Podcasts about Lean Six Sigma

Methodology of systematically removing waste

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Best podcasts about Lean Six Sigma

Show all podcasts related to lean six sigma

Latest podcast episodes about Lean Six Sigma

Manufacturing Hub
Ep. 262 - The Human Side of Manufacturing Change: Incentives, Pain Points, and Operator Buy In

Manufacturing Hub

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 65:27


Change management is the reason most manufacturing improvement projects quietly stall, even when the technical work is sound and the tools are right.Vlad Romanov and Dave Griffith unpack their own change management war stories from across two decades in industrial automation. Vlad frames change management as understanding risk to the business and to every stakeholder, then putting the process in place that lets the organization absorb that risk. Technical feasibility is the easy half of any project. Getting humans to consistently work the new way is the half that wins or loses the budget.Vlad joined Procter & Gamble at a site rated four on P&G's Integrated Work Systems maturity scale, the highest in North America at the time. Every loss event triggered a structured root cause analysis cascade. Operator, mechanic, operations engineer, and only then the engineering department. He later moved to Kraft Heinz, which had purchased the same IWS toolkit from P&G. The tools were on the shelf. The site rating was effectively zero. He had spent his early career learning to use the tools without having to deploy them, and that gap is where most transformation programs die.Dave's lens is more political. Change management starts with one question engineers rarely ask. What is in it for the person you are asking to change? He tells the Joe story, a lead operator with more than 35 years on the floor who interrupted a connected workforce rollout meeting to point out that his team had cycled through every methodology fad of the last two decades. None had stuck. Dave's team asked what hurt the most. Joe kept training new operators who left for a dollar an hour more down the street. The fix was QR codes on equipment linked to procedures Joe recorded once. Joe went from skeptic to evangelist in one session. Find the operator with the deepest tenure, solve their pain, and let them carry the change.The episode is also honest about what well intentioned incentives do when they miss the mark. Vlad walks through an RCA rollout where management offered a fifty dollar gift card to whoever submitted the most reports each week. The team got a stack of paper. None of it shortened downtime. When real process change goes through a plant, throughput typically drops twenty to thirty percent for weeks or months. That cost has to be visible to leadership before the project starts.Two practical heuristics close the episode. As a systems integrator deploying MES and SCADA across food and beverage plants, Vlad could often predict success within the first demo by how the room reacted. Continuous improvement teams leaned in. Whiteboard sites pushed back. Dave reinforces that change has to start at the top. If the executive sponsor blows off steering meetings, the floor reads that signal. Change management is a habit, not a project, and habits are built small. Pick one workflow, prove it works, and let the next one earn its slot.Timestamps0:00 Introduction and Automate trade show preview1:30 Booth commitments: Siemens, Horner, and Tigoor6:00 Dave's Automate session and 4IR booth duty8:10 Predictions for Automate: physical AI, cobots, and the AI conversation13:10 Defining change management in manufacturing22:30 From P&G IWS to Kraft Heinz: tools versus deployment maturity28:30 What is in it for the person you are asking to change35:30 The RCA cascade at P&G compared to no process elsewhere42:30 The fifty dollar gift card incentive that backfired46:00 The Joe story: QR codes solving real operator pain58:30 Reading change management success in the first meeting1:07:00 Start small: the closing takeawayAbout Your HostsVladimir Romanov is a co-host of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and the founder of Joltek, an independent manufacturing and industrial automation consulting firm specializing in modernization strategy, digital transformation, and workforce development. Joltek works with manufacturers and investors to de-risk modernization and build the internal capability to sustain results.Connect with Vlad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladromanov/Want to go deeper? Vlad and the team at Joltek have covered related topics here:Lean Six Sigma: https://www.joltek.com/blog/lean-six-sigma7 Different Root Cause Analysis Techniques in Manufacturing: https://www.joltek.com/blog/7-different-root-cause-analysis-techniques-manufacturingDave Griffith is a co-host of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and founder of Capelin Solutions, an industrial automation firm helping manufacturers adopt smart manufacturing technology. He brings 15 years of experience in industrial automation and digital transformation.Connect with Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegriffith23/Subscribe to Manufacturing Hub: https://www.manufacturinghub.liveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-hub-networkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManufacturingHub

Lean Six Sigma Bursts
E139: Six Common Types of Process Improvement Projects for Lean Six Sigma Certification

Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 14:26


In this episode, I summarize 6 different types of projects you can use for a Lean Six Sigma certificationImprove QualityReduce Speed and TimeReduce Cost and Consumption of ResourcesReduce RiskImprove Capacity and FlowImprove Experience and Satisfaction RatingsI also share examples of each across 4 industries: Manufacturing, Office, Government and HealthcareYou can also read about these 6 types by going to https://greenbeltcertification.com/2026/05/17/common-types-of-process-improvement-projects-for-lean-and-six-sigma-certification-programs/I also mentioned that there are a long list of project ideas by industry and department, which can be found at https://www.biz-pi.com/lean-and-six-sigma-project-ideas/Learn more about BPIVisit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://greenbeltcertification.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

The Inner Game of Change
E108 - Good Change in a Tired System - Podcast With Gilbert Kruidenier

The Inner Game of Change

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2026 43:33 Transcription Available


Welcome to The Inner Game of Change.  where we explore the thinking that shapes how change really happens. Today's conversation is less about technology and more about people.Four years after our first discussion around bad change, I reconnect with Gilbert Kruidenier to explore the current state of change in a world shaped by AI, overload, constant adaptation, and growing pressure on organisations and people alike.We discuss learning, leadership, redesign, burnout, human capacity, and why the real challenge may no longer be technology adoption, but how humans absorb continuous change.I am grateful to have Gilbert chatting with me today. About GilbertWith 20 years of experience in change, communication, and project management, I know exactly how to help organisations navigate complex and transformative change with purpose, clarity, and empathy. I combine the best of change, communication, and project management practices to support large and medium sized change programs, design and deliver workshops and training, and advise boards on strategic topics.I am also an author, independent business owner, a visiting lecturer at Deakin University and even tried my hand at being a cabinet making apprentice, pursuing my diverse interests and skills in consulting, education, and creating beautiful things with my hands. I have a master's degree in culture and change management, multiple certifications in ADKAR, Digital Transformation, Lean Six Sigma and PRINCE2, and a strong background in public and private sector change and (digital) transformation. My core competencies include change analysis, process improvement, coaching and mentoring, and problem solving. My life goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially the most disadvantaged in society.Contact infoGilbert's LinknedIn profilelinkedin.com/in/kruidenierconsultingEmailgilbert@kruidenierconsulting.com.auSend us Fan MailExecutive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcastFollow me on LinkedIn

Asset Champion Podcast | Physical Asset Performance, Criticality, Reliability and Uptime
Ep. 174: "Share Your Knowledge" – Leadership Strategies in Asset Management and Facility Maintenance with Jason Callis, CFM, SFP, LSSGB of Aramark Destinations

Asset Champion Podcast | Physical Asset Performance, Criticality, Reliability and Uptime

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 25:06


Jason Callis, CFM, SFP, LSSGB is Executive Director, Facility Operations & Asset Management at Aramark Destinations where he is accountable for operational strategy leveraging his years of experience in global workplace, facilities, and infrastructure. Mike Petrusky asks Jason his current perspectives on how managing the built environment requires adaptability and resilience to navigate ongoing operational challenges while striving to improve the spaces where people work and visit. They discuss how AI offers significant speed-to-market opportunities for facility managers, enabling more efficient data analysis and improved business outcomes. Jason shares how Lean Six Sigma principles focus on efficiency and quality in maintenance and operations by minimizing rework and ensuring "one-touch" processes that maximize productivity of skilled tradespeople. Deferred maintenance and supply chain disruptions from recent years may have shortened asset life cycles, requiring closer attention to product quality and capital planning, so Mike and Jason offer practical advice and the inspiration you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-e-callis-cfm-sfp-lssgb-63443830/ Learn more about Aramark Destinations: https://thenationsvacation.com/ Listen to Mike's favorite Synthwave Mix on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX8V4BE7YIpvE?si=OwdlaaZJQDSs7ECi43fJyg Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4H3pwnlU2AuqynuRDpvnh4J  

Pioneers and Pathfinders
Zeynep Ersin and Kevin Young

Pioneers and Pathfinders

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 28:24


Today, we meet our new co-hosts, Kevin Young and Zeynep Ersin. Kevin is a Seyfarth partner and employment litigator who puts new tools and ideas to work in client service, and Zeynep is Seyfarth's Chief Innovation & Strategic Design Officer, focused on embedding a culture of innovation across the firm. As we launch the next chapter of the podcast, Zeynep and Kevin sit down with the person who built and led this podcast from the very beginning: Steve Poor, Chair Emeritus of Seyfarth and a longtime industry leader who helped pioneer the application of Lean Six Sigma principles to legal service delivery. In today's conversation, Kevin, Zeynep, and Steve discuss the evolution of the legal profession and legal tech, how to define "innovation," and the way podcasts promote learning and innovation, among many topics. Read the full transcript of today's episode here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/Pioneers_Zeynep-Ersin-and-Kevin-Young.pdf

HR Standout
La implementación de la metodología Green Belt (Lean Six Sigma) a proyectos de recursos humanos

HR Standout

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 25:26


Nuestra  moderadora (host) Ivonne Arroyo Martínez, CEO de FranklinCovey Puerto Rico y República Dominicana, entrevista a la Sra. Yinet Ocasio Nieves,  Directora de Recursos Humanos y a Gabriel Rodríguez, Gerente de Recursos Humanos  de Stryker en Puerto Rico sobre la exitosa implementación de la Metodología  Lean Six Sigma Green Belt a proyectos de recursos humanos.Este episodio es auspiciado por AlChavo.com.SHRM-PR es una organización afiliada a SHRM.Moderadora-Ivonne Arroyo Martínez, CEO de FranklinCovey Puerto Rico y República DominicanaProducción Ejecutiva-Sociedad para la Gerencia de Recursos Humanos, Capítulo de PRAudiovisuales-Germarilis Ruiz,  Especialista Educativo SHRM-PR Edición-Víctor Maldonado, Director de Recursos Humanos SAL-PR 

Q-Cast
Building A Resilient Supply Chain Through Quality

Q-Cast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 20:13


Senthilkumar (Senthil) Thiyagarajan, PhD., is a supply chain analytics professional at Medline Industries, specializing in digital twins, supply chain optimization, and Industry 4.0 technologies. His research and publications span supply chain management, Lean Six Sigma, Quality, and digital transformation. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Senthil actively serves in leadership roles within ASQ and IISE, contributing to content management and division-level initiatives.

Penn State Supply Chain Podcast
Inside PepsiCo's Supply Chain Command Center with Brad Rogers, Supply Chain Planning Director at PepsiCo

Penn State Supply Chain Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 18:37 Transcription Available


In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Brad Rogers, Supply Chain Planning Director at PepsiCo, to discuss his leadership of the Supply Chain Command Center, the transformative role of AI in supply chain operations, and his passion for mentoring the next generation of supply chain professionals. Brad shares insights from his 17+ years at PepsiCo, explaining how predictive risk assessment tools proactively mitigate disruptions and safeguard service levels. He emphasizes the importance of networking as a strategic skill and offers wisdom on career development, encouraging students to focus on becoming the best version of themselves rather than just listing achievements. Takeaways: The role of PepsiCo's Supply Chain Command Center in crisis management and network visibility How AI and predictive analytics are revolutionizing supply chain planning Brad's doctoral research on Agentic AI and how autonomous agents could revolutionize supply chain decision-making Networking as a strategic toolkit for students and recent graduates Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Brad Rogers is a supply chain executive with over 17 years of Fortune 50 experience, specializing in network strategy, risk management, and business continuity. Currently serving as a Supply Chain Planning Director at PepsiCo, Brad leads the Supply Chain Command Center for PBNA North Division. The department oversees end-to-end network visibility and orchestrated crisis management for PepsiCo Beverages North America. In this role, he pioneered the use of predictive risk assessment tools to proactively mitigate supply disruptions and safeguard service levels during peak demand periods.  Previously, Brad served as Senior Manager of Network Strategy, where he steered a multibillion-dollar supply chain redesign initiative aimed at consolidating nodes and increasing resilience across the U.S. network. His strategic approach is grounded in deep operational experience; he has successfully turned around underperforming distribution centers, managed complex manufacturing co-op partnerships, and led Lean Six Sigma initiatives that drove double-digit improvements in efficiency and cost savings.  A proud member of the Nittany Lion community, Brad holds an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Penn State and actively mentors incoming students in the program. He is currently bridging the gap between industry and academia as a DBA candidate at Fairfield University. His doctoral research focuses on the emergence of "Agentic AI", investigating how autonomous AI agents can be implemented to enhance supply chain planning and decision-making resilience.   

Business Analysis Live!
The Process Improvement Mistakes That Analysts Make

Business Analysis Live!

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 46:52


Process improvement sounds straightforward—until resistance, culture, and people dynamics derail your best intentions.In this episode, I'm joined by Tawana Gardner and Julia Benford, two seasoned Lean Six Sigma practitioners who have been there, done that when it comes to process improvement. We talk about the most common process improvement mistakes business analysts make—and why they happen. We dig into real-world stories from inside organizations, where change isn't resisted because people “hate change,” but because of fear, past trauma, unclear ownership, and missed conversations.Together, we talk about what it really takes to improve processes without alienating people: empathy over expertise, influence over authority, and meeting teams where they are—not just following the leader's orders. If you've ever wondered why a process clearly “needs fixing” but no one seems ready to fix it, this conversation is for you.

The Just-in-Time Cafe Podcast
Scaling What Works—Without Breaking What Doesn't, with Justin Kenney and Katie Bockwoldt

The Just-in-Time Cafe Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 66:49


Today's highlight is our interview with Justin Kenny, Chief Performance Officer, and Katie Bockwoldt, Statewide Director of Performance Improvement for the State of Vermont—two leaders quietly reshaping how government delivers results. What starts as a conversation about training programs quickly turns into something more systemic: a shift toward communities of practice, performance logic models, and a more human-centered approach to continuous improvement. For Hot Apps, we take a closer look at Justin's homegrown “Praise Board” built inside Microsoft Teams—a deceptively simple tool that raises a bigger question: can recognition be operationalized? What happens when it becomes visible and shared? And for Q&A, we asked: What does it really take to sustain a Lean Six Sigma deployment—and how much of that comes down to leadership behaviors around recognition and engagement? 0:00 - Intro 01:06 - What's on the Menu? 02:30 - HotApps Praise Board 12:51 - Q&A  What does it really take to sustain a Lean Six Sigma deployment? 24:45 - Featured Guest Justin Kenney and Katie Bockwoldt State of Vermont - Chief Performance Office 1:04:31 - Featured Resources UC San Diego In Person Green Belt Class Last Month's Episode: Culture Is Not An App, with Greg Jacobson and Mark Graban NEW Second Edition: The Problem-Solver's Toolkit: A Surprisingly Simple Guide to Your Lean Six Sigma Journey NEW on Audible: Picture Yourself a Leader 5S Baby!, Ms. Fix-a-Lot's latest Lean Rap Video Thanks for Listening! Listen to more podcasts at JITCafe.com. Link to the video version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/xEFNfNz70C0 Apple Podcasts Podbean Spotify RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/JITCafe/feed.xml

Lean Six Sigma Bursts
E137: Lean Six Sigma Training Simulations and Exercises

Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 11:12


In this episode, I share a list of the simulations I use in my training classes to teach Lean and Six Sigma methods and techniques. To see the entire list, go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-training-simulations/If you'd like to attend the Green Belt with Copilot Part 2 webinar, I had to reschedule to April 13th. I'll go through ANOVA, DOE, Regression and other hypothesis tests using Copilot. You can still register at ⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-2⁠⁠Learn more about BPIVisit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit ⁠⁠https://greenbeltcertification.com⁠⁠ to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie
Lisa Brownlee with Leader's Imago

The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 20:05 Transcription Available


Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Lisa Brownlee, Founder at Leader's Imago about "Real-world leadership simulation". Scott Mackenzie promotes Elevotec's ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions on his industrial podcast. At the SMRP conference, he interviews Lisa Brownlee of Leader's Imago, who discusses her company's leadership development program for manufacturing supervisors and managers. The program, a two-and-a-half-day leadership simulation, focuses on real-world challenges and provides high-quality feedback and coaching. Brownlee emphasizes the importance of managers supporting their employees' growth and the need for vulnerability-based trust. She also highlights the significance of continuous improvement and emotional intelligence in leadership. Brownlee's contact information is provided for further inquiries. Outline Introduction to Elevotec and Industrial Talk Podcast Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevotec, highlighting their ERP EAM and business intelligence solutions.Elevotec offers streamlined processes, real ROI, and over 20 years of expertise.Scott Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of technology that drives performance, not complexity.The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott Mackenzie is introduced, focusing on industry innovations and trends. Welcome to SMRP and Introduction of Lisa Brownlee Scott Mackenzie thanks listeners for their support and celebrates industry professionals.Scott Mackenzie encourages listeners to attend the SMRP conference in 2026.Lisa Brownlee is introduced, with her consulting company Leaders Imago.Lisa Brownlee explains the meaning of "Imago," the final stage of a butterfly's metamorphosis. Lisa Brownlee's Background and Leaders Imago Lisa Brownlee shares her background as a chemical engineer from the University of South Carolina.She worked at Westinghouse Electric Company, gaining experience in nuclear fuel production and Lean Six Sigma.Lisa Brownlee discusses her passion for helping supervisors and mid-level managers improve their leadership skills.Leaders Imago focuses on helping leaders and teams through their transformation process. Leaders Imago's Team Manager Development Center (TMDC) Lisa Brownlee describes the TMDC as a two-and-a-half-day leadership simulation for manufacturing supervisors and managers.The program involves real-world manufacturing challenges and provides high-quality feedback and coaching.Participants create action plans and receive follow-up support from their managers.The importance of managers providing reinforcement and support for behavior change is emphasized. Challenges and Importance of Feedback in Leadership Development Scott Mackenzie and Lisa Brownlee discuss the challenges of sustaining leadership development in the workplace.Lisa Brownlee highlights the need for managers to provide consistent feedback and support.The conversation touches on the importance of managers understanding the challenges of growth and development.Lisa Brownlee shares her experience with emotional intelligence and manufacturing, emphasizing the need for vulnerability-based trust. The Role of Vulnerability in Team Building and Leadership Lisa Brownlee discusses the importance of vulnerability in team building and leadership.She explains the concept of The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team by Patrick Lencioni.Vulnerability-based trust is crucial for mastering conflict and achieving team cohesion.Scott Mackenzie shares a story about an organization that punishes vulnerability, highlighting the need for a culture shift. The Need for Leadership Development at All Levels Lisa Brownlee focuses on developing frontline and mid-level managers through her programs.She emphasizes the importance of feedback and coaching for leaders at all levels.The conversation touches on the need for executive leadership programs that align with frontline development.Scott Mackenzie and Lisa Brownlee discuss the importance of connecting leadership development programs across different levels. Conclusion and Contact Information Scott Mackenzie encourages listeners to connect with Lisa Brownlee and attend the SMRP conference.Lisa Brownlee provides her contact information, including her email and LinkedIn profile.Scott Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of attending conferences like SMRP to gain value and connect with industry professionals.The conversation concludes with a reminder to stay bold, brave, and innovative in their professional endeavors. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! LISA BROWNLEE'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-davis-brownlee-61550984/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaders-imago/ Company Website: https://leadersimago.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/UovPqUc3xi8 THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

AFT Construction Podcast
How Process Protects Creativity with Kirsten Holmstedt

AFT Construction Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2026 62:59


Sponsors: ◦ Visit Buildertrend to schedule a demo ◦ Marvin Windows and Doors ◦ Sub-Zero Wolf Cove Showroom Phoenix Connect with Kirsten Holmstedt: ◦ https://treasureinthedetail.com  ◦ https://www.instagram.com/treasureinthedetail Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Houzz | Pinterest | YouTube

What Next?
The Heart of Business

What Next?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 33:29


Hannah Bauer, founder and CEO of Heartnomics, on her journey from surviving childhood heart disease to leading a firm that helps leaders rebuild trust, alignment, and resilience. A Maxwell leadership faculty member, Lean Six Sigma, Black Belt and Bull Ridge examiner,she explains the importance of balancing love and excellence in leadership, particularly in times of change. She argues that the future of success and leadership is a unique combination of math and meaning, of excellence and heart. In  a world that is overwhelmed with burnout and disengagement, focusing on the psychological safety of your teams, she says, is an essential business strategy.#Business #Leadership

Growing the Future
Farming For What? Profit, Pride or Survival in Modern Culture

Growing the Future

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 55:52


The post came after a long drive home from a production show. Jay Peterson had spent the day talking to people at booths, catching up with friends, listening to the Manitoba and Saskatchewan numbers come out on the radio. And somewhere between Saskatoon and Swift Current, something settled on him. Nobody was really having the conversation. Not out loud. Not honestly. So he made a video. Johnny Cash in the background. A simple question underneath it. Why is nobody talking about the fact that nothing we can grow in 2026 is going to make us money? The comments came in five flavors. Some farmers said they'd never quit, no matter what. Some were close to a breaking point. Some said it was just another cycle. Some thought bigger forces were reshaping the whole industry. And some were just trying to make sense of it. This episode is the conversation that followed. Four farmers. Real numbers. No prescriptions. No easy answers. The question underneath all of it: when the math stops working, what are we actually farming for? Guests Jay Peterson — JSP Farms Chris Allam — Allen Farms Norm Shoemaker — Shoemaker Ag Ventures Partnership Jeff Bennett — Bone Trail Land Company Timestamps 00:00 — Jay's TikTok, the long drive home from the production show, and why the comments hit a nerve. 08:34 — The live poll. How does your farm pencil out for 2026? 26% profitable. 42% break even at best. 16% likely a loss. 09:14 — Jay on what he was actually feeling when he made the post. Inputs still high. Prices not following. The sense that everyone was in the same position but nobody was saying it. 13:48 — Norm on the math. It used to take a metric ton of durum to break even. Now it takes close to two. Costs went one way and didn't come back. 15:22 — Jeff on why he stopped trying to predict what the year would bring. Four tough years before a good one. The numbers change every two months. You still show up. 17:09 — Chris makes the case it's not that dire, at least in Alberta. Average contribution margin, a little bit of profit. But he's clear: this was never a one-year home run industry. 19:18 — Cycles. Nobody agrees on where we are. Norm says we got used to good years and probably over-invested in iron. Jay says he might just be a year-by-year guy. 21:44 — Jay on why he never wanted to be a home run farmer. Singles and doubles. The rare triple. What it felt like to watch the bottom fall out mid-harvest last fall. 28:53 — The second poll. What's putting the most pressure right now? Inputs at 55%. Commodity prices at 42%. Land costs at 36%. Equipment at 27%. 29:45 — Whether cutting production costs to meet the market is actually a strategy. Chris says you produce more, not less. Jeff says fertilizing for disaster is its own kind of disaster. 31:43 — Jay on buying base chemical components instead of prepackaged. Why he grows mustard and not canola. Efficiency over volume when the rain isn't coming. 34:24 — Norm on land values. A million dollars a quarter. A son and a son-in-law coming into the operation. The math on return when you run those numbers. 36:32 — What farmers are actually doing differently this year. Variable rate fertilizing. Weekly peer group meetings. Cost benchmarking. Lean Six Sigma on the farm. 43:18 — Jeff on switching acres to canary seed and specialty canola. Crop rotation as a profit strategy. Finally back to a third, third, third rotation after years of disease pressure. 46:00 — The last question. What are you farming for when the numbers don't work? 47:27 — Chris: the next generation, and watching marginal land get better year after year. 48:16 — Jeff: fourth or fifth generation on this land. Leaving a starting point better than the one he was handed. 49:38 — Norm: the kids, the grandkids, and the table. Number six on the way. Who's at the table is what matters. 50:32 — Jay: he got into it because he loves farming. Loves farming with his dad. Loves doing it as well or better than the generations before him. 52:27 — Why Dan wanted to create a room for this conversation. And why it matters that farmers are willing to say it out loud. Platform partners Bone Trail Originals — www.instagram.com/bonetrailoriginals/  Hammond Realty — hammondrealty.ca  Crop-Aid Nutrition Gripp — gripp.ag Connect with Growing the Future growingthefuture.ca Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

Life Refreshed
The Root System: Why You Can't Build Integration on Unhealed Ground

Life Refreshed

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 17:40


You've been building your life on soil you never tested, wondering why everything you plant keeps dying. The career that should have fulfilled you, the marriage that should have been easy by now, the faith that should feel deeper. It's not the seed—it's the soil.In Episode 5 of Shifts and Ladders, Rion Robinson kicks off a new four-part series focused on rebuilding. Moving from recognizing fragmentation to actively pursuing integration requires excavation. Rion dives into the biblical wisdom of Jeremiah 17 and Matthew 7 to explain why true wholeness cannot be built on top of unhealed wounds. He shares his own story of realizing his ambition was driven by pain rather than purpose, and provides two highly practical tools to help you examine your own foundation.Key Takeaways:•The Problem Beneath the Problem: Most leaders try to solve Layer 1 and Layer 2 problems (like time management or delegation) when the real issue is a Layer 5 wound.•The Deception of the Sand House: In good weather, a house built on sand looks identical to a house built on rock. It is only under pressure that the foundation is revealed.•The Five Why Questions: A practical framework to dig past surface-level symptoms and uncover the root cause of recurring negative patterns in your life.•The Soil Test: An exercise to evaluate the five domains of your life (work, home, faith, health, community) to determine if your ambition is rooted in purpose or pain.Chapters / Timestamps:•[0:00] Cold Open: Building on soil you never tested•[0:50] The Problem Beneath the Problem (Jeremiah 17)•[2:30] The Five Why Questions: Getting to the root cause•[4:00] Rion's Story: Driven by a wound, not a vision•[5:30] The Parable of the Builders (Matthew 7)•[8:00] The Integration Piece: Clean water through contaminated pipes•[9:30] Tool 1: The Five Why Questions (Personal Edition)•[12:00] Tool 2: The Soil Test•[14:00] Your Weekly Challenge & Closing ThoughtsStop performing and start becoming whole. Take the Fragmentation Assessment today to see exactly where you stand: [Here]About the Host:Rion Robinson is a Change Management Consultant, founder of Integrated Co., and the creator of The Integration Protocol™. He helps "Fragmented Achievers"—high-performing leaders who are externally successful but internally fragmented—find true wholeness by integrating Lean Six Sigma, Adlerian psychology, Internal Family Systems, and biblical wisdom.If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe to Shifts and Ladders on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform. Leaving a review helps other high-performers find the show and begin their journey toward integration.

Manufacturing Hub
Ep. 253 - How Manufacturers Can Turn Plant Data into AI Powered Insights w/ Konstantin Eukodyne

Manufacturing Hub

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 88:15


Industrial AI is getting a lot of attention in manufacturing right now, but one of the biggest questions is still the most practical one. How do you turn plant data, process knowledge, and operational constraints into something that actually creates value? In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, Vlad Romanov and Dave Griffith sit down with Konstantin Paradizov of Eukodyne for a detailed conversation on what industrial AI looks like when it is applied by people who understand manufacturing, MES, process improvement, data architecture, and the realities of the plant floor.What makes this discussion especially valuable is that it does not stay at the surface level. Konstantin shares how his background moved from pharma into food and beverage, how Lean Six Sigma and process thinking shaped his approach, and why many of the best opportunities in manufacturing still begin with understanding the actual workflow before talking about software. The conversation explores a theme that comes up again and again in industrial transformation: the biggest gains often do not come from adding more technology first. They come from understanding the problem clearly, identifying what information matters, validating assumptions with the people doing the work, and then using the right mix of tools to move faster.A major part of this episode focuses on the real use of AI in consulting and discovery. Konstantin explains how his team uses secure transcription workflows, on premises AI infrastructure, cloud models, masking of sensitive information, iterative validation, and ROI driven reporting to create high value outputs in a fraction of the time that would have been required even a year or two ago. This is an important point for manufacturers, system integrators, software teams, and plant leaders. AI is not just something that sits in front of an operator as a chatbot. It can be used behind the scenes to accelerate analysis, strengthen recommendations, shorten discovery, improve documentation, and reduce the cost of getting to a better answer.The technical section of this episode is especially strong for anyone working in industrial automation, OT data systems, or applied AI. The discussion covers on premises compute, Nvidia based edge hardware, Linux environments, Docker containers, RAG workflows, vector databases, knowledge graphs, MQTT pipelines, HiveMQ, Mosquitto, n8n, Claude Code, Cursor, Gemini, OpenRouter, and the tradeoffs between frontier models in the cloud and smaller or open models deployed closer to the process. One of the clearest takeaways is that manufacturers should not start with the biggest model or the most exciting headline. They should start with the problem, the constraints, the data path, and the economics of the solution.Vlad also pushes on an issue that matters to almost every manufacturer trying to prepare for AI. If you collect massive amounts of plant data into historians, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems, is that enough to create value later? Konstantin's answer is thoughtful and realistic. More data alone does not automatically lead to better outcomes. You still need filtering, context, prioritization, architecture, and a disciplined way to separate signal from noise.Learn more about Joltek here:https://www.joltek.com/serviceshttps://www.joltek.com/services/service-details-it-ot-architecture-integrationConnect with our guest:Konstantin Paradizovhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/konstantin-paradizov/Learn more about Eukodyne:https://eukodyne.com/Follow Manufacturing Hub for more conversations on industrial AI, digital transformation, OT architecture, SCADA, MES, industrial data strategy, systems integration, and the future of manufacturing technology.Timestamps00:00 Welcome and introduction to industrial AI applications01:50 Konstantin's background from pharma to manufacturing05:30 Why food and beverage offered major process improvement opportunities08:10 How to identify the right manufacturing opportunities to pursue13:10 Using AI to accelerate discovery, documentation, and customer value21:20 The on premises AI hardware stack and model selection strategy30:10 Why iterative validation still matters more than a first AI answer39:00 Claude Code, developer workflows, and practical AI tool stacks48:20 On premises versus cloud AI and how to think about the tradeoff54:10 Small models, low cost hardware, and edge deployment realities01:05:00 Plant data, historians, filtering, and separating signal from noise01:14:50 Predictions for industrial AI, career advice, and final recommendationsReferences and resources mentioned in the episodeMaintainXhttps://www.maintainx.com/Solve for Happyhttps://www.mogawdat.com/booksGeorge Orwell 1984https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/326569/1984-by-george-orwell/George Orwell Animal Farmhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/561805/animal-farm-by-george-orwell/

America's Roundtable
America's Roundtable | Bill Yeargin, CEO, Correct Craft, America's Iconic Boat Manufacturer and Co-Author of "Mindset Matters"

America's Roundtable

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2026 37:07


X: @billyeargin @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia Join America's Roundtable radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Bill Yeargin, one of America's top CEOs who took an iconic American boat manufacturing company which was experiencing financial difficulties. By transforming the corporate culture at Correct Craft, Bill took Correct Craft with revenues of $40 million in 2009 and reached its goal of becoming a billion-dollar enterprise in 2023. During Yeargin's tenure, Correct Craft grew by over 20X and won many awards, including Florida's Manufacturer of the Year and the boating industry's Most Innovative Company. It also became an influential voice in the boating industry as well as in Washington, DC. In highlighting the new book titled "Mindset Matters" which he co-authored with Zach Hutcheson, CFO of Correct Craft, Bill Yeargin shares his insights and experiences over the past 20 years at the helm of Correct Craft. The company played a pivotal role in World War II when the leadership of the company in 1945 heeded the call of General Eisenhower who needed over 400 boats in the winter to move over 15,000 US soldiers in the perilous crossing of Germany's River Rhine. The company was then producing less than 20 boats per month, yet did the impossible in what National Geographic called the "Miracle Production" when Correct Craft built over 400 boats in less than 30 days while keeping the Sabbath. The unique story of Correct Craft over the past 101 years reminds us all of the creativity and ingenuity of Americans fueling innovation and achieving ground-breaking results. About Bill Yeargin: Bill Yeargin is a thought leader, CEO, board member, global traveler (110 countries), innovator, and culture evangelist. He has authored six books including the best sellers Education of a CEO and Faith Leap. Bill has shared leadership insights in innumerable articles and columns for over three decades and has been a popular speaker at hundreds of events on six continents. The company Bill leads as CEO, Correct Craft, is a 100-year-old company with global operations. Correct Craft's subsidiaries include multiple boat brands, engine brands, water sports parks, and entities devoted solely to vertical integration and innovation. The company has manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and distributes into about 70 countries. Under Bill's leadership, Correct Craft has developed a unique culture of “Making Life Better.” They have won all their industry's major awards and were recognized as Florida's “Manufacturer of the Year.” Correct Craft has also been recognized as the boating industry's “Most Innovative Company.” A passionate lifelong learner, Bill has earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and an MBA. He has also completed post-graduate studies at Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT, and the London School of Economics. Bill is a certified public accountant and certified Lean Six Sigma black belt. In addition, he is certified in both Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and DISC. Palm Beach State College recognized Bill as an outstanding alum with its Emerald Torch Award. Nova Southeastern University awarded Bill a doctorate of humane letters in recognition of his “contribution to the lives of others and the betterment of humanity.” Bill served on numerous for-profit and non-profit boards and earned a certificate in corporate governance from both Columbia University and Cornell University. He also earned both a certificate in Risk Governance and Qualified Risk Director® credential from the DCRO Risk Governance Institute. Bill currently serves on multiple boards and is board chair of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Bill actively represents his industry on both national and state issues. He served both the Obama and Trump administrations on cabinet-level advisory councils and has been invited to the White House nine times by three different presidents. Bill was appointed by Florida's governor to serve on the University of Central Florida board of trustees. Bill has been recognized with many of the marine industry's top awards including Boating Industry's “Mover and Shaker of the Year.” Florida Trend magazine has recognized Bill as one of “Florida's Most Influential Business Leaders” and he is an Orlando Business Journal “CEO of the Year.” The governor of Florida also presented Bill with the “Governor's Business Ambassador Medal.” About Correct Craft: Celebrating 100 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Revel boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Ingenity Electric, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com. americasrt.com https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @billyeargin @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

Shots from the Winchester
This leadership training could make you more valuable at work!

Shots from the Winchester

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 16:16


Stronghold Leadership empowers veterans and business professionals through management certifications. This nonprofit offers vital training in project management, organizational change management, and Lean Six Sigma and more. Discover their flexible in-person and online courses, scholarship opportunities, and success stories in helping service members transition effectively. Visit www.strongholdleadership.org for more informationhttps://greencastleconsulting.com➡️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greencastleconsulting ➡️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1997GACPhiladelphia, Malvern, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Atlantic City, Wilmington, Washington D.C.

Hire Smarter with Tony Misura
Epiode 41: When Finance and Sales Align, Profit Accelerates. Tony Misura sits down with April Murray, Fractional CFO, to explore a powerful truth

Hire Smarter with Tony Misura

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 40:15


What if your greatest profit accelerator is already inside your organization? In this episode of Hire Smarter, Tony Misura sits down with April Murray, Fractional CFO, to explore a powerful truth: When finance and sales teams truly join forces, profitability accelerates. This conversation goes beyond theory. Tony and April unpack: • Why financial acumen is the scoreboard of every business • The tension that often exists between sales and finance • The financial metrics every sales leader should understand • How CFOs can become true strategic partners, not just scorekeepers • Why the best finance leaders are measured by their operational impact April shares lessons from her background in manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, and growing up in a family-owned restaurant that shaped her belief in voice of the customer and cross-functional collaboration. If you lead a sales team, finance function, or business unit, this episode will challenge how you think about profit, cash, margin, forecasting, and partnership. The companies that win are not the ones with the best silos. They are the ones with the best alignment.   Reach out to learn more: info@misuragroup.com  www.misuragroup.com 

Podcast – Earth Consultants
E133: Applications of Lean Six Sigma in Dermatology Clinics

Podcast – Earth Consultants

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 20:12


I share a presentation I gave in July 2025 at the Practical Symposium in Beaver Creek Colorado. The topic was titled “Operations Management – Make Practice More Efficient” which described my experience working with two dermatology clinics. In the presentation, I explain my background in healthcare improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. I explain Continue Reading

University of Iowa College of Public Health
From Internship to Fellowship: Lessons from MHA Summer Experiences

University of Iowa College of Public Health

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 30:02


In this episode of Plugged Into Public Health, three second-year MHA students reflect on their summer internship experiences and the lessons they are carrying forward into their administrative fellowships. Matt Mathew shares his experience at UCHealth in Colorado, where he worked across multiple service lines including trauma, oncology, cardiovascular, and neuro/spine. He discusses leading Lean Six Sigma process improvement efforts and learning to manage ambiguity in executive-facing projects. Hattie Dukes spent her summer at Allina Health in the Twin Cities, working in continuing care. Her projects ranged from writing a business plan for an inpatient rehabilitation expansion to exploring housing solutions for long-stay patients. She reflects on the importance of engaging frontline staff and advocating for her own learning. Meg Yellepeddi interned at Deloitte in Chicago, supporting a large-scale electronic health record implementation. She discusses project management in consulting, organizational change management, and the importance of communication and collaboration in healthcare leadership. The episode closes with advice for first-year MHA students preparing for internship applications and highlights where each student will begin their administrative fellowship next year. A transcript of this episode will be available here soon. Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks. #publichealth #MHA #summerexperience #internship #fellowship #mastersdegree #healthadministration #graduatedegree #realworldexperience #iowacity

Management Blueprint
320: 5 Steps to Heart-Driven Leadership with Hanna Bauer

Management Blueprint

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 37:20


Hannah Bauer, CEO of Heartnomics Enterprises and a leadership strategist grounded in Lean Six Sigma, Zig Ziglar, and Baldrige Excellence, is driven by a personal ‘Why' of transformation—helping people live with love, excellence, and fulfillment.  We explore Hannah's remarkable origin story: diagnosed with a serious heart condition as a child, enduring years of unpredictable tachycardia and two heart attacks at age 10, and ultimately receiving a pioneering ablation procedure that saved her life. Out of that journey, she built Heartnomics—the “economy of the heart”—and teaches her HEART Leadership Framework: Hope, Empowerment, Accountability, Results, and Trust, a values-based model that fuses emotional resilience with operational discipline to create ethical, high-performing leaders and cultures. — Important Links: Hannah's LinkedIn Hannah's website

The Lean Solutions Podcast
Going from Strategy to Starting

The Lean Solutions Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 29:47


What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Andy Olrich and Catherine McDonald explore what happens after the strategy day is over. Once goals are set, how do organizations move from planning to real execution? They highlight the challenges of managing too many goals and the necessity of engaging teams in the strategy process. They unpack why teams often struggle—not because they lack ideas—but because they have too many priorities and not enough clarity on where to start. The discussion focuses on practical frameworks for filtering, prioritizing, and executing goals in a way that aligns strategy with daily work.Key Takeaways:Teams don't struggle from a lack of ideas—they struggle from too many priorities.Don't start where it's exciting—start where it's expensive.Use structure to remove subjectivity.Links: Lean Solutions 2026 SummitLean Solutions Website⁠⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich's LinkedIn⁠⁠

Life Refreshed
The Deal You Already Made | Why High-Performers Trade Wholeness for Winning

Life Refreshed

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 11:11


There's a deal you made—and you don't remember signing it.In this episode, I unpack Matthew 4 through a Lean Six Sigma lens, revealing why the enemy's temptation wasn't about evil—it was about speed. The same shortcut he offered Jesus is the one most high-performers accept without realizing it.You'll discover what I call "Identity Drag"—the energy required to perform a version of yourself that isn't actually you—and why it's draining you more than your workload ever could.Key Scripture: Matthew 4:8-10Key Framework: Waste Identification (Muda) applied to soul exhaustionTake the free Fragmentation Score assessment here to see where your integration is breaking down.If this episode resonates, please rate and review the show—it helps other leaders find this content.

MedAxiom HeartTalk: Transforming Cardiovascular Care Together

In this “Meet the Experts” HeartTalk, host Melanie Lawson, MS, sits down with Katie Willerick, vice president of Care Transformation Services at MedAxiom, to explore what it really takes to move from dashboards to better patient care. Katie shares why “trust in the data” is essential to driving change and how building that trust across teams makes analytics fully actionable. She pulls back the curtain on how Lean Six Sigma thinking and clear definitions help teams work smarter and stay aligned.Guest Bio:Katie WillerickVice President, Care Transformation Services, MedAxiomAs Vice President of Care Transformation Services, Katie Willerick provides strategic leadership for MedAxiom's care transformation analytics and consulting initiatives, helping cardiovascular organizations translate data into sustained operational and clinical improvement. She partners closely with MedAxiom members, partners and internal teams to advance system-wide performance across the continuum of cardiovascular care.Katie leads efforts to align data, process improvement and operational strategy, directing awareness and adoption of MedAxiom resources such as MedAxcess, Medicare claims data, population prevalence and incidence insights, and member-reported benchmarking. Her work supports informed decision-making related to access, capacity, workforce optimization and financial sustainability.With deep expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodology and healthcare operations, Katie provides guidance in areas including cath and EP lab utilization and staffing optimization, ambulatory surgery center pro formas and ramp-up strategy, device clinic operations, and broader cardiovascular service line performance. She is known for helping organizations move from insight to execution by designing scalable, data-driven improvement models.Katie began her healthcare career in 2005 in the hospital setting at a Baldrige Award-winning organization in the Midwest. She spent three years in the safety department, where she conducted failure modes and effects analyses (FMEAs), supported regulatory compliance initiatives, and implemented a system-wide hand hygiene observation program. She later transitioned to the process management department, facilitating enterprise-wide Kaizen events, developing productivity and performance metrics, and establishing benchmarking frameworks to support continuous improvement. During this time, she earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt through Motorola University.Katie holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Master of Arts in industrial/organizational psychology from Western Michigan University.

Podcast – Earth Consultants
E132: Lean Six Sigma for Corporate Giving with Anthea Rowe

Podcast – Earth Consultants

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2026 59:49


In this episode, I share an interview with Anthea Rowe, corporate communications and PR expert. She discusses her career trajectory and the application of Lean Six Sigma principles to non-technical fields like communications and philanthropy. She details a major project she led at 3M, where she utilized the DMAIC process and a Pugh Matrix to Continue Reading

pr 3m lean six sigma corporate giving dmaic
Software Lifecycle Stories
From Backend IT to Frontline Digital Transformation with Shubhangi

Software Lifecycle Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 45:44


In this podcast episode, Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Shubhangi M Josiam, Digital Head APAC of Alstom about her 18+ year journey across GE and Alstom, moving from core IT and infrastructure roles to customer-facing digital transformation leadership across APAC.Shubangi shares candid stories about career pivots, leadership programs, Lean Six Sigma, building IT from scratch post-acquisition, and navigating cross-cultural teams—ending with powerful advice for women professionals to be bold and go for roles before feeling “fully ready”.00:00 – 01:50 — Introduction to Shubangi's APAC digital leadership role and IT's shift from backend to customer-facing solutions.01:52 – 04:41 — Early inspiration for engineering, switching from electronics to information science driven by a love for programming.04:42 – 07:56 — Entering GE through walk-ins, starting in captive IT, and learning end-to-end infrastructure fundamentals.08:20 – 11:49 — Discovering GE's leadership culture and choosing Lean Six Sigma for outcome-driven career growth.12:06 – 14:28 — Leading a consumer experience transformation project and early exposure to Agile and product thinking.14:29 – 16:08 — Managing ERP operations and learning real-world supply chain complexity during system transitions.16:08 – 18:09 — Navigating acquisitions, making tough career exits, and prioritising personal sustainability.18:46 – 23:51 — Joining Alstom during post-acquisition chaos and helping build IT systems from the ground up.23:51 – 25:50 — Building digital and analytics platforms, hiring data scientists, and scaling analytics maturity.25:51 – 27:47 — Transitioning into regional IT leadership and driving large-scale digital change during COVID.27:48 – 29:37 — Moving into customer-facing digital rail solutions across APAC and continuous learning from the market.30:00 – 32:19 — Managing APAC time zones through clusters while maintaining work–life balance.32:20 – 36:45 — Leading across cultures by balancing company values with local working styles.46:46 – 48:36 — Building trust through direct feedback, transparency, and authentic leadership.48:38 – 50:43 — Final advice: be bold, apply even if you're not “ready,” and trust yourself to figure it out. Quotable Quotes “If you want to do something, go for it. Help will come—and you will figure it out.”“Men apply saying, ‘I'll figure it out.' Women apply saying, ‘I meet only five out of ten requirements.' That's what stops us.”“I didn't tick all the boxes, but I figured it out.”“Worst case, you fail. Big deal. You learn. It's not the end of the world.”“IT is no longer a backend engine—it's delivering real digital solutions to customers.”Trusted Partner in Driving Impactful Digital Transformation & Empowering Businesses Through Technology.As the Digital Services Regional Head for APAC at Alstom, I drive transformative digital solutions tailored to the rail industry, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and customer engagement. My efforts include collaborating with diverse teams to deliver cutting-edge rail digital solutions while ensuring advanced cybersecurity measures for robust data protection. By aligning technological initiatives with business goals, our team enhances service quality and builds scalable, future-ready solutions for the region. With over 20 years of experience in IT strategy and transformation, I have a proven track record of delivering impactful results acro…Shubangi can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhangi-mj/ 

Snack Leadership
Hope with Hanna Bauer

Snack Leadership

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 25:45


Hope is the inner belief that positive change is possible and that our actions—guided by faith, intention, and persistence—can move us closer to a life aligned with our values and purpose.   "Hope has two beautiful daughters, their names are anger and courage. Anger at the way things are and courage to see they do not remain the same." - St. Augustine of Hippo,   Hanna Bauer at HEARTnomics Enterprises is passionate about showing leaders how organizational success and fulfilled employees are never mutually exclusive. She's worked with teams across different sectors to design leadership experiences that actually move the needle—moving beyond theory to actions that foster trust, communication, and growth-focused mindsets. With her background in Maxwell Leadership, Zig Ziglar, and Lean Six Sigma, Hanna brings practical strategies that translate into better team results and happier workplaces. Her approach is all about lighting a fire under leaders who want to inspire action and make a real difference, not just tick boxes. Favorite snack is dark chocolate covered almonds.   Website   LinkedIn   Facebook   Instagram   YouTube   Music-"Homesick" Copyright 2018. Written by Shireen Amini. Produced by Shireen Amini and Mike Davidson of Plaid Dog Recording (Boston, MA).

Group Practice Accelerator
From Bottlenecks to Better Care: The Intersection of Practice Design & Efficiency with Midmark's Jennie Vanderpool

Group Practice Accelerator

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 24:05


Practice inefficiency doesn't just waste time - it impacts revenue, patient outcomes and staff productivity. In this week's episode, Jamie sits down with Jennie Vanderpool, Senior Manager for Process Improvement and Effectiveness at Midmark, for a conversation that connects Lean Six Sigma methodology with revenue boosting process improvement and practice design, showing how smarter workflows can reduce bottlenecks and save valuable time. Tune in for a preview of Jennie's session at the upcoming Multisite Mastery event in March and learn how process improvements build smarter systems that simply make sense.

Lean Six Sigma Bursts
E132: Announcing free course "Applications of Lean in Healthcare"

Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 3:05


In the ⁠Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem⁠, I have posted numerous courses over the past few months, and quite a few of them are free. If you're not aware, the adoption of Lean in the healthcare industry has been pretty dramatic over the past 20+ years.I took some of the best healthcare-specific Lean training videos I've used in my Lean Six Sigma courses and compiled them into one online course, called Applications of Lean in Healthcare The course includes 27 lessons (over 3 hours of online learning).You will learn how Lean has been applied at:Harbor-UCLA MedicalVirginia MasonMiami Children'sWashington HospitalBahri Dental GroupRiverside UniversityCleveland Clinic.You will also learn how these improvement tools have been implemented specifically in healthcare:8 Wastes5SDaily and Tiered HuddlesSpaghetti DiagramsValue Stream MappingModel cellsTakt time2-bin kanban system3PTraining within Industry (TWI)Six SigmaThis is such an important topic that we wanted to make this training FREEWant to take this free course?Sign up for a free accountNavigate to the Courses section and select "Applications of Lean in Healthcare"Complete the courseDo you have friends and family in healthcare or the medical industry?Please share the course link or forward this email to them. This might be the training that has a significant impact on their career.Learn more about BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to get certified in Lean Six Sigma, but not sure where to start? Visit ⁠help me choose a certification⁠ to decide what will be best for your careerNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let's talk! Schedule a free support call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it's all there. Download it for free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creativesafetysupply.com/5S⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIZ-PI.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have a question? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com⁠⁠⁠

Lean Six Sigma Bursts
E131: The Big 3 Quality Improvement Tools for the Food and Beverage Industry

Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 9:13


The following is the summary of the December 3rd webinar I presented called "Quality Improvement Tools for Food and Beverage Manufacturing"I just edited the webinar and turned it into a course in Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem. Although it is geared towards the food and beverage (F&B) industry, it is open to those from any industry looking to improve quality, reduce variation and increase the success of meeting customer specification and tolerances.You will learn about these 3 tools:Statistical Process Control (SPC)Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)Capability Analysis (Cp/Cpk vs Pp/Ppk)To sign up for this course, go to https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/the-big-3-quality-improvement-tools-for-the-food-and-beverage-industryLearn more about BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to get certified in Lean Six Sigma, but not sure where to start? Visit help me choose a certification to decide what will be best for your careerNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let's talk! Schedule a free support call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it's all there. Download it for free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creativesafetysupply.com/5S⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIZ-PI.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have a question? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com⁠⁠⁠

Med-Surg Moments - The AMSN Podcast
Ep. - 166 Legal Liability 101 for Nurses With Attorney Rachel Giles (AMSN Members Earn 0.5 CE Hours*)

Med-Surg Moments - The AMSN Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 33:12


Ever worry about finding yourself in a civil or criminal case as a result of your actions as a nurse?  Join the co-hosts as they welcome Attorney Rachel Giles to help us demystify nursing legal liability, including must-dos, don't-dos, and real-world pitfalls so you can protect your license, your patients, and your peace of mind. (AMSN Members Earn 0.5 CE Hours*) * This episode is eligible for 0.5 contact hours for AMSN members who listen to the episode and submit a completed evaluation through the online library. None of the individuals with the ability to control the content of this episode have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. The Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses is an accredited provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.   SPECIAL GUEST Rachel Giles, JD, MBA/MHA is a United States Army Veteran, brings over a decade of experience in health law, compliance, federal regulations, and risk management. She is dedicated to delivering innovative conflict resolution, consulting, education, and knowledge, leveraging her unique expertise to help clients and healthcare organizations navigate complex challenges in both legal and operational environments. Rachel is passionate about fostering effective communication and equitable solutions to ensure that every person feels safe and empowered to move forward confidently. Rachel's professional experience includes serving as CEO of Giles Mediation, LLC., where she assist low socioeconomic status clients mediate cases in an attempt to stay out of a long costly court battle. She was the Vice President of Compliance & Administration for AshtonBridge Capital, where she implemented risk management frameworks and compliance protocols across diverse industries such as investment, real estate, and commodity trading. Additionally, her tenure in senior roles at multiple Healthcare Organizations within the Texas Medical Center in Houston highlights her skill in mitigating risks, conducting audits, and driving quality and patient safety improvement initiatives. She is adept at contract negotiation, policy development, and litigation support, making her a trusted advisor to organizations. Academically, Rachel holds a Doctorate in Law with a specialization in Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, and Risk Management, alongside dual master's degrees in Business and Health Administration. Her credentials are complemented by certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, and Mediation. She was recognized for academic excellence, including achieving top marks in cybersecurity coursework, where she developed actionable strategies for addressing HIPAA data breaches. Her ability to merge research with practical application has been a hallmark of her professional and academic career.   MEET OUR CO-HOSTS Samantha Bayne, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC is a nursing professional development practitioner in the inland northwest specializing in medical-surgical nursing. The first four years of her practice were spent bedside on a busy ortho/neuro unit where she found her passion for newly graduated RNs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional governance. Sam is an unwavering advocate for medical-surgical nursing as a specialty and enjoys helping nurses prepare for specialty certification.    Kellye' McRae, MSN-Ed, RN is a dedicated Med-Surg Staff Nurse and Unit Based Educator based in South Georgia, with 12 years of invaluable nursing experience. She is passionate about mentoring new nurses, sharing her clinical wisdom to empower the next generation of nurses. Kellye' excels in bedside teaching, blending hands-on training with compassionate patient care to ensure both nurses and patients thrive. Her commitment to education and excellence makes her a cornerstone of her healthcare team.   Marcela Salcedo, RN, BSN is a Floatpool nightshift nurse in the Chicagoland area, specializing in step-down and medical-surgical care. A member of AMSN and the Hektoen Nurses, she combines her passion for nursing with the healing power of the arts and humanities. As a mother of four, Marcela is reigniting her passion for nursing by embracing the chaos of caregiving, fostering personal growth, and building meaningful connections that inspire her work.   Eric Torres, ADN, RN, CMSRN is a California native that has always dreamed of seeing the World, and when that didn't work out, he set his sights on nursing.  Eric is beyond excited to be joining the AMSN podcast and having a chance to share his stories and experiences of being a bedside medical-surgical nurse.   Maritess M. Quinto, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN is a clinical educator currently leading a team of educators who is passionately helping healthcare colleagues, especially newly graduate nurses. She was born and raised in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States with her family in Florida. Her family of seven (three girls and two boys with her husband who is also a Registered Nurse) loves to travel, especially to Disney World. She loves to share her experiences about parenting, travelling, and, of course, nursing!   Sydney Wall, RN, BSN, CMSRN has been a med surg nurse for 5 years. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 2019, Sydney commissioned into the Navy and began her nursing career working on a cardiac/telemetry unit in Bethesda, Maryland.  Currently she is stationed overseas, providing care for service members and their families.  During her free time, she enjoys martial arts and traveling. 

Our Two Cents Podcast
232 - How to Close Out 2025 Strong and Create Goals for 2026

Our Two Cents Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 38:20


Amanda Jones welcomes Dr. Justin Hiebert CEO of New Frontier Consulting. New Frontier Consulting, a dynamic agency dedicated to helping small business owners scale their businesses and achieve sustained growth. With a decade of leadership in executive coaching, HR consulting, Lean Six Sigma process improvement, and digital marketing strategy, Justin is passionate about empowering business owners to break through barriers and unlock their full potential. New Frontier Consulting operates on a proven '4M' framework—Mindset, Management, Marketing, and Money—helping clients shift from feeling "stuck" to experiencing measurable success. A relentless advocate for small business success, Justin brings a strategic approach to leadership development, team growth, and operational efficiency. Justin's core philosophy is simple: the best days for your business are ahead. In today's episode we also discussed the 4 M's framework, working S.M.A.R.T.E.R, and New Frontier Consulting K.I.S.S Review. Dr. Hiebert gives some awesome end of year sprint goals as well as 2026 goals. Our Host Amanda discusses her end of year checklist that she gives out to clients so that the audience can close out 2025 strong! Learn more about New Frontier Consulting with the links below: Website Instagram  

Inspired Nonprofit Leadership
377: The Adaptive Advantage with Lisa L. Levy

Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 35:56


Ever wish your team would stop handing every decision back to you? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Levy to talk about building self-reliant teams, simplifying processes, and unlocking the hidden potential inside your organization. Lisa breaks down how to reduce chaos, boost confidence, and tap into the full brainpower of your staff—without adding more meetings or more stress. If you've ever dreamed of a team that can actually run things without you hovering, this is the episode to hit play on. Episode Highlights 02:01 Networking and leadership challenges 03:05 Lean Six Sigma and the Adaptive Transformation Framework 09:47 Building self-reliant teams 16:01 The Innovation Engine concept 19:43 Spotting and developing emerging leaders 24:11 Process improvement wins and fixes My guest for this episode is Lisa L. Levy. Lisa L. Levy is a dynamic business strategist, best-selling author, and founder of Lcubed Consulting, where for over 16 years she has helped visionary founders and leadership teams scale with confidence and agility. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Project Management Professional, Lisa's work focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology to eliminate chaos and drive sustainable impact.   Her proprietary Adaptive Transformation™ Framework has helped thousands of organizations boost productivity and foster self-reliant teams. A #1 best-selling author of Future Proofing Cubed, Lisa is also the host of the "Disrupt and Innovate" podcast and has been recognized as one of the Best Women Leaders of 2021. She brings over two decades of expertise across sectors—including nonprofits—to help mission-driven organizations thrive in an ever-changing world. Connect with Lisa: Website: https://lisallevy.com/ Consulting: https://lcubedconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisallevy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lcubedconsulting Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

The Lean Solutions Podcast
Spotlight Episode: People First - The Soft Skills Advantage

The Lean Solutions Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 43:21


What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich discuss the importance of soft skills in leadership, emphasizing empathy, communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.About the Guest:Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Improvement and LEAN Six Sigma, he is also a Certified Scrum Master. Andy finds fulfillment in witnessing the positive outcomes that result from teams collaboratively working towards shared and individual goals.Patrick Adams is an internationally recognized leadership coach, consultant and professional speaker. He is best known for his unique human approach to sound team building practices, creating consensus and enabling empowerment.Patrick has been delivering bottom-line results through specialized process improvement solutions for over 20 years. He's worked with all types of businesses from private, non-profit, government, and manufacturing ranging from small business to billion-dollar corporations. Patrick is an Author of the best selling book, Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap.Links:⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams' LinkedIn⁠

Cameron-Brooks
E232: Process Thinking Will Supercharge Your Military to Business Transition

Cameron-Brooks

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025


How Process Thinking Will Supercharge Your Military to Business Transition On this episode of the Cameron-Brooks Podcast, Senior Vice President Joel Junker sits down with Phil Ranck, founder of Lean Alaska and a retired Army CW4 logistician. Phil shares how Lean Six Sigma helped him shift from “fix the person” to “fix the process. Additionally, he shares why that mindset is critical for junior military officers (JMOs) moving into business leadership roles. More specifically, if you're preparing for interviews or your first role post-military, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately. In short, developing your process thinking will supercharge your military to business transition. From Warrant Officer to Process Leader Phil joined the Army intending to serve two years—and stayed for 24. Along the way, Lean Six Sigma gave him a language and framework to communicate with commanders, diagnose issues, and drive change. His big lesson: most failures aren't individual—they're process problems. That perspective reshaped his leadership and later inspired Lean Alaska, where he now trains and consults across industry. Additionally, in his role, he translates “military speak” to the terms hiring managers understand. Why Lean & Six Sigma Belong in Your Toolkit Whether you're headed to operations, manufacturing, sales, or project management, Phil argues that a baseline in Lean and Six Sigma helps you see—and explain—value. He breaks it down with DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). More specifically, he talks about resisting the urge to jump straight to solutions; measuring the baseline; finding root causes; then improving and controlling so changes stick. You've likely been doing parts of this already. Certifications and vocabulary simply give you the framework to tell your story in interviews and in your first 90 days. Reading, Certifications, Funding, and Flexible Learning At a minimum if you are a JMO considering a transition, you will want to familiarize yourself with business concepts like Lean, Six Sigma, Project Management and Change Management. You watch YouTube Vidoes, take classes on Coursera, and read books such as What is Lean Six Sigma, Fundamentals of Project Management, Leading Change and The Goal. If you have time and the financial resources, you can earn certifications. There are numerous organizations and universities that offer official learning at a reasonable cost, or investment. A certification does not ensure transition success, though it does indicate mastery of a subject. A few Cameron-Brooks Alumni have earned certifications through Lean Alaska. Phil emphasizes no out-of-pocket when possible—leveraging Army Credentialing Assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and other pathways. The program also helps you build a portfolio you can bring to interviews to prove real impact. He also partners with bodies like ASQ, PMI, and ACMP, and delivers virtual, recorded, repeatable training focused on doing, not just testing. ConclusionIf you want a practical roadmap to translate your military experience into business results—and speak the language of industry—don't miss this episode. Hear Phil's stories, learn the tools, and discover funding paths that make upskilling attainable. Listen now and turn your transition into a process you can lead. The Cameron-Brooks Mission At Cameron-Brooks, we guide officers through the transition and accompany them along the journey to de-risk the transition and help them reach their goals. We help JMOs transition into leadership developmental roles where they can apply their talents and lead teams and organizations that flourish. If you want to talk more about your options, don't hesitate to reach out. Your transition partner, Joel Junker | jjunker@cameron-brooks.com Want to learn more? Request your free 1-on-1 coaching session: Personal Marketability Assessment | Cameron-Brooks.

The Lean Solutions Podcast
Spotlight Episode: Sustaining Culture and Connection

The Lean Solutions Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 42:10


What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Andy Olrich, and guest Leire Martinez discuss the importance of sustaining culture and connection in organizations. They emphasize that culture is crucial for continuous improvement and can vary across different departments and regions.About the Guest:With a strong Lean Six Sigma background, she is experienced as an Operations Director managing multi-site operations, as well as a Plant Manager, Production Manager, and Continuous Improvement Manager in the automotive sector within a VUCA environment and during challenging periods such as COVID, the chip crisis, and material shortages. Her aim is to inspire the teams she works with to achieve results as one, always acting with integrity, a willingness to win, and a commitment to making tomorrow better.Links:Click Here For Leire Martinez LinkedIn

Sales Maven
Trusting Yourself To Make A Useful Decision - Mastering Excellence Series

Sales Maven

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 51:40


What if the secret to making better decisions isn't about being right, but about trusting yourself to handle whatever happens next? This week on The Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch talks with Danielle Baily, an efficiency and implementation consultant, Lean Six Sigma black belt, and consulting hypnotist who helps business owners find confidence through clarity and structure. Together, they explore how learning to trust yourself can transform the way you make decisions in business and life. Danielle shares how chasing the "right" decision often leads to stress, self-doubt, and overthinking. Instead, she focuses on what's useful in the moment. She explains how identity, fear of judgment, and outside expectations can make choices harder, and how separating who you are from the results you get can make decision-making easier. Her "knee-jerk no" strategy is a simple but powerful way to create boundaries and make sure every yes aligns with your long-term goals. The conversation also dives into decision fatigue and practical ways to prevent it. Danielle and Nikki discuss batching simple tasks, building consistent routines, and keeping your circle of advisors small so you can stay focused. They remind listeners that you don't need every answer before you act. Confidence grows when you make a choice, learn from it, and give yourself permission to adjust along the way. If you've ever found yourself frozen by indecision or stuck waiting for the perfect moment, this episode will help you trust yourself, simplify your process, and take the next step forward. Actionable Takeaways: Batch everyday decisions like meals, outfits, or your calendar to protect mental energy. Use the "knee-jerk no" method to ensure your yes truly matches your goals. Detach your identity from the outcome and focus on what's most useful in the moment. Allow yourself to pivot when new information appears. Keep your circle of input small to avoid confusion and delay. Connect with Danielle Baily: Website: https://daniellebaily.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedaniellebaily Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedaniellebaily LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedaniellebaily/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellebaily/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/danibaily

Ortho Science BYTES Podcast
The Power of informatics in Clinical Decision-Making

Ortho Science BYTES Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 11:04


Our 52nd episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features George Wierschem, Senior Global Product Manager – informatics, discussing how informatics is transforming clinical labs. From streamlining workflows to strengthening cybersecurity, informatics helps labs turn data into decisions – faster, smarter and more securely. George shares how modern platforms improve lab efficiency, ensure data integrity and support better patient outcomes through centralized access, automation and accountability.   About Our Speaker:  George Wierschem Senior Global Product Manager for informatics at QuidelOrtho   George is a trained medical technologist with more than 30 years of laboratory experience. Over the first half of his career, George worked in a number of community-based hospitals progressing from bench technologist into leadership positions. In 2010, George entered the in vitro diagnostics industry, where he's been able to leverage his strong laboratory experience in consulting, product development and product management roles. Currently, George is helping to support legacy QuidelOrtho informatics platforms while also developing several innovative next-generation solutions. George holds an MBA with a healthcare administration specialization and is certified in Lean Six Sigma and change management. 

The Lean Solutions Podcast
From Good to Great Mate

The Lean Solutions Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 31:22


What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich discuss Andy's recent trip to the US for the Lean Solutions Global Summit. Andy, was a speaker and judge at the summit's Lean Solutions Competition. He notes the success of advanced manufacturing centers and the importance of lean and best practice tools. Patrick and Andy reflect on the new Lean Solutions office, emphasizing its immersive training environment and community service.About the Guest:Andy Olrich is a Business Improvement Specialist with over 25 years of experience driving meaningful change across industries including Mining, Manufacturing, Ports, Supply Chain and Logistics, Health, and Government services. With a strong foundation in trades and engineering, Andy has led Operations and Maintenance teams while leveraging formal expertise in Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Change Management, Agile, and related disciplines.Known for his energetic facilitation and people-focused approach, Andy combines a customer-centric mindset with a deep commitment to community engagement. As an international speaker, coach, and co-host of the Lean Solutions Podcast, he empowers individuals and organizations to enhance processes, reduce risk, improve customer experiences, and deliver sustainable outcomes.Links:North St. Partners WebsiteClick Here For Andy Olrich's LinkedIn

Microsoft Business Applications Podcast
AI Needs Adult Supervision: Why Process Still Matters

Microsoft Business Applications Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2025 34:47 Transcription Available


Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM  AI is transforming business processes, but without strong foundations, organisations risk failure. In this first episode of AI Unfiltered Show, BJ Biernatowski and Jim Sinur explore how process modelling, business architecture, and digital transformation frameworks can guide responsible AI adoption. Learn how to build scalable, trustworthy systems that deliver real value.  

The Lean Solutions Podcast
Military Leadership Principles for Continuous Improvement

The Lean Solutions Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 45:39


What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Shayne Daughenbaugh and guest Lee Campe discuss the application of military leadership principles to continuous improvement. Lee shares his extensive experience across various industries, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, training, and decision-making under pressure. They discuss the need for leaders to be part of the team, set a good example, and ensure effective training and communication to drive continuous improvement.About the Guest:Lee Campe is one of the nation's leading experts in metric development, KPIs, problem solving, and process management. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Lee brings decades of experience across industries, including retail, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and even space exploration. His unique perspective blends technical excellence with practical leadership drawn from his service as a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger, and as a proud father of two daughters. In this episode, Lee shares how military leadership principles, forged through experience in both the Army and Marine Corps, can be applied to continuous improvement in honor of the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.Links:Lee Campe's Website Click Here For Lee Campe's LinkedIn

Best But Never Final: Private Equity's Pursuit of Excellence
When Things Go Wrong, Part II: Taking Action When Performance Slips

Best But Never Final: Private Equity's Pursuit of Excellence

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 45:44


In this continuation of their conversation on portfolio performance, co-hosts Lloyd Metz (ICV Partners), Doug McCormick (HCI Equity Partners), and Sean Mooney (BluWave) move from diagnosis to action: what to actually do once you know a business isn't performing to plan.They cover how to tell a temporary headwind from a structural problem, where to start on revenue and cost fixes, and how to balance quick liquidity levers with long-term value creation. From pricing strategy and marketing ROI to Lean Six Sigma process improvements, working capital discipline, and when to inject new capital, this episode is a playbook for business builders navigating tough quarters with clear eyes and steady hands.Episode Highlights2:21 – Distinguishing market challenges from internal structural problems7:01 – Boosting top-line growth through pricing, marketing, and sales leadership16:48 – Cutting costs intelligently: process efficiency, spend takeout, and Lean systems28:45 – Managing liquidity: working capital, cash creation, and balance-sheet discipline36:18 – Knowing when more capital helps and when it's time to stop funding the problemFor more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.comFor information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.comFor information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

Cameron-Brooks
E229: Alumni Roundtable: Early Preparation to Military to Business Transition Success

Cameron-Brooks

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025


Lessons from Cameron-Brooks Alumni on Military to Business Transition Success Each Cameron-Brooks Career Conference represents a major career event for our JMOs. In these military to business transition successes, officers together years of military service and months, (maybe even years of preparation in the Development and Preparation Program). Then, they interview with Industry leading companies in business. Our JMOs at the August 2025 Career Conference averaged 10.3 interviews over a two-day period. Additionally, every single JMO was pursued into the follow up process. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with my teammate Geoff Fries and three Cameron-Brooks alumni who attended the August Conference. In this episode, they share their experiences and insights pre-conference in DPP, during the conference, and during the post-conference where they earned offers, evaluated them and made a decision to launch their next career. Together, we unpacked their stories and explored what their preparation, mindset, and execution looked like resulting in their military to business transition successes. Below, I'll highlight their lessons, strategies, and mindsets - from early preparation to behavioral interviews and ultimately into final decision-making. Meet the Alumni: Three Distinct Paths to Success Before diving into strategies, here's where these three standout officers landed: Matt Dahlager, an Army Military Intelligence Captain, joined Ubicquia, a smart grid technology company that leverages sensors and AI to improve energy infrastructure. He'll serve as an Area Sales Manager for the Ohio River Valley region. Spencer Preston, a former Marine Corps officer, accepted a role as a Summit Fellow at USAA in San Antonio, Texas. He'll rotate through key leadership areas such as CEO staff, property and casualty operations, or CFO development roles. Weslee Warren, a Navy Surface Warfare Officer, joined Corning Optical Communications in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he'll work as a Technical Program Manager driving fiber-to-the-premises projects and collaborating with engineering and product teams. Building a Foundation: Start Early One of the strongest themes in our conversation was the value of time spent in DPP. On average, candidates spend about 11 months preparing through the Cameron-Brooks program. Spencer prepared for 38 months. Wes spent about one year. Matt invested nearly two years. During that time, Cameron-Brooks was able to meet them multiple times for in person and virtual preparation sessions, which allowed them to: Build Trust with Cameron-Brooks Early engagement allowed each candidate to develop a trusted relationship with the Cameron-Brooks team - vital since our team members advocate for each candidate directly with partner companies. Conduct Self-Assessment and Reflection Before they could tell their story to companies, they had to understand it themselves. This meant revisiting military experiences in order to translate their military experiences into relevant business leadership accomplishment with clear impact and results. Leadership, problem-solving, mission alignment, etc. and how that translates into private-sector value. Learn Business Skills and Apply them They didn't just study business - they applied it. By integrating recognized industry concepts that they learned in DPP such as Lean Six Sigma into their current military duties, they created concrete examples that later became powerful interview stories.  Invest in themselves Hundreds of hours of practice, reflection, and preparation went into preparation before the Conference. Learning to Speak the Language of Business Each alumnus emphasized how critical it was to learn the language of the Business.  Their Go-To Learning Tools: Books and Business Education: They read extensively - diving into leadership, finance, and operations management books, reviews, articles,

Govcon Giants Podcast
Government Contracting EDGE: Why PMP, Lean & Six Sigma Separate Winners From Losers

Govcon Giants Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 7:45


In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore why project management skills—not just certifications—can make or break your success in business and government contracting. From PMP to Agile to Lean Six Sigma, today's guest explains how learning the language of project management changes the way veterans and small businesses enter the civilian market, build credibility, and drive profitability. Why PMP certification creates instant credibility for veterans and small businesses How Lean and Six Sigma directly improve customer satisfaction and profitability The belt system explained—white, yellow, green, black, and master black belt, karate style Learn more: https://govcongiants.org/ 

Supply Chain Now Radio
Toys, Tech & TMS: How A & A Global Plays to Win

Supply Chain Now Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 52:49 Transcription Available


In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton talks with Brett Johnson, IT Director at A&A Global, and Shannon Vaillancourt, President and Founder of RateLinx, about A&A Global's journey to transform their shipping operations. Brett details how they addressed inefficiencies in their old TMS, implementing RateLinx's flexible toolkit to streamline processes, reduce costs, and scale operations without adding staff.The conversation explores how A&A Global overcame challenges like manual data entry, slow carrier onboarding, and inaccurate rate quoting through powerful integrations like ScanForce, Cubiscan, and mobile printing. Brett and Shannon also highlight the role of Lean Six Sigma practices in driving continuous improvement and achieving significant cost savings, faster shipping, and enhanced efficiency.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:39) Meet the industry leaders(02:46) Challenges faced by A&A Global(05:56) Issues with previous TMS(08:30) The need for speed and efficiency(13:42) Selection process for a new TMS(18:03) Integration and implementation(27:55) The new car vs. new software analogy(29:42) Challenges with previous TMS(30:44) Choosing RateLinx and ShipLinx TMS(32:29) Implementation philosophy(37:29) Automation and labor cost savings(45:42) Advice for IT and operations leadersResources:Learn more about A&A Global: http://www.aaglobal.com Connect with Shannon Vaillancourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/ INSIGHT 2025 Conference: https://www.ratelinx.com/ratelinx-insight-conference/Learn more about RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain:

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief
Ep. 502 - Anthony Petitte - Thriving in the Digital Age: How to Empower Remote Teams with Heart

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 51:41


In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer is joined by Anthony Petitte, Chief Operating Officer at Finloc 2000 Inc.During this engaging conversation, Anthony shares candid insights about managing a fully remote team spread across diverse locations and cultures. The discussion explores the unique challenges of fostering connection and camaraderie when employees rarely meet face-to-face and highlights creative ways to build meaningful relationships that fuel collaboration and retention. You'll discover the importance of nurturing a positive company culture as a key driver for sustainable success.Sivana and Anthony also explore the human side of leadership, recognizing and addressing burnout, loneliness, and the emotional well-being of team members in an often isolating work environment. You'll hear thoughtful reflections on honest communication, empathetic follow-up, and the delicate balance between supporting individuals and meeting business goals. These themes underscore the evolving role of leaders as both strategists and caregivers in today's complex workplace.This episode provides practical tips and personal stories, offering a perspective on how leaders can stay grounded and inspire their teams amid constant change and uncertainty.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The day-to-day responsibilities of managing Finloc, FinPark, and VHub.The benefits of being a COO, such as ensuring efficiency and effectiveness and preparing the CEO for investor meetings. The tensions that exist with Anthony's CEO due to different approaches to building the company and fostering creativity.The challenges of managing a fully remote team across different time zones and cultures.The impact of AI on the transportation logistics industry and Finloc's approach to it.And much more...Guest Bio:Anthony Petitte is the Chief Operating Officer at Finloc 2000 Inc., where he leads operations, marketing, partnerships, and strategy for the company's innovative truck parking marketplace. A seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, Anthony previously founded and led the first truck parking marketplace in transportation, which successfully exited in 2021. With over 14 years of experience across logistics, executive search, and digital marketing, he is passionate about solving complex challenges in transportation and enhancing the stakeholder experience. Anthony is also an advisor to startups like Simporter, Zuum, and Torch, and holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Cybersecurity Board Governance. He earned his business degree with a minor in tourism from Kaplan University.Resources:Connect with Anthony: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: Website | LinkedInGet Cameron's latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"Get Cameron's online course –

Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever
JF 3992: AI Automations, 80/20 Thinking, and Multifamily Strategy ft. Trevor Schade

Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2025 59:12


On this episode of Multifamily Mastery, John Casmon interviews Trevor Schade, a systems-driven real estate investor, tech consultant, and automation expert. Trevor shares how his early career in programming, analytics, and Lean Six Sigma efficiency principles led him to build a high-performing real estate business where he sold 27 homes in just his first seven months. He dives into how he uses AI, virtual assistants, and automation to manage multiple companies and streamline operations—eliminating or outsourcing low-value tasks. Trevor also explains his strategic investing approach across flips, long-term rentals, and multifamily, with an emphasis on fast-appreciating single-family homes and value-add apartment assets. Lastly, he shares powerful insights into culture building and hiring, including how he scaled a real estate team to 26 agents with zero turnover. Trevor Schade Current Role: Entrepreneur, Real Estate Investor & Automation Consultant Based in: Nebraska Say hi to them at: trevorschade.com Visit investwithsunrise.com to learn more about investment opportunities.  Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie
James Soto with Industrial Strength Marketing

The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 34:47 Transcription Available


Industrial Talk is talking to James Soto, CEO at Industrial Strength Marketing about "Manufacturing resources for manufacturing success". Scott Mackenzie hosts James Soto on the Industrial Talk Podcast to discuss the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Soto highlights the MEP's role in supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers through resources like Lean Six Sigma and addressing skilled labor gaps. He emphasizes the MEP's importance in reshoring and nearshoring efforts and its collaboration with universities and advanced manufacturing institutes. Soto notes funding challenges and the need for continued support to maintain the MEP's impact. He advocates for manufacturers to engage with the MEP for efficiency, funding, and innovation, stressing the network's irreplaceable value. Action Items [ ] Explore the MEP national network and find the center closest to your manufacturing business to understand the resources and services they offer. [ ] Advocate for continued funding and support of the MEP program by contacting your local representatives. [ ] Reach out to James Soto on LinkedIn to learn more about the MEP program and how to get involved. Outline Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations. Scott thanks listeners for their support and highlights the bravery and innovation of industrial professionals. Scott introduces James Soto, a returning guest, and mentions their previous collaborations. Scott emphasizes the importance of amplifying one's message and being aggressive in communication. James Soto's Background and Passion for Manufacturing Scott MacKenzie praises James Soto's contributions to the manufacturing industry and his active presence on LinkedIn. James Soto expresses his love for manufacturing and acknowledges the excitement and uncertainty in the industry. Scott and James discuss the fluid nature of the manufacturing industry and the importance of reshoring and nearshoring. James highlights the role of people in manufacturing and their potential to change the world for the better. Introduction to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) James Soto provides an overview of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and its centers across the country. He explains the MEP's affiliation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and its focus on advanced manufacturing. James shares his involvement with the MEP in launching Manufacturing Day and its efforts to attract the next generation of manufacturing workers. He emphasizes the MEP's role in meeting with manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized ones, to help them grow and create jobs. Challenges and Threats to the MEP James discusses the funding challenges and threats to the MEP, including the uncertainty around procurement and economic impact. He mentions the efforts to reverse defunding and the importance of telling the MEP's story to encourage representatives to fight for funding. Scott MacKenzie simplifies the premise for manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of the MEP as a resource for introducing new technologies and ensuring a resilient manufacturing business. James explains the MEP's prioritization process based on the distinct nature of different manufacturing environments and the need to