Lean By Design

Send us a textHave you ever noticed the gap between where your organization is and where it needs to be widening every day—especially when workflows are undefined or changing?In this episode of Lean by Design, we sit down with Liam O'Neill of BPM‑D to tackle the big question: do you invest in building process capabilities internally or lean on outside consultants? We'll walk you through evaluating your readiness, embedding process ownership in leadership, and starting with a real business challenge so you can create sustainable, scalable process excellence rather than just putting out fires. Learn more about BPMD at https://bpm-d.com/Connect with Liam at https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-oneill/Ready to assess your organization's efficiency? Connect with us at leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com to uncover high-impact improvement opportunities.

Send us a textHave you ever watched a rowing team give it their all only to spin in circles? That's exactly how we feel when our teams pour in effort without clear roles and responsibilities.In this episode of Lean by Design, we explore how vague decision‐making and overlapping tasks quietly drain momentum, leading to missed deadlines and frustrated teams. We'll share how defining ownership, fostering psychological safety, and using simple digital tools can align everyone's efforts so your boat actually moves forward.Join us to learn how clarity of roles can transform your team's productivity and make the journey more rewarding for everyone.Ready to assess your organization's efficiency? Connect with us at leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com to uncover high-impact improvement opportunities.

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore how small, intentional improvements—not sweeping changes—drive real progress in biopharma operations. The discussion highlights a common challenge: the disconnect between strategy and execution, often due to underutilized middle management.You'll learn a simple framework for creating meaningful change: start within your sphere of influence, map key inputs and outputs, and implement solutions that reduce effort while increasing visibility. Small wins in project management can build momentum, leading to better accountability, decision-making, and resource allocation.The conversation also covers the importance of tools and training—many organizations have powerful software but lack the support to maximize its potential. The takeaway? Improve your own workflows first to build credibility before driving broader change.Ready to assess your organization's efficiency? Connect with us at leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com to uncover high-impact improvement opportunities.

Send us a textUnlock the potential of Smartsheet for the biopharma industry with strategies that can transform project management. Can a minimalist approach to Smartsheet integration enhance team efficiency and adaptability? In this final part of our series on change management, we explore practical insights drawn from thousands of workflows designed to empower R&D and clinical operations with tailored, compliant solutions.This episode dives deep into overcoming the unique challenges of adopting Smartsheet in complex, regulated environments while ensuring team buy-in. Discover how starting with simplicity and scaling intelligently can future-proof your Smartsheet setup, helping your organization adapt as projects evolve and priorities shift. We'll explore how to create flexible structures that support growth without burdening teams, focusing on capturing essential data from day one.From foundational steps like project naming and task descriptions to advanced Smartsheet automation, this episode equips you with knowledge to build systems that are both sustainable and adaptable, ready to meet the long-term demands of the biopharma landscape. For more insights and to assess your organization's excellence, check out our tailored scorecards: 1. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard Evaluate your R&D processes and uncover opportunities for improvement. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard 2. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard Measure your clinical operations' effectiveness and identify growth areas. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard 3. Facility Readiness Scorecard Assess your facility's readiness and discover strategic insights. Facility Readiness Scorecard 4. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Optimize your maintenance processes for peak efficiency. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Find all our links here! https://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsulting Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content?Or maybe you have an idea and want to be on our show. Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

Send us a textIs it possible to build a culture of accountability without slipping into micromanagement? In this episode of Lean by Design, we dig into strategies for fostering responsibility and efficiency in high-stakes environments like biopharma. Explore how tools like Smartsheet can shift team dynamics from routine updates to meaningful, strategic conversations that drive real progress.We'll unpack practical steps for assigning tasks, setting clear expectations, and helping team members understand the broader impact of their contributions on complex projects. Automation is more than just a way to save time—it's about empowering teams. Learn how Smartsheet's automations can streamline workflows, cut down on manual tasks, and improve visibility across projects, making precision and timely execution the new norm in R&D.Whether you're in middle management or at the VP level, this episode offers actionable insights to transform team communication and productivity. Tune in to see how intentionality and efficiency can reshape work culture and lead to remarkable outcomes. For more insights and to assess your organization's excellence, check out our tailored scorecards: 1. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard Evaluate your R&D processes and uncover opportunities for improvement. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard 2. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard Measure your clinical operations' effectiveness and identify growth areas. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard 3. Facility Readiness Scorecard Assess your facility's readiness and discover strategic insights. Facility Readiness Scorecard 4. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Optimize your maintenance processes for peak efficiency. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Find all our links here! https://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsulting Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content?Or maybe you have an idea and want to be on our show. Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

Send us a textStruggling to secure team buy-in for Smartsheet adoption in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment? In this episode of Lean by Design, we explore the strategies that drive effective implementation in the intricate world of biopharma, where workflows are complex and evolving. Discover actionable insights to streamline processes, boost data transparency, and reduce administrative burdens, allowing teams to focus on what truly matters.This episode delves into the steps needed to build a Smartsheet setup that scales and continues delivering value. With experience across more than 10,000 tailored workflows, the discussion highlights practical strategies that extend beyond Smartsheet and can be applied to other software and hardware solutions in any organization. The focus is on fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency, ensuring that projects remain aligned with organizational growth. Tune in to uncover the transformative potential of Smartsheet and how it can drive meaningful improvements in daily operations within biopharma. For more insights and to assess your organization's excellence, check out our tailored scorecards: 1. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard Evaluate your R&D processes and uncover opportunities for improvement. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard 2. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard Measure your clinical operations' effectiveness and identify growth areas. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard 3. Facility Readiness Scorecard Assess your facility's readiness and discover strategic insights. Facility Readiness Scorecard 4. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Optimize your maintenance processes for peak efficiency. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Find all our links here! https://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsulting Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content?Or maybe you have an idea and want to be on our show. Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

Send us a textIn this episode of Lean by Design, we're joined by Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink, to unpack a counterintuitive truth: complexity is innovation's worst enemy. From her days in advertising to her role as a simplicity guru in biopharma, Lisa shares a journey fueled by one mission—cutting through the noise to make work... actually work.Together, we get real about the meeting marathons, inbox floods, and busyness obsession that cloud judgment and strangle creativity. Lisa doesn't just talk big ideas—she's here with tools and strategies, inspired by a "Marie Kondo" for the workplace approach, focusing on "killing stupid rules" and decluttering processes to create real impact and boost morale. It's about balancing people, process, and technology to make every minute matter and every task count.And if you're leading a team or growing a new company, here's where it gets practical. Lisa shares her "You Me We" method to help leaders ditch ambiguity, clarify roles, and clear the path for true innovation. It's time to go beyond the ping-pong tables and snack bars, finding purpose in work that drives the team forward.Find out more about Lisa and Future Think:FutureThink https://www.futurethink.com/ Lisa Bodell (Linkedin) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-bodell-futurethink/ Why Simple Wins (Amazon) https://a.co/d/dN6BEw3 Kill the Company (Amazon) https://a.co/d/hunKBjU  For more insights and to assess your organization's excellence, check out our tailored scorecards: 1. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard Evaluate your R&D processes and uncover opportunities for improvement. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard 2. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard Measure your clinical operations' effectiveness and identify growth areas. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard 3. Facility Readiness Scorecard Assess your facility's readiness and discover strategic insights. Facility Readiness Scorecard 4. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Optimize your maintenance processes for peak efficiency. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Find all our links here! https://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsulting Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content?Or maybe you have an idea and want to be on our show. Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how continuous improvement can propel your organization's growth to new heights? In this episode of Lean by Design, host Oscar Gonzalez delves into innovative strategies drawn from recent projects. Discover how you can transform data into meaningful metrics that drive success and ensure everyone is aligned with clear, visible guidelines.Explore actionable tips for leveraging comprehensive checklists and team guidance to enhance workflow efficiency. Learn how making data-driven decisions can propel your organization forward and optimize team structures. By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, we show you how to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.Additionally, we discuss a significant miss in roles and responsibilities—aligning responsibilities with documents, reports, and other critical project tasks rather than defining roles with broadly sweeping, generic definitions. Gain clear guidance on the responsibilities for deliverables across a project to ensure accountability and clarity.Whether you're involved in project management, finance, or governance, this episode provides actionable insights to support your teams and ensure your organization runs smoothly and effectively.Tune in to Lean by Design for these valuable insights in the second part of our essential two-episode series! For more insights and to assess your organization's excellence, check out our tailored scorecards: 1. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard Evaluate your R&D processes and uncover opportunities for improvement. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard 2. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard Measure your clinical operations' effectiveness and identify growth areas. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard 3. Facility Readiness Scorecard Assess your facility's readiness and discover strategic insights. Facility Readiness Scorecard 4. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Optimize your maintenance processes for peak efficiency. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Find all our links here! https://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsulting Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content?Or maybe you have an idea and want to be on our show. Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how to supercharge your company's operations without expanding your team? In this episode of Lean by Design, host Oscar Gonzalez reveals innovative strategies from a recent project with a dynamic 100-person company. Discover how you can enhance workflow efficiency by reimagining and optimizing your existing data and documentation.Explore actionable tips for transforming digital assets like PowerPoint slides and governance documents into powerful tools that drive operational excellence. Learn how a human-centered design approach can break down departmental silos and create processes that benefit the entire organization. By engaging stakeholders across various departments, we show you how to streamline and implement impactful changes.Additionally, get introduced to our new assessments tailored for R&D, clinical operations, facility readiness, and manufacturing excellence. These assessments are crafted to elevate efficiency within the biopharma sector. Tune in for these valuable insights in the first part of our essential two-episode series! For more insights and to assess your organization's excellence, check out our tailored scorecards: 1. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard Evaluate your R&D processes and uncover opportunities for improvement. R&D Operational Excellence Scorecard 2. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard Measure your clinical operations' effectiveness and identify growth areas. Clinical Operations Operational Excellence Scorecard 3. Facility Readiness Scorecard Assess your facility's readiness and discover strategic insights. Facility Readiness Scorecard 4. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Optimize your maintenance processes for peak efficiency. Maintenance Efficiency Scorecard Find all our links here! https://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsulting Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content?Or maybe you have an idea and want to be on our show. Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

-Effective Project Portfolio Management Strategies-Challenges and Opportunities in PPM Tools-Implementing Technology in Organizational Processes-Effective Deployment of PPM ToolsIDC White Paper: The Power of Next-Gen Project and Portfolio Managementhttps://www.smartsheet.com/inside-smartsheet/research/IDC-project-portfolio-management-whitepaperThank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab Consulting. Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

- Unpacks insights from ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference- Focuses on sustainability and digital evolution in pharma- Next-gen facilities are efficient and eco-friendly- Shift to interconnected data systems revolutionizes research- Tools like Benchling streamline data and asset management- Networking fosters collaboration and innovation- Personal anecdotes highlight importance of authentic interactions- Emphasizes connections shaping industry's futureThank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab Consulting. Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

- Unexpected team bonding and strategic planning during a snowed-in off-site retreat at Sigma Lab Consulting- Reflecting on past year's successes and future opportunities- Team cohesion and unique problem-solving approach leading to repeat engagements with diverse clients- Integrating Lean Six Sigma with deep industry knowledge for success in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical consulting- The importance of relationship building and personal connections in niche consulting- Balancing AI with the human touch in streamlining processes- Teasing upcoming challenging projects- Aligning team goals with the overarching mission for 2024- Personal growth and goal alignment anecdotes- Comparing cultural upbringings (Latino and Asian traditions)- Strategies for setting and achieving realistic goals- Excitement about networking and learning opportunities at industry events hosted by Sigma Lab ConsultingThank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab Consulting.Want our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

- Boost R&D team efficiency through collaboration and accountability- Address inefficiencies in most R&D projects- Cultivate a successful life sciences workplace culture- Refine data for actionable insights and shared ownership- Align project goals with corporate objectives- Optimize equipment scheduling for lab efficiency- Balance detailed monitoring with key metrics- Promote teamwork, real-time communication, and delay prevention- Streamline project management- Foster accountability, leadership, and process improvement for innovation.Thank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab ConsultingWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

- Highlight the critical importance of a robust asset management strategy.- Discuss maintenance scheduling, coordination, and the power of clear communication.- Emphasize post-service rituals to ensure optimal equipment performance.- Share personal experiences and lessons learned from overlooked maintenance.- Advocate for dialogue among technicians, scientists, and coordinators.- Dive deep into mastering equipment maintenance for lab resilience and efficiency.Thank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab ConsultingWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

- Discover actionable strategies for success, including data-driven decisions and effective communication.- Learn why operational excellence involves refining resources, not just adding them.- Unlock the power of performance metrics and turning concerns into quantifiable data.- Explore making lasting workflow adjustments and the value of reeducation over punishment.- Celebrate the unsung heroes of process improvement and their impact on corporate goals.- Foster a culture of innovation and efficiency through open communication and collaboration.- Join the journey to becoming lean by design with us.http://tiny.cc/PostItThank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab ConsultingWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

- Uncover the potential of inventory management for business success.- Dive into laboratory inventory and budget management intricacies.- Learn the art of categorizing items in databases and tracking consumable usage.- Explore unique inventory challenges in manufacturing, including traceability and equipment reliability.- Discover smarter solutions reshaping inventory management, from technology integration to proactive planning.- Transform your operations with effective inventory management skills, tools, and communication.- Prepare to revolutionize your approach to inventory management for guaranteed results.http://tiny.cc/InventoryOpsFailureThank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab ConsultingWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

- Explore challenges and the fast-paced nature of R&D.- Discuss the merits and demerits of the waterfall approach.- Offer tips for maintaining momentum in short task sprints.- Provide insights on optimizing R&D timelines.- Highlight the importance of clear timeline structure and adaptability.- Share practical strategies for managing R&D timelines and vendor onboarding.- Equip listeners with tools for effective planning and communication in Lean by Design.http://tiny.cc/sigmavideoThank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab ConsultingWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

- Explore a year in the life of Sigma Lab Consulting.- Share the rollercoaster journey, trials, triumphs, and memorable moments with clients.- Spotlight on work-life balance and the world of consulting.- Discuss the art of simplification, process optimization, and creative problem-solving.- Highlight the importance of building trust, balancing promises, and expertise in process improvement and cost savings.- Emphasize mental health and success routines in the consulting business.- Learn from financial choices, risk management, and work-from-home routines.- Explore the role of trust and communication in teamwork success.Thank you to our sponsor, Sigma Lab ConsultingWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

What happens when an equity firm wants to add to their portfolio? Only the asset is not quite polished for purchase? In this episode we connect with Jon Holden, Private Equity Management Consultant. Jon walks us through various examples of how private equity firms launch teams into organizations in an effort to improve processes and quality of the assets. We learn from Jon how to best approach the situation, especially when the employees may feel threatened due to change. He walks us through how to integrates himself into the organizations so that employees understand the benefit, and pull him in as a member of the team.Connect with Jon to learn more!https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-holden-64584890/Thank you to our episode sponsors!Lauren Perna Communicationshttp://www.laurenperna.comSigma Lab Consultinghttps://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsultingIf you are interested in sponsoring an episode or being a guest on our show, drop us a note!leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.comWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

In this episode, we connect with Ryan Dunlap, Founder & Chief Conflict Officer of Conflictish, a conflict strategy firm dedicated to helping leaders improve how they lead themselves and others through conflict. Conflict takes many forms, in the workplace, at home, it can be intrapersonal or interpersonal. So how do we navigate conflict to begin with? Ryan takes us through a few conflict scenarios, including a life or death scenario. He provides incredible insights in what drives us and what external and internal factors can lead to workplace conflict. How do our workplace experiences warp our view of colleagues and collaborators? What causes us to label coworkers as "hard to work with" when the process is at fault? Find answers to this and more in episode 6.Connect with Ryan across the web and social media.https://www.conflictish.com/Youtube Channelhttps://www.instagram.com/conflictish/LinkedInTikTok-ConflictishThank you to our episode sponsors!Lauren Perna Communicationshttp://www.laurenperna.comSigma Lab Consultinghttps://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsultingIf you are interested in sponsoring an episode or being a guest on our show, drop us a note!leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.comWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

Episode 5 explores the world of automations. Have you found yourself in a position where mundane tasks seem to take too much time to perform? The copy+paste function is alive and well in 2023. In this episode, we hear from Dan Luu, Senior Data Engineering Consultant on why integrating automations in our day to day can help drive organizational success and allow for more time to work on impactful initiatives. Come along as we discuss scenarios and give tips on where listeners can bring automations into their workflows. "When should you start automating your standard assays?" -By Dan Luuhttps://arrayo.medium.com/when-should-you-start-automating-your-standard-assays-948d205ed1a Thank you to our episode sponsorsLauren Perna Communicationshttp://www.laurenperna.comSigma Lab Consultinghttps://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsultingIf you are interested in sponsoring an episode or being a guest on our show, drop us a note!leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.comWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

In this episode, Oscar Gonzalez gives us a review of Outsourcing Clinical Trials New England 2022 and his fireside chat titled: "Wearables, ePRO, eConsent, Big Data: Are We Prepared for the Digital Transformation?"Oscar gives us insights into:1) Ensuring success of digital transformations2) Implementing new technologies with companies that embody the status quo3) Where the responsibility lies for delivering efficienciesThank you to our episode sponsorsLauren Perna Communicationshttp://www.laurenperna.comSigma Lab Consultinghttps://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsultingIf you are interested in sponsoring an episode or being a guest on our show, drop us a note!leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.comWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

In this episode, we welcome our first podcast guest Lauren Perna, CEO & Head Writer for Lauren Perna Communications. Lauren is also the founder of Mentally Fit Founder to bring awareness to mental health, speaking on her own challenges over the years. We touch on her transition into the life sciences industry and how that spearheaded her decision to start her own communications firm to help the life science community tell their story. Listen in to find out best practices for attracting people to your organization through words, in just 5 seconds.Thank you to our episode sponsorsLauren Perna Communications http://www.laurenperna.comSigma Lab Consultinghttps://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsultingIf you are interested in sponsoring an episode or being a guest on our show, drop us a note!leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.comWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

In this episode, we get up close and personal with Sigma Lab Consulting co-founder and Lean by Design co-host, Lawrence Wong.  We dig into early beginnings in New York, his choice of engineering in undergrad, and early thoughts when working through the development of Sigma Lab Consulting. Thank you to our episode SponsorsLauren Perna Communicationshttps://www.laurenperna.com/Sigma Lab Consultinghttps://linktr.ee/sigmalabconsultingWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com

In our inaugural podcast episode, we get up close and personal with Oscar Gonzalez, co-host of the Lean By Design podcast and  CEO of Sigma Lab Consulting. We dig into the early beginnings, early influences, and how Sigma Lab Consulting came to be, with a few lessons learned in between. Oscar provides background to the importance of change in organizations when building efficiencies and highlights key questions to consider when communicating with your clients, team, and yourself to ensure you are solving the RIGHT problem.This week's sponsors:-Lauren Perna Communications https://www.laurenperna.com/ -Sigma Lab Consulting https://www.sigmalabconsulting.comWant our thoughts on a specific topic? Looking to sponsor this podcast to continue to generate content? Reach out to leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com