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

Steve Pereira, author of 'Flow Engineering' and an expert in software delivery, shares captivating insights into flow engineering. He discusses the crucial connection between value, clarity, and flow, emphasizing its role in enhancing organizational collaboration. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on flow, unlocking new potential for data management. Steve also highlights reader responses to his book, showcasing the emotional connections and empowerment found within the concept of a flow engineer.

This week’s guest is Matt White. Ron and Matt discussed problem solving, Matt’s backgrounds in both manufacturing and healthcare, the importance of using the “language” of a company, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:  The quotes Matt likes (3:22) His background (4:40) Why lean works in many different industries (8:41) Matt’s thoughts on identifying problems in organizations (9:45) Using PDCA and A3 Reporting (14:06) How scientific thinking plays a role (15:09) Using the language of the company (16:43) Getting the right people involved (20:15) The leader’s role in problem solving (27:19) Advice for getting leadership commitment (29:30) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Matt 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’s your approach to problem solving? What tools do you use?

Topaz Adizes, a filmmaker known for his work on The Skin Deep and {The And} project, dives into the art of human connection through innovative conversation. He discusses how well-crafted questions can strengthen relationships and enhance understanding. Topaz also explores various conversation card decks designed for deeper dialogues. Furthermore, he reflects on the role of listening in effective communication and embraces discomfort as a pathway to personal growth. His unique insights promise to inspire meaningful exchanges in everyday life.

This week’s guest is Gary Cihak. Ron and Gary discussed Gary’s Six Sigma Green Belt project, what he learned from it, how he dealt with the resistance that followed, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:  The quote that inspires Gary (3:21) About Gary and his background (3:52) How he was introduced to continuous improvement (4:29) The problem Gary was trying to solve with his Six Sigma Green Belt project (5:07) A project Ron worked on (8:23) What Gary did and learned from his project (9:03) The resistance he was met with (10:37) Tactics he used with frontline workers (11:45) Getting leadership buy-in (12:38) Navigating the transition from batch production to one-piece flow (13:23) What he learned about people (19:12) Advice to those at the beginning of their lean journeys (20:05) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 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 did you do for your Six Sigma belt project?

This week’s guest is Chad Bareither. Ron and Chad discussed lean transformations, the role leaders play in them, creating a sense of ownership, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:  The quote Chad likes (2:44) Chad’s background (7:15) What a successful lean transformation looks like (8:12) The role leaders play in the transformation (14:01) How we can ensure there are more long-term ongoing transformations (18:16) How we can help teams feel a sense of ownership (20:38) Putting people at ease (23:54) His final words of wisdom (31:40) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Chad on LinkedIn GA 498 | The Power of Improving Less with Chad Bareither Chad’s Website “Improve Less” – Free Chapter “Improve Less” 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 a successful lean transformation look like to you?

This week’s guest is José Ferro. Ron and José discussed daily management, what it is, what the main obstacles involved are, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:  The quote José likes (3:39) His background (5:28) About his book Daily Management to Execute Strategy (9:45) What Daily Management is (11:39) Deciding if you’re “winning” or “losing” (19:03) The main obstacles to daily management (23:49) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Interview with José Ferro and Robson Gouveia How to Create an Effective Daily Management System José on the Lean Enterprise Institute Site “Daily Management to Execute Strategy” 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 successful daily management look like to you?

This week’s guest is Robin Hills. Ron and Robin discussed the importance of Emotional Intelligence, how it involves more than just our brains, assessing our own Emotional Intelligence, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:  A quote Robin likes (4:38) About Robin (6:34) Defining emotional intelligence (9:03) The importance of humility (16:28) Making choices around emotions (19:37) Assessing emotional intelligence (22:39) Advice on using emotional intelligence at work (25:10) Seeking more positive emotions (27:40) How emotional intelligence will or will not evolve (29:08) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Robin on LinkedIn Our Emotional Intelligence Course Ei4Change 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 being emotionally intelligent mean to you?

This week’s guest is Annette Johnston. Ron and Annette discussed project management, the role project managers play in decision making, what habits a good project manager should have, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:  The quote Annette likes (3:02) Her background (4:47) What a technical project plan is (7:45) What we can do to keep a project on track (10:23) The role project managers play in go or no-go decision making (14:40) What makes a project with compliance different (17:41) Habits and behaviors a project manager should have (22:47) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Annette on LinkedIn Annette’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 makes a project manager a good project manager?

This week’s guest is Bill Krolicki. Ron and Bill discussed data analytics, automation, the PDCA cycle, knowing if you’re winning or losing, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:  The quote Bill likes (3:25) His background (3:44) What data analytics means (4:55) A Pareto example (7:20) Working with machines and automation (10:36) Making issues visible (14:01) Measuring input well (18:44) Reducing administrative burden (20:27) Removing obstacles (22:03) Practical tips for managers (24:13) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Bill 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 data analytics tools do you use? Why those ones?

This week’s guest is Grace Gavin. Ron and Grace discussed the importance of open and honest communication, what it means to truly listen, the obstacles that get in our way, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:  The quote Grace likes (3:36) Her background (4:22) Accountability versus open and honest communication (7:10) What else Grace has observed (14:46) Fake You versus The Wall (17:33) The obstacles that get in our way (23:35) Communicating on social media and “keyboard warriors” (29:52) Knowing where you are and are not open and honest (33:58) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Know Honesty Know Honesty Assessment Know Honesty Book Grace 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 does “knowing honesty” mean to you?