Lillian Gilbreth: The Mother of Modern Management
After her husband’s death, this industrial psychologist raised twelve children alone while revolutionizing efficiency studies and ergonomics. She applied scientific management principles at home through innovations like foot-pedal trash cans and door-level light switches. Lillian earned a PhD while managing her household. Her children later wrote “Cheaper by the Dozen” about their extraordinary upbringing. She became the first female engineering professor at Purdue while consulting for major corporations.
