Global Process Improvement

Dec 3, 2025

In this engaging talk, Patricia Leebove, an expert in operations and IT with extensive experience in process improvement, shares her insights on enhancing efficiency in global organizations. She highlights the value of both small, impactful changes and large projects, emphasizing that the size doesn’t dictate success. Patricia discusses the critical role of lean principles, cross-functional alignment, and local cultural nuances. She also delves into the intersection of IT and business, advocating for empathetic, data-driven solutions that truly resonate with users.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Scale Doesn’t Determine Value

Process improvement ranges from small quick fixes to large ERP projects and impact matters more than scale.
Small targeted changes can deliver revenue months earlier and sometimes beat big implementations.

ADVICE

Apply Lean To Cut Waste

Reduce waste and rework by applying lean principles to deliver clearer customer value.
Focus improvements on eliminating friction and failure points across processes and systems.

ADVICE

Create A Common Language

Use a shared language (even simple terms) so cross-functional teams align on problems and measures.
Practice facilitation, listening, and basic analytics to define and measure success together.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Patricia Leebove about what global process improvement really looks like inside international organizations. In this episode, Patricia breaks down how improvement work can range from small, high-impact fixes to full-scale projects — and why the size of the initiative doesn’t determine its value. She and Kim explore how lean principles, thoughtful measurement, and cross-functional collaboration help teams reduce waste, improve customer outcomes, and accelerate revenue.

Patricia also shares the human skills behind successful process improvement, including: facilitation, listening, data literacy, and an ability to translate across functions. She and Kim discuss why the humble spreadsheet is still one of the most used platforms in global organizations. Kim digs into the overlap between process improvement and project management, including practical examples of aligning stakeholders and managing scope.

The conversation then expands into the complexities of global work — from country-specific regulations to cultural norms that shape how teams collaborate. Patricia gives vivid examples, including how compliance expectations differ in Germany and how vacation practices shift dramatically across borders. The episode closes with her framework for assessing improvement maturity using a simple matrix, along with Kim’s invitation for listeners to reflect on their own processes and next steps. Listen now to learn how to apply these global process improvement insights to your own organization!

Key Takeaways

● Process improvement can be anything from a kaizen-style quick fix to a full project rollout: impact matters more than scale.

● Cultural norms and regulatory environments vary widely and meaningfully shape global improvement efforts.

● A maturity matrix offers a straightforward framework for assessing progress and identifying next steps.

Episode Sponsors:

If you liked this episode - Buy Me a Coffee - it’s a great way to help us cover the out of pocket costs. LINK: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kimkirkendall

Acclime China:

https://china.acclime.com/

Corporate Services and full Accounting/CPA/Tax for China.

Website: www.intltraderesources.com

Email: intltradepodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. We provide no guarantee for the accuracy of the information provided. Reproduction or transmission of this podcast is strictly prohibited.