The Lean Solutions Podcast Why the Best Leaders Ask Better Questions
Jan 20, 2026
In this conversation, Dave Kippen, a performance excellence lead at ADM and a devoted volunteer with the Michigan Lean Consortium, dives into the essentials of effective change management. He emphasizes the critical role of executive support and the need for clear problem definitions in project success. Dave also discusses the common pitfalls that lead to stalled improvement efforts and how early stakeholder engagement can create clarity. His insights on aligning project charters with strategic goals provide a roadmap for leaders striving to implement meaningful change.
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Leading CI Across Hundreds Of Sites
- Dave Kippen describes his role as Business Unit Performance Excellence Lead at ADM overseeing continuous improvement across nearly 200 facilities.
- He emphasizes the travel-heavy nature of the job and scope of responsibility for flour milling and ag services sites.
Giving Back Through The Michigan Lean Consortium
- Dave shares his long involvement with the Michigan Lean Consortium and why he continues to volunteer there.
- He credits the MLC with teaching him much and providing industry connections he values.
Focus Beats Trying To Do Everything
- Early broad attempts to implement all lean practices at once failed in Dave's experience.
- Narrowing focus to daily management and gemba walks produced better, sustainable results.