

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement and Lean Change Leaders
Katie Anderson
You’re a leader who knows that people are at the center of an exceptional organizational culture. You're excited to activate a culture of continuous learning – where everyone is capable, confident, and empowered to solve problems and innovate at all levels.
This podcast is all about inspiring and equipping you to do that – through the power of learning and leading.
Chain of Learning® is where the links of leadership and learning unite.
Join your host, Katie Anderson, internationally recognized leadership consultant, award-winning author of “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”, and fellow learning enthusiast, for a journey that will help you master the skills to lead your organization from a traditional culture of “doing” into a vibrant, high-performing organization of continuous learning.
Chain of Learning® is the trusted source for purpose-driven leaders and continuous improvement, lean, and agile practitioners seeking positive inspiration, innovative ideas, proven best practices, and actionable strategies to lead transformational change.
Tune into each episode to gain the knowledge and skills you need to build a thriving people-centered learning culture, achieve needed business results, and expand your impact, so that you – and your team – can leave a lasting legacy.
Subscribe and follow Chain of Learning® today so you never miss an episode!
Share this podcast with your friends, fellow leaders, and colleagues, and let’s strengthen our Chain of Learning® – together.
Podcast website: ChainOfLearning.com
Katie Anderson’s website: KBJAnderson.com
Connect with Katie Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/
Read Katie's book: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
This podcast is all about inspiring and equipping you to do that – through the power of learning and leading.
Chain of Learning® is where the links of leadership and learning unite.
Join your host, Katie Anderson, internationally recognized leadership consultant, award-winning author of “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”, and fellow learning enthusiast, for a journey that will help you master the skills to lead your organization from a traditional culture of “doing” into a vibrant, high-performing organization of continuous learning.
Chain of Learning® is the trusted source for purpose-driven leaders and continuous improvement, lean, and agile practitioners seeking positive inspiration, innovative ideas, proven best practices, and actionable strategies to lead transformational change.
Tune into each episode to gain the knowledge and skills you need to build a thriving people-centered learning culture, achieve needed business results, and expand your impact, so that you – and your team – can leave a lasting legacy.
Subscribe and follow Chain of Learning® today so you never miss an episode!
Share this podcast with your friends, fellow leaders, and colleagues, and let’s strengthen our Chain of Learning® – together.
Podcast website: ChainOfLearning.com
Katie Anderson’s website: KBJAnderson.com
Connect with Katie Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/
Read Katie's book: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2025 • 52min
55| Adopt the Mentor Mindset: How to Motivate, Guide, and Develop the Next Generation [with David Yeager]
Enter to Win a Copy of David Yeager's book "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People" - Register to win before October 24th at 11:45pm Pacific: http://chainoflearning.com/55How do you motivate, coach, or lead someone younger—without sounding critical, nagging, or controlling?We’ve all heard the stereotypes:“Young people don’t care.”“They’re entitled.”“They can’t take feedback.”But what if those assumptions are what’s really getting in the way of growth, engagement, and connection?In this episode, I talk with Dr. David Yeager, professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the bestselling book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.David’s groundbreaking research—conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and others—reveals how the right balance of high challenge and high support can unlock potential in the next generation and foster a learning culture where people feel valued, respected, and inspired to grow.Together, we explore the “mentor mindset”—a practical approach to coaching and intentional leadership to help young people move from compliance to engagement and step into their full potential — and how you can provide feedback that creates connection and motivation, not conflict.Whether you’re a parent, coach, teacher, or organizational leader, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to cultivate a continuous learning mindset and inspire empowered growth. YOU’LL LEARN:How to lead with the mentor mindset to create a “learning zone” that combines high expectations with high support, empathy, respect and belief in people’s capability What the “mentor’s dilemma” is—and why both the enforcer mindset (high challenge, low support) and the protector mindset (high support, low challenge) fall shortHow great mentors balance rigor and flexibility that encourage people to produce high-quality work without enforcing rigid rulesThe power of transparency and labeling your intent when giving feedback to build trust and clarityThe link between McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y management mindsets and the mentor’s dilemma, and how these leadership mindsets show up in organizations such as Microsoft, GE, McDonald’s, and WalmartABOUT MY GUEST:David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He is the author of, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, and best known for his research conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton on short but powerful interventions that influence adolescent behaviors such as motivation, engagement, healthy eating, bullying, stress, mental health, and more. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/54 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with David Yeager: linkedin.com/in/david-yeager Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonCheck out David Yeager’s book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier: amazon.com/10-25-Motivating-Groundbreaking-Generation Reach out to learn more about the Athena App: https://txbspi.prc.utexas.edu/Join The Power of the Mindset Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/power-of-mindsetSubscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:23 The misconceptions about young one that led to David’s research04:23 What the mentor’s dilemma is and how to overcome it05:53 The disconnect with giving and receiving feedback 07:43 Other alternatives to what mentorship can really be for young ones09:06 The predicament young ones are in between wanting respect, but not having the rights of adulthood10:50 The difference between the enforcer and protector mindset11:32 The mentor's dilemma in withholding feedback or being too supportive12:58 Characteristics of the enforcer mindset in the blame and shame approach and the problems it causes14:02 Characteristics of the protector mindset includes low standards, but high support16:37 Different types of leadership styles and why they can be referred to as “mindsets” instead 19:16 The conflicts between protector and enforcer mindsets21:56 How to have a mentor mindset in dealing with challenges in the workplace or at home22:26 Example of a mentor mindset in dealing with students in holding a high standard, while also providing support28:44 Difference between intellectual rigor and logistical rigor30:92 Benefit of holding a rigorous standard while also providing support in helping others meet their goals32:51 Example of Stef Okamoto in transforming her old enforcer culture to embracing a mentor mindset focused on honesty and collaboration37:14 Example of how to use the mentor mindset in correcting behavior in the workplace without being offensive43:47 The Athena App created with Carol Dweck to help managers deal with conflict45:41 The misalignment between the real experience in working in serving customers and what managers really need46:34 Top tip for managers to show up with the mentor mindset in addition to asking questions47:55 The importance of transparency in leadership to collaboratively troubleshoot issues49:30 Why leading and mentoring young people isn't about lowering the bar or enforcing compliance, but holding high standards with support50:41 Asking questions and providing encouragement to be a better leader51:28 The power of labeling and making your intentions clear when giving feedback52:37 Question to reflect on to shift into a mindset mentor

Oct 2, 2025 • 60min
54| BONUS - Build Influence and Get Buy-in: Elevating the Positioning, ROI, and Value of Lean and Continuous Improvement [with Betsy Jordyn]
What do people in other functions at your organization think lean is all about?For many—in HR, OD, Finance, or operations—the answer is simple: process improvement, efficiency, waste elimination. And while those are pieces of the puzzle, they miss the bigger picture.Too often, continuous improvement and operational excellence teams get pigeonholed as “process people,” making it hard to gain traction or build the partnerships needed for real transformation.But lean isn’t just about processes—it’s about people. It’s a strategy for developing leaders, engaging employees, and creating lasting change.If you’re struggling to get leadership buy-in for lean or continuous improvement, the problem likely isn't the results you deliver. It’s how you’re positioning the value of lean and your role as a change leader.That’s why I teamed up with my friend and business positioning and branding expert Betsy Jordyn for a special bonus episode.Together, we explore one of the biggest challenges you face as a lean and CI professional: how to position and frame your work so others see its true impact.YOU’LL LEARN:Why lean consultants – both internal and external – struggle with positioningHow to talk about what you do in language executives care aboutWhy people and learning matter more than toolsHow to connect leadership behaviors to measurable business resultsAnd why influence skills are just as important as technical expertiseWhether you’re an internal or external consultant, this conversation will help you reframe your work in ways that create greater traction and impact.ABOUT MY GUEST:Betsy Jordyn is a Brand Positioning Strategist that helps consulting and coaching business owners clarify their brand positioning and messaging, create a website presence that positions them as sought-after experts, land clients with ease and integrity, and take their place as thought leaders and influencers in their niche. Her mission is to help consultants and coaches monetize their best-at strengths and authentic passions to make a bigger difference in the world.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: https://kbjanderson.com/roi-strategic-positioning-lean-consultants/ Watch this bonus episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kgCbr2Os3nA Connect with Betsy Jordyn: linkedin.com/in/betsy-jordynListen to my conversation with Betsy Jordyn on Consulting Matters podcast: The ROI of Elevating Your Strategic Positioning & MessagingCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Learn about my Japan Leadership Experience program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip Download my KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst TIMESTAMPS:01:00 – The challenge: how lean is misunderstood as process improvement04:00 – Why “lean” became associated with tools in the West07:30 – The “paint story”: respect for people in action at Toyota10:00 – Demystifying jargon like gemba and focusing on “going to see”12:00 – Creating conditions for frontline problem-solving15:00 – Respect for people = holding precious what it means to be human19:00 – Don’t lead with methodology: framing problems leaders care about22:00 – From tools to transformation: shaping client expectations24:00 – Linking behavior change to ROI and business results25:00 – The Katalyst™ model: building influence and communication skills27:00 – Why executives aren’t always on board—and how to change that33:00 – Silos among OD, HR, L&D, and lean consultants36:00 – Building cross-disciplinary partnerships for culture change41:00 – Positioning tips: language, boundaries, and when to reveal methods42:00 – Pairing technical expertise with influence for greater impact46:00 – Trojan-horsing people-centered leadership through process work48:00 – Quantifying value: behaviors, KPIs, and ROI54:00 – Wrap-up: The path forward for lean consultants

Oct 1, 2025 • 45min
53| Rediscover Ikigai: What it Really Means for Your Leadership and Life Purpose [with Nicolas Kemp]
Nicolas Kemp, a Japanologist and coach-trainer, dives deep into the real essence of ikigai—far beyond the trendy Venn diagram. He reveals that ikigai is about creating meaning and authentic connections in life rather than just chasing single purposes. Nicolas discusses his journey learning about this concept in Japan, introduces 'ibasho' as vital for thriving workplaces, and emphasizes the importance of psychological safety. He also shares practical habits to cultivate a fulfilling life and workplace, making a compelling case for joy and humanity in leadership.

Sep 17, 2025 • 25min
52| What You Love About Lean and Operational Excellence - And Your #1 Frustration: Executive Buy-In
What’s the #1 frustration most lean and continuous improvement practitioners face?It's something that I bet you've felt too, no matter how passionate you are about the work, no matter what you call it: lean, agile, continuous improvement, operational excellence, or DevOps...Too often, we struggle to clearly explain what we actually do as CI change leaders and why it matters. And when you can’t articulate the deeper value of lean or OpEx, it’s hard to get the buy-in needed to lead the organizational transformation you envision.In this episode, I take you inside a qualitative survey of 100+ change leaders—from internal continuous improvement practitioners and leaders, to external consultants and coaches, executives and operations leaders—on what draws us to this field of organizational improvement, what fuels our passion, and what holds us back from the impact we know is possible.Before listening to this episode, take a moment to reflect on:What lights you up about your work?What’s the top challenge you keep running into?If you love lean and continuous improvement and are ready to overcome the frustrations holding you and your organization back from real transformation, then this episode is for you.YOU’LL LEARN:Three things we love the most about this work as continuous improvement and lean change leadersThe #1 frustration holding you back (hint: it’s not about the tools or frameworks)Why a shift from McGregor’s Theory X (command and control) to Theory Y (empowered problem-solving) management mindset is critical to your impact—and why lean efforts fail without itThe paradox of trying to influence deeply ingrained management and leadership beliefs and behaviorsThree practical ways you can start changing both the story and the system IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/52Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Hear how Gustavo influenced significant business results after participating in my Japan Leadership ExperienceTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:01 Reflection questions on your own experience as a lean and continuous improvement practitioner03:53 Top three things that light us up and fuels our passion03:58 [FIRST] Problem solving that directly impact people’s ability to work meaningfully04:51 Survey examples of what leaders love about solving problems06:16 [SECOND] People development and empowerment07:07 Survey examples of what leaders love about empowering people to solve problems08:50 [THIRD] Tangible and meaningful impact09:52 Survey examples of what leaders love about creating meaningful impact for people, organizations, and systems10:46 Change leader’s frustration: leadership buy-in 12:57 The deeper truth in what’s stopping us from leading real organizational transformation13:18 Challenges in changing mindsets and shifting behaviors in an organization13:42 The meaning of Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y and the relationship to lean16:00 The paradox in changing mindset management and leadership for change leaders17:12 Three practical tips to shift shift the story and the system17:18 [FIRST] Acknowledge the size of the challenge18:07 [SECOND] Speak the language of business19:07 One of the best examples of how a leader effectively led change through influence 20:54 [THIRD] Pair technical process improvement skills with influence and human-focused skills22:54 The consistent themes from the survey of loving this work and wanting to make meaningful impact23:54 Take the next step in expanding your influence skills

Sep 3, 2025 • 46min
51| Elevate Your Impact Beyond Tools: The Problem-Solver’s Toolkit [with Elisabeth Swan and Tracy O'Rouke]
In this discussion, Elisabeth Swan, a leadership coach and co-founder of the Just-in-Time Café, joins Tracy O'Rourke, co-author of 'The Problem-Solver’s Toolkit.' They emphasize that traditional training often fails to drive meaningful change. Practical strategies for engaging teams, fostering psychological safety, and cultivating curiosity are explored. The duo also highlights the importance of storytelling and creative collaboration in problem-solving. Their insights encourage listeners to bridge the gap between knowledge and action for real organizational impact.

Aug 20, 2025 • 26min
50| Change the Culture: NUMMI and the Power of Leading Through Influence, Not Authority [with Isao Yoshino]
“Change the culture!”That’s exactly what longtime Toyota leader Isao Yoshino was tasked with during one of the most famous business transformations in history—NUMMI—Toyota’s joint venture with General Motors in the 1980s.The challenge? Take GM’s worst-performing plant—plagued by absenteeism, low morale, and poor quality—and turn it around.Within just one year, with the same American workforce but under Toyota’s leadership, NUMMI became GM’s best-performing site.Behind the scenes was Mr. Yoshino, leading the design and delivery of a three-week training program in Japan for hundreds of NUMMI’s frontline and middle managers.In this episode, Mr. Yoshino shares the inside story of NUMMI’s transformation—how an experiment in a business turnaround became a “New Me” moment for its leaders—and the leadership lessons you can use to influence culture change without relying on authority.If you’re a lean practitioner or change leader wondering how to truly “change a culture,” this is a rare chance to hear the story directly from the person who lived it.You’ll Learn:Why you can’t force culture change—and what to do insteadHow Mr. Yoshino and his team created immersive learning experiences that shifted NUMMI leaders’ mindsets in just three weeksWhy the “Check” step in PDCA is the secret to Toyota’s sustained success How the andon process reshaped leaders’ views on problems—and how a “no problem is a problem” and no-blame mindset fosters learning and continuous improvementWhy NUMMI’s transformation was as much (or more) about people as it was about performanceABOUT MY GUEST:Isao Yoshino, worked at Toyota Motor Corporation for over 40 years—from the late 1960s to the early 2000s—and played an important role in the development of Toyota’s people-centered learning culture it’s now famous for. He was a key part of Kan-Pro senior leadership development program, which embedded A3 thinking as the process for problem-solving, communication, and leadership development across the organization—and has deep expertise in the practice of hoshin-kanri—Toyota’s strategy deployment process. He’s the subject of the Shingo award-winning book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning”IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/50Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about the Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip For an even deeper behind-the-scenes look at NUMMI, read the dedicated chapter in my book: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:02 How Isao Yoshino felt to be tasked with changing the culture and attitude of NUMMI leaders04:27 Creating the space for leaders to experience working in Japan and Toyota’s style09:21 Positive results from employees changing their attitude mindset themselves without being forced12:06 The importance of “check” in the PDCA process 14:38 Making the “check” process a positive experience in learning how to improve systems without blame18:10 The critical difference between the former GM culture and Toyota with their approach to problems19:12 The mindset shift of “no problem is a problem” and the impact of pulling the andon cord20:19 The positive results from lettings others learn and grow without force23:09 Reflections from Isao Yoshino about being part of the Japan Leadership Experience and continuing to learn something new24:38 The acronym for NUMMI and the deeper meaning of, “New Me” to become the best version of yourself

Aug 6, 2025 • 28min
49| Shift Your Mindset, Shift Your Impact: 3 Reframes for Positive Leadership
When you encounter challenges or setbacks, and it feels like things just aren’t going your way, it’s easy to get caught into a downward negative spiral. But could simple mindset shifts change not just how you feel, but how you move forward and influence those around you with positive momentum?In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful reframes that have helped me reset, regain perspective, and move through challenges with intention and empowerment. These reframes aren’t just personal practices—they’re leadership strategies that can help you model resilience, learning, and agency, and inspire the people around you to do the same.This episode isn’t about blind optimism or sugarcoating hard things. It’s about real, actionable ways to reframe challenges and move forward with greater clarity, strength, and purpose.Learn the three reframes that have helped me (and the leaders I work with) get back up and lead with heart and intention.YOU’LL LEARN:How to reframe your focus from negative to positive and rise with more clarity and confidenceThe story behind the motto that inspires me daily –“Today’s a great day” – and how gratitude can ground you in tough momentsWhy setbacks and failures aren’t the end, but an opportunity to learn your way forwardHow the Japanese daruma doll became a lesson in resilience—representing the proverb “Fall down seven times, get up eight”How to move from feeling powerless to empowered and why the ball is always in your courtIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/49Resources and ways to work with me: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Read my book featuring lessons from Isao Yoshino’s 40 years of Toyota Leadership: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:56 [1st REFRAME] Find the good—even when it’s hard02:03 Katie’s dad as the inspiration behind the motto, “Today’s a great day”04:23 Isao Yoshino’s influence in learning how to shift from negative to positive07:22 The importance of focusing on the good for improvement09:23 [2nd REFRAME] Seeing failures and setbacks as learning opportunities10:17 Why daruma dolls are a reminder of resilience and the Japanese proverb "Fall down seven times, get up eight"12:04 Questions to maintain a learning mindset12:33 The learning zone versus the performance zone from Chain of Learning Episode 5 guest Eduardo Bricino13:37 Reframe exercise to reframe failure to learning opportunity 15:17 [3rd REFRAME] Moving from powerlessness to agency15:51 Understanding, “The ball is in your court” to help how you respond to negative conditions17:07 Achieving goals versus fulfilling your intention18:14 Katie’s previous organizational role and how a reframe launched her consulting practice20:19 How two executives used coaching and reflection to shift from solving problems themselves to enabling their teams21:26 Stepping away from frustration and reframing the problem to influence things differently22:51 Reframe exercise to move from inaction to action23:33 Summary of the three reframes25:31 Questions to help shape your day and impact

Jul 23, 2025 • 49min
48| Make Leadership Meaningful: From Tools to Purposeful Impact [with Josef Procházka]
Josef Procházka, a Lean Six Sigma consultant from the Czech Republic with over 20 years of experience, dives into the shift from tool-centric practices to a people-focused transformation. He shares his personal journey towards meaningful leadership after transformative experiences in Japan. Josef emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships and the necessity of reframing traditional practices like 5S to foster engagement. His insights encourage listeners to rethink how they lead change, prioritizing intention and purpose over mere compliance.

Jul 9, 2025 • 51min
47| Develop Leaders the Toyota Way: Lessons from Kan-Pro [with Isao Yoshino]
A global economic crisis is dragging down sales.Departments are working in silos and leaders at all levels are arguing about priorities. Managers are too busy to coach their teams.You might think this describes your organization today—and it was the exact situation Toyota faced nearly 50 years ago.This challenge sparked one of the most ambitious and influential—and least known outside Japan—leadership development programs in Toyota’s history: the Kanri Nouryoku Program, or Kan-Pro for short. “Kanri” meaning management, and “Nouryoku” meaning capability.Kan-Pro helped establish the people-centered learning culture Toyota is famous for today and embedded A3 thinking as a foundational process for problem-solving, communication, and leadership development.I invited Isao Yoshino—a 40-year Toyota leader who was one of the key team members who helped create and lead the program—to share his experience in two pivotal moments in Toyota’s evolution and how he learned to lead cultural leadership transformation from a place of influence, not authority. Join me and Mr. Yoshino—also the subject of my Shingo-award winning book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn — as we celebrate its 5-year anniversary this month!YOU’LL LEARN:The problem Toyota was trying to solve—and how Kan-Pro emerged as the countermeasureThe leadership styles of Masao Nemoto vs. Taiichi Ohno—and how both shaped Toyota’s culture through the development of Toyota Way management culture and the Toyota Production System How Mr. Yoshino learned to coach and develop more senior executives as a mid-level internal change leaderThe process that established A3 thinking as the standard for leadership development, communication, and problem-solving across ToyotaCritical leadership behaviors that led to Toyota’s success—which have come to be known as “lean management”Stay tuned for Episode 50 where Mr. Yoshino shares his major assignment to “change the culture”—how he and his team, including Lean Global Network Chairman John Shook, led the training and transformation of frontline American leaders at NUMMI, the GM–Toyota joint venture in the 1980s.ABOUT MY GUEST:Isao Yoshino, worked at Toyota Motor Corporation for over 40 years—from the late 1960s to the early 2000s—and played an important role in the development of Toyota’s people-centered learning culture it’s now famous for. He was a key part of Kan-Pro senior leadership development program, which embedded A3 thinking as the process for problem-solving, communication, and leadership development across the organization—and has deep expertise in the practice of hoshin-kanri—Toyota’s strategy deployment process.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/47My website with resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about the Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip My book featuring lessons from Isao Yoshino’s 40 years of Toyota Leadership: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:51 The leadership shift behind the Toyota Way towards a people centered approach06:03 How Taiichi Ohno shaped the Toyota Production System and Masao Nemoto shaped Toyota Way style leadership07:41 Closing Toyota’s leadership gap and how Kan-Pro emerged as a countermeasure12:41 Why committed top-down leadership ownership is essential to creating organizational culture14:46 How seriousness and patience sets Toyota apart15:17 Why Toyota created Kan-Pro to 're-tighten the belt' on leadership capabilities and why they need to refocus on leadership capabilities every generation18:55 The leader’s role in setting direction and providing support to their people 20:40 The mindset shift in top management to not to fake it21:17 Mr. Yoshino’s experience coaching senior leaders through hands-on A3 learning25:38 Key influence skills Mr. Yoshino learned from great Toyota managers28:12 The importance of respect by senior leaders even when there’s resistance to change28:58 Being a Yes-Minded Persuader – a key KATALYST™ Chang Leader competency – in bringing leaders along in change 31:25 Lessons from coaching senior leaders using A3 thinking during Kan-Pro35:45 The positive shift when leaders prepare the A3 themselves37:48 Importance of handwritten A3s to senior executives41:13 The significance of a leader stamping their hanko on an A3 document43:35 Why an A3 at Toyota is different compared to most companies45:16 Mr. Yoshino’s highlights in participating in Katie’s Japan Leadership Experience lean management tours 48:29 Leading change involves empathy, patience, and helping others change themselves48:50 Questions to reflect on as a change agent in your organization

Jun 25, 2025 • 44min
46| Lead Change at Scale: Inside GE Aerospace’s Lean Cultural Transformation [with Phil Wickler]
Is it possible to lead a real, long-term cultural transformation in a publicly traded company—where shareholders often demand short-term financial results?It’s challenging, yet possible. And GE Aerospace, with CEO Larry Culp at the helm, is leading the way. I invited Phil Wickler, Chief Transformation Officer, back to discuss the enterprise-wide shift toward lean at GE Aerospace.We explore what it takes to build a lean management system across a global company of 50,000+ people and how GE Aerospace is embedding problem-solving thinking, leadership behavior, and capability building into every layer of the organization as the strategic approach to getting business results.Discover the difference between “doing” lean and “being” lean and what it takes to shift from operational leadership and “being the expert” to transformational influence and building capability across the organization.If you’re an operational leader, internal lean practitioner, external consultant, or if you want to lead change at scale, don’t miss this episode!YOU’LL LEARN:How to strengthen the positioning of internal change teams and continuous improvement efforts—with and without executive supportWhy real transformation starts with leadership behaviors—not tools—and the key mindset and behavior shifts needed for lasting impactHow GE Aerospace is overcoming GE’s Six Sigma historic approach to improvement and leaders’ long-standing misconceptions about lean The purpose and elements of GE Aerospace’s proprietary FLIGHT DECK lean operating system and how it’s aligning lean fundamentals and behaviors across the organizationWhy shifting the ROI conversation on capability-building (not just cost savings) is critical for long-term transformation successABOUT MY GUEST:Phil Wickler is a Chief Transformation Officer at GE Aerospace where he has enterprise responsibility for EHS, Quality, Lean Operations, Sustainability and Transformation. Phil joined GE in 1995. He progressed through several operations roles, including Six Sigma Black Belt in assembly and component manufacturing, and as a facility manager. Then most recently, the Vice President of Supply Chain at GE, leading global manufacturing and supply chain operations.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/46Connect with Phil Wickler: linkedin.com/in/philip-wicklerCheck my website: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonLearn more about lessons from Toyota Leader, Isao Yoshino: Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:54 Phil’s career journey to Chief Transformation Officer04:28 Steps to lead culture change and build a thriving lean enterprise07:23 Common leadership misconceptions09:13 Helping leaders go to gemba with humility12:14 Setting up hoshin kanri up for success14:25 Importance of reflection for continuous improvement16:41 Narrowing down objectives vs. working on everything at once20:18 Moving from an operational leader to a transformational change leader22:04 How centralized and decentralized lean teams support enterprise culture change25:15 Integrating communications and HR functions in transformation & talent development26:18 GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean management system – FLIGHT DECK28:12 Mindset shifts that shaped Phil’s leadership31:00 Measuring cultural change through lean and FLIGHT DECK34:57 Starting with the basics is critical in leading change37:55 Real-world example of progress at site level39:21 How to strengthen the positioning of lean/Operational Excellence in your organization41:55 One element that accelerated GE Aerospace’s transformation42:31 How to get started/ bring senior leaders on board


