Bridging the Communication Gap in Lean: What We Can Learn from Journalism with Jacquie Maupin

Episode page with video, transcript, and more

My guest for Episode #522 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Jacquie Maupin.

She joins the podcast to discuss her upcoming workshop at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference (HSPI) hosted by the Society for Health Systems. She and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd from HCA Healthcare, will lead a session titled "From Analysis to Action: Bridging the Gap with Effective Presentations" on February 19.

This interactive workshop is designed to help attendees sharpen their communication skills, structure data-driven narratives, and effectively engage executives and stakeholders. Whether you're attending this year or considering next year's event, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of Lean, process improvement, and communication.

In this episode, we discuss how journalism and communication skills can enhance Lean and process improvement efforts. Jacquie shares how her background in journalism and military leadership shaped her approach to problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling in the world of healthcare improvement. We explore the parallels between investigative reporting and Lean methodology—how asking the right questions, structuring information effectively, and communicating insights clearly can drive meaningful change.

We also dive into Jacquie's upcoming workshop, where she and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd, will guide attendees through strategies for tailoring presentations to different audiences, crafting compelling data-driven narratives, and influencing decision-making. Whether you're attending this year or looking for ways to elevate your communication skills in process improvement, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

• Can you share your Lean origin story and career path?
• How did your background in journalism and the military shape your approach to process improvement?
• What sparked your interest in healthcare and led you to Georgetown University Hospital?
• What were some of the most impactful projects you worked on at Georgetown?
• How does process mapping help break down silos and improve collaboration?
• What journalism skills translate well to process improvement and Lean work?
• How do you approach communicating with executives to ensure your message is understood?
• What challenges have you faced in presenting Lean concepts to different audiences?
• How can process improvement teams better tell their success stories and demonstrate value?
• What insights will attendees gain from your upcoming workshop at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference?