Failing Forward: Sam Yankelevitch on Lean, Communication, and Innovation

My guest for Episode #511 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Sam Yankelevitch, a distinguished global operations executive who has dedicated his career to advancing Lean principles, effective communication, and innovative problem-solving. Sam's journey began with managing international projects and optimizing processes in various industries. His expertise and passion for continuous improvement have made him a sought-after speaker, workshop trainer, and corporate coach.

Episode page with video, transcript, and more

Sam is one of the speakers and facilitators at the upcoming Global Lean Summit Event, being held in Indiana this September.

Since 2014, Sam has leveraged his vast knowledge by producing popular online courses that have reached over 500,000 students worldwide. His contributions to LinkedIn Learning include highly-regarded courses such as "Root Cause Analysis" and "Improve Communication Using Lean Thinking." Sam's ability to distill complex concepts into actionable insights has earned him a dedicated following among professionals seeking to enhance their skills.

In addition to his educational endeavors, Sam recently ventured into fiction writing with his debut book, An Interview with Failure. This unique narrative explores the lessons learned from setbacks and the value of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.

Before establishing himself as an influential educator and author, Sam held several key positions, including Vice President and General Manager at a German-based automotive supplier and President and CEO of Ideace, Inc., an international manufacturer and exporter. His diverse background and hands-on experience provide a rich foundation for his teachings.

Sam holds an Industrial Engineering degree and an Executive Master's in Financial Management, further solidifying his expertise in operational excellence and strategic leadership.

In this episode, we discuss the pivotal role that effective communication plays within the framework of lean thinking. We also explore how clear, concise, and consistent communication can significantly enhance problem-solving capabilities, streamline processes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Sam shares his insights on the common communication pitfalls that organizations face and offers practical solutions to overcome these challenges using lean methodologies.

Additionally, we preview Sam's upcoming workshop at the Global Lean Summit, where he will be leading a session on lean communication. This workshop aims to equip participants with hands-on tools and techniques to improve communication within their organizations. Attendees will learn how to adapt lean principles to enhance clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure that everyone in the organization is on the same page, thereby driving better results and fostering a more collaborative work environment.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

• Tell us about the workshop you're doing at the Global Lean Summit.
• What are some core communication problems that Lean thinking addresses?
• Can you explain the concept of operational definitions from Dr. Deming?
• How can Lean methods improve communication in an organization?
• What's your lean origin story?
• How did your international experience influence your Lean approach?
• What were some challenges you faced when implementing Lean in the automotive industry?
• What advice would you give to someone leading a Lean transformation?
• How do you reframe failure as a learning opportunity?
• Can you tell us about your book, "An Interview with Failure"?
• How do you build trust in a coaching relationship?
• What's the importance of commitment conversations in leadership?
• How do you handle the word "accountability" in a positive way?
• How does communication serve as a precondition to quality?
• What can leaders do to improve their communication skills on the shop floor?
• What are the benefits of standard work and 5S in a high-mix, low-volume environment?
• How can Lean tools like Smed and Andon be applied to communication processes?
• What lessons have you learned about leading and motivating people throughout your career?

The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.

This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.