Podcasts about continuous improvement

This week Andrew talks with new Southern Methodist University Women's Basketball Head Coach Adia Barnes. Adia shares a behind-the-scenes look at the transition into her new job — and everything she's doing to set herself & the SMU program up for success. Adia shares powerful ideas on turning adversity into growth, finding new ways to improve, what to do when you feel stuck, & so much more. This conversation will help you navigate new roles, phases, & experiences in your own life.** Follow Andrew **Instagram: @AndrewMoses123Twitter/X: @andrewhmosesSign up for e-mails to keep up with the podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletterDISCLAIMER: This podcast is solely for educational & entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.

In this episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast, Brian Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Veritas Logistics, shares his conversation with Joe Lynch of The Logistics of Logistics podcast on one of the most critical topics in supply chain today: food safety and cold chain logistics.Brian unpacks the practical realities of moving perishable goods “from farm to fork”—why strict compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act matters, how cold chain integrity is maintained across thousands of miles, and what happens when partners cut corners. Drawing from Veritas's own journey of launching in the middle of COVID and scaling to a $40M+ brokerage, he explains how processes, protocols, and culture drive consistency in an industry where one mistake can jeopardize public trust for decades.From picking the right carrier partners to investing in inspections, seals, temperature monitoring, and constant training, Brian lays out the five pillars that keep Veritas competitive in one of the most demanding logistics sectors. For brokers, shippers, and anyone in food and beverage supply chains, this is a tactical guide to protecting your product, your customers, and your reputation.The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.Timestamps:(00:12) – Veritas's Focus on Food & Beverage Logistics(03:26) – Why Cold Chain Integrity is Non-Negotiable(06:25) – Brian's Background and Founding Veritas During COVID(12:22) – Processes & Protocols: Staying Compliant with FSMA(22:02) – Picking the Right Partners & Carrier Network Standards(24:41) – The Role of Seals in Protecting Product Integrity(29:00) – Managing Temperature Control and Reefer Compliance(34:40) – Culture, Training, and Continuous Improvement at Veritas(42:07) – Five Pillars for Food Safety & Cold Chain SuccessConnect with us! ▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian's LinkedIn | Justin's LinkedIn▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights▶️ Send us your questions!! ask@go-veritas.comWatch the pod on: YouTube

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Tilo Schwarz discuss the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly changing world. They highlight the need for companies to adapt quickly, citing an example of a high-end electronics company facing competition that can deliver in weeks what their company takes months. They emphasize the importance of developing a learning organization, starting with individual learning and scientific thinking.About the Guest:Tilo Schwarz is an author, leadership coach, and co-founder of the Campus for Leaders at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences. He specializes in helping leaders cultivate team creativity and adaptability through scientific thinking and coaching practices. As a former plant manager, Tilo led a team that won the A.T. Kearney "Factory of the Year" award and placed second in the WHU/INSEAD "Best Factory" competition. He began practicing Toyota Kata in 2007, collaborating with Mike Rother during its foundational research. Tilo has authored several books and frequently speaks at international events, focusing on leadership that empowers teams to innovate and grow.Links:2025 Lean Solutions SummitClick Here For Tilo Schwarz LinkedInClick Here For Tilo Schwarz Website 

Summary Have you ever wrapped up your workday thinking, “I've been busy all day, but I'm not sure I actually made anything better”? If so, you're not alone, and today's guests are here to help you break that cycle. In this episode, Andy talks with Don Kieffer and Nelson Repenning, co-authors of the new book There's Got to Be a Better Way. Don is a former Harley-Davidson executive who led during some of the company's most challenging years. Nelson is a professor at MIT Sloan who studies why well-intended management tools often fail in practice. Together, they're helping leaders rethink how work actually gets done. In the conversation, you'll learn why so many teams get stuck in firefighting mode, and why that's often not a people issue but a systems issue. You'll hear how to spot the “firefighter-arsonist” pattern, why problem-solving starts with problem-finding, and what it means to “design for discovery.” We also talk about Agile, Lean, invisible handoffs, and even how these ideas apply to family life. If you're looking for insights on how to make your team's work more effective, sustainable, and human-centered, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “Most performance problems are not people problems. They're design problems.” “You get what you design for. And most work isn't designed at all. It just kind of happens.” “Firefighting is not a character flaw. It's a predictable output of a broken system.” “If you don't make the work visible, you can't improve it.” “When no one owns the handoff, it's not really a handoff. It's a drop.” “Success should be easy. That doesn't mean the work isn't hard, but the path to doing it well should be clear.” “Discovery isn't luck. It's a design choice.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Start of Interview 01:59 The Origin Story: How Don and Nelson Collaborated 07:36 Challenges in Implementing Business Tools 13:19 Dynamic Work Design vs. Traditional Methods 25:16 A Lesson from the Factory Floor 26:53 Identifying and Solving Problems in Teams 31:23 The Importance of Connecting the Human Chain 35:46 Making Work Visible: Strategies and Tools 40:34 Applying Work Strategies at Home 42:46 End of Interview 43:12 Andy Comments After the Interview 47:35 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about the book and their work at shiftgear.work/theres-got-to-be-a-better-way-book. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 249 with Aaron Dignan about Brave New Work Episode 252 with Marcus Buckingham about Nine Lies About Work Episode 162 with Jonathan Raymond on culture and leadership mindset Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Leadership, Project Management, System Design, Agile, Lean, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Organizational Effectiveness, Continuous Improvement, Work Design, Team Performance The following music was used for this episode: Music: Quantum Sparks Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Apply for the Nov 2025 (limited spots remaining) or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ “Change the culture!”That's exactly what longtime Toyota leader Isao Yoshino was tasked with during one of the most famous business transformations in history—NUMMI—Toyota's joint venture with General Motors in the 1980s.The challenge? Take GM's worst-performing plant—plagued by absenteeism, low morale, and poor quality—and turn it around.Within just one year, with the same American workforce but under Toyota's leadership, NUMMI became GM's best-performing site.Behind the scenes was Mr. Yoshino, leading the design and delivery of a three-week training program in Japan for hundreds of NUMMI's frontline and middle managers.In this episode, Mr. Yoshino shares the inside story of NUMMI's transformation—how an experiment in a business turnaround became a “New Me” moment for its leaders—and the leadership lessons you can use to influence culture change without relying on authority.If you're a lean practitioner or change leader wondering how to truly “change a culture,” this is a rare chance to hear the story directly from the person who lived it.You'll Learn:Why you can't force culture change—and what to do insteadHow Mr. Yoshino and his team created  immersive learning experiences that shifted NUMMI leaders' mindsets in just three weeksWhy the “Check” step in PDCA is the secret to Toyota's sustained success How the andon process reshaped leaders' views on problems—and how a “no problem is a problem” and no-blame mindset fosters learning and continuous improvementWhy NUMMI's transformation was as much (or more) about people as it was about performanceABOUT 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. He's the subject of the Shingo award-winning book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning”IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/50Check 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 Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip For an even deeper behind-the-scenes look at NUMMI, read the dedicated chapter in my book: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:02 How Isao Yoshino felt to be tasked with changing the culture and attitude of NUMMI leaders04:27 Creating the space for leaders to experience working in Japan and Toyota's style09:21 Positive results from employees changing their attitude mindset themselves without being forced12:06 The importance of “check” in the PDCA process 14:38 Making the “check” process a positive experience in learning how to improve systems without blame18:10 The critical difference between the former GM culture and Toyota with their approach to problems19:12 The mindset shift of “no problem is a problem” and the impact of pulling the andon cord20:19 The positive results from lettings others learn and grow without force23:09 Reflections from Isao Yoshino about being part of the Japan Leadership Experience and continuing to learn something new24:38 The acronym for NUMMI and the deeper meaning of, “New Me” to become the best version of yourself Apply for the Nov 2025 (limited spots remaining) or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Katie Anderson discuss strategic planning, emphasizing the importance of ongoing adjustments rather than annual reviews. Katie highlights the Japanese method Hoshin Kanri, which involves continuous reflection and adjustment. They stress the need for leaders to align strategic goals with customer needs and organizational capacity.About the Guest:Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership and learning coach, consultant, and professional speaker, best known for inspiring individuals and organizations to lead with intention and increase their personal and professional impact. Katie is passionate about helping people around the world learn to lead and lead to learn by connecting purpose, process, and practice to achieve higher levels of performance. Her book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning is an international #1 Amazon bestseller.Links:2025 Lean Solutions Summit"Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" LinkClick Here For Katie Anderson's LinkedIn

In this episode of the Investor Fuel podcast, host Michelle Kesil speaks with Terry Kerr and Liz Nowlin, experts in the turnkey real estate market. They discuss their journey in property management, the importance of vertical integration, and how they have scaled their business over the years. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during the credit crisis, their approach to investor relationships, and the foundational principles that have contributed to their success. Terry and Liz emphasize the importance of continuous improvement and learning from past mistakes, while also sharing insights on how they connect with new investors.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

If you've ever been frustrated with Cabinet Vision, this episode is for you. Dominic Rubino sits down with David Buchsbaum of Beacon Solutions LLC — a former shop owner turned software consultant — to explore how smart shops use Cabinet Vision to boost productivity, reduce errors, and make more money. What you'll learn in this episode: 1. How to identify and remove “bloat” from your Cabinet Vision setup. 2. Why outdated versions could be costing you more than you think. 3. Real examples of UCS (User Created Standards) that save hours every week. 4. The role of continuous improvement in both software and shop floor processes. 5. How to cut down rework and callbacks with better engineering practices. 6. The personality styles best suited for Cabinet Vision roles — and how to hire the right person for the job. David and Dominic dive deep into the people side of Cabinet Vision too — showing why the right behavioral style can make or break your success with the software, and how matching skills to personality leads to faster workflows and fewer mistakes. David's insights will resonate with shop owners, engineers, and managers who want to work smarter, not harder.

In this episode, Molly sits down with Aviva Gordon, an estate planning lawyer, Founder/Owner of Gordon Law, LLC, to discuss her journey from dealing with high turnovers to building a rockstar legal team. They dive into hiring challenges, building a supportive culture, and keeping client service personal in a tech-driven world. Aviva shares why trusting professionals and continuous improvement are key to lasting law firm success.   Key Takeaways: Hiring Right Changes Everything – Moving from repeated assistant turnovers to finding the right fit transformed Aviva's legal team and client experience. Communication is Key – Even skilled attorneys can struggle with clearly articulating expectations to their team. Culture Beats Perks – A supportive, respectful team environment keeps great people longer than big salaries or flashy benefits. Process is Power – Documenting systems and procedures gets tasks out of the attorney's head and into a repeatable workflow. Clients Feel Your Team's Energy – A cohesive, well-supported legal team delivers better client care and stronger relationships. Small Firms Have Big Advantages – Personalized service, real human touch, and dedicated client care beat large-firm bureaucracy. Partnership with Professionals Pays Off – Bringing in expert help for hiring, onboarding, and leadership support accelerates growth. Continuous Improvement is Non-Negotiable – Regularly refining processes and roles keeps the legal team effective and engaged.   Quote for the Show: "Trust professionals. We as lawyers are good at what we're good at, but not good at everything." - Aviva Gordon   Connect with Aviva: Website: www.gordonlawlv.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aviva-gordon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gordon-law-llc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonLawLV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonlawlv   Links: Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiringandempowering Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiringandempowering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiring&empoweringsolutions/ The Law Firm Admin Bootcamp + Academy™: https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/ Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk   Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions YouTube - https://youtu.be/IzlKZKDIr7Q

As the CEO and President of Texas State Optical (TSO) for over 20 years, John Marvin grew TSO into one of the top 10 retail optical organizations in the U.S.Tune in, as John gives us a glimpse into his career, how he developed his leadership style, and the next chapter for him beyond TSO.John also talks about the importance of building a culture for continuous improvement in both our professional and personal lives; as well as insight into the virtues of servant leadership.You can follow John on LinkedIn to see and hear many more leadership insights!If you like what you hear, buy me a coffee to support the show and get a shout-out in a future episode!

In this episode of Confessions of a B2B Entrepreneur, Jeff Rudner, host of 5 to 50: Financial Strategies for Growing Companies, interviews Tom Hunt, Founder and CEO of Fame, to reveal how he built a B2B podcast agency to £4M ARR without external funding. Tom shares lessons from 17 previous business attempts, emphasizing the critical role of financial discipline and the power of hyper-focus on core services. Discover his unique risk assessment framework, practical EOS implementation, and the vital role of culture in scaling. This episode delivers actionable strategies on cash flow, profitability, operational efficiency, and team incentives, demonstrating why doing less exceptionally well is the key to lasting growth.

Apply for the Nov 2025 (limited spots remaining) or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ When you encounter challenges or setbacks, and it feels like things just aren't going your way, it's easy to get caught into a downward negative spiral.  But could simple mindset shifts change not just how you feel, but how you move forward and influence those around you with positive momentum?In this episode, I'm sharing three powerful reframes that have helped me reset, regain perspective, and move through challenges with intention and empowerment. These reframes aren't just personal practices—they're leadership strategies that can help you model resilience, learning, and agency, and inspire the people around you to do the same.This episode isn't about blind optimism or sugarcoating hard things. It's about real, actionable ways to reframe challenges and move forward with greater clarity, strength, and purpose.Learn the three reframes that have helped me (and the leaders I work with) get back up and lead with heart and intention.YOU'LL LEARN:How to reframe your focus from negative to positive and rise with more clarity and confidenceThe story behind the motto that inspires me daily –“Today's a great day” – and how gratitude can ground you in tough momentsWhy setbacks and failures aren't the end, but an opportunity to learn your way forwardHow the Japanese daruma doll became a lesson in resilience—representing the proverb “Fall down seven times, get up eight”How to move from feeling powerless to empowered and why the ball is always in your courtIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/49Resources 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 Read my book featuring lessons from Isao Yoshino's 40 years of Toyota Leadership: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:56 [1st REFRAME] Find the good—even when it's hard02:03 Katie's dad as the inspiration behind the motto, “Today's a great day”04:23 Isao Yoshino's influence in learning how to shift from negative to positive07:22 The importance of focusing on the good for improvement09:23 [2nd REFRAME] Seeing failures and setbacks as learning opportunities10:17 Why daruma dolls are a reminder of resilience and the Japanese proverb "Fall down seven times, get up eight"12:04 Questions to maintain a learning mindset12:33 The learning zone versus the performance zone from Chain of Learning Episode 5 guest Eduardo Bricino13:37 Reframe exercise to reframe failure to learning opportunity 15:17 [3rd REFRAME] Moving from powerlessness to agency15:51 Understanding, “The ball is in your court” to help how you respond to negative conditions17:07 Achieving goals versus fulfilling your intention18:14 Katie's previous organizational role and how a reframe launched her consulting practice20:19 How two executives used coaching and reflection to shift from solving problems themselves to enabling their teams21:26 Stepping away from frustration and reframing the problem to influence things differently22:51 Reframe exercise to move from inaction to action23:33 Summary of the three reframes25:31 Questions to help shape your day and impact Apply for the Nov 2025 or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

In this episode of People Solve Problems, host Jamie Flinchbaugh welcomes Dr. Greg Jacobson, CEO and Co-founder of KaiNexus, for an insightful conversation about the intersection of medical training, psychological safety, and continuous improvement culture. Greg's journey into the world of Lean and Kaizen began in 2004 when his department chairman handed him Masaaki Imai's book "Kaizen" and said, "You think like this." As an emergency medicine doctor, Greg was immediately struck by the realization that there was an entire discipline focused on improving systems. He recognized that healthcare had so many operational inefficiencies that applying these principles in the emergency department could yield tremendous results through solving basic problems and capturing low-hanging fruit. The conversation explores how Greg's medical background both helps and hinders systematic thinking about business problems. He explains that physicians are trained with a scientific mindset where every patient encounter resembles an experiment - gathering evidence, forming hypotheses, running tests, and evaluating outcomes. This mirrors the problem-solving methodology used in Lean thinking, making the transition natural for some medical professionals. However, the competitive nature required to succeed in medical school and residency can create fixed mindsets and reduce curiosity, as many doctors become accustomed to being the "alpha dog" who always has the right answers. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on psychological safety and its critical role in enabling improvement. Greg defines psychological safety as "being rewarded for being vulnerable" - whether that's admitting you don't know something, raising concerns about broken processes, or challenging existing systems. Through his experience working in emergency departments across the United States and even New Zealand, he observed that departments where people felt safe to speak up consistently had better outcomes than those where the culture encouraged keeping quiet and just getting the job done. Jamie and Greg explore how technology systems can actually enhance psychological safety by creating a buffer between individuals and problems. When issues are logged in a system rather than raised face-to-face, it shifts the dynamic from personal confrontation to collaborative problem-solving. The issue becomes the common enemy that everyone works together to address, rather than a source of interpersonal tension. Greg notes that rather than reducing human interaction, electronic systems actually increase communication by creating visibility and fostering engagement around improvement opportunities. The conversation turns to habit science and its application to continuous improvement culture. Greg credits reading "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, and "Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg with transforming both his personal life and his understanding of organizational change. He explains how KaiNexus applies the habit loop concept - cue, routine, reward - to create interconnected behaviors across different organizational levels. The routine of one person becomes the trigger for another person's habit, creating a web of positive behaviors that sustain improvement culture. When asked about his personal habit transformation, Greg shares how he moved from being an inconsistent squash player who would "demolish his body" once or twice a week to someone who exercises daily. After tearing his ACL in his forties, he used habit science principles to change his identity and create sustainable physical activity routines. Throughout the discussion, Greg emphasizes that KaiNexus is fundamentally about the human transformation that technology enables, not the technology itself. The platform's value comes from people interacting with it in specific ways that foster continuous improvement behaviors across the organization. For more information about Greg's work, visit kainexus.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

https://tradingnut.com/feriano/ - Feriano's Links

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Matthew Rassi discuss the future of manufacturing. They explore the unique characteristics and misconceptions about Gen Z in the workforce. They emphasize the importance of providing purpose, ownership, and flexibility to engage Gen Z.About the Guest:Matthew is a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years of experience in production leadership and operations, including 10 years in medical device manufacturing. He holds a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and teaches Six Sigma courses at Governors State University. He serves on the Board of Advisors for FCS Manufacturing and is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineering. In 2021, he earned a patent for a laparoscopic instrument design. Through his consulting work, he helps small businesses implement Lean practices and develop self-directed teams. Matthew is also active in reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals through Lifehouse-Group. Outside of work, he enjoys family life with his 11 children and 3 grandchildren and restoring old homes.Links:Click Here For Matthew Rassi's LinkedInClick Here For Lean Manufacturing Expert Website 

Welcome to our series of bite-sized episodes featuring favourite moments from the Leading for Business Excellence podcast series.In this minisode, Anu Kalia shares how Continuous Improvement has become part of the fabric at Tesco. From onboarding new colleagues to embedding CI in transitions and day-to-day operations, he explains how a culture of improvement is built from the start, and sustained through visible impact.Listen to the full episode here: https://pmi.co.uk/knowledge-hub/culture-by-design-how-tesco-made-ci-everyones-business/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

We explore the power of Hoshin Kanri—a strategic management system that sets mid- and long-term goals, aligns objectives across all levels of an organization, guides annual execution, and develops people's capabilities to sustain progress. Mark Reich brings insight from his 23 years at Toyota, where he helped implement this enterprise-wide approach to continuous improvement.

Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Mark Reich, a former Toyota leader and current Chief Engineer for Strategy at the Lean Enterprise Institute. Mark is the author of Managing on Purpose. If you've ever tried to improve your team but felt like your strategy was stuck in a slide deck, this conversation is for you. Mark introduces the idea of hoshin kanri, a lesser-known but critical pillar of Toyota's management system, and explains how lean thinking is more than just tools--it's a way of developing people and aligning purpose across an organization. You'll hear why metrics alone won't get you to strategic clarity, how to escape the trap of firefighting, and why engagement, not just direction, is the key to long-term improvement. He also shares how lean thinking can be applied at home, even with your kids! If you're looking for insights on how to align teams, build capability, and lead with greater purpose, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Don't focus on the tool. The tools have to serve a purpose." “Catchball is not just a handoff of plans. It's a conversation about what matters and how we'll learn together.” “Direction without development is just pressure.” They're not called punishment calls. They're called co-learning calls. “If strategy feels like something being done to people, you've already lost.” “You don't learn PDCA by attending a training. You learn it by doing it, with guidance, reflection, and coaching.” “It's not just about solving the problem. It's about who solves it and how they do it.” “We had to change how we talked about strategy before we could change how we worked on strategy.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Start of Interview 02:01 What early experiences shaped your views on leadership, strategy, or lean? 05:28 How do you explain TPS and hoshin kanri as two pillars of Toyota's system? 10:36 What are common mistakes leaders make when trying to improve the business? 15:23 Where do you coach people to start when they want better alignment? 17:40 What myths or misunderstandings do people have about lean? 18:12 Case study example: Turner Construction 25:45 What lean tools or concepts should project managers explore more deeply? 29:24 Where do you recommend someone begin learning about lean? 34:47 How has lean thinking helped at home—and with raising kids? 36:09 End of Interview 36:36 Andy Comments After the Interview 40:53 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Mark Reich and his work at the Lean Enterprise Institute at Lean.org. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 438 with Jeff Gothelf. It's a book about OKRs, which is different from hoshin kanri, but the overall discussion is worth checking out. Episode 387 with Atif Rafiq. It's a book that has a strategic approach to dealing with uncertainty. Episode 320 with Greg Githins. It's more about how to think strategically. Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader–that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Lean, Toyota Production System, Hoshin Kanri, Strategy, Organizational Alignment, Leadership Development, Continuous Improvement, Team Engagement, Project Management, PDCA, Capability Building, Coaching The following music was used for this episode: Music: Underground Shadows by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Daniel Walker discuss the importance of innovation, culture, and leadership in change management. The empathize the significance of middle management in organizational change and innovation. He shares his research on empowering middle managers and the need for a culture of continuous improvement.About the Guest:Dr. Walker has been developing his skills in problem-solving, innovation, and culture change for several decades. He is a certified Six Sigma black belt. He holds a BS in Plastics Engineering Technology, an MS in Management, Strategy, and Leadership, and a PhD in Business Management. His doctoral research focused on organizational change and innovation. He has a passion for facilitating the learning process, focusing on leadership development and cultural innovation.Links:Click Here For Daniel Walker's LinkedIn

Read the blog postWhen I first came across the word kakorrhaphiophobia, I thought it might be one of those obscure terms you learn once and never use again.But the meaning stopped me in my tracks:an irrational, intense fear of failure or defeat.It turns out, this fear is more common–and more consequential–than we might admit, especially in workplaces that say they support continuous improvement but don't act in ways that support it.

Join us on Make Winning Mandatory as we sit down with Madalina Iordache (Mad-ah-LEE-nah Yor-DAH-kay -- rhymes with Okay) is the founder and CEO of Bright Pink Agency, an award-winning marketing agency specializing in designing and building enterprise-level websites for national and international franchise brands. With over a decade of experience in franchise marketing, she's a Certified Franchise Executive, an engaged member of the International Franchise Association, and an active force in the franchise community – serving on multiple boards, speaking at conferences, and mentoring future franchise leaders at the Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University.SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Tyler Wynn and Madalina Iordache explore the journey of entrepreneurship, the evolution of marketing, and the importance of authentic branding. Madalina shares her personal experiences transitioning from employee to business owner, the lessons learned along the way, and how marketing has changed over the years. They discuss consumer values in the digital age, the significance of storytelling, and the role of social media in building a brand. The conversation also touches on overcoming public speaking fears, the value of email marketing, and the importance of networking for business growth. Madalina emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in a competitive landscape.TakeawaysMadalina's journey into entrepreneurship began with a pivotal moment at her first job.Learning what not to do is as valuable as learning what to do.The marketing landscape has evolved significantly over the past 17 years.Consumers value speed, convenience, and relevance in today's digital age.Authentic brand messaging is crucial for cutting through the noise.AI is changing how businesses need to approach marketing and consumer engagement.Social media presence is essential, but businesses should prioritize their website as their main platform.Understanding your audience's needs is key to effective marketing.Execution of marketing strategies requires continuous monitoring and adaptation.Networking and building relationships are vital for business growth.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship02:14 Navigating the Transition from Employee to Business Owner05:07 The Evolution of Marketing Over 17 Years08:01 Understanding Consumer Values in Marketing10:55 Crafting Authentic Brand Messages13:55 The Role of AI in Modern Marketing16:45 Social Media vs. Website: Where to Focus Efforts19:47 Listening to Customers: The Key to Effective Marketing22:50 Executing Marketing Strategies Effectively25:57 Low-Hanging Fruit for Small Business Marketing35:35 Identifying Blind Spots in Marketing Strategies38:09 The Role of Paid Advertising in Modern Marketing39:58 The Future of SEO and Content Marketing41:34 The Power of Storytelling in Branding44:44 Overcoming the Fear of Public Exposure48:42 The Resurgence of Email Marketing53:01 Continuous Improvement and Learning in Business57:18 Leveraging Customer Reviews and AI for Recommendations58:32 Advice for New Business Owners59:35 Building a Network of Support and Expertise

Read the blog postSummaryThe continuous improvement model is a systematic approach where organizations constantly implement small, incremental improvements to services, products, and processes. Built on seven core principles, this model enables businesses of any size to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and engage employees in meaningful change that directly supports strategic goals.

Join host Baylor Barbee in this engaging episode of Shark Theory, where he delves into the importance of authentic leadership and continuous improvement. Baylor shares a recent experience with Pacesetter Homes that highlights effective leadership practices, focusing on transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence. Take a journey as he discusses the impact of leaders who embrace their roles with authenticity and humility. In this episode, Baylor Barbee explores the significance of balancing acknowledgment of success with a commitment to addressing areas for improvement. He discusses his admiration for leaders who maintain transparency and accountability, as exemplified by Blake from Pacesetter Homes. By avoiding the pitfalls of overly optimistic assessments, leaders can foster trust within their teams. This candid approach not only strengthens leadership but also motivates teams to continuously seek new heights of success. Key themes include authentic leadership, continuous improvement, and the power of feedback. Baylor also emphasizes the importance of staying open to feedback from team members. He underscores how seeking and embracing input from others can reveal blind spots and spur growth. Through his own experiences, such as lessons learned from a former football coach, Baylor illustrates the difference between leaders who focus solely on positive metrics and those who genuinely seek to advance. By fostering an environment of transparency and continuous feedback, leaders can cultivate teams that are engaged, motivated, and ready to achieve their full potential. Key Takeaways: Effective leadership requires a balance between celebrating success and identifying areas for improvement. Authenticity and transparency in leadership build trust and inspire teams. Greatness involves constantly seeking new levels of growth and improvement. Soliciting and acting on feedback helps leaders identify blind spots and enhance team performance. Leaders should focus on creating environments where teams are motivated to strive for excellence. Notable Quotes: "If you want to be an effective leader, if you want to be a trusted leader, you have to embrace that mentality." – Baylor Barbee "Greatness always looks for another level." – Baylor Barbee "The people that always act like everything's all perfect... I don't ever want to be that person." – Baylor Barbee "Transparency in getting that feedback goes a long way to developing trust." – Baylor Barbee "When a team that wants to be there is a team that wins." – Baylor Barbee

Apply for the Nov 2025 or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ You're implementing the tools.Making the improvements.Delivering the project results.But the same problems keep resurfacing and you're left wondering: What's missing?In this episode, Josef Procházka, a lean consultant from the Czech Republic, shares his personal journey of transformation—from frustrated practitioner to heart-led coach—and the impact his shift in approach to consulting has had for his clients and for himself.Josef began his career focused on tools, metrics, and deliverables. But something didn't feel right.After reading Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn and joining two of my Japan Leadership Experience programs, Josef experienced a transformation of both mind and heart. He found a more meaningful path: one centered on people, purpose, and intentional leadership.Whether you're an external consultant, internal improvement or operational leader, or simply looking to grow your impact—Josef's story is a reminder that real change doesn't come from better systems alone. This episode will challenge you to rethink how you show up to lead change, what transformation really requires, and what it means to lead with intention.YOU'LL LEARN:How Josef shifted from tool-based delivery to people-centered transformationWhat it looks like to reframe 5S (a workplace organizational practice) into a more meaningful, people-centered practiceThe mindset change required to stop “doing Lean” for others and start leading change with themWays personal growth can unlock deeper change for your clients and organizationsWhy sustainable improvement depends on connecting people and purpose—not just applying toolsABOUT MY GUEST:Josef Procházka is a Lean Six Sigma consultant from the Czech Republic with 20+ years of experience helping manufacturing companies improve productivity, streamline processes, and enhance quality through structured problem-solving and project leadership. He specializes in making Lean practices meaningful by translating tools like 5S and A3 into values-driven change that engages people at every level. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/48My 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/katalystApply for the Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripRead my book that played a role in Josef's leadership transformation: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:13 How the Japan Leadership Experiences influenced Josef's transformation05:27 The “aha” shifts that helped his transformation07:59 Why Josef's approach was not making an impact11:00 Reframing 5S to meaningful 5S to increase productivity in a client's workplace17:30 The importance of bringing meaningfulness to create impact20:03 The negative effect of short-term focus without a long-term view22:33 Why Josef decided to come back to the Japan Leadership Experience 25:32 Why Katie is passionate about leading her Japan Leadership Experiences 28:12 The connection leaders feel after the immersive experience in Japan29:07 Positive transformations from two clients Josef invited to the Japan Leadership Experience33:29 Importance of continuing to learn and going towards the North star to be a better leader37:52 Why real leaders practice lean for their team39:21 Josef's story on going to the Japan Leadership Experience44:21 Advice to make a shift towards greater impact46:21 7 key steps to create real long-term impact Apply for the Nov 2025 or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

Send us a MessageIn this episode of Culture Change RX, Sue Tetzlaff discusses the critical issue of misalignment within healthcare organizations. She shares insights from her experience founding Capstone Leadership Solutions and outlines a framework for achieving great strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating alignment through team structures, effective leadership, and achievement systems, while also addressing the barriers to change. Sue encourages healthcare leaders to adopt this framework to enhance organizational culture and performance and ultimately long term viability and success.Misalignment is a significant issue in healthcare organizations.Capstone's framework for achieving great strategies includes an execution emphasis for creating alignment, ownership, and agility.Creating alignment involves engaging frontline employees in strategic priorities.Leadership systems must be unified to avoid misalignment.Achievement systems help in setting and achieving organizational goals.Change systems face common barriers that can hinder progress.A unified framework can eliminate guesswork in improvement efforts.Alignment enhances organizational effectiveness.Access the past episode, The Formula Behind Your Hospital's Future: Fading or Rocket Fuel? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2315930/episodes/17479922 referenced in this episode.Need help improving the culture, performance, and results of your healthcare organization? If so, let's talk.Join Capstone Coaches and healthcare leaders from all around the country in our private Facebook group, Fans of the Framework. Are we connected yet on LinkedIn? Reach us at CapstoneLeadership.net or info@capstoneleadership.net

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Recorded at the Institute Summit 2025, Tracy Holt and Patrece Holt Vance, a brother-sister duo from a family owned shop, share how their business transitioned into a new era of strategic growth and profitability under their leadership. They credit much of their progress to the accountability and peer support they found through the Institute's Peer Groups. Tracy and Patrice also open up about the critical role of workplace culture and employee well-being in their success, and Tracy reflects on how a personal tragedy reshaped his "why" and fuels his drive today. Tracy Holt and Patrece Holt Vance, Performance Place, South Jordan, UT Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode The Institute of Automotive Business Excellence: https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/ Don't Sell, Connect: The Power of Emotion with Your Clients [RR 1032]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1032/ Introduction (00:00:00) Guest Introductions and Family Business Background (00:01:01) Composite Partner Program and Accountability (00:02:00) Vulnerability and Sharing Struggles (00:04:14) Common Struggles Among Shop Owners (00:05:40) Summit Speakers and Dan Clark's Message (00:06:12) The Evolving 'Why' and Taking Action (00:07:07) H Self-Doubt and Risk in Business (00:08:03) Family Dynamics and Succession (00:08:32) Balancing Work and Family Life (00:09:40) Major Life Pivot and Business Purpose (00:11:18) Lessons from Adversity and Team Building (00:13:08) CRM, Marketing, and Customer Loyalty (00:18:16) Profitability, Expansion, and Growth Mindset (00:19:20) Intuition and Sustainable Growth (00:20:39) Cost Management and Expense Control (00:22:10) Fear of Failure and Shifting Mindsets (00:24:24) Expansion, ROI, and Vision (00:26:38) Customer Relations and Word-of-Mouth (00:26:54) Opportunities, Multi-Shop Growth, and Caution (00:28:41) Conference Takeaways: Culture and Accountability (00:30:30) Continuous Improvement and Community Involvement (00:33:06) Implementing Conference Learnings (00:33:52) Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Follow on Facebook:

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Andy Olrich and guest Hessam Vali discuss the importance of aligning leadership with personal and organizational values. Hessam shares his journey of self-reflection and the impact of a pivotal moment with a CEO. They discuss practical steps for embedding purpose, such as documenting values, integrating them into daily operations, and fostering a culture of vulnerability and trust. Hessam also highlights the significance of storytelling and recognition programs in reinforcing values and engaging employees. About the Guest:Hessam Vali is Co-Founder of Techam Solutions, an engineering and management consulting firm focused on operational excellence and business transformation. A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and ASQ Certified Quality Professional, Hessam has a strong track record of leading teams to streamline processes and deliver measurable results.With deep expertise in Lean tools like Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, SMED, and 5S—as well as methodologies like DMAIC and DMADV—he has led major product development projects in the automotive and construction sectors. Customer-focused and results-driven, Hessam combines technical precision with strategic insight to tackle complex challenges.Links:Click Here For Hessam Vali's LinkedInClick Here For Website 

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

From Classroom to Continuous Improvement: Clifton Dial's Journey in Manufacturing Leadership. In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. Clifton Dial, Operations Manager at WePack Logistics in Laurinburg, North Carolina. From a start in biology and education to a leadership role in manufacturing, Dr. Dial shares his unconventional career path and how his passion for leadership development and continuous improvement ultimately led him to WePack. WePack Logistics, a 2025 NC Manufacturing Leadership Award winner for Continuous Improvement, specializes in contract packaging, display assembly, and co-manufacturing services for major brands like Campbell's. Clifton discusses how his background in teaching and consulting shaped his leadership style, the challenges and opportunities of working in a seasonal operation, and how WePack is building a culture of efficiency and standardization to support long-term growth. Listeners will gain insights into leadership strategies, lean manufacturing practices, and the importance of investing in people and processes for sustainable manufacturing success. LINKS: NCMEP | We Pack Logistics ABOUT: The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles. to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably. Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NCMEP provides solutions and services that help manufacturers to: › Expand Local and U.S. Supply Chain Vendor Relationships › Access Customized Training Programs to Narrow the Workforce Gap › Realize the Efficiencies of Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Technology › Save Time and Energy through Improved Processes, Productivity and Capacity › Expand Facility and Equipment Capabilities › Increase Sales and Profits › Create and Retain Jobs › Streamline New Product Design, Testing, Development and Time to Market Dr. Phil Mintz Dr. Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders, and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders, providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions. Dr. Clifton Dial Dr. Clifton Dial is Operations Manager at We Pack Logistics, located in Scotland County, North Carolina.   Dial's primary focus at We Pack Logistics is to improve efficiencies and build a culture of continuous improvement through training and development of people and processes. Dial has earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and holds several certifications in lean manufacturing and leadership development. As an organizational consultant, Dial has over 12 years of experience in training and development, focusing on leadership and continuous improvement, specifically in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution companies across North Carolina.  Before joining the We Pack Team, Clifton served as the lead trainer and curriculum developer for Dial Ventures LLC, where he provided customized leadership and continuous improvement training to over 100 industries across the state.  

In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores how applying continuous improvement principles to customer onboarding can drive serious value, both internally and for your customers. Dave shares stories from his experience in business transitions and breaks down a simple three-step process to eliminate waste, prioritize changes, and sustain improvements in the front-end of your business. Whether you're in manufacturing or services, this episode will help you uncover quick wins and build lasting systems. What You'll Discover: Why customer onboarding is often the best starting point for operational improvement. A 3-step framework: process mapping, prioritizing ideas, and implementing/testing improvements. Real-life examples of reducing wait times and eliminating bottlenecks with simple tweaks. How to build a continuous improvement wall and use tri-storming to crowdsource ideas. The hidden risk of “siloed efficiency” and how to prevent front-end improvements from overwhelming your ops. Why sustainable change requires both strategic vision and cross-functional collaboration.

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

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

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.

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