
The Lean Solutions Podcast
This podcast offers business solutions to help listeners develop and implement action plans for lean process improvement and implement continuous improvement projects, cost reductions, product quality enhancements, and process effectiveness improvement. Listeners come from many industries in both manufacturing and office applications.
Latest episodes

Mar 11, 2025 • 46min
The Process Perspective
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Andy Olrich, and guest Adam Lawrence discuss the importance of focusing on people first in process optimization, while emphasizing the need to engage and empower employees.About the Guest:Adam Lawrence, the creator of the Wheel of Sustainability, is the Managing Partner of Process Improvement Partners, LLC. He has decades of experience in process improvement, targeted at manufacturing and business processes. Having facilitated hundreds of Kaizen events in multiple industries around the world, Adam aligns with leadership, engages teams, and creates sustainable results. Adam has mastered the use of many different process improvement methodologies, allowing him to implement the best strategy for each organization’s goals and objectives. He develops sessions that are fun, engaging, results-oriented, and laser-focused. Adam is 100 percent committed to ensuring the team has a winning result and a fantastic experience. Married to his wonderful wife, Peggy, for over 30 years, they have one son (Tyler, his IT department). Adam grew up in the Washington, DC area and received his BS in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech. He earned Lean certifications from the University of Michigan. Adam enjoys time with family and friends, loud music, traveling, the many great clients he has worked with (his extended family), and his many business adventures.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-t-lawrencehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/process-improvement-partners-llchttps://www.youtube.com/@kaizenninja

Mar 4, 2025 • 48min
People First, Always
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Matt Singh discuss the importance of putting people first in Lean Six Sigma transformations. They emphasize the need for leadership to lead by example, provide support, and create a culture where employees feel valued.About the Guest:Matt is a Senior Project Manager at Children's Nebraska. Prior to that he spent 8 years as the director of operational excellence and master black belt for the Department of Administrative Services in the state of Nebraska. Over the last 20 years, he has served in a variety of progressive management roles, including sales and service operations and supply chain. He is certified as a master black belt in Six Sigma as well as a master black belt in Lean Six Sigma. Additionally, he is certified as a Lean Sensei and holds the Project Management Professional or PMP credential. Matt completed his MBA from Doane University and Masters of Science in Leadership from University of Nebraska- Lincoln. He is also the focus of several articles and books on process improvement including a case study from Harvard's executive education program.Links:Click Here for Matthew Singh LinkedInClick Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn

Feb 25, 2025 • 43min
Respect for People in Lean Leadership
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 LINKEDINClick Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedInClick Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn

Feb 18, 2025 • 40min
The Changing Landscape of Leadership
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald and Andy Olrich discuss the evolution of Lean over the past decade, emphasizing the shift from a tool-focused approach to a more human-centric, culturally embedded practice. They highlight the importance of adaptability, technology integration, and continuous improvement.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.Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining, and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Improvement and LEAN Six Sigma, he is also a Certified Scrum Master. Andy finds fulfillment in witnessing the positive outcomes that result from teams collaboratively working towards shared and individual goals.Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedInClick Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn

Feb 11, 2025 • 42min
Preparing for Tomorrow
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh and Catherine McDonald discuss the future of Lean leadership by, emphasizing the need for adaptability, flexibility, and a growth mindset. They highlight the importance of intellectual humility, global citizenship, and ethical and social responsibility.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.Shayne Daughenbaugh is a seasoned Process Improvement Project Manager with over 5 years of experience at the State of Nebraska, holding the distinction of a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. They specialize in leading successful organizational change and implementing lean process improvement strategies, focusing on streamlining efforts and enhancing efficiency. With a strong background in operations management and lighting efficiency, Shayne's expertise extends beyond the professional realm, encompassing a decade-long commitment as a Pastor, demonstrating versatile skills in mentorship and strategic planning.Links:Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedInClick Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn

Feb 4, 2025 • 52min
What is Government Efficiency?
Discover the innovative strategies to improve government efficiency inspired by private sector practices. Explore how Lean and Six Sigma methodologies drastically reduced permit processing times and streamlined operations. Learn about the extensive training of thousands of employees aimed at cutting waste and enhancing services. The conversation highlights the need for relationship building within organizations and the role of dedicated teams in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Tune in for insights into transforming public services for better citizen satisfaction.

Jan 28, 2025 • 44min
Building a Fail-Forward Culture
What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich discuss the importance of a "fail-forward" culture, where failures are seen as opportunities for learning rather than setbacks. They emphasize the need for leaders to model vulnerability, focus on learning rather than blame, and establish clear boundaries. About the Hosts: Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining, and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Improvement and LEAN Six Sigma, he is also a Certified Scrum Master. Andy finds fulfillment in witnessing the positive outcomes that result from teams collaboratively working towards shared and individual goals. 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 businesses to billion-dollar corporations. Patrick is an Author of the best-selling book, Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap.Links:Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedInClick Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn

Jan 21, 2025 • 46min
Learning From the Trenches
What You’ll Learn:
In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald and Shayne Daughenbaugh discuss reframing workplace failures as opportunities for growth. They emphasize the importance of viewing failures as experiments and learning experiences, rather than negative events.
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.
Shayne Daughenbaugh is a seasoned Process Improvement Project Manager with over 5 years of experience at the State of Nebraska, holding the distinction of a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. They specialize in leading successful organizational change and implementing lean process improvement strategies, focusing on streamlining efforts and enhancing efficiency. With a strong background in operations management and lighting efficiency, Shayne's expertise extends beyond the professional realm, encompassing a decade-long commitment as a Pastor, demonstrating versatile skills in mentorship and strategic planning.
Links:
Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn
Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn

Jan 14, 2025 • 46min
Rethinking Failure
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 LinkedIn
Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn

Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
Season 4 -LinkedIn LIVE
What You’ll Learn:
Join the Lean Solutions host in this live podcast as the discuss the relevance of Lean in 2025, highlighting its continued importance despite rapid technological advancements.
About the Hosts:
Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Improvement and LEAN Six Sigma, he is also a Certified Scrum Master. Andy finds fulfillment in witnessing the positive outcomes that result from teams collaboratively working towards shared and individual goals.
Shayne Daughenbaugh is a seasoned Process Improvement Project Manager with over 5 years of experience at the State of Nebraska, holding the distinction of a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. They specialize in leading successful organizational change and implementing lean process improvement strategies, focusing on streamlining efforts and enhancing efficiency. With a strong background in operations management and lighting efficiency, Shayne's expertise extends beyond the professional realm, encompassing a decade-long commitment as a Pastor, demonstrating versatile skills in mentorship and strategic planning.
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 LinkedIn
Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn
Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn
Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn