Podcasts about Operational excellence

This episode is brought to you by HalloCasa, the SEO-ranked digital business card for real estate agents. Looking to find the right agent, no matter where you are?Visit https://home.hallocasa.com to discover and connect with top real estate agents globally.Explore and get started today: https://hallocasa.com/brokers In this episode, we sit down with Open Air Homes, a boutique hospitality and property management company that has been transforming the short-term rental landscape in Southern California for over 14 years. We explore how the company blends luxury hospitality with operational excellence to deliver five-star guest experiences and consistent revenue for homeowners.Learn about their unique value proposition across platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, their high-performing inventory strategies, and how they use tech and SEO to stay ahead in the AI-driven future of search. We also discuss expansion into Orange County, short-term rental regulations in California, and the decision to remain a locally focused brand in Palm Springs and Los Angeles.Timestamps:00:00:40 – Introduction00:04:00 – Marketplace Platforms, Open Air Homes' Value Proposition, Inventory Building & Lead Generation00:08:39 – Operational Excellence, Quality Assurance & SEO for AI Search Engines00:12:01 – Back-End Software for Team & Client Communication00:13:36 – Staying Local vs National: The Palm Springs Perspective00:18:45 – Expansion into Orange County00:20:30 – Legal Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals in California00:23:00 – About Brad Greiner's Brokerage, Open Aire Homes00:27:00 – Conclusion and Final WordsYou can contact Brad via: https://openairhomes.com/ and https://openaire.co/team/

Today, we're excited to get to know Adam Stansell, CEO and Founder of Axle Health, the operating system for Home Health.Before founding Axle, Adam spearheaded the launch of new markets at UberEats and built a high-growth business line at Motive, a leader in fleet logistics. With deep expertise at the intersection of operations, technology, and scale, he's now bringing world class logistics to one of healthcare's most overlooked frontiers: home health.Founded in 2020, Axle is tackling the $150B+ home health industry in the US growing at 9% every year, of which most of home health still runs on old legacy software or spreadsheets. Recently announced, Axle has raised $10M in Series A led by Carl Byers and Julia McDowell at F-Prime Capital, joined by Lightbank and previous investors YC and us at Pear VC! We at Pear, especially my GP Mar Hershenson and I have been super grateful to be part of his journey.

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

Today, Sam Lambert from Planetscale is back for a third time. Planetscale just announced Planetscale Postgres, so we had to get Sam back to tell us how and why they decided to add support for Postgres. It's always great to have Sam on -- he brings great stories about real customers and honest insight about the state of the database industry. In this episode, we talk about the road to Postgres and how operational excellence is the only true advantage in database providers. Sam walks us through the current Planetscale Postgres offering, along with details on Nova, a new sharded Postgres project that Planetscale is working on. Along the way, we get updates on Planetscale Metal, how demand has been for Planetscale Postgres, and future plans for Planetscale.

Tentu Venkataramana |  Group CEO-JR Group of IndustriesVenkataramana is a conglomerate with diverse interests in areas like iron, steel, and secondary manufacturing. He is a management graduate from the Indian Institute of Management, Indore, and has a career spanning high-profile organizations like Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). He is known for his leadership in driving business performance and his frequent speaking engagements on topics ranging from motivational and leadership skills to technological innovation and manufacturing practices. Tentu Venkataramana has a track record of developing innovative technologies, inspiring teams, and driving significant business growth, as seen in his previous roles at BHEL and L&T. He is a sought-after speaker on topics related to leadership, management, and technology, with over 10,000 hours of speaking experience. He has spoken at prestigious events and platforms like the Economic Times (India), Manufacturing Today (India), and the International Forge Master Meet. Tentu Venkataramana has received two awards from the President of India for his innovative energy conservation technologies in 2015 and 2017. He has also been recognized as an "Inspirational Icon for Young Generation". He is actively involved in industry events and conferences, including Fabex25 in Pune, where he discussed the synergy between Operational Excellence, ESG, and Industry 4.0. He is actively involved in transforming JR Group into a world-class conglomerate, driving improvements in business performance, departmentalization, turnover, and net worth. He is the author of the upcoming book "Rewrite Your Future," shared on LinkedIn. 

Listen to Mitch Brunette describe the City Wide Facility Solutions approach to caring for vendors and clients.

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

Join us for a deep dive into the world of hospitality as we chat with Ha Ly, Head of Marketing at Pokeworks, a leading player in the fast-evolving food industry. Discover the hospitality strategies and insider insights that make Pokeworks stand out in the restaurant scene. From operational excellence to innovative poke bowl recipes, Ha shares the secrets behind scaling a successful food service brand. Enjoy entertaining stories and industry trends, all served in partnership with Qu, where technology meets culinary creativity. Whether you're a seasoned pro in hospitality or exploring investment opportunities in food service, this episode is packed with valuable information. Episode Credits:Produced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com

Jesse Pujji reveals how he builds wildly successful companies from scratch by doubling down on talent, distribution, and the power of bootstrapping.   In this episode, Sarah Lockwood sits down with the serial founder and investor behind Gateway X, a venture studio that launches and scales high-performing companies without venture capital. Jesse shares how he went from Goldman Sachs and McKinsey to building Ampush, one of Facebook's earliest and most effective performance marketing agencies, which grew to manage over $1 billion in ad spend for top brands like Uber, Peloton, and Dollar Shave Club. That experience became the foundation for how he now builds high-performance teams and scalable businesses through bootstrapping.   Jesse breaks down the core principles that drive his companies: hiring exceptional talent, obsessing over sales and distribution, and staying rooted in profitability from day one. He shares the origin stories of ventures like GrowthAssistant, which connects startups with offshore marketing talent, and explains how each business at Gateway X is shaped by a unique unfair advantage and the right operating partner, not a VC-funded roadmap. From his two-farm model for sourcing ideas and people to his frameworks for knowing when to walk away from a failing project, Jesse offers a rare look into what it really takes to scale without VC.   This is a must-listen for founders ready to trade the unicorn myth for real traction, culture-driven leadership, and sustainable growth on their own terms.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Jesse Pujji's Entrepreneurial Journey from Ampush to Gateway X 05:01 Core Principles for Bootstrapping and Scaling Without VC 08:48 How GrowthAssistant Scaled to $20M in Revenue 13:32 The Two-Farm Model: Matching Ideas with the Right People 15:00 Knowing When to Kill an Idea and Move On 16:02 Inside Aux: Translating Marketing for Private Equity 21:09 Why Sales and Distribution Matter More Than Product 22:14 The Power of High Performance Teams 27:02 Building Profitable Companies with Operational Rigor 34:30 Managing Attention, Energy, and Leadership Across Startups 38:48 Conscious Leadership and the Value of Coaching   Links Dave Kashen - Startup CEO Coach Book - The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: https://a.co/d/j4uKz9A   Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/  Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us    Connect with Jesse Pujji: Website Gateway X: https://www.gateway.xyz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessepujji/   Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

"Understanding the problem puts you 50% of the way to addressing it."In this episode of Books of the Boardroom, Season Three of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes Simon Turner, CFO and ELT member with nearly three decades of experience in finance. Simon shares insights from his unique career path, from serving on nuclear missile submarines in the Royal Navy to becoming a CFO. They discuss leadership, the importance of addressing problems head-on, the evolution of data analytics, the role of ESG in modern business, and the potential impact of AI on SMEs. Simon also offers practical advice for upcoming finance professionals and underscores the significance of integrating operational focus within the CFO role.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:

Welcome to The Organised CEO era! In this milestone episode, I'm breaking down exactly why traditional productivity advice keeps you trapped as the bottleneck in your own business, and introducing the CEO Operating System that changes everything. This isn't about colour-coded calendars or perfect morning routines. This is about building a business that runs WITH you leading it, not you holding it all together. What you'll discover: Why "fake organised" productivity advice is keeping you stuck The 7-pillar CEO Operating System that eliminates overwhelm Real client transformations (from 60-hour weeks to 35 hours with 40% revenue increase) My complete offer suite designed to take you from chaos to clarity to systems mastery If you're tired of being essential to everything and ready to start being essential to the right things, this episode shows you exactly how. Ready to get started? CEO Operating Audit: Get clarity on your biggest bottlenecks in 90 minutes: https://abranchofholly.com/audit  CEO Studio: 3-month private mentorship to co-build your operating system (DM me on Instagram) Make It Happen Collective: Group program with community support and accountability: https://abranchofholly.com/collective  This is your invitation to stop being the system and start building it.

For many warehouse companies and distribution centers, dealing with logistics, and facilities, and workforce development can be a challenge. That's where The TAC Group comes in. “We're a supply chain operations consulting firm,” Grace Napolitano, the company's principal and business development executive, told the CBIA BizCast. “We are focused on operational excellence within distribution and fulfillment centers.” Napolitano and her husband Zack started the company in 2023 after he spent his career working with FedEx and other distribution companies. That experience included working with companies to implement new management systems. “He really kind of fell in love with that area and working with different companies to help with their operational excellence,” Napolitano said. “He had so much care for the people that worked for him. He really cared about what their life story was, not just how they could perform for him and for the operation.” Napolitano had a background in business operations, sales and marketing. She previously worked in the media industry including as publisher and lead national ad director for the Chicago Sun Times. “So, I said, ‘If you trust what I can do, I trust what you can do,' and The TAC Group was born,” she said. Napolitano said the company focuses on helping businesses with third-party logistics, facility layout and design, leadership development. But she said they are most proud of their labor optimization programs. “We're very passionate about making sure people enjoy coming to work and not just being kind of like a racehorse being whipped go faster, go faster,” she said. She added their goal is to give them “the why behind what we're doing.” She highlighted the high-paced environment of working in a distribution center. “Distribution is a grind,” she said. “It's 24/7—it's multiple shifts. There are reports coming in at 3 am, there are holidays being missed, there's birthdays being missed. “With The TAC group, it's really our focus to connect with the frontline workers on a personal level.” Napolitano said that workforce retention is a significant challenge for distribution centers. She said when workers leave for a different company, it costs an average of $8,000 to replace and train them. “If we could just put that investment into coaching and training the managers to work with their frontline workers, to make them feel like they're part of the organization, that they're valued and that they matter—that really will help the businesses keep jobs here in Connecticut,” Napolitano said. Napolitano said a big part of their work is to train managers to work with and support their employees. She added many of those managers were previously frontline workers themselves, and don't necessarily know how to coach and guide other workers. “We're giving them that skill set to be great leaders and great managers of the next generation of managers and executives,” she said. Related Links: The TAC Group Website: http://thetacgrp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tacgroupconsulting/ Grace Napolitano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracenapolitano/ CBIA Website: https://www.cbia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbia/

 ABOUT OUR GUEST:  Jennifer Black is a powerhouse of grit, strategy, and results. With decades of experience leading cross-functional teams for multi-billion-dollar companies, she's known for driving innovation, building strong teams, and moving complex initiatives forward with clarity and confidence.  She currently serves as Mission Critical Senior Principal Program Manager at Trane Technologies, leading high-stakes projects in the Commercial HVAC business. From concept to execution, Jennifer brings teams together to deliver global, multimillion-dollar solutions that raise the bar. In previous roles, she led new product development for major HVAC platforms, unlocking $20M+ in investments and pushing for energy-efficient, sustainable innovations. She's also tackled roles in equipment finance and pricing strategy, all while delivering measurable, mission-aligned value.  Jennifer holds a mechanical engineering degree from Gannon University and is a certified Project Management Professional. She's passionate about developing the next generation of talent, serving on advisory boards for Women in STEM and Women in Science & Engineering. Her leadership has earned her multiple awards—including the 2024 Commercial HVAC President's Award and the 2014 Latin America President's Award for Operational Excellence.  CONNECT WITH JENNIFER Social Media: LinkedIn   EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth | TED GRIT by Angela Duckworth | Animated CORE Message The three secrets of resilient people | Lucy Hone | TEDxChristchurch Empowering Women in Industry Membership National Event - Registration Link!! Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events  QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS  “Grit isn't a solo sport. It takes a team—your project team, your support system, your people.”  “Never give up.  There's always a different path. “Every time I get into a difficult place, I remember that conversation with my dad… because that was devastating to me. But it shaped how I handle things. I never give up—I just might have to find a different way to do it.” “If you come in saying, ‘Well, I don't know how we're going to get this done,' everyone starts believing that it can't be done. But when you're positive, people start believing in themselves.” “I wasn't going to give up. I was just going to redo it.” (—on disassembling and rebuilding a crib solo. Grit in action!) “You have to have passion in what you're doing. If you don't enjoy it, you might not be as positive—and you might not be as persistent—because you don't like what you're doing.” “I love going onto those campuses... I like seeing all this enthusiasm for what their next steps are. That, to me, is really exciting. It brings me back to being that student and thinking about all the things that I could accomplish.” 

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

In this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, we sit down with Gail Hall, Director of Operational Excellence, and Emma Griffin, Group Chief Security Officer at Royal London - two powerhouse leaders with stories that move from bars to boardrooms, and everything in between.We also explore Royal London's commitment to empowering others, including their brilliant partnership with our Mentor of the Year category at the 2025 #NPWAwards.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:49 Meet This Week's Guests: The Royal London Massive01:49 Career Journeys: From Bars to Boardrooms02:59 Understanding Roles at Royal London08:33 Leadership and Diversity in the Workplace14:26 Personal Stories and Career Advice18:27 Empowering Women in Tech and Beyond21:54 Fun Facts and Final ThoughtsFind out more about We Are PoWEr here.

In this episode, Abi Noda speaks with Gilad Turbahn, Head of Developer Productivity, and Amy Yuan, Director of Engineering at Snowflake, about how their team builds and sustains operational excellence. They break down the practices and principles that guide their work—from creating two-way communication channels to treating engineers as customers. The conversation explores how Snowflake fosters trust, uses feedback loops to shape priorities, and maintains alignment through thoughtful planning. You'll also hear how they engage with teams across the org, convert detractors, and use Customer Advisory Boards to bring voices from across the company into the decision-making process.Where to find Amy Yuan: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-yuan-a8ba783/Where to find Gilad Turbahn:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giladturbahn/Where to find Abi Noda:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abinoda In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro: an overview of operational excellence(04:13) Obstacles to executing with operational excellence(05:51) An overview of the Snowflake playbook for operational excellence(08:25) Who does the work of reaching out to customers(09:06) The importance of customer engagement(10:19) How Snowflake does customer engagement (14:13) The types of feedback received and the two camps (supporters and detractors)(16:55) How to influence detractors and how detractors actually help (18:27) Using insiders as messengers(22:48) An overview of Snowflake's customer advisory board(26:10) The importance of meeting in person (learnings from Warsaw and Berlin office visits)(28:08) Managing up(30:07) How planning is done at Snowflake(36:25) Setting targets for OKRs, and Snowflake's philosophy on metrics (39:22) The annual plan and how it's shared Referenced:CTO buy-in, measuring sentiment, and customer focusSnowflakeBenoit Dageville - Snowflake Computing | LinkedInThierry Cruanes - Snowflake Computing | LinkedIn

How do you pivot from a record-breaking NFL career to transforming the investment space?  Marques Colston shares his compelling story of grit, adaptation, and leading with purpose. In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset®, Larry Sprung sits down with Marques Colston, a Super Bowl champion and founding partner of Champion Venture Partners. Marques reflects on his journey from being an overlooked draft pick to a trailblazer in democratizing sports investments, emphasizing resilience, operational excellence, and accessibility for all investors. Marques discusses: His transition from NFL athlete to entrepreneur and the pivotal role of self-awareness The vision behind Champion Venture Partners and its focus on accessibility in investments The parallels between sports and business, highlighting discipline and risk-taking How fractional ownership and emerging sports are reshaping the investment space The significance of education and empowering new investors for long-term impact And more! Resources: Mitlin Financial   The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung  Download Your Free Copy of the Couple's JOYful Money Guide Connect with Larry Sprung:  LinkedIn: Larry Sprung Instagram: Larry Sprung Facebook: Larry Sprung X (Twitter): Larry Sprung Connect with Marques Colston:  Website: Champion Venture Partners Website: Marques Colston LinkedIn: Marques Colston  Twitter: Marques Colston   Instagram: Marques Colston  LinkedIn: Champion Venture Partners  Instagram: Champion Venture Partners Facebook: Champion Venture Partners TikTok: Champion Venture Partners YouTube: Champion Venture Partners  About our Guest: A seasoned business leader, Marques's business career is shaped by the perspectives and lived experiences gained from his journey to becoming an unlikely NFL standout. Marques's journey from small school prospect through a decade-long NFL career taught him how success has to be earned everyday, and sustaining it at the highest level requires humility that allows you to be an active learner, curiosity to explore new ways to unlock value, and confidence built on preparation and repetition. This philosophy is the foundation of Marques's post-football journey as an entrepreneur, educator, financial advisor, and executive coach and strategic consultant for dozens of companies – startups to Fortune 100.  His diverse path is connected by the vision to empower underserved and underestimated communities, helping them envision and achieve beyond their current limitations.  CVP represents an opportunity for Marques to leverage his passion, skills, influence, and access to build a firm with the potential to build a legacy of doing well and good, by creating access to wealth building opportunities to a more diverse group of investors. Disclosure: Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.  

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Nick Stageberg, owner of Black Swan Real Estate. Nick shares how 2024 marked their best acquisition year ever, with 2025 already on pace to surpass it, thanks to a focus on fixed-rate debt and operational excellence. He dives deep into their vertically integrated model, drawing on lessons from software development and Japanese lean manufacturing to run a highly efficient, team-based property management system. Nick also shares a tough lesson from a permitting nightmare in Tacoma and a recent big win on a 112-unit deal in Minnesota secured through creative financing and mission-aligned operations. Nick Stageberg Current role: Owner of Black Swan Real Estate Say hi to them at: blackswanteam.com – book 15 min with Nick securefreedomfund.com – learn about their preferred equity fund Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. 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

Jacob Mullins, Venture Partner at Village Global, welcomes Kristen Ostro, founder and CEO of Strut Consulting, to discuss the foundational elements that set venture capital firms up for long-term success. Kristen shares how her career began under the mentorship of Dick Kramlich at NEA, where she was trained in the core values and operational excellence that have shaped her approach to supporting dozens of VC firms across Silicon Valley. Drawing on this experience, Kristen explains why establishing a clear mission, vision, and values (MVV) framework is essential for firm alignment, decision-making, and building a resilient culture.Kristen outlines the common pitfalls firms face when they skip the MVV exercise, such as misalignment, wasted resources, and cultural drift, and offers actionable advice for integrating MVV into hiring, branding, and succession planning. She emphasizes that it's never too late for a firm to revisit and refine its core principles, and shares practical tips for making the process collaborative and authentic.Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to differentiate their firm in a competitive market, attract top talent, and create a legacy that stands the test of time. Kristen's reflections, inspired by her early training with one of venture capital's founding fathers, offer a roadmap for building a values-driven organization that can thrive for decades.VC Mastermind is a private podcast for VC Managing Partners. Designed for senior decision-makers at VC firms managing $50 million to $5 billion of institutional capital, VC Mastermind delivers premium insights, peer exchange, and operational best practices across all stages of a firm's life cycle. It was founded by Jacob Mullins (@jacob on X / twitter) – a 20-year veteran of the Silicon Valley startup tech and venture capital industry based in San Francisco.Thanks for listening — if you like what you hear, please review us on your favorite podcast platform.Check us out on the web at www.villageglobal.vc or get in touch with us on Twitter @villageglobal.Want to get updates from us? Subscribe to get a peek inside the Village. We'll send you reading recommendations, exclusive event invites, and commentary on the latest happenings in Silicon Valley. www.villageglobal.vc/signup

If you're looking for more strategies to operate and manage your freight business efficiently, look no further and listen to our guest, Kyle Lintner! Kyle emphasizes improving cash flow and profitability, key business assessment processes, the importance of automation, balancing technology and human interaction, and leveraging AI tools for various tasks!   About Kyle Lintner Born, raised, and residing in Chicago, Kyle Lintner is an unapologetic Cubs fan, free market enthusiast, and logical tamer of risk. Utilizing 25 years of investment market experience, Kyle employs a unique methodology to solve problems within supply chains. With an objective, analytical point of view, Kyle is a frequent contributor in print, television, and radio for unbiased assessments of current freight market dynamics, conditions, and industry participants.  

Shiv interviews Hilary Gosher, Managing Director at Insight Partners.In this episode, Shiv and Hilary discuss how Insight's 120-person Onsite team gives the firm a competitive edge across its portfolio. Learn how having an in-house operations team can be a force multiplier for portfolio companies by bringing deep functional expertise and strategic support at every stage from sourcing and due diligence to scaling and exits. Hear about how AI and operational innovation are reshaping PE as well as Hilary's approach to AI transformation and embedding AI workflows for portcos.

Although Mobile Home Parks have been great investments over the past couple decades, they have not been immune to the same challenges that other asset classes have faced. These include interest rate escalations plus operating costs such as labor, supplies, and insurance. Despite these headwinds, however, prices have mostly held firm although imminent loan maturities may yield attractive buying opportunities. Jeff Cook, CEO of Cook Properties, is the largest Mobile Home Park operator in the state of New York. Jeff has enjoyed amazing success but has experienced growing pains over the past couple years that have impacted his latest fund. 

Amidst constant change, clear communication is the key to navigating uncertainty.How do you communicate with others when you're confused yourself? For Rob Siegel, leadership isn't about avoiding uncertainty, it's about embracing the clarity that ambiguity can bring."What if ambiguity is the new normal?" asks Siegel, a venture investor and lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business. From rapidly evolving AI to ratcheting geopolitical tensions, every day brings a “crisis du jour,” he says. “I may like it, I may not like it. That doesn't really matter, but I've gotta get my team through it."In his latest book, The Systems Leader: Mastering the Cross Pressures That Make or Break Today's Companies, Siegel explores how leaders today are “living in dualities,” caught between managing existing processes and adapting to emerging disruptions. “The sooner we get comfortable with [change] in the sense of ‘I don't have to like it, but I can deal with it,' then [we can] lead our teams and give them the calm to know they can get through this.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Siegel and host Matt Abrahams explore how to communicate effectively amidst constant change. From preparation strategies for spontaneous speaking to building trust through candid conversations, Siegel offers practical tips for communicating with clarity when nothing is certain but change.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premiumEpisode Reference Links:Robert SiegelRob's Book: The Systems LeaderEp.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under PressureEp.37 Be Better: How Communication Catalyzes Business Transformation  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:49) - Adapting Leadership for Uncertainty (03:18) - Systems Leadership and Cross Pressures (04:40) - Communication and Context (05:26) - Framing Complex Ideas (06:21) - Innovation vs. Execution (08:11) - Leading Through Ambiguity (09:33) - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Focus (12:44) - Balancing Strength and Empathy (15:26) - Leadership with Humanity (16:42) - Engaging Students Effectively (20:00) - The Final Three Questions (23:41) - Conclusion    *****This Episode is sponsored by Stanford. Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford ReportSupport Think Fast Talk Smart by joining TFTS Premium.       

Send us a textIn this engaging episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward sits down with John Basford to explore the transformative power of curiosity in both business and personal leadership. As an operations expert, John provides in-depth insights into optimizing businesses by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, sharing his unique perspective backed by his experience in law and philosophy. With his recent and upcoming literary contributions, "The Curious Leader" and "The Co-Parenting Secret," John brings a wealth of knowledge about innovation in leadership and parenting post-divorce.Throughout the discussion, John underscores the importance of adopting a curious mindset and how it can break down barriers to growth within organizations. Using anecdotes and personal experiences, he illustrates how businesses can streamline operations and embrace change by fostering a culture of curiosity among their leadership and teams. His approach melds the practicalities of operations management with the philosophical underpinnings of questioning and challenging norms, offering listeners actionable strategies to propel their businesses forward and enhance their leadership skills.Key Takeaways:Curiosity as a Superpower: John emphasizes that curiosity helps overcome fear and habits that inhibit innovation and growth.Operational Audits: He explains how auditing operations can uncover hidden inefficiencies, leading to optimized performance.Cultural Change vs. Operational Change: John outlines the distinct challenges and approaches required for cultural versus operational transformations.Leadership Alignment: The successful alignment of leadership decision-making processes is critical for organizational efficiency and growth.Personal Growth: John shares insights into personal development and overcoming self-doubt as one progresses in their career.Resources:John Basford's Consulting Firm: Think LateralJohn Basford's Personal Website: John BasfordBook: The Curious Leader (Contact to get a free PDF of the first chapter by texting 'Chapter' to 33777 in the US)Upcoming Book: The Co-Parenting Secret (tentatively set for release in mid-2025)This insightful conversation with John Basford offers listeners a profound understanding of how cultivating curiosity can drive business success and personal growth. Tune in to the full episode to delve deeper into these strategies and prepare for more enlightening discussions on Business Growth Talks.Support the showIf you want to watch the full video of this episode go to:https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalksDo you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to:www.podcastintroduction.comFind more details about the podcast and my coaching business on:www.businessgrowthtalks.comFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw...Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

Revisiting U.S.-China Relations: Manufacturing, Tariffs, and Opportunities with John LingWelcome to another episode of the Asia Business Podcast. This week, we're joined by John Ling, Managing Director at LinVest Consulting. John has a wealth of experience in facilitating inbound foreign investment into the United States, particularly from China. As the dynamics between the US and China continue to evolve, John provides an essential perspective on the current state of manufacturing investments and the impact of tariffs on these decisions.Connect with JohnVisit LinVestA Glimpse into the US-China Tariff LandscapeIn light of ongoing trade tensions, tariffs have become a significant factor influencing Chinese companies' decisions to manufacture in the US. John explains that while tariffs are a considerable consideration, they are by no means the sole driver for Chinese investments. Other critical factors include supply chain stability and the state of overcapacity within China. This comprehensive approach has led many Chinese companies to view the US as a lucrative market opportunity.Historical Context and Current TrendsJohn delves into the history of Chinese investments in the US, reminiscing about the pioneers who dared to establish manufacturing operations in America decades ago. This historical context provides a backdrop to current trends, where meaningful Chinese investment projects are increasingly commonplace. Despite political headwinds and the complexities of US tariff policies, many projects have thrived, demonstrating the long-term profitability of these ventures.Challenges and Strategic AdaptationsDespite the challenges posed by tariffs, especially those reaching as high as 145% on certain products, Chinese companies have found innovative ways to adapt. For instance, some have capitalized on their operational excellence and responsiveness to customer demands. This adaptability has allowed them to maintain competitiveness in the US market, often outpacing domestic peers in terms of quality and pricing.Joint Ventures and Local PartnershipsAn interesting development noted by John is the growing openness among Chinese investors to consider joint ventures and partnerships in the US. This trend mirrors the historical path taken by US companies entering China and is seen as a strategic move to mitigate risks and foster cooperation. Such collaborations hold promise in bridging cultural and operational gaps, benefiting both parties involved.Policy and Incentive LandscapeWhile some may have anticipated increased incentives from state and federal governments, the reality is more nuanced. John emphasizes that decisions to invest should not rely solely on incentives but rather on broader strategic considerations. Nonetheless, a fair and stable political environment remains crucial for planning significant capital investments.Forecasting Future DevelopmentsLooking forward, John remains optimistic about the potential for improved US-China relations, driven by mutual benefits and strategic interests. He speculates that as governments engage in negotiations, more opportunities for Chinese manufacturing projects in the US may arise. This could mirror the path taken by Japanese companies decades ago, fostering better understanding and trust between nations.Conclusion and Contact InformationIn closing, the conversation with John Ling sheds light on the intricate interplay of tariffs, strategic adaptation, and international partnerships shaping the manufacturing landscape between China and the US. For those interested in further insights or potential collaborations, John is accessible via LinkedIn or through LinVest LLC. Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:54 Impact of Tariffs on Chinese Manufacturing in the US01:16 Historical Context and Evolution of Chinese Investment03:48 Current Challenges and Strategic Adjustments07:44 Success Stories and Future Outlook16:13 Government Policies and Incentives25:11 Cultural and Operational Insights37:24 Conclusion and Contact Information  ProducerJacob ThomasFollow UsLinkedInApple Podcasts

In this episode of the Don't Panic, It's Just Data podcast, Kevin Petrie, VP of Research at BARC, is joined by Nidhi Ram, Vice President of Global Services Strategy and Operational Excellence at Precisely. The duo explore the idea of focusing on data modernisation and improving accessibility rather than constantly implementing new technologies.Both Petrie and Ram highlight the importance of traditional mainframes, especially in modern data strategies. They delve into how companies can combine cloud tools with data in order to handle diverse data systems. This removes the need for replacing the mainframe, keeping the data accessible for all users.Going into the critical role of data quality and governance — especially in the age of AI — Ram emphasises that “garbage in, garbage out” has never been more relevant, as AI outputs are only as good as the data feeding the model.What's needed is a more comprehensive approach to data integration, quality, governance, and enrichment that helps ensure data is always ready for confident business decisions.Listen to this latest episode to learn how Precisely's Data Integrity Suite provides a comprehensive approach to data modernisation.TakeawaysData modernisation is about accessibility, not technology.The mainframe continues to play a crucial role in data strategies.High-quality data is essential for successful AI initiatives.Data governance is critical to comply with regulations and ensure data quality.Cloud solutions offer flexibility, but on-premise systems provide control.Companies need to adapt to a heterogeneous data environment.Integrating people and processes is key to successful data programs.Future data roles will require broad functional knowledge rather than deep technical skills.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Data Modernization02:56 Understanding Data Modernization06:01 Challenges in Data Modernization08:53 The Role of AI in Data Strategies11:56 Data Quality and Governance15:08 Cloud vs On-Premise Data Solutions18:14 Adapting to Diverse Data Environments20:47 Advice for Modernizing Data Strategies23:58 The Importance of People and Process27:07 Future Skills for Data TeamsAbout PreciselyPrecisely is a leading global data integrity provider, ensuring organisations have accurate, consistent, and contextual data. In today's data-driven world, where businesses rely on information for critical decisions, data integrity is crucial. Precisely offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to transform raw data into a reliable asset.Trusted by over 12,000 organisations in more than 100 countries, Precisely plays a critical role in helping businesses effectively leverage their data. By providing reliable software and strategic services, Precisely empowers organisations to confidently embark on their AI, automation, and analytics initiatives. High-quality, trustworthy data is the bedrock for successful AI models, efficient automation processes, and insightful analytics. Without it, these initiatives risk delivering inaccurate results and misleading insights. Precisely's commitment to data integrity allows businesses to make confident decisions and achieve strategic objectives.

Think Like a Fighter Pilot – Part V: The Commendation. In this episode, Captain Smith focuses on inspiring excellence in all we do. He discusses the commendation he received for Operational Excellence in the Pacific Theater in order to motivate others.

In this episode, we dive deep into healthcare innovation with Daniele Iacovelli, SVP - Global Head of Digital, Analytics (AI) and Operational Excellence at Roche. Daniele shares how his team earned the prestigious Global Lighthouse Award for their groundbreaking work using AI to predict cell aging and growth patterns in biological processes.He shares what stuck with him from the World Economic Forum in Davos by offering unique insights on emerging AI trends, including the shift from generative AI to agentic AI and how it's revolutionizing pharmaceutical development. He explains Roche's human-centered approach to AI implementation and why integrating digital transformation with operational excellence is crucial for success.Discover why Daniele believes that "at the end, it's not a technical problem, it's a leadership opportunity" and learn his "Swiss knife" approach to balancing technical expertise with business acumen in a rapidly evolving industry addressing global healthcare challenges.

In this episode of Masters of Moments, host Jake Wurzak sits down with Greg Kennealey, CEO of Peregrine Hospitality, for an in-depth conversation on building and operating a diversified hotel platform with a focus on performance, alignment, and long-term value creation. With a career that includes time at Strategic Hotels and KSL Capital, Greg brings both institutional experience and an owner-operator mindset to the conversation. They discuss the evolving landscape of hotel investment, from pandemic-driven shifts in demand and staffing, to the renewed importance of leisure travel, stress-testing models, and driving performance across both luxury resorts and extended-stay properties. Greg also breaks down the founding of Peregrine, their vertically integrated approach, and how alignment and talent are central to outperforming in any market cycle. They also cover: How the best hotel companies earned loyalty by prioritizing staff during COVID Lessons from KSL on underwriting, capital planning, and long-term investing The rise of experiential and independent resorts—and where they see opportunity Why owner-operator models outperform in today's capital environment The critical role of KPIs like labor margin, guest satisfaction, and revenue flow Designing phantom ownership structures to retain and reward top hotel talent Building a culture of accountability and innovation from the ground up This episode is a masterclass in hospitality execution, told through the lens of someone who has scaled both iconic resorts and margin-driven select-service portfolios—and believes the best teams win every time. Links: Peregrine Hospitality - https://www.peregrinehg.com/ Greg on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-kennealey-946b715/ Connect & Invest with Jake: Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak 1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:32) - Resilience and Challenges in the Hotel Industry (00:03:12) - Investment Strategies and Stress Testing (00:04:59) - Balancing Leisure and Corporate Travel (00:08:21) - Operational Challenges and Innovations (00:34:13) - The Role of Location in Hotel Success (00:38:51) - Conviction in Hotel Investments (00:41:07) - The Complexity of Hotel Ownership (00:41:48) - The Owner-Operator Model (00:44:49) - Sales Strategies and Exit Timing (00:47:21) - Rapid Acquisition Challenges (00:50:12) - Building an Entrepreneurial Venture (00:54:24) - Operational Oversight and KPIs (00:58:40) - Managing Labor Costs (01:01:26) - Investing in Experiential Resorts (01:09:02) - Food and Beverage Strategies (01:15:52) - Future Goals and Favorite Hotels

Jon said that when he first discovered the design operations community at the 2019 Design Ops Summit in Brooklyn, it felt like coming home. Here was this entire tribe of people who cared about the same things he'd been passionate about for years—creating systems that help designers do their best work. In this episode, I'm talking with Jon Fukuda, co-founder of Limina.co, about how design operations has evolved from an unnamed set of practices into a vital discipline that drives organizational excellence. As organizations continue to face economic pressures, the conversation around design operations has become more critical than ever. How do we demonstrate the strategic value of design teams? How can operational excellence serve not just designers but business outcomes? Jon shares insights from his 20+ year journey—from early days defining UX practice models to his current role as a design ops leader and community builder. This conversation reveals how the best design operations leaders think beyond tooling and process to focus on team health, cross-functional partnerships, and systems that elevate both human-centered practices and business innovation. Whether you're considering a move into design ops or looking to strengthen your design leadership approach, Jon's practical wisdom offers a roadmap for driving operational excellence in complex organizations. Questions you'll be able to answer after listening: How might we structure the first 30-60-90 days in a new design operations role for maximum impact? What key misconceptions about design operations could undermine your effectiveness as a leader? When should design ops be positioned under product teams versus operating as a horizontal function? Why do organizations often view design teams as expendable during economic downturns, and how can we change that perception? How can design operations leaders demonstrate their impact on both team health and business outcomes? About Jon Fukuda Jon Fukuda is co-founder of Limina.co with over 20 years of experience as a user experience specialist. With expertise in UX strategy, design thinking, and UI design, Jon has led teams through human-centered requirements gathering, strategy development, interaction design, testing, and evaluation. His career journey started in the late 1990s when "user experience" was just being defined, giving him a unique perspective on how design practices have evolved. Most recently, Jon has dedicated his efforts to research and design operations facilitation for scalable, sustainable human-centered systems. His passion for operational excellence makes him a respected voice in the design ops community. Episode Highlights [01:30] Jon's journey began when "user experience" was just being defined [02:10] Early exposure to coordinating UX work alongside business analysts and technologists [03:40] "I always approached with a continuous improvement mindset - learn from mistakes, get better" [04:50] The shift from individual excellence to system-level operational thinking [06:40] Jon's team started defining specialized roles: information architects, interaction designers, visual designers [08:40] On discovering the term design ops, "This is the work I've been doing for years - I just didn't have a word for it" — Jon [10:00] The North Pacific Gyre metaphor: design ops managers pick up tasks no one else claims [11:10] The community focuses on team health and infrastructure that supports practitioners [12:20] Design ops handles everything from licensing software to managing team dynamics [14:40] Different maturity levels: from surface-level design to strategic human-centered integration [16:10] How design ops prevents team burnout and toxic workplace dynamics [18:30] First steps for new design ops leaders: conduct a listening tour with your design team [19:40] "Design operations is a servant leader role - you make sure people feel taken care of" — Jon [21:30] Expand your listening tour to horizontal and vertical stakeholders to identify friction points [22:40] The necessity of executive sponsorship when conducting large-scale assessments [24:30] Building a shared vision of success that aligns stakeholders around design operations [26:40] Design ops spans program management, infrastructure, HR partnerships, and career development [27:00] Common misconception: reducing design ops to just design systems or program management [29:40] Challenges of positioning design operations within product-led organizational hierarchies [31:00] Why siloing design teams under product lines limits cross-organizational learning [32:00] The Design Ops Assembly Slack community as a primary resource for practitioners [34:40] Recommended resources: Nielsen Norman article and the Design Conductors book [36:10] Design Ops Assembly Learning Labs offer stratified professional development programs [38:40] Economic challenges lead organizations to view designers as expendable despite their value [41:40] "The future requires better integration - both process and tooling" — Jon [42:10] Need for better connections between design tools and broader business systems   Questions to Help You Go Deeper Learning What surprised you most about the spectrum of activities that fall under design operations, and why? How does the concept of operational excellence in design challenge or enhance your current understanding of design leadership? Which aspects of the listening tour methodology seem most valuable for your context? Leading How might you help your team understand the connection between operational excellence and strategic business outcomes? Where in your organization would improved design operations create the most immediate value? What would success look like if you implemented a structured listening tour with your horizontal and vertical stakeholders? Applying What's one small experiment you could run next week to improve an operational aspect of your design practice? Which current friction points in your team's workflow could be addressed using design operations principles? How could you adapt the first 30-60-90 days framework to fit your specific organizational context?   Practicing How will you build stakeholder relationship management into your regular practice? What support or resources do you need to implement better integration between your design tools and broader organizational systems? Who could you partner with to practice articulating the business value of your design operations initiatives? Resources Nielsen Norman Group Design Ops 101 - An excellent primer that defines design operations as "the orchestration and optimization of people, processes, and craft in order to amplify design's value and impact at scale." The Design Conductors - A new comprehensive book by Rachel Posman and John Calhoun from Salesforce, providing guidance on building DesignOps programs. Patrizia Bertini's Website - Jon recommends her perspective on design ops and business value, with various articles on DesignOps strategy and measuring impact. Events Rosenfeld Media's Design Ops Summit - The premier annual conference for design operations professionals. Henry Stewart's Creative Operations + Design Operations Events - These events take place in New York, London, Los Angeles and other cities, often featuring co-located Design Operations Symposiums. Deepen Your Learning Operations + Human Centered Design + Art with Alvin Schexnider — DT101 E116 - Explores the intersection between operations, human-centered design practices, and artistic approaches to problem-solving, providing additional context for operational excellence in design organizations. Creating a UX Career with Sarah Doody — DT101 E77 - Offers insights into career development for UX professionals that complements the discussion on design operations leadership and team development. Ask Like a Designer — DT101 E61 - Introduces the six designer voices (Builder, Scout, Tinker, Facilitator, Traveler, and Pro) that can help design operations leaders develop a more comprehensive approach to supporting their teams and driving excellence.

This week on the AHRMM Subject Matter Expert Podcast, host Justin Poulin sits down with Joseph Carr, VP of Supply Chain at Akron Children's Hospital. Joseph reveals how his team revamped their product requisition process with smart controls and transformed their value analysis workflow by shifting work from busy clinicians to suppliers. He also shows how Operational Excellence initiatives helped slash processing times in half while tackling mountains of special requests. Tune in to hear what's next on Joseph's ambitious roadmap, including strategic sourcing, ERP rollouts, and distribution makeovers! #PowerSupply #AHRMM #Podcast #HealthcareSupplyChain #ValueAnalysis #ProductRequisition #OperationalExcellence

In this episode of the Art of Franchise Marketing podcast, Erin Martin speaks with Stephanie Knepp, CEO of Sit Still Kids Salon. They discuss the unique approach of Sit Still in providing a comprehensive customer experience that goes beyond haircuts for kids. Stephanie shares insights on building customer loyalty, effective marketing strategies, and the integration of technology in enhancing customer engagement. The conversation also delves into the importance of operational excellence in marketing success and the future growth plans for Sit Still Kids Salon.

Sujatha Sivarajah ( @sujatha_sivarajah ) is the Vice President of Strategic Execution & Operational Excellence for McKesson Canada ( @mckessoncanada ).She joins Ara on this week's episode of #TheTamilCreator to discuss the significant impact of her parents while she was growing up, being a part of a graduating class that comprised only 10% females, building teams at multiple companies including LifeLabs and Sanofi, being a woman of colour in a male-dominated field, the importance of building a solid foundation, her fascination with history, and so much more.Follow Sujatha:- LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sujatha-sivarajah-p-eng-80897a9/)   Timestamps00:19 - Ara introduces this week's guest, Sujatha Sivarajah00:43 - Sujatha speaks on her upbringing; Jaffna, Ohio, Nigeria02:19 - Sujatha's dad being her mentor; advice for parents06:08 - Being a woman of colour in a male-dominated field (Electrical Engineering)9:52 - Her time at Ford during a recession in Canada; and then LifeLabs17:11 - Leaving LifeLabs after 7 years to build another team; this time at Sanofi21:10 - What is pharmaceutical manufacturing?22:23 - Was the lack of pharmaceutical manufacturing during the pandemic true?24:17 - What McKesson does, and what her role here is26:13 - What Sujatha hopes to accomplish during her tenure at McKesson27:34 - Her view on work-life balance29:19 - Parkinson's Law - work expands to the time allotted for it30:35 - How she secured her roles; never saying “no”40:24 - What she would have done in another life; anthropology or archaeology42:13 - Advice she would give her 16-year-old self44:02 - The legacy she wants to be remembered for by friends and family45:25 - Creator Confessions53:19 - The Wrap Up Intro MusicProduced And Mixed By:- The Tamil Creator- YanchanWritten By:- Aravinthan Ehamparam- Yanchan Rajmohan     Support the show

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

Unlocking Innovation and Empowering Teams with Jon BassfordIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Jon Bassford, Founder and CEO of Lateral Solutions. Jon dives into the intersection of leadership, operational efficiency, and organizational culture—sharing powerful lessons from his personal experiences and professional journey. If you're a leader striving to cultivate innovation and empower your team, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and mindset shifts you won't want to miss.Leadership That Lifts: From Powerlifting to Performance CultureJon Bassford draws a powerful parallel between his personal passion—powerlifting—and the principles of resilient leadership. As he explains, sustainable strength, whether physical or organizational, requires adaptation over time. Jon emphasizes injury prevention and the importance of modifying one's approach with age and experience. Leaders, too, must evolve—recognizing when to pivot, when to rest, and when to seek guidance. Just as athletes benefit from coaches, executives thrive when surrounded by mentors and strategic advisors.This mindset is reflected in Jon's work at Lateral Solutions, where the focus isn't on cookie-cutter consulting but rather on operational transformation. His team performs deep diagnostic evaluations of an organization's structure, culture, and decision-making processes. From there, they build customized, practical strategies and offer ongoing support to ensure execution. Jon's ideal clients are companies earning between $5M and $50M in revenue, but more importantly, they are led by individuals with a growth mindset—leaders eager to change and evolve.Much of Jon's perspective is captured in his book, The Curious Leader, which outlines three core shifts for today's executives: adopting a growth mindset, committing to operational excellence, and fostering a culture of feedback and collaboration. He also addresses the biggest barriers to innovation—namely, fear of change and lack of psychological safety. By inviting input from across the organization and leading with curiosity, Jon believes leaders can unlock their teams' full potential and create cultures where innovation isn't just encouraged—it's expected.About Jon BassfordJon Bassford is an operations professional and entrepreneur who leads with curiosity—his true superpower. After earning his JD and MBA, Jon applied his curiosity across a wide range of ventures, from startups to global nonprofits. Known for his curiosity-driven leadership, Jon helps organizations and individuals innovate, adapt, and grow by fostering cultures of inquiry and engagement. He also holds a Certificate in Change Leadership and is the author of the upcoming books The Curious Leader and The Co-Parenting Secret.About Lateral SolutionsLateral Solutions provides strategic consulting for growth-minded organizations. With a focus on operational alignment and leadership development, they help businesses uncover blind spots, build stronger foundations, and execute with clarity.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Jon Bassford on LinkedInLateral Solutions WebsiteEpisode Highlights:How powerlifting parallels sustainable leadershipThe 3

Go to https://cozyearth.com and use code HUMANHR for 40% off their best-selling sheets, pajamas, towels, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey? Let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.In this episode, Traci Chernoff speaks with Lizabeth Wesely-Casella about the importance of internal communications and operational excellence in organizations. They discuss the role of HR in facilitating these processes, the challenges of internal mobility, and the need for external support to streamline operations. Lizabeth emphasizes that operational excellence is about delivering better, faster, and cheaper services while ensuring employee engagement and satisfaction. The conversation also addresses common concerns about streamlining leading to job loss and how important it is to align company values with operational goals. This conversation then takes a deep dive into operational excellence within organizations, particularly focusing on the role of HR and internal communications. They explore how fostering a culture of collaboration and understanding workflows can lead to improved engagement and productivity. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective communication strategies, feedback mechanisms, and the significance of face-to-face interactions in enhancing organizational clarity and community.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Operational Excellence and Internal Communications02:31 The Role of HR in Operational Excellence06:38 Challenges in Internal Mobility and Engagement09:55 Understanding Operational Excellence11:56 The Importance of External Support16:36 Addressing Concerns About Streamlining21:44 Aligning Company Values with Operational Excellence23:18 Fostering Operational Excellence Across Departments25:03 The Role of HR in Operational Excellence27:03 Understanding Workflow and Team Dynamics29:52 The Importance of Communication in HR31:56 Tailoring Internal Communications for Engagement34:11 Creating a Feedback Mechanism for Effective Communication36:58 The Power of Face-to-Face Communication41:08 Building Community and Clarity in BusinessWe hope you enjoyed Better, Faster, Cheaper: Unlocking Operational Excellence with Lizabeth Wesely-Casella. If you found our discussion insightful, we'd like you to take a moment to rate our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who are passionate about these topics. You can also leave a review and tell us what you loved or what you'd like to hear more of - we're all ears!Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Plus, leave a comment if you're catching this episode on Spotify or YouTube.About Our Guest: Lizabeth Wesely-Casella is the Founder and CEO of L-12 Services Corp., a Washington DC-based firm specializing in operational excellence. As a strategic advisor, she focuses on internal communication, attrition mitigation, workflow management, process improvement, and culture.Lizabeth helps businesses enhance internal operations by leveraging team knowledge to reduce attrition and attract top talent. Her team fosters alignment and engagement to boost innovation and collaboration.A nationally recognized speaker, Lizabeth shares internal communications best practices across North America.Connect with Lizabeth Wesely-Casella here:Website: https://l12services.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizabeth-wesely-casella/ Access the CATs Tool Kit: https://l12services.com/bonus-tool-cats-tool-kit/ Connect with Traci here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/HRTraci⁠Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

This is the AHRMM Subject Matter Expert Podcast hosted by Justin Poulin. Tune in every month as we speak with Industry Experts to highlight success stories and solutions from the field that advance the healthcare supply chain. And now, Justin Poulin with this month's Expert… Guest: Joseph Carr, Vice President of Supply Chain at Akron Children's Hospital Topic: Product requisition and value analysis processes Outline: - Intro to Joseph & Background - Tell us about Operational Excellence at Akron Children's - Two Projects for Improvement * Product Requisition * Value Analysis - Product Requisition * Challenge: No hierarchy in the product req process * Kaison Event – full process mapping (OE conducted) * 80k specials per year * Significant opportunity for savings/avoidance addressing a small percentage (5-10%) - Value Analysis * No process in product req to review if VA needs to be involved * Big need for templating and were able to shift the work from SC & Clinician's to suppliers * Next step is automation - What's next – Inventory Logistics and Distribution

David McClaskey is the Founder and President of McClaskey Excellence Institute. David McClaskey is an executive coach, consultant, conference presenter, trainer, and Baldrige expert and one of the few individuals to have the privilege of assisting seven companies to win eight Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards (about 6% of the total winners). In this episode, David will present The 4 Pillars to Operational Excellence. Join the Restaurant Unstoppable Network TODAY! Restaurant Unstoppable - EVOLVE! - Eric of Restaurant Unstoppable is now taking consultation and coaching calls! Book a consultation today! Schedule your call to become UNSTOPPABLE! Check out the website for more details: https://www.restaurantunstoppable.com/evolve Today's sponsors: US Foods: US Foods is hosting the event of the year, Food Fanatics 2025. August 19-20, 2025, at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV. Network with over 5,000 Industry peers. Attend Zouk nightclub reception, expert breakout sessions, Keynote speeches, musical performances, and dramatic demonstrations, and sample the latest on-trend dishes. The Clock Is Ticking! Be Ready to Register on April 16 for Food Fanatics® 2025. To learn more, visit www.usfoods.com/foodfanatics2025 Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.  Let's make 2025 the year your restaurant thrives. Guest contact info:  Website: https://mcclaskeyexcellence.com Email: info@mcclaskeyexcellence.com Thanks for listening! Rate the podcast, subscribe, and share!  We are on Youtube: @RestaurantUnstoppable

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Tony Marino, a senior advisor and executive coach with a storied career as CHRO for major global companies like Fiserv. The discussion revolves around the critical aspects of corporate leadership, the parallels between athletics and business, and the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being for optimal performance. Marino introduces the concept of 'five-tool players' in a corporate context, emphasizing the need for well-rounded leaders proficient in six key areas: financial and business acumen, client focus, people and team leadership, risk and controls, operational excellence, and innovation. The episode also covers practical strategies for establishing priorities, key lessons from transformative sales effectiveness initiatives, and the impact of habits and routines on leadership success.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Anthony Marino:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-s-marino-94a6476/Read Force Management's Guide to Embedding AI In Your B2B Sales Organization: https://hubs.li/Q03ldrzD0Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xHERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:01:59] Corporate Athlete: Balancing Leadership and Well-being[00:04:13] Transferable Lessons from Athletics to Business[00:06:31] The Importance of Physical and Mental Health for Leaders[00:09:56] Setting and Achieving Goals: The 6% Club[00:12:34] Prioritizing and Managing Time Effectively[00:28:11] Real-life Examples and Practical Advice[00:33:54] The Importance of Operating Rhythm in Corporations[00:35:43] Predictable Management Routines for Leaders[00:38:18] Understanding the Concept of Five Tool Players[00:40:17] Six Key Traits of Successful Leaders[00:47:49] The Role of Feedback and Coachability[00:51:07] Identifying Team Archetypes[00:59:36] The Impact of Sales Effectiveness on Company SuccessHIGHLIGHT QUOTES"The greatest leaders are well-rounded, like five tool players.""If you don't take care of yourself, you lose perspective.""The best leaders I've ever met are self-aware.""Every leader should evaluate all the activities on their desk regularly to ensure they are adding value.""Sales productivity should be the number one metric for any company."

Curiosity-Driven Leadership: The Operational Edge  EP301 Profit With A Plan Podcast Released May 6, 2025 Guest: Jon Bassford, Operations Expert, founder of Lateral Solutions Host: Marcia Riner, Business Growth Strategist, Infinite Profit®

In this can't-miss episode of Hospitality Hangout, we sit down with Joe Hummel, former CEO of Twin Peaks and current board member of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, for an entertaining conversation packed with insights and humor. Joe dishes on his journey through the food industry, shares bold perspectives on leadership, and reveals how Twin Peaks has become a case study in restaurant transformation.Whether you're an industry insider, investor, or just love a good story, you'll enjoy our deep dive into industry trends, the art of networking, and the balance between entertainment and operational excellence. From growth strategies to hilarious behind-the-scenes tales — this episode is as informative as it is fun. Episode Credits:Produced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses key insights from a high-level meeting with ten of the nation's top commercial real estate investors. Topics included the rising threat of stagflation driven by tariffs and shifting trade policies, and the broader implications for inflation, interest rates, and apartment demand. Despite macroeconomic uncertainty, John notes that investor sentiment remains bullish, with many planning to be net buyers in 2025. He emphasizes that this is a cycle where strong operations matter most, and experienced operators will likely thrive as weaker investors exit the market. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/BRE⁠. Terms and conditions apply. 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

In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains welcomes fractional CEO and systems optimizer Joshua Monge, who reveals the operational secrets that turn chaotic, founder-reliant SaaS businesses into scalable, exit-ready machines.From escaping burnout to structuring future-proof systems, Joshua shares what it really takes to build a business that thrives without the founder being in every decision. If you've ever felt like your company can't breathe unless you're in the room—this one's for you.Key Takeaways01:15 - SaaS sales as an endurance sport04:14 - Guest intro: Joshua Mong08:00 - Firefighting vs. real leadership10:00 - Becoming your own bottleneck12:45 - Breaking through the $3M–$5M ceiling18:55 - Mapping workflows step-by-step21:10 - How to get out of the weeds23:23 - Why every SaaS should be built for exit26:31 - Operational freedom and founder identity29:12 - Thinking strategically beyond the day-to-day30:13 - The pain of being too involved in the business32:15 - Rocket Fuel and visionary/integrator dynamics34:45 - What increases company valuation38:25 - AI and automation in operations43:07 - When great processes hurt more than help45:58 - Customer onboarding = consistency is key50:22 - How to scale operations from $1M to $10MTweetable Quotes"If your business can't breathe unless you're in the room, it's time to rewire the system." – Jeff Mains"The companies that scale aren't built around brilliant founders—they're built on brilliant systems." – Joshua Monge"Delegation isn't giving up control. It's regaining freedom." – Joshua Monge"You don't sell a business—you sell the system that generates the revenue." – Jeff Mains"Being exit-ready doesn't mean you're leaving. It means you have options." – Joshua Monge"AI is the accelerator, but without systems, it just makes your mess faster." – Joshua MongeSaaS Leadership LessonsFounder Involvement = BottleneckGrowth slows when founders micromanage. Delegate with systems, not hope.Parallel Systems Create FreedomBuild dual systems—one for now, one for scale—to ease transition without friction.Document or DieUndocumented or outdated processes are hidden handbrakes on growth and valuation.Exit-Ready = Freedom-ReadyEven if you never sell, building for exit gives you optionality and peace of mind.Don't Overengineer Your OpsCopying someone else's playbook can backfire. Build what your business actually needs.Visionaries Need IntegratorsGreat ideas die without execution. A strong operator turns creative chaos into scalable growth.Guest ResourcesEmail - joshuam@thinkadaptbuild.comWebsite - http://thinkadaptbuild.com/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjdmonge/Episode SponsorSmall Fish, Big Pond – https://smallfishbigpond.com/ Use the promo code ‘SaaSFuel'Champion Leadership Group – https://championleadership.com/SaaS Fuel ResourcesWebsite -

Lucas Sherraden hosts this episode of the Built How podcast, featuring Lacy Picklo, COO of the Fred Sed Group. They dive into the transformative role of operations in scaling a real estate business, highlighted by the group's leap from $99 million to $167 million in annual sales. Lacy shares her journey from an admin role to COO, emphasizing the power of systems, teamwork, and positivity. Insights on fostering talent and leading effectively under Fred Sed's leadership reveal how operational excellence drives growth and sustains success in the competitive real estate industry.

What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and guest Sebastian McLeod, discuss the importance of frontline leaders in driving organizational change. Sebastian McLeod, CEO of TrippNT, shares his company's journey from a basement startup to an industry leader, emphasizing the significance of frontline workers and the impact of Lean principles.About the Guest:Sebastian McLeod, CEO of TrippNT, transformed the company from a basement startup into an award-winning industry leader recognized by Inc. Magazine since 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he leverages his background in discipline and efficiency to streamline operations and foster innovation. Known for his respectful, problem-solving leadership style, Sebastian has built a global client base with customizable, efficiency-driven products. In 2018, he received the Made in Missouri Leadership Award for Manufacturer of the Year.Links:CLICK HERE FOR TRIPPNT LINKEDINCLICK HERE FOR TRIPPNT FACEBOOKCLICK HERE FOR TRIPPNT INSTAGRAMCLICK HERE FOR TRIPPNT WEBSITE

With Jhana Li, founder of Spyglass Ops, empowering founders to scale their businesses while reclaiming their personal freedom. Jhana Li first discovered Operations while Van-lifing her way through North & South America. She's been COO at multiple successful startups, and coached hundreds more. After seeing countless founders stall out & trap themselves without the proper Operations, Jhana started Spyglass Ops which providers operations consulting & recruitment to CEOs of 7 and 8 figure businesses, Operations teams, and digital startup entrepreneurs.

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.This two-part series was recorded at APSCON 2024 In Houston, Texas. In this series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely sit down with Sgt Cody Robinson and CFI Jeff Serpas from the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit. In this episode, we engage with Houston PD's finest, who share their insights, experiences, and challenges in the field. We'll explore the critical role of mentorship and how training methods have evolved over time, alongside the significance of in-house training programs in preparing personnel for the demands of their roles.Join us as we explore our guests' personal journeys through aviation and law enforcement, revealing the vital importance of safety, preparedness, and integrity within flight operations. They emphasize the significance of saying no in aviation, especially under pressure.We'll also discuss the operational dynamics of air support units, effective training, and the crucial selection process for tactical flight officers (TFOs).Our guests discuss Houston PD's unit's structure, aircraft fleet, and the significance of maintenance and reliability in operations. The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating Houston's airspace, the impact of weather on operations, particularly during hurricane season, and the importance of community and teamwork in addressing these challenges.Don't forget to mark your calendars for this year's APSCON, which will take place July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Another conference to get ready for is the ECHO or Every Coast Helicopter Operations Public Safety Aviation Conference is Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, 2025.This year at the ECHO conference, Jack Schonely and Clay Lacey will join forces to present their renowned and impactful course together on the same stage for the very first time. This unique collaboration and course will be titled "Airborne Tactical Solutions." This is a course you won't want to miss! For more details, visit the ECHO webpage at ECHOflightCrew.org.Thank you to our sponsors Night Flight Concepts, Precision Aviation Group and Robinson Helicopter.

Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Valor Magazine.This two-part series was recorded at APSCON 2024 In Houston, Texas. In this series, hosts Jon Gray, and Jack Schonely sit down with Sgt Cody Robinson and CFI Jeff Serpas from the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit. In this episode, we engage with Houston PD's finest, who share their insights, experiences, and challenges in the field. We'll explore the critical role of mentorship and how training methods have evolved over time, alongside the significance of in-house training programs in preparing personnel for the demands of their roles.Join us as we explore our guests' personal journeys through aviation and law enforcement, revealing the vital importance of safety, preparedness, and integrity within flight operations. They emphasize the significance of saying no in aviation, especially under pressure.We'll also discuss the operational dynamics of air support units, effective training, and the crucial selection process for tactical flight officers (TFOs).Our guests discuss Houston PD's unit's structure, aircraft fleet, and the significance of maintenance and reliability in operations. The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating Houston's airspace, the impact of weather on operations, particularly during hurricane season, and the importance of community and teamwork in addressing these challenges.Don't forget to mark your calendars for this year's APSCON, which will take place July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. Another conference to get ready for is the ECHO or Every Coast Helicopter Operations Public Safety Aviation Conference is Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, 2025.This year at the ECHO conference, Jack Schonely and Clay Lacey will join forces to present their renowned and impactful course together on the same stage for the very first time. This unique collaboration and course will be titled "Airborne Tactical Solutions." This is a course you won't want to miss! For more details, visit the ECHO webpage at ECHOflightCrew.org.Thank you to our sponsors Canyon AeroConnect, CNC Technologies and Metro Aviation.

Send us a textJoin Joey Pinz as he sits down with tech leader Tim Coach in an insightful conversation that charts his journey from a military background to becoming a key player in managed services and security consulting. Tim Coach candidly shares how his early experiences and hands-on approach transformed everyday challenges into opportunities for growth. In this episode, he explains his unique strategy for streamlining operations, mentoring teams, and fostering strong peer networks—all while emphasizing accountability and practical leadership.

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