Employee Spotlight: Charting New Paths, Accepting New Challenges

Employee Spotlight: Charting New Paths, Accepting New Challenges

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Within his five years at Crane Aerospace & Electronics, Kasisi Harris has held five different roles: starting as a Production Supervisor II, then progressing to Materials and Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Business Analyst, and now Crane Business System Manager.

"Crane is very open to you trying new things," said Kasisi, "I think that helps with career progression because you can always find a new thing or develop in a new area and even crack a new area all on your own depending on what skills you have." 

Crane A&E emphasizes continuous learning, and the leadership training courses exemplify this core value. “Crane partnered with Everett Community College to offer a ton of leadership courses like team leadership development, situational leadership, communicating with impact, and they’re all really good,” Kasisi shared. “They’re very interactive, and you learn a lot that you can directly apply to your work. I’ve benefited greatly from these courses, and I always recommend people to go.”

As Kasisi’s career evolved, he had the opportunity to meet and connect with a diverse range of colleagues. The relationships he has built over the years at Crane A&E are a key reason why he looks forward to coming to work every day. “Whether you are friends or not, there's this professional kind of collaborative nature here that I really enjoy,” he said. He describes the company culture as “highly collaborative” and “willing to help one another,” especially when it comes to mentorship. Having been a mentor and a mentee, Kasisi appreciates how the company’s open approach to development makes it easy to seek out mentors who can assist with career goals. 

"If you want to grow in your career, Crane is the prime environment where you can try out different areas and figure out what you like."

— Kasisi Harris, Crane Business System Manager

 

The supportive environment at Crane A&E is why Kasisi felt empowered to explore new roles and why he wholeheartedly recommends the company. “I was very open to new opportunities and didn’t want to design myself into a set path, and Crane was perfect for that,” he said. 

In his current role as Crane Business System Manager, Kasisi is dedicated to the success of the Lynnwood site while upholding corporate standards. This dual responsibility requires a unique balance between maintaining existing standards and innovating to improve processes. "It's almost like you're directed from two different entities," he explains, highlighting the nuanced nature of his work, which is rooted in the Crane Business System – a holistic management philosophy with a culture of continuous improvement that helps drive customer satisfaction and profitable growth.

Kasisi finds this challenge rewarding because it aligns with his core values of creating harmony, adding value, and making things better. “That’s why CBS is really a good fit for me,” he explained.

These principles are not only integral to his role but also form the basis of his advice to those just starting out in their careers. Kasisi encourages young professionals to be confident and recognize their achievements. “Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion—respectfully, of course,” he said. “It’s important to participate in conversations because that’s how you grow as a person and help the business grow.” Additionally, he believes in “taking a step back and celebrating your accomplishment.”

“If you want to grow in your career, Crane is the prime environment where you can try out different areas and figure out what you like,” he explains. “We help develop you here.” 

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