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

This week's guest is Jim Vaselopulos. Ron and Jim discussed business distractions, AI, and the lean parallels in Jim's book on clarity. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Jim (2:41) His background (3:45) Why he wrote a book (5:10) What "clarity" means to Jim (8:03) What he means by "business distractions" (13:39) The lean parallels in this book (18:14) Ron's fear regarding AI (21:52) What it means to "leave folks one inch taller" (25:27) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jim on LinkedIn Jim's Book 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 "clarity" mean to you?

Nikhil Joshi, an expert in software and continuous improvement, discusses the role of software in continuous improvement and the future of AI. Topics include practical tips for using technology, the impact of AI on critical thinking, and the need to upskill in the latest trends.

This week's guest is Clint West. Clint "turned the tables" this week by interviewing our host, Ron Pereira instead. Together they covered everything from lean in the office, to DMAIC, resistance, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Clint likes (6:35) His background (7:26) The "calmness" at certain facilities (15:38) Dealing with resistance (21:05) A story about Clint's family (25:08) What Ron has seen about eliminating waste in an office environment (26:27) Ron's pet peeve regarding DMAIC (33:22) About our Gemba Academy teleprompter evolution (39:57) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Clint on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think?What is one of your lean "pet peeves"?

This week's guest is Sam Morgan. Ron and Sam discussed Sam's journey with live coaching, including who he typically works with and what these sessions look like. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Sam loves (3:04) His background (4:31) How he started doing live coaching (5:34) Who his clients are (9:50) What one of these sessions looks like (10:33) What Ron is working on at Gemba Academy (15:10) An experiment Ron could run on this obstacle (18:37) Sam's plan for the future (26:40) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 The Practice by Seth Godin GA 461 | Scientific Thinking and Confidence with Sam Morgan GA 477 | Building a Diverse Continuous Improvement Community with Sam Morgan and Andres Alamillo Sam on LinkedIn Illuminate Coach 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? Share what your experience with lean coaching has been like.

This week's guest is Bill Leahy. Ron and Bill discussed Bill's critically important initiative to support veterans as they transition back into civilian life, and his documentary "Unturning Steel." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Bill (3:04) His background (3:45) Unturning Steel's mission (8:28) About Renaissance Reliability (12:50) What the film is about (15:06) About SkillBridge (21:30) The role that lean plays (26:59) What society can do to support veterans (30:15) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 The Unturning Steel Website Unturning Steel on Facebook Unturning Steel on LinkedIn Unturning Steel on Instagram 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? How else could the principles of lean support and add value to this cause?

This week's guest is Eric Recker. Ron and Eric discussed bullying, avoiding burnout, and what it means to "Win the Now." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Eric (2:05) His background (5:01) What he's up to these days (7:49) The levels of bullying (11:04) Eric's "Win the Now" initiative (12:31) His morning routine (18:48) How he felt at the top of Mount Princeton (20:19) Balancing achievement and fulfillment (25:42) A heartwarming anecdote from Ron (29:53) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Eric'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? How do you plan to "Win the Now"?

Scott McDuffee, a leadership expert, discusses the role of questioning and curiosity in leadership, dealing with "CAVE" people, and best practices for continuous improvement. He emphasizes the significance of genuine curiosity and effective questioning, as well as the importance of being coachable and humble as a leader. Strategies for handling resistance to change and valuing different perspectives are also explored.

This week's guest is Marc Braun. Ron and Marc discussed all things coaching, including some truly powerful anecdotes. They also explored the concept of "coachability." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Marc's favorite quote (3:07) His background (5:13) What he's up to these days (9:57) Powerful coaching memories (14:47) Marc's thoughts on "coachability" (18:16) His nightly routine (21:05) General leadership advice (25:54) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Marc'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? Describe a time you were coached or you coached someone else. What makes it stand out in your memory?

Karen Friedenberg introduces a strategy execution framework, emphasizing strategy articulation and translating it into operations. Ownership and sustainability are key, along with potential failure modes. Catchball and measuring initiatives are discussed, highlighting the importance of aligning individual efforts with overall company strategy.

This week's guest is Rick Foreman. Ron and Rick discussed dealing with resistance as well as choosing between different leadership behaviors and approaches. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Rick likes (3:39) His background (6:59) Dealing with resistance (11:28) Collaboration and cooperation (15:29) Kindness and niceness (21:13) Leadership and management (30:57) Ownership and accountability (35:28) Another powerful quote (40:12) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Rick 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? How do you balance or navigate the different qualities mentioned in this episode?