The Lean Solutions Podcast

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Randy Kesterson discuss the integration of AI with Lean thinking on the Lean Solutions Podcast. They emphasize the importance of maintaining human judgment and involvement in the process. They also discuss the need for accurate data collection and the potential for AI to transform workplaces, urging leaders to embrace AI to stay relevant.About the Guest:Today’s guest is Randy Kesterson, a seasoned operations executive, consultant, and thought leader with over three decades of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, and Lean transformation. Randy’s career includes executive roles at companies like Eastman Chemical and J.M. Huber Corporation, where he led significant enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives.As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a skilled coach, Randy helps organizations achieve operational excellence through practical strategies grounded in real-world experience. He currently serves as a trusted advisor and consultant, guiding leaders across industries in strategy deployment, leadership development, and continuous improvement.Links:Click Here For Randy Kesterson's LinkedInClick Here For Kesterson Group Website 

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Scott Gauvin discuss how the principle of "respect for people" goes beyond individual actions to become an organizational-wide practice that fosters culture transformation, engagement, and continuous improvement. They explore strategies for leaders to cultivate a learning culture, emphasizing active listening, transparency, and coaching to develop human skills and create lasting change within organizations.About the Guest:Scott Gauvin is a management consultant and Lean specialist with 30 years of experience helping organizations transform the way they perceive and pursue performance. As CEO of Macresco and co-founder of the Respect for People Roadmap, he’s partnered with organizations worldwide and across industries to innovate their business and operating models and put people at the center of their corporate and operations strategies.Links:THE RESPECT FOR PEOPLE ROAD - WEBSITECLICK HERE FOR SCOTT GAUVIN LINKEDIN

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and Catherine McDonald as they discuss the importance of reframing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a negative event.About the Hosts:Catherine McDonald is a Lean and Leadership Coach. Her work involves training and coaching executives and teams in organizations of all types and sizes. In 2018, Catherine started her own business- MCD Consulting where she works as a Lean and Leadership Coach. She specializes in Lean deployment in non-manufacturing industries, including food, retail, education, non-profit, health care, event management, hospitality and media.Patrick Adams is an internationally recognized leadership coach, consultant and professional speaker. He is best known for his unique human approach to sound team building practices, creating consensus and enabling empowerment.Patrick has been delivering bottom-line results through specialized process improvement solutions for over 20 years. He’s worked with all types of businesses from private, non-profit, government, and manufacturing ranging from small business to billion-dollar corporations. Patrick is an Author of the best selling book, Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap.Links:Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and  guest Cheryl Jekiel discuss the transition from using Lean as a collection of tools to embedding it into behavioral perspective. They emphasize the importance of behavioral change over tool implementation and highlight the need for clear vision, peer support, and top-down alignment to drive sustainable change.About the Guest:Cheryl Jekiel, Founder of the Lean Leadership Center, works with people-centric organizations that require the right people strategies and systems to achieve their business vision.  Ms. Jekiel has developed expertise in optimizing lean manufacturing cultures while working with various organizations on their transformational journeys. Before opening the Lean Leadership Center, Ms. Jekiel held numerous senior leadership roles, including leading operations, human resources, and chief operating officer. As the author of “Lean Human Resources: Redesigning HR Practices for a Culture of Continuous Improvement”, Ms. Jekiel illuminates the role of HR in how organizations optimize people’s talents. Ms. Jekiel also has a best seller, “Let Go to Lead: Six Habits for Happier, More Independent Teams (With Less Stress and More Time for Yourself)”.Links:Click Here For Cheryl Jekiel LinkedInClick Here For Lean Leadership Center Website

Steve Spear, a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan and founder of See to Solve, delves into cultural transformation within organizations. He discusses how justified paranoia can fuel change, citing examples from companies like Netflix and Amazon. Spear emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and overcoming resistance, particularly from mid-level managers. Listeners learn practical steps to identify hidden challenges and embrace a proactive mindset. Drawing on insights from influential literature, he showcases how Toyota's operational excellence can inspire innovation across various industries.

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Sam Yankelevitch discuss the importance of respectful delegation in leadership. They highlight the significance of clarity, accountability, and continuous coaching in delegation. Together, they elaborate on the "commitment conversation" framework, which includes defining tasks, acknowledging uncertainties, and regular follow-ups. They emphasize the need for leaders to shift from being intimidating task givers to supportive coaches.About the Guest:Sam Yankelevitch is the CEO of Xpress Lingo Solutions, a TEDx speaker, and corporate trainer focused on aligning people, processes, and communication to close performance gaps. An industrial engineer and former VP of global operations, he brings deep expertise in Lean, Quality, and problem-solving methodologies. Sam is a popular LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 750,000 learners and the author of several books, including Lean Potion #9, Walking the Invisible Gemba, and the fiction title An Interview with Failure. He lives in South Carolina with his wife and borrowed dog, and believes in lifelong learning and giving back.Links:Click Here For Sam Yankelevitch WebsiteClick Here For Sam Yankelevitch LinkedInClick Here For Sam Yankelevitch YouTube

Jason Schroeder, Owner and Lead Trainer at Elevate Construction, dives into the transformative power of core values in leadership within the construction industry. He recounts his shift from command-and-control to a collaborative approach, emphasizing safety and respect on job sites. The conversation touches on the experiences that shape values, the importance of mindfulness in team dynamics, and cultivating a culture where accountability and learning are prioritized. Schroeder shares insights on continuous improvement, making a case for personal growth and strong leadership values.

In this discussion, Brian DeVries, a continuous improvement leader, shares insights from his 13-plus years in driving lean strategies. He introduces the Kaizen Kit, a hands-on toolkit designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Brian emphasizes the importance of interactive learning over traditional PowerPoint methods and reveals how storytelling can inspire young minds through his children’s book. Additionally, he explains the power of gamification in training, aiming to engage teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

What You’ll Learn:Join us for this Speaker Special featuring Billy Ray Taylor, with hosts Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich. They discuss Billy Ray Taylor's keynote presentation from the 2024 Lean Solutions Summit, and dive into the importance of standards in leadership, using personal anecdotes and sports metaphors to illustrate his points.About the Guest:Billy Ray Taylor is a visionary operations and supply chain leader, former Goodyear executive, and founder of LinkedXL. With a 30-year track record of turning around manufacturing performance and driving over $1 billion in earnings, he’s known for transforming strategy into execution. As author of The Winning Link, Billy Ray shares his Connected Business Model to align teams, foster accountability, and drive results. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, he inspires audiences worldwide as a dynamic keynote speaker.Links:Click Here For Billy Ray Taylor's LinkedIn2025 Lean Solutions Summit

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Patrick Adams, and guest Olaf Boettger discuss the importance of coaching for success, particularly in developing and mentoring emerging leaders. They highlight the need for leaders to unlearn harmful behaviors and adapt to new leadership styles.About the Guest:With 26 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, our guest brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective shaped by leadership roles at two of the world’s most respected organizations: Procter & Gamble and Danaher. He spent 10 years at P&G, including time as a Brand Manager, and 16 years at Danaher, where he served in a variety of critical roles. His expertise spans over three core areas, Business Leadership, Continuous Improvement Leadership, and Executive Coaching. Whether driving operational excellence, leading transformation, or coaching executives, he brings a powerful blend of strategy, systems thinking, and people development to the table.Links:Click Here For Olaf Boettger LinkedIn