Gemba Academy Podcast: Lean Manufacturing | Lean Office | Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | Leadership

This week's guest is Dr. Adil Dalal. Ron and Adil discussed the rapid evolution of AI and technology, how it affects lean and operational excellence, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Adil likes (2:51) His background (3:13) His thoughts on lean and AI (8:13) AI and value stream maps (11:44) What operational excellence will look like in the future (18:20) The transformation Adil is most proud of (29:21) His final words of wisdom (40:25) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Adil on LinkedIn Adil's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you envision the future of lean and operational excellence in terms of technology and AI?

This week's guest is Brian DeVries. Ron and Brian discussed Brian's new book "The Big Thinking of a Small Knight," the roles storytelling and leadership play in continuous improvement, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Brian likes (2:39) What to do when someone is struggling (4:18) His background (6:01) The roles leadership and storytelling play in continuous improvement (9:55) About his book (13:29) His "knight's hat" (18:39) The biggest takeaway from the book (19:22) What Brian learned from writing it (20:24) The role his kids played in writing the book (21:38) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 222 | How to Sustain Improvements with Brian DeVries Brian on LinkedIn The Big Thinking of a Small Knight Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How else can storytelling be used in continuous improvement?

This week's guest is Eric Recker. Ron and Eric discussed Eric's mental health struggles, how he handled having panic attacks, "winning the now," and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Eric likes (3:21) Eric's background (4:08) His burnout journey (5:51) How Eric handled his panic attacks (14:53) How he "wins the now" (26:07) What Eric is excited about (29:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Eric's Website Eric on LinkedIn Eric on Facebook Eric on Instagram GA 511 | Winning the Now with Eric Recker Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you ever dealt with burnout?

This week's guest is Patrick Adams. Ron and Patrick had an extremely profound conversation about Patrick's childhood, the personal transformation he's gone through, and how he now helps others do the same. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Patrick likes (3:10) His background (4:34) What it means to equip and empower people for positive change (6:24) His personal transformation (8:25) Patrick's high school years (15:49) Why gratitude matters to him (22:38) The role faith has played in his transformation (25:15) How involved he is with Remembrance Ranch today (31:17) His advice for parents with struggling teens (34:33) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Patrick's Website Patrick on LinkedIn Remembrance Ranch GA 354 | Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you ever undergone a significant personal transformation?

This week's guest is Tony Hayes. Ron and Tony discussed the meaning behind authentic leadership, the importance of humility and vulnerability, dealing with poor leadership, and more. MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Tony likes (2:33) His background (3:19) What "Authentic Leadership" means (5:05) Handling not having the answers (7:18) What humility really means (10:48) Why vulnerability is scary for a leader (13:45) Misconceptions about leadership (15:45) Tony's advice for when you're dealing with bad leadership (17:50) Practical examples of the positive impacts of Respect for People (25:10) Tony's final words of wisdom (31:13) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Tony on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What are some misconceptions you've heard or noticed about leadership?

This week's guest is Christopher Lieb. Ron and Chris discussed Chris's transition from practicing continuous improvement at a large company to a startup, the mentality he likes to adopt, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The "mentality" Chris likes (2:45) What happens when someone has a bad attitude or doesn't care (4:49) His background (5:59) Using SPC and other tools in a startup environment (11:52) The fact that no one else had continuous improvement knowledge (14:39) How it's impacted the supply chain (18:35) How Chris avoided being the "annoying" guy (21:51) His final words of wisdom (30:48) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Christopher on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you practiced continuous improvement at different sized organizations?

This week's guest is Tanner McClure. Ron and Tanner discussed Tanner's introduction to lean, dealing with resistance from management and supervisors, the "paper doll" tool, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Tanner (2:53) Tanner's background (3:50) How his background affected his introduction to lean (6:29) Dealing with resistance from management or from supervisors (7:52) How to reassure employees who are new to lean (13:31) The "paper doll" tool (19:34) Tanner's advice for those just getting started (25:57) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Tanner on LinkedIn Tanner McClure Consulting on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you ever been met with resistance from management or supervisors? How did you handle it?

This week's guest is Jackey Lin. Ron and Jackey discussed Jackey's diverse career background, deploying operational excellence on a global scale, overcoming communication barriers, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Jackey's favorite quote (2:43) His background (4:52) Initiating operational excellence on a global scale (7:36) Jackey's advice on dealing with resistance (15:55) Examples of how they communicate (21:35) How these improvements lead to operational results (24:34) What Jackey is most proud of (29:45) His final words of wisdom (34:03) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jackey on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you ever worked on continuous improvement in multiple countries?

This week's guest is Steven Langer. Ron and Steven discussed what it means to optimize workplace culture, what a strong organizational culture looks like, dealing with burnout, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Steven likes (2:51) His background (3:42) What he means by "healthy" (5:15) How to know whether you're winning or losing (7:07) How the size of the company factors in (9:40) What a strong organizational culture looks like (11:18) Balancing taking care of people with revenue (12:57) His experience with burnout (17:12) How to tell when you're burnt out (19:23) Steven's final words of wisdom (25:10) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Steven's Website Steven on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you ever suffered from burnout? How did you remedy it?

This week's guest is Craig Coyle. Ron and Craig discussed Craig's experience as an Apache pilot, what employee engagement is and isn't, why new leaders quit, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Craig's favorite quote (2:37) His background (3:26) The first time Craig flew an Apache on his own (7:01) Why employee engagement is critical (8:40) What engagement looks like (12:29) Craig's advice he gives to senior leaders (17:26) Why new leaders quit (21:21) His advice for finding community (27:25) Mentorship versus community or fellowship (30:32) Empowering people on the frontlines (31:45) What Craig would recommend to people who are struggling (35:35) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Craig on LinkedIn Operation Lead Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What is employee engagement and what is it not?

This week's guest is Uriel Eisen. Ron and Uriel discussed the importance of kanban, why increasing your inventory isn't always a bad thing, Uriel's background and projects, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Uriel likes (2:33) His background (5:14) What "tripling production" means (9:03) How he increased their inventory (14:01) How it's measured (19:13) Uriel's advice on how to get started (22:14) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Austere Manufacturing Austere Manufacturing on Instagram Arda on Instagram Arda Uriel on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Why is kanban so powerful?

This week's guest is Adam Lawrence. Ron and Adam discussed reliability kaizen, what it means, how it relates to the Wheel of Sustainability, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Adam likes (2:25) His background (3:17) What reliability kaizen means to Adam (4:52) About OEE (8:59) The steps he and his team follow (10:12) What this has to do with reliability (14:38) The resistance he's seen teams face (16:58) About the Wheel of Sustainability (22:28) How he and his teams have applied it to reliability kaizen (28:15) Adam's final words of wisdom (33:05) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Adam's Website Adam on LinkedIn Adam's Past GA Podcasts  Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does reliability kaizen mean to you?

This week's guest is Sarah Tilkens. Ron and Sarah discussed The KPI Lab (which Sarah founded), why talent development is critical, what leaders can do to help, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Sarah likes (2:14) Her background (3:19) About the KPI lab (4:27) Why talent development is critical (5:23) What leaders can do (8:38) Combining lean and talent development (12:18) What it's been like working on the KPI lab (17:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Sarah on LinkedIn GA 275 | Leading vs. Serving with Sarah Tilkens GA 408 | Lean and Life Coaches with Sarah Tilkens GA 474 | Integrating Coaching and Lean with Sarah Tilkens Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does it mean to combine lean and talent development?

This week's guest is Thomas Gelmi. Ron and Thomas discussed Thomas's unique background, how he helps leaders develop their "human" skills, navigating different personalities at work, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Thomas likes (2:48) His background (4:16) What "human skills" refers to (7:33) Why how we feel about ourselves matters (10:29) Navigating personality differences (16:36) His opinion on why developing human skills is good for business (21:38) A leader's ability and willingness to be vulnerable (27:48) Thomas's final words of wisdom (32:53) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Thomas on LinkedIn Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Why is it important to develop human skills (aka soft skills)?

This week's guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed visual management, examples of visual management they have seen and created, dealing with any resistance you might meet, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Alen likes (2:46) His background (3:12) What visual management is (5:28) Examples he's seen and created (6:20) A story about Ron's time at FlowServe (11:08) Alen's story about how he helped saved a company (15:35) Dealing with resistance (20:23) The practical mistakes people make (25:26) Tips for getting started (27:26) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Alen on LinkedIn Lean Case Study: The City of Grand Rapids GA 521 | Celebrating Quick Wins GA 544 | Flow Efficiency vs. Resource Efficiency Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you describe visual management?

This week's guest is Dr. Brad Miller. Ron and Dr. Miller discussed what it's like to teach Lean and Six Sigma at a university, the business lessons that can be learned from academia, his grocery store simulation, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Dr. Miller (3:01) His background (4:29) How he started working at a university (6:51) What students are like these days (9:07) How he structures his classes (13:53) About his grocery store checkout simulation (18:37) How mixing different personalities works (21:39) Balancing "getting it right" with experimenting (32:38) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Brad on LinkedIn Brad on YouTube Brad on the University of Houston Site Inside Brad's Classroom GA 111 | How to Teach Continuous Improvement GA 310 | The Role of Motivation in Continuous Improvement Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What else can we learn from the way continuous improvement is taught at the university level?

This week's guest is Ridha Dhrifi. Ron and Ridha discussed ISO 9001, how it aligns with lean manufacturing, balancing compliance with operational efficiency, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Ridha's favorite quote (3:01) His background (4:29) The alignment between ISO 9001 and lean manufacturing (5:49) About ISO 9001 (7:09) Industries interested in ISO 9001 (8:31) Making sure it's an authentic certification adding real value (10:42) How lean thinking can help and harmonize (12:45) How current and future state works in ISO (14:16) Combining ISO and lean (16:30) Advice for a quality manager on balancing compliance and operational efficiency (20:03) How long it takes to realize ISO 9001 certification (22:49) The order of operations (25:44) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Ridha on LinkedIn Integration of the Lean in ISO 9001 Integration of the Lean in Chemical Industry Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What are the upsides to combining lean and ISO? The downsides?

This week's guest is Ron Pereira. In this new years-themed episode, Ron explains why forming new habits is often more effective than keeping new resolutions, how to form those habits, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Why resolutions fail (3:20) Outcomes versus the process (4:51) Ron's habit of exercising (7:05) Creating standard work for habits (8:14) Lean and new habits (11:06) Define value (11:20) Start small (12:07) Measure your progress (14:22) Eliminate waste (15:15) Standardizing the approach (16:22) Sustaining these habits over time (17:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 261 | Building the Habit of Excellence with James Clear Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What are some new habits you'd like to form this year?

This week's guest is Brandon Bunn. Ron and Brandon discussed what it looks like to leverage lean and continuous improvement inside prison facilities, some of the obstacles that arise, and how other lean leaders can get involved. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Brandon (3:06) Brandon's background (4:06) Why he got into the prison industry (7:45) What a "Day in the Life" looks like (9:05) The improvements that are being done (12:13) Some of the obstacles (18:28) The role that motivation plays (26:02) Brandon's advice for those in similar situations (28:33) How lean leaders can get involved (30:45) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Brandon on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How else can lean be used to change lives in profound ways?

This week's guest is Beau Groover. Ron and Beau discussed people and process integration, lean leadership, Beau's "GSD" system, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Beau likes (2:52) His background (3:16) What people and process integration is (5:54) Why it's so important and why it's difficult (7:42) What it means to be vulnerable (10:16) Where we're "missing the mark" (14:10) Some practical tips (17:14) An example of improvement Beau has seen (23:46) Beau's final words of wisdom (27:29) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Beau's Website Beau on LinkedIn Building a Kick-Ass Culture: 20 Effective Steps Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What are some other challenges of people and process integration?

This week's guest is Steve Pereira. Ron and Steve discussed flow engineering, Steve's latest book, the relationship between value, clarity, and flow, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Steve likes (3:57) His background (5:29) About his book "Flow Engineering" (7:48) Defining flow engineering (10:28) The relationship between value, clarity, and flow (16:01) The role AI plays in flow (20:39) His favorite applications (25:03) The reception he's gotten on the book (27:44) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Flow Engineering GA 382 | Simplifying Value Stream Mapping with Steve Pereira Steve on LinkedIn Visible Flow Consulting Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What are your thoughts on the concept of flow engineering?

This week's guest is Matt White. Ron and Matt discussed problem solving, Matt's backgrounds in both manufacturing and healthcare, the importance of using the "language" of a company, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quotes Matt likes (3:22) His background (4:40) Why lean works in many different industries (8:41) Matt's thoughts on identifying problems in organizations (9:45) Using PDCA and A3 Reporting (14:06) How scientific thinking plays a role (15:09) Using the language of the company (16:43) Getting the right people involved (20:15) The leader's role in problem solving (27:19) Advice for getting leadership commitment (29:30) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Matt on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What's your approach to problem solving? What tools do you use?

This week's guest is Topaz Adizes. Ron and Topaz discussed Topaz's studio The Skin Deep, his film {The And}, and the conversation cards he created. Focused on the power of human connection, this interview will stay with you long after it's over. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that Topaz likes (3:30) His background (4:13) About his {The And} project (9:28) An example of the questions (11:27) The three conversations that are actually going on (18:17) The different types of decks they offer (20:02) Topaz's take on AI (24:25) What Topaz doesn't like about people (28:48) His final words of wisdom (30:44) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Topaz on LinkedIn Topaz's Website The Skin Deep 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships Prison Couldn't Keep Me From You Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How can you see yourself benefiting from using these thought provoking questions in your everyday life?

This week's guest is Gary Cihak. Ron and Gary discussed Gary's Six Sigma Green Belt project, what he learned from it, how he dealt with the resistance that followed, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Gary (3:21) About Gary and his background (3:52) How he was introduced to continuous improvement (4:29) The problem Gary was trying to solve with his Six Sigma Green Belt project (5:07) A project Ron worked on (8:23) What Gary did and learned from his project (9:03) The resistance he was met with (10:37) Tactics he used with frontline workers (11:45) Getting leadership buy-in (12:38) Navigating the transition from batch production to one-piece flow (13:23) What he learned about people (19:12) Advice to those at the beginning of their lean journeys (20:05) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Gary on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What did you do for your Six Sigma belt project?

This week's guest is Chad Bareither. Ron and Chad discussed lean transformations, the role leaders play in them, creating a sense of ownership, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Chad likes (2:44) Chad's background (7:15) What a successful lean transformation looks like (8:12) The role leaders play in the transformation (14:01) How we can ensure there are more long-term ongoing transformations (18:16) How we can help teams feel a sense of ownership (20:38) Putting people at ease (23:54) His final words of wisdom (31:40) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Chad on LinkedIn GA 498 | The Power of Improving Less with Chad Bareither Chad's Website "Improve Less" - Free Chapter "Improve Less" on Amazon Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does a successful lean transformation look like to you?

This week's guest is José Ferro. Ron and José discussed daily management, what it is, what the main obstacles involved are, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote José likes (3:39) His background (5:28) About his book Daily Management to Execute Strategy (9:45) What Daily Management is (11:39) Deciding if you're "winning" or "losing" (19:03) The main obstacles to daily management (23:49) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Interview with José Ferro and Robson Gouveia How to Create an Effective Daily Management System José on the Lean Enterprise Institute Site "Daily Management to Execute Strategy" Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does successful daily management look like to you?

This week's guest is Robin Hills. Ron and Robin discussed the importance of Emotional Intelligence, how it involves more than just our brains, assessing our own Emotional Intelligence, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  A quote Robin likes (4:38) About Robin (6:34) Defining emotional intelligence (9:03) The importance of humility (16:28) Making choices around emotions (19:37) Assessing emotional intelligence (22:39) Advice on using emotional intelligence at work (25:10) Seeking more positive emotions (27:40) How emotional intelligence will or will not evolve (29:08) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Robin on LinkedIn Our Emotional Intelligence Course Ei4Change Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does being emotionally intelligent mean to you?

This week's guest is Annette Johnston. Ron and Annette discussed project management, the role project managers play in decision making, what habits a good project manager should have, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Annette likes (3:02) Her background (4:47) What a technical project plan is (7:45) What we can do to keep a project on track (10:23) The role project managers play in go or no-go decision making (14:40) What makes a project with compliance different (17:41) Habits and behaviors a project manager should have (22:47) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Annette on LinkedIn Annette's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What makes a project manager a good project manager?

This week's guest is Bill Krolicki. Ron and Bill discussed data analytics, automation, the PDCA cycle, knowing if you're winning or losing, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Bill likes (3:25) His background (3:44) What data analytics means (4:55) A Pareto example (7:20) Working with machines and automation (10:36) Making issues visible (14:01) Measuring input well (18:44) Reducing administrative burden (20:27) Removing obstacles (22:03) Practical tips for managers (24:13) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Bill on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What data analytics tools do you use? Why those ones?

This week's guest is Grace Gavin. Ron and Grace discussed the importance of open and honest communication, what it means to truly listen, the obstacles that get in our way, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Grace likes (3:36) Her background (4:22) Accountability versus open and honest communication (7:10) What else Grace has observed (14:46) Fake You versus The Wall (17:33) The obstacles that get in our way (23:35) Communicating on social media and "keyboard warriors" (29:52) Knowing where you are and are not open and honest (33:58) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Know Honesty Know Honesty Assessment Know Honesty Book Grace on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does "knowing honesty" mean to you?

This week's guest is Garrett Delph. Ron and Garrett discussed Garrett's company Clarity Ops, his take on continuous improvement, what it means to be emotionally neutral, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Garrett's favorite quote (3:53) His background (4:23) How he uses continuous improvement (7:40) What Garrett looks at when he is assessing a client (8:50) How Garrett approaches the "people" side (12:53) Other indicators of areas that need improvement (18:03) What Garrett does when the market is the issue (19:50) Practical tips for becoming more efficient (22:20) What "emotionally neutral" means (27:18) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Clarity Ops Clarity Ops Blog Garrett on LinkedIn Garrett on Medium Nexa 360 Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you use a slightly less traditional version of continuous improvement that isn't lean or Six Sigma?

This week's guest is April Bell. Ron and April discussed how Jack Henry uses Toyota Kata, the power of making predictions, managing remote teams, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote April likes (3:17) Her background (4:45) About Jack Henry (6:46) Their continuous improvement journey (7:31) The concept of "first coach second coach" (11:29) What a learner is working on (14:30) Managing coaching sessions for a remote team (18:52) The change management side (20:12) Practical tips for getting started with scientific thinking/Toyota Kata (22:51) April's parting advice (31:26) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 April on LinkedIn GA 522 | Continuous Improvement at Jack Henry with April Bell Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you use Toyota Kata and/or scientific thinking? If you work remotely, what does that look like for you?

This week's guest is Dhana Hanumayya. Ron and Dhana discussed how Dhana uses continuous improvement and quality controls at home, the cause and effect matrix, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Dhana likes (2:43) What Dhana is up to (4:54) What it's like having John Knotts as a coach (7:29) Using quality tools in her daily life (8:09) About the cause and effect matrix (18:08) The first thing Dhana tried (20:05) Advice for being successful using these tools (23:20) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Dhana on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you use continuous improvement or quality controls at home?

This week's guest is Gregg Miner. Ron and Gregg discussed the difference between "doing" lean and "using" lean, how this applies to leaders, the true definition of lean, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Greg (2:23) His background (5:07) What it means to "do" lean (6:28) What lean is (8:54) Why people fall into the trap of "doing" lean (10:13) Why it's so important for leaders to know the difference (13:10) How to "use" lean (19:06) Why lean is more operationally focused (22:52) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Gregg on LinkedIn GA 416 | JELD-WEN's Lean Journey with Gregg Miner Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? In your opinion, what's the difference between "doing" lean and "using" lean?

This week's guest is Alfonso Aramburo. Ron and Alfonso discussed Alfonso's experiences with turnarounds, leadership styles, balancing financial restructuring and operational excellence, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that Alfonso likes (3:22) His background (4:20) How he helps organizations turn things around (7:34) What his role was (13:56) Balancing financial restructuring with operation excellence (14:26) The role that lean can and can't play in turnarounds (18:07) What Alfonso has seen from leaders (20:32) What he would change about his career and what he's proud of (23:40) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Alfonso on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you witnessed or experienced an organization execute a turnaround? Describe it.

This week's guest is Fabrice Desmarescaux. Ron and Fabrice discussed Fabrice's journey towards professional fulfillment and how he helps others find purpose in their life's work. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quotes Fabrice likes (4:32) His background (6:04) How Fabrice discovered he felt unfulfilled (9:27) What's contributing to this crisis (13:21) Encouraging others to tap into their purpose (16:58) Finding value and fulfillment (22:04) About his book The Art of Retreats (27:05) Embracing silence (29:50) Being kind to yourself (34:56) Being patient with the transformation (36:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Fabrice on LinkedIn The Art of Retreats Drive by Daniel Pink Fabrice's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you find purpose in your work?

This week's guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen, a Senior Lean and Six Sigma Coach at Gemba Academy, discussed the definitions of flow efficiency and resource efficiency, what differentiates them, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Alen's favorite quote (2:29) His background (4:02) What Alen means by "flow" (6:46) The definition of Flow Efficiency and Resource Efficiency (9:24) A paint booth example (16:17) The key things that differentiate Flow Efficiency and Resource Efficiency (19:30) Advice for someone who is just getting started (26:09) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Alen on LinkedIn GA 067 | Lean Dentistry with Dr. Sami Bahri, DDS GA 521 | Celebrating Quick Wins with Alen Ganic Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Which one should be prioritized, flow efficiency or resource efficiency?

  This week's guest is Adam Lawrence. Ron and Adam discussed the Wheel of Sustainability, how it plays into a kaizen event, and how improv can also be a powerful tool in a rapid improvement context. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  His favorite quote (3:45) His background (5:35) The Wheel of Sustainability (6:11) The intention behind the placement (11:39) Whether some are more important than others (12:36) How the Wheel of Sustainability plays into a rapid improvement event (15:20) Using improv during these events (17:10) The future of the lean and continuous improvement movement (27:37) Some upcoming conferences Adam will be speaking at (29:46) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Wheel of Sustainability PDF The Wheel of Sustainability on Amazon Adam's Past Gemba Academy Episodes Adam on LinkedIn Adam's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What is your initial reaction to the idea of improv being used in a kaizen event?

This week's guest is Ron Crabtree. The two Rons discussed the concept of digital transformation, or digitization, including what it entails, how to navigate these transformations, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Ron likes (2:54) His background (3:22) What a digital transformation or "digitization" means (7:47) An anecdote about a decal manufacturer (11:31) Ron's thoughts on where to start (13:15) The three things to think about first (20:14) His parting thoughts (24:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Gemba Academy Live Events Ron on LinkedIn MetaExperts MetaPod Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does digitization look like to you?

This week's guest is Ron Pereira. Ron introduced the Gemba Academy School of Leadership and shared the audio from some of this exciting new content. Be sure to check the show notes to watch the video versions. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Change Management (1:49) Leading Teams (7:58) Adaptive Leadership (14:57) Facilitation (21:15) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 What Is Change Management? What Is a High-Performance Team? Getting Started with Adaptive Leadership  What Is Facilitation? Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Which of these four leadership concepts resonates with you the most?

This week's guest is Chris Fuzie. Ron and Chris discussed Chris's books, liminal space, tessellation, leadership, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Chris likes (3:22) His background (4:23) About liminal space and leadership (12:08) Optimizing the liminal space (14:07) Giving and receiving feedback (17:29) Chris's insights on how leadership is evolving (18:30) About tessellation and leadership behaviors (23:07) Why it makes companies more efficient (32:14) How Chris thinks liminal space and tessellation work together (34:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Chris's Website Because...Why?: Understanding Behavior in Exigencies S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling: Save the Relationship, Change the Behavior Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership Chris on LinkedIn Chris on X Chris on Facebook Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you heard of liminal space and tessellation before? In what context?

This week's guest is Jacob Stoller. Ron and Jacob discussed Jacob's upcoming book, "Productivity Reimagined," what it means to be productive, what productivity looks like in different industries, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Jacob's favorite quote (1:58) Jacob's background (3:30) Why he wrote "Productivity Reimagined" (5:48) His angle on productivity (8:48) Some of the "ah-ha" moments (10:05) Tips for those who don't produce widgets (13:09) Jacob's advice (22:27) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jacob on LinkedIn Jacob's Website Pre-Order "Productivity Reimagined" on Amazon Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does productivity look like to you?

This week's guest is Nina Sossamon-Pogue. Ron and Nina discussed Nina's gymnastic career, focusing on the process vs. successes, values like discipline, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Nina likes (2:46) Her background (3:11) About her gymnastics career (6:02) Whether or not she regrets the sacrifices she made (8:38) How she started thinking about life outside gymnastics (11:38) About the "high achievers success cycle" (16:05) Focusing on the process vs. the success cycle (20:42) Perseverance vs. discipline (26:33) About the "highs" (29:09) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Nina on LinkedIn Nina on Instagram Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Can you relate to the High Achievers Success Cycle?

This week's guest is Gary Cihak. Ron and Gary discussed what it takes to build a Lean and Six Sigma program, the Job Instruction component of TWI, why 5S isn't just a series of chores, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Gary likes (2:20) His background and what he's up to these days (3:04) The early phases and building blocks (5:27) His experience with the Job Instruction component of TWI (6:06) Viewing 5S as more than just a chore (8:18) What Gary is most proud of (13:16) Practical tips for someone new to continuous improvement (15:29) When Gary first "saw the light" (17:11) Advice for when continuous improvement feels like a grind (18:16) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Northern Illinois Food Bank Gary on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What has your experience been with either building or participating in a new Lean and/or Six Sigma initiative?

This week's guest is Jessper Maquindang. Ron and Jessper discussed in-person, hybrid, and remote workplaces, how those choices affect company culture, what "belonging" means, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Jessper likes (3:16) His background (4:07) What influenced him to become a leader (5:52) His approach to personality assessments (7:14) What Jessper has seen as far as remote vs. hybrid working (11:43) Building a company culture remotely (13:54) How leaders are changing (16:29) What a "sense of belonging" means (18:17) Balancing the reality of for-profit business with finding your purpose (23:33) Why change is difficult to implement (25:02) Discovering and seeing the benefits (29:49) An inspiring mathematical equation (30:51) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jessper on LinkedIn Jessper's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? In your opinion, how does having a remote team affect company culture?

This week's guest is Evan Unger. Ron and Evan discussed what often goes wrong in meetings, especially high-stakes meetings, as well as practical tips for making meetings successful. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Evan likes (2:03) His background (2:39) What Evan sees is going wrong with meetings (6:52) Knowing your "Why?" (9:50) The role of facilitation skills (10:34) The role of the personality of the leader (12:30) Examples of organizations that do it well (13:51) Practical tips for getting better (15:23) Advice for practitioners (18:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Evan on LinkedIn Evan on Schwartz + Associates Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What is your take on meetings? What makes them successful?

This week's guest is Ricky Shoop. Ron and Ricky discussed the concept of magnanimity, what it means to be a magnanimous leader, examples of magnanimous historical figures, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Ricky likes (3:01) His background and goals (4:20) What magnanimity is (6:07) How it relates to harmony, integrity, etc (9:40) An example of someone demonstrating magnanimity (13:54) What it means to be winsome (16:35) How to culture a mindset of magnanimity when things are hard (18:44) Whether a business can be magnanimous (26:11) Humility and magnanimity (32:57) Examples of magnanimous historical figures (36:05) Final words of wisdom (41:45) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Lumin Counseling Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does being magnanimous look like to you?

This week's guest is Malti Bhojwani. Ron and Malti discussed personal and professional transformations, different types of motivation, the importance of having a good work/life balance, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Malti likes (4:19) Her background (7:48) Her takes on personal transformation (10:30) Intrinsic vs. external motivation (13:12) Another quote Malti likes (16:04) KPIs vs. KPAs (18:02) Examples of personal growth leading to organizational impact (18:52) Handling behavior you can't accept (22:16) Other insights Malti has gained from her consulting work (23:47) What happens when you "inherit" a team (27:47) The importance of work/life balance (30:14) Malti's parting thoughts (34:17) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Malti's Website Malti on LinkedIn Malti on YouTube Malti on Amazon Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you witnessed someone's personal growth impact an entire organization? How so?

This week's guest is Chad Senkowski. Ron and Chad discussed martial arts, Chad's podcast The Journey, coaching, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that Chad likes (2:26) His background (3:21) How martial arts relates to continuous improvement (4:51) Why he started a podcast (6:11) The angle of the podcast (8:16) The guests that have impacted him the most (11:02) Why his passion is hands on training and coaching (16:00) His advice for those just getting started (16:28) His routine (17:57) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Chad on LinkedIn Ron's Episode on The Journey Motivate Multimedia on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Where else can you draw parallels with continuous improvement?

This week's guest is Clint West. Ron and Clint discussed MacDonald & Owen's lean journey, the state of lean in the lumber industry, navigating biases, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Clint likes (4:57) How he sees bias as an obstacle (6:43) His background (8:34) The progression of his career (11:44) What Clint feels he has done well and not done well (13:25) What Clint is trying to improve (17:49) The benefits of lean at MacDonald & Owen (20:34) The state of lean in their industry (22:18) The hardest part of his job as CEO (25:20) His advice for those at the beginning of their careers (30:26) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 MacDonald & Owen's Website GA 514 | Turning the Tables on Ron with Clint West Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you navigate biases at your organization?

This week's guest is Ahmed Radwan. Ron and Ahmed discussed engagement, what it means to build a "lighthouse," sustaining kaizen efforts, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Ahmed's favorite quote (2:25) His background (3:28) The challenges he's faced (8:15) How to sustain kaizen efforts (13:52) Keeping people engaged (15:03) Building a "lighthouse" (19:30) How lean has impacted Ahmed personally (20:13) His struggle with humility (24:32) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Ahmed on LinkedIn Kaizen Made Easy on YouTube Kaizen Made Easy on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you keep people engaged in your kaizen efforts?