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Inspiring inclusion that changes the world
Born out of Deb’s passion for inclusion and the prevention of bullying and harassment in all forms, The Submarine Way is the next generation of its parent company, The Genesis Group LLC, founded in 2008. The Genesis Group LLC, has always been centered on helping organizations maximize the potential of people, through a lens of each persons unique talents and strengths. The Submarine Way takes our core principles to a much more powerful, focused place….true inclusion. Leadership needs to have inclusion woven through every course.
Deb Cake Fortin
Deb Cake Fortin is the Founder and President of The Submarine Way. She has been in the business world for 25 years, managing people, leading diversity teams and changing them. Deb has been a VP of Operations and client services, COO and General Manager in several large organizations. Deb has her graduate degree in human performance technologies. She feels that most inclusion issues are largely human performance issues. When people feel included, have a purpose, and the tools to carry out this purpose, human beings want to get along. When Deb did research on why The System worked so well and realized it was a repeatable system on submarines, and could be repeated in the business world, she left the business world to write, speak and consult on this topic. What if we could share a mission to change the world?
John Gregory Vincent - MBA
John Gregory Vincent is the co-founder of The Submarine Way and serves as the Principle Speaker and Vice President of Business Development. He was on a variety of operational submarines for 14 of his 20 years of Navy service, retiring as a Command Master Chief. He saw inclusion at its finest on these submarines. It seemed every time a new sailor’s feet hit the steel deck, mission and purpose replaced bias. John is a certified Gallup strengths coach and former Gallup consultant who uses his understanding of engagement (Gallup’s Q12) and strengths to build the most unique programs and speeches. Not only is this approach unique, but it is the most effective System out there to drive inclusion.
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Faith Welsh
Faith Welsh, a native of South Carolina, is our Vice President of Client Service. She considers herself lucky to call the Holy City (Charleston, SC) home. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Faith has been in the corporate world for 22 years. She has led teams in Client Service, Operations and Implementation. She also served as a Relationship Manager for multiple Fortune 500 companies.
During this time, Faith has witnessed how challenging it can be for companies to deliver on the goals of diversity and inclusion. She is excited to be working with clients introducing The Submarine Way, helping them foster true inclusion in their organization.
Will Bryant
William Bryant is a native of North Carolina, attended Western North Carolina
University and has been a problem solver, communicator and Training Supervisor. Will is passionate about diversity and inclusion and is the Learning Management Administrator for The Submarine Way.
Curtis Challenger
Curtis A. Challenger an amateur globetrotter in training has used his love of language, arts and culture to foster and build depth and understanding for the many teams he’s built, developed and led. Seeing people as individuals with a story and journey that has led them to their present state, he’s joined them in their growth as a complimentary dial on their compass, and glue to their run-ins along the way.
He prides himself on building, promoting and sustaining teams of hidden leaders who propel the company’s mission and values, their greater self and increased service and profits! He’s spent many successful years in leadership and middle management in various industries from mom and pop to corporate operations and has recruited, mentored and promoted many individuals through including them in their growth process and thus providing rewarding results for all involved.
He’s excited to be on this ride that takes a deeper look into the important, relevant and effective approach of true diversity and inclusion! He looks forward to working with you and your leaders as we craft and navigate a path to higher heights through deeper depths! ARE YOU IN?
Marty Ledesma
Marty is a Program Manager for the Submarine Way and is responsible for tracking all programs, technical and otherwise. Marty has experience and “strengths” in project management and information systems, working for Dell Services and Texas Tech University as the Assistant Director of Information Systems. Marty also lived The Submarine Way in the Navy, leaving as a Command Master Chief.
Freya Sullivan Huffman
Freya Huffman is our Chief of Curriculum Development. She is a talented facilitator, speaker and curriculum designer who is responsible for giving the Submarine Way it’s visual appeal. Freya has been a curriculum developer, instructor and facilitator for over 15 years. Freya was an early adapter to The Submarine Way and continues to contribute ideas, as well as giving the material that POW.
Dr. Larry Webb
Dr Webb is a preeminent expert on LIFO, and several other behavior tools, The Submarine Way uses to effectively coach and develop high potentials and teams. Dr Webb was President of The Kilgore Group LLC, and Webb Consultants International LLC, and is a Psychologist receiving a Doctorate in Psychodynamics and Counseling. Dr Webb serves as primary consultant to The Submarine Way.