. In 2003, she left HP to work full-time at her first startup, TenXsys. When that venture took longer than expected to gain traction, Lewis founded Willowview Consulting as a pragmatic sideline—”to allow me to make some money while helping others.”
This practical adaptation to circumstances exemplifies Lewis’s approach to business and technology alike. After TenXsys wound down, Willowview transitioned from side project to main focus, growing into the innovative consulting firm it is today. This evolution wasn’t the result of a grand master plan but rather a series of calculated responses to real-world conditions—much like the engineering problems Lewis had always excelled at solving.
THE INTELLIGENCE REVOLUTION: NAVIGATING AI AND AUTONOMY
“Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy are literally changing the landscape of everything that we do at Willowview,” listing applications ranging from “decision support tools, to proposal development, to food processing and agriculture.”
This enthusiasm isn’t merely theoretical. Under Lewis’s leadership, Willowview has positioned itself at the forefront of these transformative technologies, particularly in their application to military and defense contexts. “With the move to artificial intelligence and autonomy, there are a lot of problems that can be worked on in new and exciting ways.”
One standout project exemplifying this approach is CIMBEO (Commanders Intent Model Based Engineering Options). This toolset applies foundational systems engineering principles and Model Based Systems Engineering concepts to military decision-making, providing commanders with enhanced situational awareness and information access.
“We have developed a toolset to enable Commanders (or any decision maker) to be more ‘omniscient,’ and have more information available to allow them to make better decisions more quickly.” The impact of such technology extends beyond military applications, potentially transforming any field where rapid, informed decision-making is crucial.
The complexity of developing such systems requires more than just technical expertise—it demands an understanding of human decision processes, institutional structures, and the operational contexts in which these technologies will be deployed. Lewis’s ability to bridge these domains underscores why her leadership at Willowview has proven so effective.
THE LISTENING LEADER: REDEFINING TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
“I listen. To everyone. About everything that they want to talk about.”
This simple statement belies a profound leadership philosophy that stands in contrast to stereotypical images of technical leadership dominated by dominant personalities and unilateral decision-making. “I believe that everyone working at Willowview is well-intended and motivated and wants the best for the company and the team. While I might not be able to implement all of the ideas that arise, I sure do think that we are better off listening to the input from all of the employees!”
This inclusive approach extends to how Lewis structures work at Willowview. “Another way to inspire the team is to allow them to flex a bit,” describing a multidimensional approach to flexibility that encompasses schedules, professional development, and role exploration.
The emphasis on flexibility serves multiple purposes. Beyond improving employee satisfaction and retention, it creates an environment where innovation can flourish. By encouraging team members to pursue continued education and cross-training under mentorship, Lewis builds not just a workforce but a learning organization capable of adapting to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
This leadership style represents a significant evolution in technical fields traditionally defined by rigid hierarchies and siloed expertise. In Lewis’s vision, the future of engineering—especially in military contexts—depends not just on technical excellence but on organizational structures that foster collaboration, continuous learning, and diversity of thought.
THE AGILITY ADVANTAGE: SPEED AND ADAPTABILITY IN TECHNICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING
The combination of talent and agility distinguishes Willowview Consulting from competitors. “Our high-performing team has an ability to solve problems at any level, and can move FAST to do so—be it mechanical design, implementing artificial intelligence, or building a web-based or mobile application.”
This speed advantage stems partly from organizational structure. “Many of our clients simply do not have the talent to do this, and if they do, it might take them months to gain the approval to get the project started. With our streamlined leadership team and signature authorities, we are able to do a lot very quickly.”
In an era when technological advancements unfold at an unprecedented pace, this agility represents a critical competitive advantage. Traditional defense contractors and military organizations often struggle with procurement and development timelines measured in years or decades. Willowview’s ability to ideate, develop, and deploy solutions on significantly compressed timelines allows it to address emerging threats and opportunities that might otherwise outpace conventional response mechanisms.
The company’s portfolio reflects this adaptability, spanning diverse domains including the previously mentioned CIMBEO decision support system and the Helsa Link project for the Army. The latter initiative builds “a hub and associated tools to allow teams to collect physiologic data from the soldiers’ wearables to be monitored more effectively for health and readiness”—a project bridging hardware, software, data analytics, and human performance optimization.
Maintaining this versatility requires extraordinary talent management. Lewis’s approach is refreshingly forthright: “Hire people smarter than me! Seriously! I do NOT need to be the single point person on every topic—especially in many of the rapidly changing fields such as software development and AI/ML.”
This willingness to surround herself with specialists who exceed her own expertise in particular domains reflects a leadership maturity sometimes lacking in technical organizations. “It helps to have some technical project managers, senior principle engineers as well as junior folks who can learn while carrying the load,” describing a cross-generational knowledge transfer model that ensures both immediate capability and long-term sustainability.
THE DIVERSITY DIMENSION: WOMEN IN MILITARY ENGINEERING
Despite incremental progress, engineering—particularly in military applications—remains predominantly male. Lewis’s perspective on gender diversity in the field combines acknowledged progress with pragmatic assessment.
“These days, there are quite a few women in leadership positions for technical development for military solutions,” “I think that the diversity that we bring really helps to add dimension to some of the problem sets and associated solutions.”
This measured optimism acknowledges both advancement and persistent challenges. While women have gained ground in technical leadership positions, they still represent a minority in most engineering organizations—a reality Lewis experienced firsthand throughout her career, beginning with being one of only two women in her aerospace engineering class.
The value of diversity extends beyond social equity considerations. In Lewis’s assessment, diversity directly impacts problem-solving capability and solution quality. Different perspectives, experiences, and approaches to technical challenges yield more robust, adaptable solutions—particularly important when addressing complex defense and security challenges that transcend purely technical domains.
Lewis’s own leadership style exemplifies how diversity can reshape technical organizations. Her emphasis on listening, flexibility, and collaborative problem-solving offers an alternative to traditional command-and-control leadership models historically prevalent in military-adjacent industries.
For aspiring women engineers and entrepreneurs, Lewis offers advice: “Do it! Don’t let the fear hold you back. If it doesn’t work out, you can always pivot to a different path.”
THE BALANCED BUILDER: ENGINEERING A SUSTAINABLE LIFE
Technical leadership—particularly entrepreneurial leadership—often comes with punishing schedules and work-life imbalance. Lewis has deliberately constructed an alternative approach, developing what she describes as “a pretty well planned out routine.”
Living on a ranch provides both perspective and unavoidable grounding. “No matter what, the animals need to be taken care of, and I relish this time in the barn,” “Often, it is during feeding time that I solve some of my harder problems!”
This integration of professional challenges with practical, physical work offers both mental respite and problem-solving space—an approach backed by cognitive science research showing that breakthrough insights often occur during periods of relaxed attention rather than intense focus.
Lewis recognizes the demanding nature of her work but rejects the notion that punishing schedules represent a necessary price of success. “I realize that my job is very demanding, but a lot of that we can plan for, so I take time off when I can and work hard when I have to. This allows me to stay inspired and motivated much more than if I tried to work non-stop to hit an unrealistic deadline. I’ve tried that before—it doesn’t work so well.”
The sustainable pace Lewis advocates isn’t merely a personal preference but a business strategy. Burnout and rapid turnover plague many high-pressure technical organizations, resulting in lost institutional knowledge and diminished innovation capacity. By modeling sustainable work patterns, Lewis creates a culture where long-term excellence takes precedence over short-term heroics.
Family and team support form another crucial pillar of Lewis’s balanced approach. “My family and my team are SO supportive, I could not do any of this without them,” highlighting the interconnected nature of professional success and personal support systems.
THE LEARNED RESILIENCE: GRIT, TENACITY, AND COMMUNICATION
“Tenacity, discipline and grit. And the ability to communicate well with others—both written and in person.”
These qualities owe much to her father’s influence—a mathematician who faced extraordinary personal challenges. “He got very ill at 38 years old, and lived for 14 years with horrible pain and disability. And yet he got up every single day and went to work. And worked out. And ate well. And loved his family. Even in the midst of severe physical deterioration.”
Lewis recalls asking why he maintained such discipline despite his circumstances. His response—”because I can”—became a personal mantra. “I have always admired that, and use it every day myself. I do because I can.”
This philosophy of capability-focused action rather than limitation-focused hesitation informs Lewis’s approach to both personal challenges and business obstacles. The engineering mindset—identifying problems, analyzing constraints, and developing solutions—extends beyond technical problems to encompass all aspects of professional life.
Communication skills, equally emphasized in Lewis’s success formula, represent a frequently undervalued aspect of technical leadership. The ability to translate complex engineering concepts for diverse stakeholders—from military commanders to investors to interdisciplinary team members—enables collaboration across traditional boundaries. In an era of increasingly integrated technological systems, such translational capability becomes as valuable as pure technical expertise.
THE COLLABORATIVE FUTURE: PARTNERING FOR IMPACT
Looking ahead, Lewis sees 2025 as Willowview’s “year to partner,” with several collaborative initiatives already underway. “We have started a few exciting projects with others that I expect to make great gains in the engineering and military sectors.”
This focus on partnership reflects both strategic insight and practical necessity. As technological systems grow increasingly complex and interdependent, no single organization can maintain comprehensive expertise across all relevant domains. Strategic partnerships enable specialized excellence while ensuring integrated solutions.
For Willowview specifically, partnerships potentially offer pathways to scale impact beyond what the company could achieve independently. The CIMBEO decision support system and Helsa Link health monitoring platform both represent technologies with applications extending far beyond their initial military contexts—applications that might be most effectively realized through carefully selected partnerships.
“Sustained superior performance.” This simple phrase encapsulates a profound truth often overlooked in discussions of diversity and representation in technical fields—that excellence remains the most powerful change agent available.
By consistently delivering exceptional results, Lewis and Willowview challenge outdated assumptions about who can lead in engineering and military technology. Each successful project, each innovative solution, each satisfied client incrementally reshapes industry expectations and opens doors for others following similar paths.
THE CONTINUOUS LEARNER: EMBRACING DISCOMFORT AND SEEKING GUIDANCE
Despite decades of experience and demonstrated success, Lewis maintains the perspective of a student rather than a master. “Keep learning! Keep reading!” she advises, before adding, “And last but certainly not least, find mentors.”
This emphasis on continued growth manifested recently in Lewis’s decision to expand Willowview’s board of directors. “It was only last year that I decided to have outside Directors join our Board to enable me to learn through others’ experience. While initially difficult—both to let go of some of my ideas and to bring decisions to others—it has helped tremendously to push me outside of my comfort areas!”
The willingness to embrace discomfort, challenge established patterns, and incorporate external perspectives has become a competitive advantage. “I am now completely comfortable being uncomfortable—which is a huge asset when dealing with the fog of business at times.”
This learning orientation ensures Willowview remains adaptive in an era of accelerating technological change. While specific technical skills and knowledge domains may become obsolete with surprising speed, the meta-skill of continuous learning retains perpetual relevance.
For Lewis personally, this learning mindset connects directly to her earliest experiences with mathematical puzzles provided by her father. Then, as now, complex problems represent not obstacles but opportunities—chances to apply analytical skills, creative thinking, and collaborative approaches to generate novel solutions.
ENGINEERING THE PATH FORWARD
As Layne Lewis and Willowview Consulting navigate the rapidly evolving landscapes of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and military technology, they exemplify an approach to innovation that balances technical excellence with human factors. In an industry still working toward gender parity, Lewis’s leadership offers both inspiration and practical guidance.
“Sustained superior performance” may seem a simple formula, but it encapsulates a multifaceted approach combining rigorous engineering, empathetic leadership, strategic partnerships, and continuous learning. As emerging technologies reshape military capabilities and civilian applications alike, such integrated approaches become increasingly essential.
The fighter jets that once captured a young girl’s imagination in Tucson continue flying today, though the technology guiding them has transformed dramatically. Similarly, while Lewis’s journey from mathematics student to engineering leader maintains consistent themes of problem-solving and persistence, the specific challenges and opportunities she addresses continue evolving. In this capacity for adaptation—this comfort with being uncomfortable—lies perhaps the most valuable lesson for aspiring engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in rapidly changing technical domains.
In Lewis’s own words: “I do because I can.” Five simple words that encapsulate a philosophy equally applicable to overcoming personal challenges, breaking industry barriers, or developing transformative technologies. As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems reshape the technological landscape, this capability-focused mindset offers a powerful framework for navigating uncharted territories and engineering better futures.
Sustained excellence isn’t just about hard work; it’s about learning continuously, adapting to new challenges, and delivering results that exceed expectations every single time.