Podcasts about continuous improvement

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Jason Jackson discuss the concept of the Silicon Prairie and its growing tech innovation. Jason shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of agility, self-awareness, and continuous improvement. They highlight the success of Nebraska's Center of Operational Excellence (COE) in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, which helped the state navigate the pandemic effectively.About the Guest:Jason Jackson is a Marine Corps veteran and Chief Human Resources Officer for the State of Nebraska. Known for blending Midwestern grit, military discipline, and a passion for public service, Jason drives government transformation through Lean principles and servant leadership.With experience in both public and private sectors, he champions simplicity, hard work, and continuous improvement. From optimizing HR systems to streamlining services, Jason proves that innovation and compassion can thrive in the heartland.Links:Click Here For Jason Jackson's LinkedIn

What does it take to embed improvement into the fabric of a global organisation?Anu Kalia, Global Process Excellence Lead at Tesco, shares how a long-term commitment to Continuous Improvement is delivering impact at scale, earning them the 2025 BQF Award for Excellence in CI Culture (Service).From onboarding and talent attraction to leadership behaviours and daily huddles, Anu explains how Tesco's CI culture has evolved over seven years, and why it's far more than a series of projects.You'll hear how the team has generated over 15,000 ideas, the strategic shifts that kept momentum high, and how performance boards, process mining, and AI are shaping the next chapter. Anu also shares his ambition to build Tesco's best-in-class in-house consultancy, and the role of senior leaders in making improvement a non-negotiable.Whether you're starting your CI leadership journey or scaling across a complex organisation, this episode offers real-world insights on sustaining improvement culture in every corner of the business.Listen now to hear how everyday excellence is being brought to life at Tesco.PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT IN AN AI-DRIVEN WORLD.Save the Date. 17th March 2026.The Goals to Results Conference is back, and it's grounded in the challenges you're experiencing and the opportunities you're facing as you lead change, transformation, and continuous improvement.>>> Join Priority Booking List

On today's Legally Speaking Podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Jonathan Keen.Jonathan is the Senior Director of Legal, International at Figma, a leading collaborative design tool for building meaningful products. With over 12 years of experience as an in-house lawyer for high-growth businesses, he provides legal advice on strategic initiatives.He is also a Member of the Global Legal and International Leadership Teams at Figma. Jonathan has been recognised in the Lawyer Hot 100, Legal Business GC Powerlist and the British Legal Awards. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Jonathan discussing:- Jonathan Moving from Private Practice to In-House Legal Roles- Figma's International Growth and Success- Legal Team Empowerment and Motivation- The Importance of Continuous Improvement in Tech Company Culture- Career Advice and Key Recommendations from JonathanConnect with Jonathan here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-keen-6748a9143/

Customers seem to have a greater understanding of metrology these days. This is good news for the industry, and for the Coordinate Metrology Society. We spoke with Justin Novak about the trends he's seen in his 20 years in the field. Justin is the current chair of the executive committee of the Coordinate Metrology Society as well as also the manager for Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Training for the Metrology group at Newport News Shipbuilding.

In this episode of the AZREIA Show, host Marcus Maloney and co-host Mike Del Prete welcome seasoned investor and educator Stuart Gethner. They discuss the foundational role Stuart has played in their real estate careers, his extensive background, and his journey in real estate investing, including his work in property management and out-of-state investments. They also emphasize the importance of mentorship, partnerships, and continuous learning for real estate success. Stuart also shares upcoming educational initiatives at AZREIA, aimed at equipping members with practical knowledge and resources. The episode underscores the value of community, collaboration, and lifelong learning in real estate. Key Takeaways: 01:03 Introducing Stuart Gethner 01:41 Marcus' Journey with AZREIA 03:23 Stuart's Real Estate Education 04:45 The Value of AZREIA's Education 05:11 Stuart's Real Estate Ventures 09:32 Out-of-State Investing Insights 11:14 The Importance of Partnerships 16:28 The Importance of Vetting Partnerships 17:28 The Value of Mentorship and Coaching 18:42 Continuous Improvement in Business 19:16 The Power of Different Perspectives 20:36 Building Long-Term Relationships in Real Estate 23:16 The Abundance Mindset in Real Estate 23:46 Current Projects and Future Plans       ------     The Arizona Real Estate Investors Association provides its members the education, market information, support, and networking opportunities that will further the member's ability to successfully invest in #realestate  Join AZREIA here: https://azreia.org/join Is a Career in Real Estate Right For You? Take AZREIA's Real Estate Investing Entrepreneurial Self-Assessment at

The blog postManufacturers in the automotive sector face significant pressures today, from rising material costs and supply chain disruptions to the demand for faster production times and stricter regulatory requirements. Achieving continuous quality improvement (CQI) remains critical, as it not only enhances product consistency and drives compliance but also helps manufacturers stay competitive in a market that is constantly evolving.Fortunately, continuous improvement has a long history in automotive manufacturing. Many of the tools and techniques widely used by organizations worldwide were explicitly developed to ensure the quality and efficiency of automotive manufacturing. Toyota was a pioneer of many of the CQI approaches used today. Whether you are using language like CQI, TQM, Lean, TPS, or Lean Six Sigma, these approaches described below still apply.As you might imagine, the benefits of a successful continuous improvement program are significant, including...

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Kara Gilbert, a seasoned executive coach with extensive experience in Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups. Kara shares her insights on the key themes and strategies that emerge during her coaching sessions with high-achieving executives. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals, the power of conscious leadership, and the pivotal role of feedback and accountability in fostering growth. The discussion also touches on the challenges of first-time managers, the value of active listening, and the personal habits that contribute to success. Kara's unique background and approach to coaching offer invaluable lessons for leaders aiming to navigate complex environments and achieve next-level performance.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Kara Gilbert:https://www.linkedin.com/in/karagilbert/Watch Force Management's Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4Z0Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:02:22] The Personal Nature of Coaching[00:04:31] Challenges and Themes in Executive Coaching[00:09:14] The Importance of Listening in Leadership[00:12:21] Self-Reflection and Managerial Growth[00:16:07] Balancing Protect and Serve as a Leader[00:25:03] Feedback and Continuous Improvement[00:34:05] Coaching Through Social Anxiety[00:34:45] The Importance of Being Interested[00:36:14] Balancing Leadership and Personal Well-being[00:37:00] Creating Good Habits and Living by Value[00:39:24] The Challenge of Maintaining Balance[00:41:13] Personal Inventory and Self-awareness[00:50:49] The Power of Accountability in Coaching[00:56:09] Engaging with a Professional CoachHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:02:59] "The thing about coaching is it's so personal... I think coaching's actually an accelerant to growth and to opportunity."[00:03:27] "People, when they pause can be really thoughtful and break through things that they just haven't had time to think about.[00:05:44] "The most elite people on the planet, the most effective people, the happiest people... they know their story and they've owned their story."[00:15:11] "People rarely argue with their own conclusions. And I think the greatest leaders figure that out.[00:33:20] "The more interested you are lasts so much longer in human behavior than how interesting you are."[00:45:26] "Find the things that give you energy... And craft your job or your life around those things that give you energy."

A global economic crisis is dragging down sales.Departments are working in silos and leaders at all levels are arguing about priorities. Managers are too busy to coach their teams.You might think this describes your organization today—and it was the exact situation Toyota faced nearly 50 years ago.This challenge sparked one of the most ambitious and influential—and least known outside Japan—leadership development programs in Toyota's history: the Kanri Nouryoku Program, or Kan-Pro for short. “Kanri” meaning management, and “Nouryoku” meaning capability.Kan-Pro helped establish the people-centered learning culture Toyota is famous for today and embedded A3 thinking as a foundational process for problem-solving, communication, and leadership development.I invited Isao Yoshino—a 40-year Toyota leader who was one of the key team members who helped create and lead the program—to share his experience in two pivotal moments in Toyota's evolution and how he learned to lead cultural leadership transformation from a place of influence, not authority. Join me and Mr. Yoshino—also the subject of my Shingo-award winning book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn — as we celebrate its 5-year anniversary this month!YOU'LL LEARN:The problem Toyota was trying to solve—and how Kan-Pro emerged as the countermeasureThe leadership styles of Masao Nemoto vs. Taiichi Ohno—and how both shaped Toyota's culture through the development of Toyota Way management culture and the Toyota Production System How Mr. Yoshino learned to coach and develop more senior executives as a mid-level internal change leaderThe process that established A3 thinking as the standard for leadership development, communication, and problem-solving across ToyotaCritical leadership behaviors that led to Toyota's success—which have come to be known as “lean management”Stay tuned for Episode 50 where Mr. Yoshino shares his major assignment to “change the culture”—how he and his team, including Lean Global Network Chairman John Shook, led the training and transformation of frontline American leaders at NUMMI, the GM–Toyota joint venture in the 1980s.ABOUT MY GUEST:Isao Yoshino, worked at Toyota Motor Corporation for over 40 years—from the late 1960s to the early 2000s—and played an important role in the development of Toyota's people-centered learning culture it's now famous for. He was a key part of Kan-Pro senior leadership development program, which embedded A3 thinking as the process for problem-solving, communication, and leadership development across the organization—and has deep expertise in the practice of hoshin-kanri—Toyota's strategy deployment process.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/47My website with resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about the Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip My book featuring lessons from Isao Yoshino's 40 years of Toyota Leadership: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:51 The leadership shift behind the Toyota Way towards a people centered approach06:03 How Taiichi Ohno shaped the Toyota Production System and Masao Nemoto shaped Toyota Way style leadership07:41 Closing Toyota's leadership gap and how Kan-Pro emerged as a countermeasure12:41 Why committed top-down leadership ownership is essential to creating organizational culture14:46 How seriousness and patience sets Toyota apart15:17 Why Toyota created Kan-Pro to 're-tighten the belt' on leadership capabilities and why they need to refocus on leadership capabilities every generation18:55 The leader's role in setting direction and providing support to their people 20:40 The mindset shift in top management to not to fake it21:17 Mr. Yoshino's experience coaching senior leaders through hands-on A3 learning25:38 Key influence skills Mr. Yoshino learned from great Toyota managers28:12 The importance of respect by senior leaders even when there's resistance to change28:58 Being a Yes-Minded Persuader – a key KATALYST™ Chang Leader competency –  in bringing leaders along in change 31:25 Lessons from coaching senior leaders using A3 thinking during Kan-Pro35:45 The positive shift when leaders prepare the A3 themselves37:48 Importance of handwritten A3s to senior executives41:13 The significance of a leader stamping their hanko on an A3 document43:35 Why an A3 at Toyota is different compared to most companies45:16 Mr. Yoshino's highlights in participating in Katie's Japan Leadership Experience lean management tours 48:29 Leading change involves empathy, patience, and helping others change themselves48:50 Questions to reflect on as a change agent in your organization Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Lindsay Shababy discuss the importance of empathy in Lean transformation in healthcare. The emphasize the need to see the world through others' eyes, especially in healthcare where staff often face burnout and systemic challenges. They highlight the balance between empathy and accountability, using practical examples like improving patient flow from the ED to the floor by addressing communication gaps. About the Guest:Lindsay Shababy is the founder of Summit Performance Solutions, a consulting firm that helps healthcare leaders create sustainable improvement systems without overloading their teams. With over 10 years of healthcare operations experience and a military background, she takes a practical, disciplined approach to solving challenges in clinical settings. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with a Master of Health Administration, Lindsay has led initiatives delivering over $15 million in impact. She focuses on making continuous improvement simple and effective, specializing in operational stability, daily management systems, and leadership development.Links:Click Here For Lindsay Shababy's LinkedInClick Here For Summit Performance Solutions Website

Chris Williams, executive director of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association (VPPPA), offers a preview of the upcoming Safety+ Symposium, to be held August 11-14 in St. Louis. This annual event provides attendees with the opportunity to see safety from all angles and better understand its role in the modern workplace. EHS Today's Safety Leadership Conference is an official media sponsor of this event.

In this solo episode of the Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris discusses the controversy surrounding TikTok, particularly its impact on small businesses and the security measures in place to protect user data. He highlights Project Texas, a partnership with Oracle aimed at securing US user data, and delves into Apple's security protocols that safeguard user information. The conversation emphasizes the importance of user consent, developer accountability, and continuous improvement in security measures, urging listeners to understand the implications of these technologies on their businesses and personal data.TakeawaysChris expresses his patriotism and concern for national security.TikTok serves as a vital platform for small businesses.Project Texas aims to secure US user data through Oracle.Oracle's oversight includes rigorous monitoring and auditing.Apple employs a layered defense to protect user data.Privacy is a core belief for Apple.iOS uses sandboxing to isolate apps from each other.User consent is crucial for accessing sensitive data.Developer accountability is enforced through code signing.Regular security updates enhance user empowerment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to TikTok Controversy02:51 The Impact of TikTok on Small Businesses05:45 Understanding Project Texas and Data Security08:43 Apple's Security Measures Explained11:43 User Consent and Privacy Controls14:19 Developer Accountability and App Security17:17 Continuous Improvement in User Empowerment19:59 Conclusion and Call to ActionContact Chris:https://heavymetal.moneyhttps://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetalhttps://www.instagram.com/chrislugerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoneyemail: chris at heavymetal.moneyResources and Links:Apple Platform Security Project TexasHow Is TikTok Planning To Avoid a U.S. Ban? Enter “Project Texas.”The State of Texas Accelerates Public Safety Modernization with Oraclehttps://www.oracle.com/news/announcement/the-state-of-texas-accelerates-public-safety-modernization-with-oracle-2025-06-24/#TikTokBan #DataPrivacy #SmallBusiness #AppleSecurity #ExtremePersonalFinance

Bernard Agrest: Creating Conditions for Healthy Conflict and Continuous Improvement in Agile Teams Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Bernard believes successful Scrum Masters focus on creating conditions where tension and healthy conflict can emerge naturally, rather than maintaining artificial harmony. Too many organizations remain stuck in fear-based cultures where people avoid raising important issues. For Bernard, success means ensuring people regularly surface problems and engage meaningfully with each other—it's not enough to simply monitor green dashboards. He emphasizes that real leadership involves focusing on creating conditions for teams to discuss what truly matters, moving beyond surface-level metrics to foster genuine dialogue and continuous improvement. Self-reflection Question: Are the people on your teams regularly raising issues, or are you relying too heavily on dashboard metrics to gauge team health? Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: 4L's The 4L's retrospective format is simple yet powerful, examining what the team Liked, Learned, Lacked, and Longed for. Bernard particularly values the "Longed for" category because it asks people to connect the dots between how they felt and how they performed. In one memorable session, using 4L's helped his team understand what they were missing in their regular sync work, leading them to change how they conducted meetings to better support upcoming deliveries. This retrospective format had long-term organizational impact, helping teams realize gaps in their collaborative processes and make meaningful improvements to their working relationships. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

In this engaging conversation, Andy May, a renowned deer hunter known for his expertise in public land hunting breaks down his habits and how they impact his pursuit. We discuss Andy's journey as a self-taught hunter, balancing family life with hunting, and the importance of continuous learning from mistakes. The conversation delves into the seven habits of highly effective deer hunters, emphasizing the significance of year-round scouting and being proficient with one's weapon. Andy shares his insights on the mindset required for successful hunting and the strategies he employs to stay connected with the sport, even amidst a busy schedule. In this conversation we discuss the essential habits of highly effective deer hunters. We emphasize the importance of scouting, mastering equipment, mental preparation through visualization, maintaining fitness, challenging oneself in hunting, and seeking mentorship from experienced hunters. The dialogue highlights how these practices not only improve hunting success but also contribute to personal growth and mental toughness. Takeaways Balancing family responsibilities with hunting is a common challenge for many hunters. Self-taught hunters often develop unique strategies and mindsets. Mistakes in hunting can lead to valuable learning experiences. Aggression in hunting strategies can yield better results on public land. Year-round scouting is crucial for understanding deer behavior and habitats. Proficiency with one's weapon is essential for successful hunting. The mindset of continuous improvement is vital for any hunter. Being in the woods regularly enhances a hunter's intuition and knowledge. Different scouting strategies can be employed based on the time of year and specific hunting goals. Scouting is crucial as conditions can change rapidly. Mastering your equipment leads to more efficient hunting. Mental preparation through visualization can enhance performance. Fitness and endurance are key for challenging hunts. Challenging yourself in difficult hunting scenarios fosters growth. Learning from others can provide valuable insights and skills. Visualization helps in executing perfect shots during hunts. Staying in shape is essential for longevity in hunting. Choosing difficult methods can lead to greater fulfillment in hunting. Hunting can teach valuable life skills and mental toughness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andy May: America's Deer Hunter 05:25 Balancing Family and Hunting: The Working Man's Approach 10:38 The Journey of a Self-Taught Hunter 14:34 Aggression in Hunting: Learning from Mistakes 20:51 Mastering Your Weapon: The Importance of Proficiency 33:08 Building Proficiency Through Practice 37:26 The Importance of Year-Round Scouting 47:17 Understanding Scouting Techniques 54:45 Continuous Improvement and Skill Development 01:01:20 Fitness and Mental Toughness in Hunting 01:10:15 The Connection Between Fitness and Hunting Success 01:19:38 Mental Toughness in Hunting 01:40:14 The Power of Visualization 01:42:40 Learning from Others: The Importance of Mentorship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mark Burik and Brandon Joyner as they sit down with Marine Kinna, Better at Beach's marketing coordinator and newest AVP champion, for a deep dive into her incredible journey from France to AVP gold. Marine shares her transition from indoor to beach volleyball, navigating the NCAA system as an international student, becoming a dual-sport All-American, and now thriving on the AVP and international stage. You'll discover the mental strategies that transformed Marine from a player stuck at 5th place finishes to a World Tour medalist and AVP champion. She reveals how she overcame self-doubt, managed expectations, and developed the "I've already won" mindset that led to her breakthrough performances. The conversation dives deep into technical aspects including the left vs. right side debate and the eye dominance theory in volleyball. Marine also discusses the importance of partner chemistry, communication strategies during tough moments, and how embracing discomfort in practice leads to tournament success. A must-listen for aspiring pros and recreational players alike, seeking inspiration and insight into the high-performance mindset.

Bill Remy is the CEO of TBM Consulting Group and serves on the TBM Board of Directors. His career expertise includes deep knowledge of operational performance improvement, site transitions, acquisition integration, new product development and supply chain management. Expertise   His leadership roles span complex, multi-faceted manufacturing and supply chain operations across industries such as aerospace and defense, railway, industrial and agricultural equipment, technology and process automation. Bill Remy is both an accomplished business executive and leader who is frequently called upon for his credible voice, honesty, pragmatism and for his ability to leverage operational excellence and continuous improvement for long term profitable growth. He is highly competitive, has a bias for action and strongly believes that speed wins every time. Bill encourages his organization and his clients to accelerate their capabilities for driving change, increasing flexibility, and incorporating responsiveness into everything they do. As former president of Thayer Aerospace, Bill doubled revenue in six years, expanded into Mexico, improved profitability and increased inventory turns. He integrated the supply chain into a web-based pull system, consolidated divisions and implemented an ERP system. Earlier in his career, Bill held progressively responsible roles in operations including Vice President of Continuous Improvement at Invensys, Vice President of Operations at Learjet/Bombardier, Production Manager Lockheed Arizona Missile Facility, and Materials Manager at Allied-Signal Aerospace. Bill holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Industrial Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Pancon Corporation and on the Oklahoma State University /deans Advisory Board for the College of Engineering. He has over 25 years of leadership experience in general management and manufacturing operations.  

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Randy Kesterson discuss the integration of AI with Lean thinking on the Lean Solutions Podcast. They emphasize the importance of maintaining human judgment and involvement in the process. They also discuss the need for accurate data collection and the potential for AI to transform workplaces, urging leaders to embrace AI to stay relevant.About the Guest:Today's guest is Randy Kesterson, a seasoned operations executive, consultant, and thought leader with over three decades of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, and Lean transformation. Randy's career includes executive roles at companies like Eastman Chemical and J.M. Huber Corporation, where he led significant enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives.As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a skilled coach, Randy helps organizations achieve operational excellence through practical strategies grounded in real-world experience. He currently serves as a trusted advisor and consultant, guiding leaders across industries in strategy deployment, leadership development, and continuous improvement.Links:Click Here For Randy Kesterson's LinkedInClick Here For Kesterson Group Website 

What's stopping your work from shipping? It's probably not the design itself. This week, I chat with Guy Segal about the soft skills that make the biggest difference—giving feedback, earning trust, and aligning with your team when things get tough.What if the biggest reason your designs aren't making it to production has nothing to do with design?You know your work is solid. You've put in the hours, iterated on the flow, and covered every edge case. But when it comes time to hand it off or get sign-off, something breaks. It stalls, gets picked apart, or falls flat. Sound familiar?In this episode, I sit down with Guy Segal—design leader and host of Design Downtime—to talk about why “soft skills” are the hardest part of UX, and how improving them can be the difference between your designs shipping or collecting dust. We cover how to give better feedback, how to handle misalignment without blowing things up, and what it actually means to be someone your team wants to work with.This conversation is a must-listen if you've ever felt like good design work wasn't enough. Because it isn't. The way you show up—how you talk to people, how you build trust, how you respond to tension—is what moves the work forward.Topics:• 00:00 – Introduction: The Human Side of Software• 00:37 – Welcome to Beyond UX Design• 00:44 – Promotions and Sponsorships• 02:31 – The Importance of Relationships in Software• 02:57 – Interview with Guy Siegel: Building Great Relationships• 04:09 – Challenges in Team Dynamics• 05:26 – Empathy and Communication in Teams• 13:00 – Feedback Framework for Better Team Collaboration• 28:58 – Aligning Team Goals and Values• 32:45 – Establishing Team Values and Hiring Practices• 33:27 – Importance of One-on-Ones and Setting Expectations• 35:06 – Empathy and Communication in Design• 36:08 – Feedback and Continuous Improvement• 37:09 – Challenges in Designer-Engineer Collaboration• 38:21 – Managerial Insights and Team Dynamics• 43:09 – Building Strong Work RelationshipsHelpful Links:• Design Downtime• Connect with Guy on LinkedIn—Thanks for listening! We hope you dug today's episode. If you liked what you heard, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! And if you really enjoyed today's episode, why don't you leave a five-star review? Or tell some friends! It will help us out a ton.If you haven't already, sign up for our email list. We won't spam you. Pinky swear.• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get a FREE audiobook AND support the show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the show on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out show transcripts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Stitcher⁠⁠

He just went 58 in the 100 breaststroke! Campbell McKean, the breakout breaststroker who skipped the 59-second barrier entirely, joins us fresh off his electrifying performance at US Nationals. This ascending American star shares the inside story of winning both sprint breaststroke events and becoming the fastest 18-year-old ever in the 100 breaststroke. We discuss grueling training sets that forged his record-breaking speed, his strategic approach to 50 breaststroke races, and what it feels like to touch the wall knowing you've just upset legends. Campbell also pulls back the curtain on his journey from a swimming family to committing to the University of Texas under the renowned Bob Bowman. We cover everything from resistance training techniques and tech suit preferences to the unexpected realities of balancing elite training with senior year. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with one of swimming's most exciting young talents! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe for weekly podcasts and daily shorts! 0:00 - 4:14: Welcome and Early Questions 4:14 - 8:16: US Nationals Victory and Race Strategy 8:16 - 12:47: Training Regimen and Daily Schedule 12:47 - 18:50: Specific Breaststroke Training and Techniques 18:50 - 24:25: Worlds Preparation and Post-Nationals Life 24:25 - 29:08: Swimming Journey and Family Influence 29:08 - 34:00: College Commitment to Texas and Bob Bowman 34:00 - 39:50: Swim Tech and Continuous Improvement 39:50 - 46:38: Physical Attributes, Coaching Changes, and Future Goals 46:38 - 53:50: Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Is it possible to lead a real, long-term cultural transformation in a publicly traded company—where shareholders often demand short-term financial results?It's challenging, yet possible. And GE Aerospace, with CEO Larry Culp at the helm, is leading the way. I invited Phil Wickler, Chief Transformation Officer, back to discuss the enterprise-wide shift toward lean at GE Aerospace.We explore what it takes to build a lean management system across a global company of 50,000+ people and how GE Aerospace is embedding problem-solving thinking, leadership behavior, and capability building into every layer of the organization as the strategic approach to getting business results.Discover the difference between “doing” lean and “being” lean and what it takes to shift from operational leadership and “being the expert” to transformational influence and building capability across the organization.If you're an operational leader, internal lean practitioner, external consultant, or if you want to lead change at scale, don't miss this episode!YOU'LL LEARN:How to strengthen the positioning of internal change teams and continuous improvement efforts—with and without executive supportWhy real transformation starts with leadership behaviors—not tools—and the key mindset and behavior shifts needed for lasting impactHow GE Aerospace is overcoming GE's Six Sigma historic approach to improvement and leaders' long-standing misconceptions about lean The purpose and elements of GE Aerospace's proprietary FLIGHT DECK lean operating system and how it's aligning lean fundamentals and behaviors across the organizationWhy shifting the ROI conversation on capability-building (not just cost savings) is critical for long-term transformation successABOUT MY GUEST:Phil Wickler is a Chief Transformation Officer at GE Aerospace where he has enterprise responsibility for EHS, Quality, Lean Operations, Sustainability and Transformation. Phil joined GE in 1995. He progressed through several operations roles, including Six Sigma Black Belt in assembly and component manufacturing, and as a facility manager. Then most recently, the Vice President of Supply Chain at GE, leading global manufacturing and supply chain operations.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/46Connect with Phil Wickler: linkedin.com/in/philip-wicklerCheck my website: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonLearn more about lessons from Toyota Leader, Isao Yoshino: Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn  TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:54 Phil's career journey to Chief Transformation Officer04:28 Steps to lead culture change and build a thriving lean enterprise07:23 Common leadership misconceptions09:13 Helping leaders go to gemba with humility12:14 Setting up hoshin kanri up for success14:25 Importance of reflection for continuous improvement16:41 Narrowing down objectives vs. working on everything at once20:18 Moving from an operational leader to a transformational change leader22:04 How centralized and decentralized lean teams support enterprise culture change25:15 Integrating communications and HR functions in transformation & talent development26:18 GE Aerospace's proprietary lean management system – FLIGHT DECK28:12 Mindset shifts that shaped Phil's leadership31:00 Measuring cultural change through lean and FLIGHT DECK34:57 Starting with the basics is critical in leading change37:55 Real-world example of progress at site level39:21 How to strengthen the positioning of lean/Operational Excellence in your organization41:55 One element that accelerated GE Aerospace's transformation42:31 How to get started/ bring senior leaders on board

Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat, the show where we challenge assumptions in medicine and seek out the systems, stories, and science that truly shape healthcare. In today's episode, we're joined by Martin Bromiley: airline captain, human factors champion, and founder of the Clinical Human Factors Group.But before he became a global advocate for patient safety, Martin faced unimaginable tragedy when his wife, Elaine, died following what was supposed to be a routine surgical procedure in 2005.Martin's journey isn't just about personal loss—it's about his relentless quest to understand why a well-trained, technically proficient medical team could still fall short in a critical moment. Drawing lessons from aviation, where errors spark investigation and learning rather than resignation, Martin became a pivotal force in bringing the science of human factors—a field all about understanding how people interact with their environment, teams, and tools—into the world of healthcare.In this conversation, we explore not just the events that launched his mission, but the broader issues of humility, communication, and system design. We talk about “can't intubate, can't ventilate” scenarios, reflect on the evolution of patient safety culture, and crack open the stubborn problem of medical hierarchy. Martin's story isn't just one of systemic frustration; it's also one of hope and tangible change.So whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient, or just someone curious about how lives can be saved not simply by skill, but by safer systems—this episode is a gripping, essential listen. Plug in and prepare to have your ideas about medicine, teamwork, and learning turned upside down.Episode HighlightsHumility in Healthcare – Humility is vital for professionals to learn, grow, and stay open to feedback, ultimately improving patient safety.Communication Saves Lives – Miscommunications in critical situations can be fatal; clear, assertive dialogue and defined roles are essential in emergencies.Teamwork Over Hierarchy – Breaking down rigid medical hierarchies empowers every team member to speak up for patient safety.Design Smarter Systems – Systems must be created to make errors less likely, whether via technology, checklists, or better equipment design. Independent Case Reviews – Conducting external, impartial reviews after adverse events helps identify root causes and leads to improvements.Small Changes, Big Impact – Reducing steps in processes, standardizing equipment, or tweaking procedures can greatly decrease error risks.Continuous Improvement Mindset – Perfection isn't possible, but aiming to get a little better every day is the key to safer healthcare for all.Episode Timestamps 6:15 — Turning Point: Embracing Human Factors 7:19 — "Science Overlooked in Healthcare" 11:01 — Intensive Care Transfer Decision 14:51 — Receptionist Sparks Important Meeting 18:11 — Evolution of Case Review Processes 22:27 — "Human Factors in Healthcare Initiative" 25:02 — Origin of Aviation Safety Protocols 28:28 — Enhancing Safety in Drug Handling 30:30 — Medication Errors and Design Flaws 33:49 — Promoting Human Factors in Healthcare 38:04 — Team Leadership in Medical Procedures 42:51 — Healthcare Pressures and Consequences 44:47 — "Concerns Over Arrogant Healthcare Professionals" 50:16 — Striving for Continuous Improvement in Healthcare 52:36 — Progress in Healthcare Culture ShiftDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Scott Gauvin discuss how the principle of "respect for people" goes beyond individual actions to become an organizational-wide practice that fosters culture transformation, engagement, and continuous improvement. They explore strategies for leaders to cultivate a learning culture, emphasizing active listening, transparency, and coaching to develop human skills and create lasting change within organizations.About the Guest:Scott Gauvin is a management consultant and Lean specialist with 30 years of experience helping organizations transform the way they perceive and pursue performance. As CEO of Macresco and co-founder of the Respect for People Roadmap, he's partnered with organizations worldwide and across industries to innovate their business and operating models and put people at the center of their corporate and operations strategies.Links:THE RESPECT FOR PEOPLE ROAD - WEBSITECLICK HERE FOR SCOTT GAUVIN LINKEDIN

Continuous Improvement is the ongoing effort to enhance products, services, or processes through incremental and breakthrough changes. It's a mindset and methodology rooted in growth, self-awareness, and resilience.Here are some key principles and examples of how it can show up:

BONUS: Never Stop Experimenting—Building a Culture of Continuous Discovery with Stavros Stavru In this BONUS episode, we dive deep into the world of continuous experimentation with Stavros Stavru, Ph.D. in Organizational Transformations and founder of EdTech ventures AhaPlay and The Caringers. Stavros shares insights from his latest book "Never Stop Experimenting" and reveals how teams can maintain their discovery mindset while balancing the pressures of delivery. The Exploration-Exploitation Dilemma "What would we choose? What we know, and try to exploit? Or go for something new, and better than we currently have?" Stavros introduces us to one of the fundamental challenges facing modern teams: the tension between exploration and exploitation. He explains how teams often start with an exploration mindset, focused on solving real problems through discovery. However, over time, there's a natural shift from discovery to delivery, and teams forget the importance of continued exploration. The title "Never Stop Experimenting" serves as an anchor for teams to remember the value of maintaining their experimental approach even when delivery pressures mount. Born from a Decade of Practice "All the techniques that I describe in the book were born during 10 years of practice." The book isn't theoretical - it's grounded in real-world application. Stavros shares how every technique and framework in "Never Stop Experimenting" emerged from his extensive hands-on experience working with teams over a decade. This practical foundation ensures that readers get battle-tested approaches rather than untested concepts. Software Development as Incremental Experiments "Experimentation requires a creative process." Stavros addresses a common challenge: while teams understand the benefits of experimentation and want to experiment, they often face management resistance that ultimately demotivates the team. He emphasizes that viewing software development as a series of incremental experiments isn't just beneficial - it's absolutely necessary for teams to remain innovative and responsive to changing needs. The Fatware Matrix: Putting Products on a Diet "The challenge: how do you convince the business that you need to spend some time removing features?" One of the book's standout concepts is "The Fatware Matrix," which helps Product Managers recognize when their product is becoming bloated. Stavros introduces a practical tool combining the Kano framework with maintenance cost analysis to illustrate the true cost and impact of maintaining old features. This approach helped one team successfully remove features from their software, with stakeholders later commenting, "Now this is more transparent for us." The key is managing feature creep and software bloat before they become overwhelming. The NSE Ratio: Optimizing Experimentation Rhythm "It's when we try something new that we learn what works. We need to change something on a regular basis." The NSE (Never Stop Experimenting) Ratio measures how long teams wait before introducing new approaches or experimenting with their processes. Stavros explains how teams should define their NSE ratio as part of their team agreements, establishing a regular cadence for trying new things. This systematic approach ensures that learning and adaptation become embedded in the team's rhythm rather than happening sporadically. Building a Safe-to-Fail Culture "Speak of your own failures. When we show our failures as leaders, we show the team that they can run their own experiments." Creating a truly safe-to-fail environment requires leaders to model vulnerability and transparency about their own mistakes. Stavros emphasizes that leaders must give the example by sharing their failures openly, which gives permission for the rest of the organization to take risks and learn from their own experiments. This leadership modeling is crucial for establishing psychological safety around experimentation. About Stavros Stavru Stavros is a Ph.D. in Organizational Transformations and a leading voice in Agile coaching, leadership, and soft skills. Founder of EdTech ventures AhaPlay and The Caringers, he has delivered over 800 trainings and authored Never Stop Experimenting, a powerful toolkit for continuous improvement across teams and organizations. You can connect with Stavros Stavru on LinkedIn, and check his book site at Neverstopexperimenting.com.

Summary In this episode of the Customer Experience Revolution podcast, host Dave Murray speaks with Victor Aranda from KeyBank about the transformative 'Moments Matter' initiative. They discuss the framework's three pillars, the impressive growth in Net Promoter Score (NPS), and the strategies implemented to sustain momentum and consistency in client and teammate experiences. Victor shares insights on the ambassador program, the importance of emotional connections with clients, and how the initiative has become a competitive advantage for KeyBank. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing commitment to improvement and the daily efforts required to maintain high standards in customer service. Takeaways Victor Aranda leads the 'Moments Matter' initiative at KeyBank. The initiative focuses on client and teammate experience. KeyBank's NPS score increased from 57 to 85 in four years. An ambassador program was created to empower leaders across the organization. Sustaining momentum is crucial for long-term success. Emotional connections with clients lead to increased loyalty. The initiative is embedded in onboarding and daily operations. Inconsistency in service is a major challenge to overcome. Continuous improvement is a core value at KeyBank. Celebrating small wins helps maintain motivation and focus. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Moments Matter 02:09Understanding the Moments Matter Framework 05:06Success Metrics and NPS Growth 09:41Implementation Strategies and Ambassador Program 17:35Sustaining Momentum and Consistency 26:10Creating a Competitive Advantage 30:31Emotional Connections and Client Experience 34:45The Daily Commitment to Improvement   Links KeyBank Connect with Vistor Aranda Six Reasons Your CX Plummets When Your Business Skyrockets, and How to Fix It: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/download-reasons-your-customer-experience-plummets/ Customer Experience Executive Academy: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/project/cx-executive-academy/ Interview Questions: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/resources/ The DiJulius Group Methdology: https://thedijuliusgroup.com/x-commandment-methodology/ Experience Revolution Membership:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/membership/ Schedule a Complimentary Call with one of our advisors:  tdg.click/claudia Secret Service Blog:  https://thedijuliusgroup.com/secret-service-turns-20-and-the-dijulius-group-is-born-with-superior-customer-service-as-the-single-biggest-competitive-advantage/ Books   Subscribe We talk about topics like this each week; be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode.  

Dwarkesh Patel is the host of the Dwarkesh Podcast. He joins Big Technology Podcast to discuss the frontiers of AI research, sharing why his timeline for AGI is a bit longer than the most enthusiastic researchers. Tune in for a candid discussion of the limitations of current methods, why continuous AI improvement might help the technology reach AGI, and what an intelligence explosion looks like. We also cover the race between AI labs, the dangers of AI deception, and AI sycophancy. Tune in for a deep discussion about the state of artificial intelligence, and where it's going. --- Enjoying Big Technology Podcast? Please rate us five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in your podcast app of choice. Want a discount for Big Technology on Substack? Here's 25% off for the first year: https://www.bigtechnology.com/subscribe?coupon=0843016b Questions? Feedback? Write to: bigtechnologypodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Dr. John Torres shares his inspiring journey from being the first in his family to attend college to becoming NBC's senior medical correspondent. SUMMARY Dr. Torres discusses the challenges he faced at the Air Force Academy, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership skills, and the influence of his family values. He reflects on his unconventional experiences, including survival training and falconry, and how these experiences prepared him for a successful career in medicine and media. His story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the importance of mentorship in leadership. In this conversation, he shares his journey from dealing with hantavirus outbreaks in New Mexico to becoming a prominent medical correspondent during the pandemic. Dr. Torres discuss the challenges of communicating complex medical information to the public, the importance of empathy when delivering bad news, and the role of family support in his career. Finally, he emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in leadership and the value of instilling positive values in the next generation.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK   DR. TORRES' TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Lead with empathy: Understand where people are coming from, recognizing that anger often stems from fear and underlying concerns.  - Communicate clearly: Break down complex information into understandable terms, whether speaking to patients, soldiers, or the public.  - Be willing to admit mistakes: True leadership means having the courage to acknowledge when you're wrong and take responsibility.  - Develop a "no excuse" mentality: Take ownership of situations, even when they're not entirely your fault.  - Build trust through peer-to-peer interactions: Treat people as equals rather than using an authoritarian approach.  - Continuously learn and adapt: Stay current in your field and be open to new experiences and perspectives.  - Support your team's individual growth: Encourage people to pursue their passions and provide guidance without pressure.  - Match your emotional delivery to your message: Ensure your communication is authentic and appropriate to the content.  - Lead by example: Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others through your own actions.  - Focus on purpose over position: Leadership is about making a positive impact and helping others grow, not about title or status.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dr. John Torres 02:01 Overcoming Challenges at the Academy 05:03 Discovering Leadership Through Survival Training 08:33 Influence of Family Values on Leadership 10:42 Unconventional Experiences at the Academy 13:41 Transitioning from Pilot to Medical Doctor 20:06 Lessons Learned as a Flight Doc 23:58 Becoming an NBC Correspondent 24:37 Hantavirus and Early Medical Experiences 26:00 Transitioning to Media: From ER to TV 27:23 The Pandemic: A Super Bowl for Medicine 29:05 Communicating Medical Information Effectively 32:29 Delivering Bad News with Compassion 34:41 Teaching NATO Special Forces Medics 37:02 Family Support and Legacy 39:58 Instilling Values in the Next Generation 41:56 Continuous Improvement as a Leader 45:52 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations   ABOUT DR. TORRES BIO Dr. John Torres '82 is currently Senior Medical Correspondent for NBC News and a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. With a career spanning more than 30 years in emergency medicine, military service, and national media, Dr. Torres brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, crisis leadership, and public communication to every role he takes on. Before joining NBC, he served in the Air Force, deploying to combat zones and responding to humanitarian crises around the globe. After retiring from the military, Dr. Torres transitioned to civilian emergency medicine and later began sharing trusted medical insights with millions of viewers through his work in broadcast journalism. On camera and off, he is known for making complex medical issues accessible and relevant, especially during moments of national concern like the COVID-19 pandemic. A seasoned leader shaped by experience in the field, the ER, and the newsroom, Dr. Torres exemplifies the values of service, clarity under pressure, and lifelong learning—principles he credits in large part to his upbringing in rural New Mexico, foundational Academy education and military experiences.   CONNECT WITH DR. TORRES LINKEDIN       ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS:  Guest, Dr. John Torres '82 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   KEYWORDS Leadership, Air Force Academy, Dr. John Torres, survival training, medical correspondent, family values, unconventional journey, overcoming challenges, mentorship, public health, Hantavirus, medical communication, pandemic, media, family legacy, leadership, teaching, NATO, bad news delivery, continuous improvement       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

Darren Walsh is Director & Leadership Coach at Making Lean Work Ltd. A leading management consultancy specializing in helping business leaders and managers unlock the transformative power of continuous improvement. He has over 30 years of experience, working with some of the best in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, energy, technology, financial services, and business improvement. He graduated with a master's degree from Lean Enterprise Research Centre, and his insights have been featured in industry-leading publications and conferences.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

What if your perceived company culture isn't what your team actually experiences? In this eye-opening episode of the Leadership Sandbox, Tammy J. Bond sits down with Eyad Mubaied, author of The Culture Driven Organization and founder of Cultivate Culture LLC, to dismantle common myths about organizational culture. Eyad shares powerful insights from his Culture Creation Model, revealing how true culture transformation goes beyond mission statements to align your Philosophy, Process, and People. Discover why leaders must own and shape their culture, rather than outsourcing it to HR, and learn how to audit your workplace for blind spots. This conversation provides actionable strategies for leaders at all levels to foster a culture-driven organization that genuinely impacts employee engagement, business growth, and overall performance. Key Takeaways for Leaders: Culture Drives Performance: Understand why a robust organizational culture is the engine of high performance, not just an aesthetic add-on. Leader Ownership: Leaders are the primary architects of corporate culture; it's built by design, not by default. The Culture Creation Model: Learn how aligning your philosophies, processes, and people is crucial for sustainable culture transformation. Audit Your Culture: Discover how to effectively assess your current organizational culture to identify and address toxic norms and blind spots. The Power of Listening: Your culture is defined not by what you say, but by how well you listen to your team. Continuous Improvement: A healthy workplace culture requires ongoing attention and a commitment to continuous improvement. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The #1 myth leaders believe about company culture and who truly sets it. How to audit your organizational culture effectively without ego getting in the way. Why performance-focused teams can still miss the mark on cultural alignment. Eyad's "sticky note wisdom" for everyday leadership development. The critical role of middle management in shaping and reinforcing culture. How to address toxic norms and foster a positive workplace culture. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey to Cultivating Culture: Eyad Mubaied's path from finance to culture transformation. 02:28 Understanding Culture: Definitions and Misunderstandings: Dispelling common myths about organizational culture. 05:11 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture: Why leaders must own their workplace culture. 08:04 The Culture Creation Model Explained: An in-depth look at Eyad's framework for culture creation. 16:21 Philosophies, Processes, and People: The Key Components of Culture: Deep dive into the pillars of the Culture Creation Model. 22:15 Auditing Culture: Identifying Blind Spots: Practical tips for assessing your organizational culture. 24:19 The Impact of Culture on Business Growth: Connecting culture directly to performance outcomes. 27:35 Assessing Organizational Culture: Further insights on evaluating your workplace dynamics. 29:19 Middle Management's Role in Culture: The crucial part middle leaders play in culture transformation. 32:20 Addressing Toxic Norms in Culture: Strategies for confronting and changing unhealthy organizational behavior. 35:39 Defining and Measuring Culture: How to make culture tangible for improvement. 38:02 Culture's ROI and Executive Mindset: The business case for culture-driven organizations. 43:43 Transforming Leadership Perspectives: Shifting how leaders view and engage with culture. 47:07 Key Takeaways for Leaders: Actionable advice for immediate implementation.

Enter to win a copy of "Managing on Purpose" by Mark Reich, Chief Engineer of Strategy at the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI). Giveaway open through June 20th.How effective is your organization's strategy in achieving results?If your team doesn't understand how their daily work connects to bigger organizational goals, you don't have a strategy—you have a gap. A gap in engagement. A gap in alignment. This gap leads to confusion, misaligned priorities, and wasted effort.I'm joined by Mark Reich, author of “Managing on Purpose”, to explore how hoshin kanri – often translated as strategy or policy deployment – can bridge this gap and transform your strategy development and deployment process.With 23+ years at Toyota and extensive experience guiding organizations through lean transformations, Mark reveals how hoshin kanri offers a different approach to strategy execution and management. It connects people to purpose, builds capability, and aligns cross-functional areas, turning vision into results.Turn your strategy into action by aligning and building a purpose-driven organization.YOU'LL LEARN:Differences between hoshin kanri and traditional strategy management Common misconceptions around strategy deployment and what sets hoshin kanri apartThe role of catchball in connecting top-down and bottom-up processesThe importance of building reflection (hansei) and PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) into the processReal-world examples of organizations successfully transitioning to hoshin kanri strategy development and deploymentABOUT MY GUEST:Mark Reich is the author of “Managing on Purpose.” He spent 23 years at Toyota, including six years in Japan, seven years at the Toyota Supplier Support Center (TSSC), and over a decade leading Toyota's North American hoshin kanri process. Today, he's the Senior Coach and Chief Engineer of Strategy at the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI), where he guides organizations and their executives on lean transformation.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/45Connect with Mark Reich: linkedin.com/in/markareichMark Reich's book, “Managing on Purpose”: lean.org/store/book/managing-on-purposeResources and ways to work with me: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about the history and application of hoshin kanri: Learning to Lead, Leading to LearnTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:2:05 Hoshin Kanri vs. traditional management approaches to strategy2:52 Mark defines hoshin kanri3:49 What people get around around strategy deployment4:26 Two key differences that sets hoshin kanri apart from traditional strategy5:16 The problem Mark aimed to solve in “Managing On Purpose”10:07 Why knowing your true north vision matters11:34 The complexity of the x-matrix in implementing strategy15:31 Why catchball is essential to hoshin kanri20:32 Leading effective catchball conversations23:07 Vertical vs. horizontal catchball24:31 Collaborative input in the A3 process26:17 How leaders can retain perspective for effective catchball conversations28:30 The PDCA cycle's critical role in hoshin kanri framework31:06 Importance of flexibility in leadership32:19 Distinguishing daily tasks vs. long term tasks for success34:31 Embedding reflection time in the hoshin process to make PDCA work37:31 Long-term learning in implementing effective systems39:48 Using hansei for reflection and prioritization Enter to win a copy of "Managing on Purpose" by Mark Reich, Chief Engineer of Strategy at the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI). Giveaway open through June 20th.Apply today for my next Japan Leadership Experience — learn more and discover the power of this immersive learning experience.

What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and  guest Cheryl Jekiel discuss the transition from using Lean as a collection of tools to embedding it into behavioral perspective. They emphasize the importance of behavioral change over tool implementation and highlight the need for clear vision, peer support, and top-down alignment to drive sustainable change.About the Guest:Cheryl Jekiel, Founder of the Lean Leadership Center, works with people-centric organizations that require the right people strategies and systems to achieve their business vision.  Ms. Jekiel has developed expertise in optimizing lean manufacturing cultures while working with various organizations on their transformational journeys. Before opening the Lean Leadership Center, Ms. Jekiel held numerous senior leadership roles, including leading operations, human resources, and chief operating officer. As the author of “Lean Human Resources: Redesigning HR Practices for a Culture of Continuous Improvement”, Ms. Jekiel illuminates the role of HR in how organizations optimize people's talents. Ms. Jekiel also has a best seller, “Let Go to Lead: Six Habits for Happier, More Independent Teams (With Less Stress and More Time for Yourself)”.Links:Click Here For Cheryl Jekiel LinkedInClick Here For Lean Leadership Center Website

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I had a cracking chat with René Schrama, Chief Commercial Officer at Peak Technologies. We dug into the evolving landscape of supply chain automation and what it truly means to “leverage automation intelligently” today.René shared how supply chain leaders are moving beyond full-scale automation projects and instead focusing on targeted improvements that actually matter. We explored why finding even six seconds to save in a warehouse process can add up to real gains, and how the Kaizen approach remains a solid guiding principle for continuous improvement.We didn't shy away from the challenges, either. René highlighted the impact of geopolitical disruptions like tariffs and shifting trade policies, and why adapting supply chain strategies has become more critical than ever.A big takeaway for me? Automation isn't about replacing people, it's about striking the right balance between human creativity and machine precision. We also discussed the importance of designing out waste, re-harvesting resources, and why open systems, not closed silos, are key to future-proofing operations.If you're in supply chain, sustainability, or digital transformation, this one's worth a listen. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or on my website at https://www.sustainablesupplychainpodcast.com/#SupplyChain #Sustainability #Automation #Kaizen #IntelligentAutomation #PodcastElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Gemma started her career studying Mechanical Engineering at Cardiff University. She quickly discovered the world of Continuous Improvement and spent 20 years working to improve processes and systems within various manufacturing industries including Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Dairy, Cosmetics & Toiletries, Food, and Medical Devices. She has been a CI Manager numerous times and an Operations Manager running a factory of over 500 people.Gemma is hugely passionate about Improvement and developing people and processes. She gets such a kick out of coaching and facilitating, especially when she sees the lightbulb switch on in someone's head – when they solve a problem; when they realize they have the power to change; or when they get excited about all the improvements they could make.In 2019, Gemma left the world of employment to establish her own business, SPARK Improvement, aiming to switch on as many lightbulbs as possible. Her mission is to help organizations and individuals be the BEST they can be, by helping people SEE, helping people THINK, and helping people CHANGE.Gemma is based in Cheshire in the UK, working globally.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews sits down with educational leaders BB Ntsakey and Kelly Niccolls to explore the transformative power of liberatory assessment. Discover how these innovative approaches move beyond traditional metrics to create personalized, student-centered learning experiences that emphasize growth and empowerment. By reimagining assessment as a tool for learning and liberation, educators can foster environments where students' unique strengths and potential are recognized and nurtured. Tune in to learn how you can implement these practices in your own educational context and the positive impact they can have on student engagement and achievement. Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast (03:08) Liberatory Assessment Framework (07:45) Innovative Assessment Practices at Misa (15:20) Student-Centered Learning and Continuous Improvement (19:29) Practical Steps for Teachers (27:20)  Actionable Advice for Educators (29:42) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Kelly Niccolls LinkedIn Bb Ntskaey LinkedIn Mysa Microschool

Real innovation? It's not just the tools and techniques you use, it's how you think. In this episode of the BackTable OBGYN podcast, hosts Dr. Mark Hoffman and Dr. Amy Park welcome Dr. Kevin Stepp, a MIGS surgeon and urogynecologist in Charlotte, North Carolina, and an OBGYN professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Stepp shares his journey into the field, including his serendipitous start in single-port laparoscopy and the many surgical innovations that he has pioneered. --- SYNPOSIS The conversation highlights the importance of anatomical knowledge, thinking beyond conventional surgical approaches, and the significance of teamwork and efficiency in the operating room. A central focus is placed on the development and application of single-port techniques, highlighting the associated learning curves and the evolving role of robotic surgery. The discussion also explores how surgical team dynamics, effective communication, and ongoing innovation collectively contribute to better patient outcomes and advancement in the medical field. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction03:50 - Pioneering Single Port Laparoscopy10:10 - Challenges and Advantages of Single Port Surgery13:52 - Cosmetic Considerations and Incision Techniques27:27 - Innovative Approaches and Future Directions30:40 - Understanding 3D Anatomy in GYN Surgery32:10 - Sustaining Innovation in Urogynecology33:53 - Efficiency in Surgical Procedures39:20 - Advancement of Surgical Educational Materials 42:47 - Single Port and Robotic Procedures50:50 - Building a Team through Positive Surgical Culture01:02:13 - Continuous Improvement and Humility in Surgery

Welcome to another episode of The Site Shed! In Episode 456, host Matt Jones sits down with James Hearn of Silver Peak Construction for a powerhouse discussion on scaling a trades business, mastering the sales process, and the surprising role that customer rapport (and even a client's pet preferences) can play in business success.James shares his journey from commercial projects and roadwork to mastering bathroom, laundry, and wet area renovations across Melbourne's western suburbs and rural Victoria. You'll hear real-world tactics Silver Peak uses—like ultra-fast quoting, rigorous client qualification, streamlined operations manuals, and detailed follow-up—to outpace the competition. Plus, discover why James screens customers based not just on budget, but even on whether they own dogs

 In this episode of the ABB Solutions Podcast, host Mike Murphy is joined by Randy Stevens, North American Training Manager for Automation Solutions. They discuss the importance of team building, from defining roles and setting clear goals to staying aligned and motivated, especially in remote settings. Randy shares insights from his military background, emphasizing discipline, respect, and execution as keys to team success. Tune in to hear insights on: ·      Getting to Know Your Team: Why understanding individual strengths and weaknesses builds better collaboration. ·      Clear Objectives & Defined Roles: Preventing misalignment through consistent communication and shared goals. ·      Maintaining Engagement: How regular check-ins and project cadences can keep momentum strong. ·      Lessons from the Military: Discipline, respect, and execution are timeless traits of successful teams. ·      Remote Team Building: Shifting focus from time-based to results-based performance. ·      Serving the Greater Good: Encouraging a mindset prioritizing team success over individual gain. References If you would like to attend a training, head over to our U.S. Drives & PAC Automations Solutions Training page.  Interested in learning more about ABB Drives? Join our Tech Tuesday webinars where our experts tackle topics from improving efficiency and reliability to solving maintenance issues. Podcast 1: ABB Drive Training – enhancing knowledge with the latest technologies: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1770390/episodes/15417875 Podcast 2: Training with ABB, maximizing your learning potential: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1770390/episodes/15504472 Podcast 3: Training with ABB Project management – scope, scheduling and resources defined: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1770390/episodes/15697913 Podcast 4: Training With ABB – Continuous Improvement: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1770390/episodes/15743022 Podcast 5: Training With ABB – Mastering Presentations: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1770390/episodes/15980063 Podcast 6: Training With ABB – An Approach to Safety: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1770390/episodes/16172707 Podcast 7: ACS8080 5 Year Packaged Solutions: https://abbsolutionspodcast.buzzsprout.com/1770390/episodes/17088596 

BONUS: Zach Goldberg shares how to build high-performing engineering teams and master the startup CTO role In this BONUS episode, we dive deep into the world of startup leadership with Zach Goldberg, author of The Startup CTO's Handbook. We explore the critical transition from engineering to leadership, the art of balancing technical debt with startup urgency, and the communication skills that separate great CTOs from the rest. The Genesis of The Startup CTO's Handbook "My original training in software engineering was not enough for being a leader. All the people and leadership skills, I had to learn on my own." Zach's journey to writing The Startup CTO's Handbook began with a stark realization about the gap between technical training and leadership reality. Despite his classical software engineering background, he discovered that the people and leadership skills required for CTO success had to be self-taught. The book emerged from a growing Google Doc of topics and frameworks addressing the leadership and management challenges that CTOs consistently face - from hiring and performance management to making strategic decisions under pressure. Today, we can either buy the digital/print book on Amazon, or read the book on GitHub.  In this segment, we also refer to the book The Great CEO Within. Learning to Truly Learn: The Max Mintz Story "Max only cared about my ability to learn - to get curious about something hard. He wanted to help me deal with complexity." Zach opens his book with a deeply personal story about his mentor, Max Mintz, who fundamentally changed his approach to learning during what he calls "the most impactful single coffee" of his life. Over 1.5 years of conversations, Max taught him that true learning isn't about accumulating facts, but about developing curiosity for hard problems and building the capacity to handle complexity. This lesson forms the foundation of effective CTO leadership - the ability to continuously learn and adapt in an ever-changing technical landscape. The Three Critical CTO Mistakes "As a CTO, the most important 3 things: people, people, people. Do the people have the right energy, the right passion? Assemble the right team." Zach identifies consistent patterns in startup CTO failures across his experience. The first and most critical mistake is undervaluing people decisions - failing to prioritize team energy, passion, and the right assembly of talent. The second category involves investment mistakes, particularly the challenge of balancing short-term survival needs with long-term technical goals. In startups, the ROI timespan is exceptionally short, requiring optimization for immediate objectives rather than hypothetical scale. The third mistake is treating technology as religion rather than tools, losing sight of what the business actually needs. Optimizing for Velocity and Developer Experience "You are optimizing for velocity! What are you doing to help developers get their work done? Look at developer experience as a metric." Successful startup CTOs understand that velocity - the time from idea to valuable market delivery - is paramount. This requires a fundamental shift in thinking about technology decisions, focusing on features that deliver real customer value rather than technical elegance. Zach emphasizes measuring developer experience as a key metric, recognizing that anything that helps developers work more effectively directly impacts the company's ability to survive and thrive in competitive markets. The Professional Skill Tree Concept "It's like a character progression in an RPG. When we learn one type of skills, we don't learn other types of skills. We make investments every day and we have a choice on where we learn." Drawing from gaming metaphors, Zach explains how technical professionals often reach Level 100 in engineering skills while remaining Level 1 in management. The skill tree concept highlights that every learning investment is a choice - time spent developing one skill area means less time available for others. For engineers transitioning to leadership, the key is recognizing opportunities to serve as tech leads, where they can begin setting culture and quality standards while still leveraging their technical expertise. Balancing Kaizen with Startup Urgency "Pick the high-impact debt, and pay that down. This is not always easy, especially because we also need to pick what debt we don't invest on." The tension between continuous improvement and startup speed requires sophisticated thinking about technical debt. Using financial analogies, Zach explains that technical debt has both principal and interest components. The key is identifying which debt carries the highest interest rates and can be paid down most quickly, while consciously choosing which debt to carry forward. This approach maintains the healthy tension between quality and speed that defines successful startup engineering. The Power of Audience Empathy "The single hardest skill, especially for very tech leaders is that of 'audience empathy.' When you explain ideas to people, you usually assume a lot - but they might not." According to Zach, the most undervalued communication habit for startup tech leaders is developing audience empathy. Technical leaders often suffer from the curse of knowledge, assuming their audience shares their context and understanding. The solution requires deliberately considering what the audience already knows before crafting any communication, whether it's explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders or providing clear direction to team members. In this segment we refer to the concept of “the curse of knowledge”, a cognitive bias that occurs when a person who has specialized knowledge assumes that others share in that knowledge. About Zach Goldberg Zach Goldberg is a seasoned technical entrepreneur, executive coach, and author of The Startup CTO's Handbook. With a founder's mentality and a passion for systems thinking, Zach helps engineering leaders build high-performing teams. He also founded Advance The World, a nonprofit inspiring youth in STEM through immersive experiences. You can link with Zach Goldberg on LinkedIn, and visit Zach's website at CTOHB.com.

How many questions is too many?You know that asking effective questions is key to helping others solve problems and unlocking improvement, but can you ask too many questions?Yes! And when you do so, you actually hinder progress, not enable it.In this episode, I share one of the most common mistakes leaders and coaches alike make when learning to Break the Telling Habit® and moving from “telling” to “asking”. It's a crucial shift to stop being the expert with all the answers, but when you overpivot to only asking, you can leave the person you're intending to support feeling frustrated and stuck. Coaching for improvement isn't just about inquiry—it's about navigating what I call the “Coaching Continuum”—knowing when to provide open support for problem-solving and when to step in with direction.And importantly, always keeping the problem-solving responsibility with the person you are coaching.YOU'LL LEARN:When and how to switch between directive coaching and open coachingThe Coaching Continuum and how to maintain the ownership of problem-solving with the actual problem ownerThree key steps to navigate the Coaching Continuum effectivelyA leader or coach's role in overseeing the problem-solving process, whether using an A3 report or another improvement methodThe importance of embracing struggle in the learning process and allowing time for responseTune in to learn how to navigate this continuum and become a more effective Transformational Improvement Coach!IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/44Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about the role of leader as coach: Learning to Lead, Leading to LearnTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:59 Navigating the coaching continuum 03:59 A brief explanation of the coaching continuum to be a more helpful coach05:32 The 3 key steps to effectively navigate the coaching continuum05:43 Step 1: Understand their thinking to know whether open coaching or directive guidance is needed07:12 Step 2: Get comfortable with struggle08:26 When to pivot from open coaching to directive coaching8:37 How to label your actions to clarify your intention11:01 Step 3: Today's not the only day, follow up with a coaching process question to encourage learning11:27 Benefit of asking a process question to understand next steps13:32 A leader's role in developing an  A3 report and owning the thinking process not the thinking15:13 Why coaching and leadership is situational15:35 Steps to make a plan for effective coaching15:42 Step 1: Ask a question before immediately jumping in15:54 Step 2: Give an example how you might approach the problem16:15 Step 3: The next step to take and what to expect

What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Sam Yankelevitch discuss the importance of respectful delegation in leadership. They highlight the significance of clarity, accountability, and continuous coaching in delegation. Together, they elaborate on the "commitment conversation" framework, which includes defining tasks, acknowledging uncertainties, and regular follow-ups. They emphasize the need for leaders to shift from being intimidating task givers to supportive coaches.About the Guest:Sam Yankelevitch is the CEO of Xpress Lingo Solutions, a TEDx speaker, and corporate trainer focused on aligning people, processes, and communication to close performance gaps. An industrial engineer and former VP of global operations, he brings deep expertise in Lean, Quality, and problem-solving methodologies. Sam is a popular LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 750,000 learners and the author of several books, including Lean Potion #9, Walking the Invisible Gemba, and the fiction title An Interview with Failure. He lives in South Carolina with his wife and borrowed dog, and believes in lifelong learning and giving back.Links:Click Here For Sam Yankelevitch WebsiteClick Here For Sam Yankelevitch LinkedInClick Here For Sam Yankelevitch YouTube

As we give ourselves to God, our life and work flows out as sacrificial labor as we strain to produce good things for others. This brings us back to the idea that we, the ones creating value for customers, are in a position of givers. We give of our time, strength, ideas, resources, and skills. And our work to produce value for our customer through a Disciplined Offering has eternal ramifications. There is a transcendent moral good in our physical labor. Kaizen is more than Continuous Improvement.Kaizen is Disciplined Offering.

As we give ourselves to God, our life and work flows out as sacrificial labor as we strain to produce good things for others. This brings us back to the idea that we, the ones creating value for customers, are in a position of givers. We give of our time, strength, ideas, resources, and skills. And our work to produce value for our customer through a Disciplined Offering has eternal ramifications. There is a transcendent moral good in our physical labor. Kaizen is more than Continuous Improvement.Kaizen is Disciplined Offering.

What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Jason Schroeder discuss the importance of core values in leadership, particularly in the construction industry. Schroeder shares his journey from a command-and-control leadership style to a more collaborative approach, highlighting the significance of a clean, organized, and safe work environment.About the Guest:Jason Schroeder is a former Field Operations and Project Director. He has worked as a construction leader for 26 years, working in positions that ranged from field engineer to project superintendent, general superintendent, and field operations director. He is the Owner and Lead Trainer at Elevate Construction, a company focused on elevating construction throughout the world by providing insights, solutions, and training. His mission is to create respect in the field through trained leaders, which ultimately preserves and protects families in construction. He is the creator of the Field Engineer and Superintendent Boot Camps, which are immersive courses that train field leadership. Jason Schroeder hosts the Elevate Construction Podcast, a blog through Home - Elevate Constructionist, and trains, consults, and coaches throughout the world.Links:Click Here For Jason Schroeder's LinkedInClick Here For Jason Schroeder's YouTube Click Here For Jason Schroder's Podcast

What's the real purpose behind the Japanese practices integral to lean management —like kata, obeya, and A3 reports?These methods are often misunderstood as mere templates or formats, without recognizing the deeper meaning and intention that drive their impact.In this episode, we're picking up on my conversation with Tim Wolput, Japanologist, Toyota Way management expert, and former World Aikido Champion, in Part 2 of this masterclass on Japanese culture and management. Tim brings a unique perspective on the connection between martial arts and leadership—exploring how practices like kata, obeya, and omotenashi (the spirit of hospitality) can be applied to transformational leadership in your organization.YOU'LL LEARN:What it means to flip the pyramid, highlighting the difference between servant leadership and traditional top-down leadershipWhat the tea ceremony teaches us in looking beyond transactional thinkingThe essence of obeya in being more than a space to display information and manage initiatives, but process for people development and collaborationThe importance of holding precious what it means to be human in leadership The concept of “ichigo ichie” and embracing the uniqueness of the present momentIn episode 42, we explored how Samurai and rice farming shaped Japanese leadership and how it differs from Western management. If you missed it, hit pause and listen now before continuing this episode!ABOUT MY GUEST:Tim Wolput is a Japanologist and Toyota Way Management expert passionate about helping people transform themselves, their organizations, and the world for the better. Since 2023 Tim has been my in-country partner for my immersive Japan Leadership Experiences. Originally from Belgium, Tim has lived in Japan since 1999 where he attended Tokyo University Graduate School where he studied the history of traditional Japanese mathematics. He is also the 2005 World Champion in Aikido. Tim is a certified Toyota Way Management System instructor and consultant to global organizations on Lean, Agile, and Toyota Production System (TPS).IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/43Listen to Part 1 with Tim Wolput: ChainfOfLearning.com/42Connect with Tim Wolput: linkedin.com/in/timwolputCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonLearn about my Japan Leadership Experience program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTripTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:54 The meaning and practice of Aikido and lessons for leadership and lean management06:20 What it means to flip the organizational pyramid and how it relates to supportive and servant leadership09:37 Importance of kata in Japanese culture 17:24 The ritual of the tea ceremony and how it relates to business and customer service21:05 Disadvantages of replacing humans with machines to get things done22:40 The concept of obeya, visual management, and people development25:30 The importance of being people focused rather than tools and processes to reach goals

Jennifer Peterson, Manager of Continuous Improvement at Muscatine Power and Water (MPW) in Muscatine, Iowa, joined Jamie Flinchbaugh on the People Solve Problems podcast to share insights about her approach to problem solving. Jennifer's mission at MPW is to reduce frustration for coworkers through process improvement and problem solving. Working in a utility that provides critical services and never shuts down, Jennifer explains that prioritization is essential. At MPW, safety concerns come first, followed by reliability issues. Jennifer shares a practical example of how they tackled the recurring problem of squirrels chewing through utility lines by installing special pole wraps that prevent squirrels from climbing, significantly reducing outages. Rather than accepting this as an inevitable issue, her team actively sought solutions. When it comes to collaboration, Jennifer believes in inclusivity. She prefers having more stakeholders in the room rather than too few, aligning with Jamie's philosophy that problems can't be solved in isolation. Jennifer employs several facilitation strategies to ensure all voices are heard, especially from quieter team members. Her preparation includes learning about participants beforehand, sometimes through conversations with their supervisors, and creating a comfortable environment for contribution during sessions. Jennifer connects problem-solving effectiveness to the organization's mission. MPW revised their mission statement in 2023 to empower Muscatine residents and businesses to thrive, which has helped employees see the direct impact of their work. This connection to community creates natural motivation, as employees often serve their family members, friends, and neighbors. For tackling complex problems like safety and reliability, Jennifer recommends breaking them down into smaller, less intimidating parts. She draws a powerful connection between this approach and psychological safety, noting that when problems seem less overwhelming, people are more likely to embrace solutions and understand different perspectives. After 17 years at MPW, Jennifer recognizes the challenge of blind spots that come with long tenure. Her team documents processes for potential single points of failure and questions long-standing practices. They also use benchmarking and comparative data to challenge themselves, recently shifting from measuring against industry averages to top quartile performance. She notes that MPW's culture embraces holding themselves to high standards, with leadership promoting a standard of excellence throughout the organization. Jennifer combines her MBA from Western Illinois University, Bachelor's in English from St. Martin's University, and certifications as a PMP and Lean Black Belt to bring both analytical rigor and clear communication to her continuous improvement work. Learn more about Jennifer and Muscatine Power and Water at www.mpw.org or connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-peterson-muscatine/.

What You'll Learn:Are you learning about improvement or actually doing it? In this episode, host Patrick Adams is joined by continuous improvement leader Brian DeVries to dig into the power of hands-on learning and why lectures alone just don't cut it. From the shop floor to the boardroom, real growth happens when you roll up your sleeves and apply what you've heard. Whether you're training teams or leveling up your own skills, tune in to discover how action-based learning builds true confidence, competence, and lasting change. About the Guest:Brian is a global leader with over 13 years of experience in driving lean strategy and assessments within manufacturing, food processing, and distribution facilities. Industries served in his career include agriculture, office furniture, food & beverage, golf course maintenance, and insurance. He is dedicated to improving lives through continuous improvement work and focuses on his core values of Happiness, Empathy, and Hope.Professionally, Brian has been recognized in the lean industry, having been featured on podcasts, served as an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Lean Consortium from 2016-2020, and spoken at various conferences, including the 2016 Lean Six Sigma World Conference where his team won the Project of the Year award. He prides himself on empowering those he works with to change their lives and continues to seek opportunities to inspire others.LINKS:Click Here For Brian DeVries' LinkedInClick Here to Enter the giveaway and to learn more about Kaizen Kit!The Big Thinking of a Small Knight

Gemma started her career studying Mechanical Engineering at Cardiff University. She quickly discovered the world of Continuous Improvement and spent 20 years working to improve processes and systems within various manufacturing industries including Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Dairy, Cosmetics & Toiletries, Food, and Medical Devices. She has been a CI Manager numerous times and an Operations Manager running a factory of over 500 people.Gemma is hugely passionate about Improvement and developing people and processes. She gets such a kick out of coaching and facilitating, especially when she sees the lightbulb switch on in someone's head – when they solve a problem; when they realize they have the power to change; or when they get excited about all the improvements they could make.In 2019, Gemma left the world of employment to establish her own business, SPARK Improvement, aiming to switch on as many lightbulbs as possible. Her mission is to help organizations and individuals be the BEST they can be, by helping people SEE, helping people THINK, and helping people CHANGE.Gemma is based in Cheshire in the UK, working globally.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Dr. Kristilynn Turney is the CEO and Founder of Dr. Kristilynn Turney, LLC and the Co-Founder of Charter School Pros. Dr. Kristilynn Turney, LLC is certified as an Ohio Minority Business Enterprise and Ohio Women's Business Enterprise.Dr. Kristilynn Turney, LLC specializes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plans, Consulting, and Professional Development, Educational and Organizational Leadership, Coaching, and Mentoring, and School Improvement.Charter School Pros is a full-service partner for charter schools, delivering personalized and impactful support to drive leadership growth, teacher effectiveness, and student success.Dr. Kristilynn Turney has served in public education for 20 years in the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio areas. She began her career as an English, Theatre, and Public Speaking Teacher. She was also a School Improvement Consultant and Literacy Coach for Hamilton County Educational Service Center and then Assistant Principal at Winton Woods High School. In 2012, Dr. Turney became the first Black Principal at Fairfield Middle School, and in 2014, she became the first Black Principal and only the third female Principal at Colerain High School. She ended her career in public education as a district-level administrator where she was a curriculum director and human resources/diversity director. She maintains Ohio Education Licenses in-All Communications (7-12), Principal (5-12), and Superintendent ( P-12).Dr. Kristilynn Turney has worked in diversity and leadership for many years.  In these capacities, Dr. Turney has served as a building principal to improve cultural competency among her staff, a professor of “Community of Learners,” a course designed to make students more culturally aware, as a district-level administrator in the areas of curriculum, diversity, and human resources as well as an independent consultant helping individuals and organizations evaluate diversity practices and develop their diversity plans and models. Throughout Dr. Turney's work, she has successfully engaged 1000s of peopleands solicited help and guidance from many stakeholders of diverse backgrounds. While this has not been an easy task, especially when oftentimes she did not know the stakeholders prior to beginning the work, she made it seamless by building quick relationships through engaging activities, tasks, and social, and professional connections. In her “free time”, Dr. Turney enjoys spending time with her husband, Larry, and 4 kids-Kamille, Carson, Lailah, and Lennox. She spends many days and weekends chasing their many activities and sports. Kristilynn is also an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Quinn Chapel AME Church. She enjoys traveling, reading, exercising, spending time with extended family and friends, and online shopping.  She credits her success to her mother, Joan Burnett, who passed away in 2016. Her mother taught her grace, perseverance, strength, and to believe in God through all things! Currently, Dr. Turney works with public schools, charter schools, and organizations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices and Professional Development, Educational and Organizational Leadership Coaching and Mentoring, and School Improvement. Her work sites have expanded the globe including Illinois, Connecticut, New York, Florida, and the Cayman Islands, just to name a few. She is trained in DEI by the University of South Florida. She is a consultant with the Ohio State Support Team, SST 11, in Continuous Improvement and Special Education. Dr. Kristilynn Turney is also the host of “Elevating with Equity,” an equity-centered education conference, and the author of “Inspiration and Reflections for the School Leader,” and “5 Months to School Improvement.” ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou've spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it's time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn't just another book—it's the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I've been where you are. I know what it's like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you'll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.

Julie Simmons, now retired, worked with her husband Scott as part of the Scott Wade Simmons & Associates, LLC providing leadership coaching and training in Strategy Development and Deployment, Leadership Development, and the Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata. Julie always had a passion for helping others develop their skills, capabilities, and confidence to solve complex challenges in their organizations using scientific thinking. Julie had the honor to be a frequent speaker and presenter at KataCon. Julie retired as the Executive Director for the Northwest High Performance Enterprise Consortium (NWHPEC) in January 2018 after leading the organization for fifteen years. As the Executive Director, Julie was responsible for promoting the vision, mission, and purpose of the consortium within the Portland and Vancouver business area. Prior to joining NWHPEC in 2004, Julie worked at the The Boeing Company for 14 years as Flight Line Expeditor, Shortage Controller, Supply Chain Analyst, and Manufacturing Process Analyst. She developed her skills as a Continuous Improvement practitioner while working as a Manufacturing Process Analyst where she became a Certified Accelerated Improvement Workshop leader and supported several Shingijutsu led Kaizen events. In retirement, Julie spends her time planning future travel, cooking for family and friends, and spending time with her husband Scott in all of their shared hobbies.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Carmen Jurado: The Power of Being Heard, Turning Critics Into Agile Advocates Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Carmen shares how she was asked to step in as a Scrum Master for a struggling team that had a particularly vocal and critical lead developer. This developer had experienced multiple transitions and transformations, leading to significant resistance that was affecting the entire team's morale and creating unresolved conflicts. Carmen focused on building individual relationships with each team member and setting clear expectations. She discovered that the lead developer simply didn't feel heard. By listening and addressing these concerns, Carmen was able to transform her biggest critic into one of her strongest advocates. She emphasizes that resistance is often a sign of loyalty to something else and that understanding this can help transform a dysfunctional team into a high-performing one. Self-reflection Question: How might you address resistance in your team by focusing on individual relationships and understanding what team members feel loyal to? Featured Book of the Week: Joy Inc. by Richard Sheridan Carmen recommends Joy Inc. by Richard Sheridan, highlighting its practical insights for creating a motivating and enjoyable workplace. The book covers everything from hiring practices to team collaboration and experimentation, yet never explicitly mentions "Agile." Carmen appreciates the inspiring stories about understanding users in their environment and how these principles can be applied to create better working environments. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

In this episode we are joined by Jeff Stringer, co-owner of VPA Broadheads. We discuss his passion for manufacturing, the acquisition of VPA, Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing in the USA, and new product offerings coming out soon! Enjoy the show! SAVE 10% on your VPA Broadhead Orders by using discount code: THEPUSH  Shop VPA Broadheads: https://vparchery.com This Podcast is sponsored by you guys, the listeners! We intentionally do not accept or seek out sponsors for the show so I can use gear from around the industry and provide honest feedback throughout the year. If you enjoy that about our show, please consider supporting the channel by heading to our website and making a purchase, large or small, which keeps the lights on and conversations flowing here at Push HQ! Shop all Gear and Apparel: www.ThePushArchery.com Online Courses & Coaching: https://thepusharchery.teachable.com