Gemba Academy Podcast: Lean Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | Leadership

This week's guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen, a Senior Lean and Six Sigma Coach at Gemba Academy, discussed the definitions of flow efficiency and resource efficiency, what differentiates them, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Alen's favorite quote (2:29) His background (4:02) What Alen means by "flow" (6:46) The definition of Flow Efficiency and Resource Efficiency (9:24) A paint booth example (16:17) The key things that differentiate Flow Efficiency and Resource Efficiency (19:30) Advice for someone who is just getting started (26:09) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Alen on LinkedIn GA 067 | Lean Dentistry with Dr. Sami Bahri, DDS GA 521 | Celebrating Quick Wins with Alen Ganic Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Which one should be prioritized, flow efficiency or resource efficiency?

This week's guest is Adam Lawrence. Ron and Adam discussed the Wheel of Sustainability, how it plays into a kaizen event, and how improv can also be a powerful tool in a rapid improvement context. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  His favorite quote (3:45) His background (5:35) The Wheel of Sustainability (6:11) The intention behind the placement (11:39) Whether some are more important than others (12:36) How the Wheel of Sustainability plays into a rapid improvement event (15:20) Using improv during these events (17:10) The future of the lean and continuous improvement movement (27:37) Some upcoming conferences Adam will be speaking at (29:46) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Wheel of Sustainability PDF The Wheel of Sustainability on Amazon Adam's Past Gemba Academy Episodes Adam on LinkedIn Adam's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What is your initial reaction to the idea of improv being used in a kaizen event?

This week's guest is Ron Crabtree. The two Rons discussed the concept of digital transformation, or digitization, including what it entails, how to navigate these transformations, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Ron likes (2:54) His background (3:22) What a digital transformation or "digitization" means (7:47) An anecdote about a decal manufacturer (11:31) Ron's thoughts on where to start (13:15) The three things to think about first (20:14) His parting thoughts (24:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Gemba Academy Live Events Ron on LinkedIn MetaExperts MetaPod Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does digitization look like to you?

This week's guest is Ron Pereira. Ron introduced the Gemba Academy School of Leadership and shared the audio from some of this exciting new content. Be sure to check the show notes to watch the video versions. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Change Management (1:49) Leading Teams (7:58) Adaptive Leadership (14:57) Facilitation (21:15) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 What Is Change Management? What Is a High-Performance Team? Getting Started with Adaptive Leadership  What Is Facilitation? Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Which of these four leadership concepts resonates with you the most?

This week's guest is Chris Fuzie. Ron and Chris discussed Chris's books, liminal space, tessellation, leadership, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Chris likes (3:22) His background (4:23) About liminal space and leadership (12:08) Optimizing the liminal space (14:07) Giving and receiving feedback (17:29) Chris's insights on how leadership is evolving (18:30) About tessellation and leadership behaviors (23:07) Why it makes companies more efficient (32:14) How Chris thinks liminal space and tessellation work together (34:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Chris's Website Because...Why?: Understanding Behavior in Exigencies S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling: Save the Relationship, Change the Behavior Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership Chris on LinkedIn Chris on X Chris on Facebook Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you heard of liminal space and tessellation before? In what context?

This week's guest is Jacob Stoller. Ron and Jacob discussed Jacob's upcoming book, "Productivity Reimagined," what it means to be productive, what productivity looks like in different industries, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Jacob's favorite quote (1:58) Jacob's background (3:30) Why he wrote "Productivity Reimagined" (5:48) His angle on productivity (8:48) Some of the "ah-ha" moments (10:05) Tips for those who don't produce widgets (13:09) Jacob's advice (22:27) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jacob on LinkedIn Jacob's Website Pre-Order "Productivity Reimagined" on Amazon Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does productivity look like to you?

Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former gymnast turned speaker and author, shares her journey from Olympic aspirations to tech success. She reflects on the importance of discipline, resilience, and embracing life's highs and lows. Nina introduces the 'high achievers success cycle,' emphasizing continuous personal growth and redefining success beyond material gains. With insights on stoicism and gratitude, she encourages listeners to view challenges as temporary and crucial for their life's narrative, inspiring a mindset of perseverance.

This week's guest is Gary Cihak. Ron and Gary discussed what it takes to build a Lean and Six Sigma program, the Job Instruction component of TWI, why 5S isn't just a series of chores, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Gary likes (2:20) His background and what he's up to these days (3:04) The early phases and building blocks (5:27) His experience with the Job Instruction component of TWI (6:06) Viewing 5S as more than just a chore (8:18) What Gary is most proud of (13:16) Practical tips for someone new to continuous improvement (15:29) When Gary first "saw the light" (17:11) Advice for when continuous improvement feels like a grind (18:16) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Northern Illinois Food Bank Gary on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What has your experience been with either building or participating in a new Lean and/or Six Sigma initiative?

Jessper Maquindang, a leadership consultant known for aiding personal and professional growth, shares his insights on navigating company culture in remote and hybrid work setups. He emphasizes the significance of fostering a sense of belonging among employees, despite the challenges posed by distance. The discussion touches on the complexities of implementing change within organizations and the role of effective communication in enhancing team dynamics. Jessper also highlights the balance between profit motives and cultivating genuine workplace connections.

This week's guest is Evan Unger. Ron and Evan discussed what often goes wrong in meetings, especially high-stakes meetings, as well as practical tips for making meetings successful. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Evan likes (2:03) His background (2:39) What Evan sees is going wrong with meetings (6:52) Knowing your "Why?" (9:50) The role of facilitation skills (10:34) The role of the personality of the leader (12:30) Examples of organizations that do it well (13:51) Practical tips for getting better (15:23) Advice for practitioners (18:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Evan on LinkedIn Evan on Schwartz + Associates Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What is your take on meetings? What makes them successful?