Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it's been pretty good for Carl Miller's career.
Hamilton's new Chief Operating Officer has built a reputation on learning, adapting and taking on challenges others might avoid. Whether it's launching products, improving operations or building stronger systems, his first instinct is rarely "that's impossible.”
It’s more like "let's figure it out."
We sat down with Carl to talk about leadership, culture, wildlife and why his two-year-old with a handful of poly samples might just be the company's youngest unofficial product tester.
What is your background?
My background is problem solving. I've always been the person who says "yes" to a challenge and thrives on learning new things. Throughout my career, I've introduced new equipment and processes, helped launch products at both small and large scales and taken on projects that were deemed too large to affect change. I approach both work and life with curiosity and creativity, and I believe anything is possible with the right mindset and determination.
In one sentence, how would you describe your role?
My role is to support Hamilton's growth by strengthening the systems, processes, and expertise that help our teams make decisions, scale effectively and take ownership of results.
What are you most excited about?
The culture. This is a very people- and family-focused company. My wife and young children have already visited the facility, and everyone made us feel so welcome that my two-year-old was happy to run the halls playing with poly samples. Everyone here is engaged, collaborative and wants to improve and grow. I'm blown away by how cross-functional our teams are. A culture like this takes years to build and continuous effort to maintain, and I'm proud to be part of it.
What's your first big goal?
To better align Hamilton's goals with supply chain expectations so we can improve consistency in lead times for our customers. The fewer daily variables our teams have, the more they can focus on the work that drives the business forward.
What's something people misunderstand about your area of expertise?
People often think problem solving only applies to technical issues. The reality is that the same mindset can be applied to leadership, communication and organizational challenges. Effective problem solving isn't one-size-fits-all. The best leaders avoid assumptions, adapt to the situation and tailor their approach to the people involved. The leaders I've admired most are the ones who foster curiosity and adaptability within their teams.
What do others say you excel at?
Problem solving, accountability, process improvement, process and system building, and setting clear expectations. I bring a lot of energy to everything I do and am known for sustaining that pace over the long term.
What traits do you admire most?
Adaptability, integrity, curiosity and persistence.
Who would you most like to meet in history?
Leonardo da Vinci. I view him as one of the most creative people that ever lived and would love to know what drove him to master so many different fields.
In another life, what would you be doing?
Working with and researching wildlife. I love traveling and exploring the world and all the natural wonders it contains. Nature is the only thing that has consistently given me a sense of awe and wonder.
If a caster were you in human form, what would its superpower be?
Strength. Our products can take a beating and continue without missing a beat.
What do you geek out on outside of work?
Plants and aquariums. I have a large collection of plants that bring me joy and would cover my house in aquariums and vivariums if possible.