In this episode, Dr. Michael Sanders, Sean Fields, and I explore Quantum Lean - its essence, unique steps, and origins - while uncovering why it stands as a beacon of progress in operational excellence. What You'll Learn: 1. Why Quantum Lean? 2. What is Quantum Lean? 3. What are Quantum Lean's key steps? 4. How is Quantum Lean different from other approaches? 5. How did Quantum Lean come about? About the Guest: Sean Fields, a 35-year industry veteran with experience in various sectors including ...
Sep 26, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 31
In this episode, Katie Anderson and I discuss our trip to Japan, as we immersed ourselves in a profound exploration of lean principles and their practical applications. What You'll Learn: Reflections on Japan and our carefully planned itinerary, which included visits to well-known manufacturing facilities and conversations with experienced lean practitioners. About the Guest: Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership and learning coach, consultant, and professional speaker, best...
Sep 19, 2023•50 min•Season 2Ep. 31
In this episode, Stéfany Oliver and I discuss their Lean coaching journey, 'Staying Flowcused', and how wellness ties into Lean leadership. What You'll Learn: 1. How did you get into Lean coaching? 2. What are your current areas of focus? 3. Tell us more about your concept of Staying Flowcused and what it entails? 4. Bringing it back to Lean and leadership for a moment, tell me more about the links between wellness and Lean leadership? 5. What's next for you? About the Guest: Stéfany is driven b...
Sep 12, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In this episode, Glenn Wilson and I discuss DevSecOps, lean manufacturing in digital contexts, cybersecurity's evolution, total security, and building resilience in an uncertain world. What You'll Learn: What is DevSecOps and what is the problem it is trying to solve? What can digital organizations learn from lean manufacturing in relation to delivering high quality digital products? What should continual learning and improvement look like in cybersecurity? Can organizations become totally secur...
Sep 05, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 29
In this episode, Tim Schipper and I navigate the realms of Lean and Agile practices. Uncover the captivating aspects of Lean in action, explore the core intersections between Lean and Agile, and learn how these strategies can enhance development. What You'll Learn: 1. What do you appreciate about Lean the more it is practiced?. 2. What are the important similarities between Lean and Agile? 3. What is the central common element between Lean and Agile? 4. Can you apply Lean / Agile to development?...
Aug 29, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this episode, Calvin Williams and I delve into the essence of FIT, exploring its foundational premise and its role in guiding organizations. As our conversation unfolds, we unravel the relationship between FIT and Agile Strategy Execution, dissecting how these concepts synergize to empower organizations with the adaptability and strategic prowess needed in today's dynamic landscape. What You'll Learn: What is the premise of FIT? How does an organization become FIT? How does FIT work with Lean...
Aug 22, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In this episode, John Dyer and I explore the insights gleaned from Dr. W. Edwards Deming's "Red Bead Experiment," the efficacy of hands-on visual teaching, and insights from "The Leadership Experiment." What You'll Learn: Dr. W. Edwards Deming performed the "Red Bead Experiment" in many of his classes. What were some of the lessons he was trying to share with his audience? What is the power behind using a hands-on, visual teaching technique, such as the Red Beads, to teach a difficult lesson? I ...
Aug 15, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Liker and I dive into the fascinating world of Kata coaching and explore the key concepts from his novel on the subject What You'll Learn: 1. What led you to write a novel with Tilo Schwarz? 2. For the listeners that do not know, what is kata coaching? 3. What did Tilo add about coaching to Mike Rother's 5 question card? 4. Why a novel about kata coaching? I understand that Tilo already published a book about the coaching microskills. 5. What would you like to hear from...
Aug 08, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode, John Willis and I discuss his upcoming book as well as key moments from our recent trip to Japan. What You'll Learn: 1.) John's upcoming book about Dr. Deming. 2.) Why Deming still matters today. 3.) What Mr. Yosino. said about Mr. Nemoto. 4.) What Mr. Youshino said about Dr. Deming. 5.) What were my favorite parts of Katie's Japan Study? About the Guest: John Willis is Senior Director of the Global Transformation Office at Red Hat Prior to Red Hat, he was the Director of Ecosys...
Aug 01, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode, Mark Graban and I discuss the value that comes from making mistakes and how learning from our mistakes is effective in lean culture. What You'll Learn: 1. What inspired you to write the book? 2. How does "learning from mistakes" fit into a Lean culture? 3. What is Psychological Safety and how can leaders create the conditions for it? 4. Examples from Toyota? A small software company like KaiNexus? 5. Why is it counterproductive to punish mistakes? About the Guest: Mark Graban is...
Jul 25, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode, David Larsen and I discuss respect for people, and CI in the office. What You'll Learn: 1. Share about your professional journey and background. 2. Tell me about your day job… 3. Recently you spoke at the Lean and Six Sigma World Conference in Orlando…. Why did you seek the speaking opportunity? 4. What do you think sets your work or approach apart from others in your field? 5. What brings you joy? About the Guest: David is a certified Planning and Scheduling Professional, certi...
Jul 18, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode, Ovidiu Contras and I discuss tangled environments and how to work through them effectively. What You'll Learn: 1. What’s your Lean career path? 2. What’s a tangled environment? 3. What are the challenges in improving work in a tangled environment? 4. What helped in guiding teams to significantly improve work in the tangled environment? 5. VSM for non-repetitive work? How is that working? 6. Any recommendations for those wanting to try this in their business? About the Guest: Ovi...
Jul 11, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, Paul Dunlop and I discuss the value of visual management and the effectiveness of an SQCD board. What You'll Learn: 1. What is the value of visual management? 2. What is an SQCD board? 3. What are the steps to developing a good SQCD board? 4. How do we know if our SQCD board is working? 5. What challenges have you experienced in rolling out SQCD boards with your clients? About the Guest: Paul brings with him over 20 years of management and manufacturing experience in a broad ran...
Jul 03, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode, The Lean Solutions Podcast host Patrick Adams discusses the ingredients necessary to fuel a mighty flame of continuous improvement in an organization as well as his book Avoiding The Continuous Appearance Trap, which received the Shingo publication award earlier this year. In the show notes, there is an article that Patrick wrote regarding the topics he speaks about in this episode. What You'll Learn: The Tinder Stability in processes and leadership. (You cannot improve chaos.) ...
Jun 27, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, Chad Bareither and I discuss the importance of a continuous improvement mindset. What You'll Learn: What is continuous improvement? Is a continuous improvement mindset anchored more in the hard skills (tools/systems) or the soft skills (behavior/thinking)? How does an organization get started with Continuous Improvement? How would that same organization sustain the benefits? What are some of the challenges you see in the world of Continuous Improvement? About the Guest: From an ...
Jun 13, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode, Tom Passaro and I discuss him and his team's early lean journey, and the challenges and wins they have experienced. What You'll Learn: 1. Tell us about your company. 2. What products/services do you provide? 3. Who is your ideal customer? 4. Why did you decide to embark on your own lean journey? 5. What challenges have you had? 6. What have the results been? 7. What do you have to celebrate? About the Guest: Tom is the President and co-founder of Innovative Power Products, locat...
Jun 06, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this episode, Matthew Singh and I discuss PI initiatives and programs as well as positively influencing culture. What You'll Learn: 1. What do you think are some important elements of a successful PI program? 2. How does one go about impacting positive cultural change? 3. What insights can you provide about the sustainability of a program? 4. What's been your greatest challenge in your PI endeavors? 5. What has been your greatest win in the PI endeavors? About the Guest: Matt Singh is the Dir...
May 30, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, Ken Segel and I discuss the importance of continuous improvement principles as they apply to patient care. What You'll Learn: 1. Can you tell me a little bit about Value Capture’s mission and history so our listeners can get a sense for your work in healthcare, and how your firm combines leading with safety and Toyota Production System principles or lean? 2. How about your personal story? How did you get connected to this mission? 3. Can you say a little bit more about the state...
May 23, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode, Adam Lawrence and I discuss the Wheel of Sustainability and its elements. What You'll Learn: 1. Which element of the Wheel of Sustainability do you find most challenging for your Kaizen teams to engage with and why? 2. How do you help your Kaizen teams deal with this element (Clear Benefits) 3. What are you trying to accomplish with this element during a Kaizen event? 4. Do you have some stories how using this element of the Wheel of Sustainability helped avert or avoid problems...
May 16, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this episode, Mike Leigh and I discuss the application of lean as well as the implementation of a lean mindset within organizations. What You'll Learn: 1. Can you describe your Lean journey so far? 2. How has your attitude toward the application of Lean changed? 3. What is your approach to helping companies move forward on their Lean journey? 4. You're not a big fan of Six Sigma. Why is that? 5. What advice would you give to Lean practitioners who want to make a difference in their organizati...
May 09, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode, Rich Sheridan and I discuss the impacts of implementing a culture of storytelling. What You'll Learn: 1. Why are you called the Chief Storyteller at Menlo? 2. Why is storytelling such an important part of your company's culture? 3. What kinds of stories are relevant to tell? 4. How do you curate stories? 5. How do you build a storytelling culture? About the Guest: Rich Sheridan, CEO and Chief Storyteller at Menlo Innovations, is a successful entrepreneur and author of two best-s...
May 02, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode, Katie Anderson and I discuss a culture of excellence through continuous improvement during a pre-recorded webinar. What You'll Learn: 1. What are the ingredients that make up a culture of excellence? 2. In cultures of CI, what does it mean to “learn, lead, and care”? 3. Can you share your favorite story from Mr. Yoshino that exemplifies a culture of CI? 4. Why do you do the Japan study trip? 5. What will we see that backs up how the Japanese culture played a part in Toyota’s suc...
Apr 25, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode, Toby Curry and I discuss lean process implementation in an organization as well as factors that can contribute to failure in a lean practice system. What You'll Learn: 1. Can you give us some background on who you are and some of your work experience? 2. Lean manufacturing practices have been around for decades. Throughout the life of Lean Practices, the demand for these skills and practices has been cyclical. Why do you feel there is or should be a heightened awareness or attra...
Apr 18, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode, Katie Labedz and I discuss trends and ways to become successful in terms of a person's CI journey as well as improving everything in every process. What You'll Learn: 1. Tell us about your new book "How to Improve Absolutely Every Process" 2. What trends are you seeing in the CI space? 3. Why are people hesitant to start or restart their CI journey? 4. Why do most CI journeys fail? 5. How can people set themselves up for success in their CI journey and where to start? About the ...
Apr 11, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode, Tony Hayes and I discuss ways to create a lean learning culture through an organizations atmosphere and leadership platforms. What You'll Learn: 1. What is the definition of a good Lean “Learning Culture? 2. What are the challenges to creating this type of atmosphere within an organization? 3. What role does Leadership play in facilitating or creating the platform for learning? 4. Can you share some examples of how you have done this at your current company or others from your p...
Apr 04, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode, Steve Johnson and I discuss training paths and employee tools when it comes to a robust training program. You'll also here how a robust training program can help reduce employee turn-over. What You'll Learn: Why did you start a training program for technicians? What does the training path look like for a technician? Does an employee need any experience or certifications to start this program? Does the employee need any tools? How long will it take to complete this program? About...
Mar 28, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, Tanya Stinson and I discuss the impacts of costly wastes and modern technology as well as one of healthcare's number one problems: communication. What You'll Learn: What are a few of the most costly wastes in healthcare currently? If there was one thing that you could change in healthcare right away, what would it be? Do you feel like healthcare organizations are siloed? Do you think technology can help with the issues we have impacting patients in healthcare today? What is an i...
Mar 21, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode, Tom Hughes and I discuss the extensive experience Tom has gained helping hundreds of organizations across the world do standard work / digital work instructions better with his software product GembaDocs. What You'll Learn: 1. How did the whole GembaDocs thing happen? 2. How can you say it’s a Game Changer? That’s a pretty big claim! 3. Why is OWNERSHIP so important with Standards? 4. Why / how can we implement standards in a more intelligent way? 5. Improvement Starts With I ; ...
Mar 14, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, Mark Deluzio and I discuss the Danaher business system, as well as the art of Lean Transformation. What You'll Learn: Why do Lean Transformations fail? Could you explain the importance of having a business strategy and the ability to deploy/execute the strategy. What made the Danaher Business System so successful? As the "Father of Lean Accounting," how important is it to change the accounting systems when embarking on a Lean Transformation? What role does Respect for People pla...
Mar 07, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, Bob Emiliani and I discuss the problem of classical management. What You'll Learn: What is classical management? You put together an A3 and challenged lean practitioners. Can you tell our listeners what is an A3? What were the root cause results of the A3 investigation? What are your suggested solutions? Any new books in your future? About the Guest: Dr. Bob Emiliani has been a Lean practitioner and professor of Lean management for over 25 years. Prior joining academia, he worke...
Feb 28, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 3
