The Lean Solutions Podcast

In this episode, Mike Ettore and I discuss leadership concepts from the military and how they can help in the corporate world.   What You'll Learn: Trust-Based Leadership Marine Corps Core Value Military Leadership concepts in the corporate world About the Guest: Mike has served in leadership roles for over 45 years. He’s earned a reputation for being an exceptionally effective leader and is known for achieving superior results in a wide range of challenging environments. In addition to having retired as a Marine Corps Infantry officer and decorated combat leader, he also served successfully as a C-level executive in Kforce, Inc. (NASDAQ: KFRC), a publicly traded professional services firm with annual revenue in excess of $1 Billion. While serving as Chief Services Officer, Mike was responsible for the majority of Kforce’s corporate support departments and functions, including Human Resources, Information Technology, the Program Management Office, Marketing and Social Media, Procurement, Corporate Real Estate and the domestic and Manila-based Financial Shared Services teams. He also served as the executive sponsor for strategic planning and most of the logistical activities associated with the integration of acquired companies and the divestiture of organic business units. Over the course of his Marine Corps and business careers, Mike was highly regarded for being an exceptionally effective mentor and developer of leaders. After retiring from Kforce in 2013, Mike founded Fidelis Leadership Group and has devoted himself to his greatest passion, helping others develop into World Class Leaders. He has successfully coached and mentored executives and senior leaders from a wide range of industries and is sought after for his expertise in all aspects of leadership development and the creation of leadership training programs. In addition to being a lifelong student of leadership, Mike has earned Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Management. He is also the author of four books devoted to the topics of leadership and leadership development. Important Links: Website: http://fidelisleadership.com/ Podcast:  https://www.fidelisleadership.com/podcast Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeettore/  Mike’s Books: https://amzn.to/3qmEoSq Email: mike.ettore@fidelisleadership.com

I am still travelling.  In this episode, I replay a webinar with Ernie and Tracey Richardson as we discuss their book, 'The Toyota Engagement Equation' and the many learnings from working with Toyota over 30 years.

I am currently travelling so I wanted to post this throwback episode where I discuss the fuel needed to spark and maintain a continuous improvement culture.  Enjoy.

This past week, Lean Solutions was a proud sponsor for the AME international Conference in Dallas. Craig Johnson and I were there to attend, exhibit, network, and record some great interviews for the podcast. During this episode, I was able to catch up with the Conference Chair, Dan McDonnell, as well as many other attendees and speakers of the conference.  We discussed learnings, takeaway's, and tour/workshop ahha moments.   About AME: The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 dedicated to helping companies with continuous improvement and their pursuit of excellence. Whether looking to learn about lean manufacturing or one of the continuous improvement tools like value stream mapping, kaizen, lean supply chain, lean new product development, lean accounting, or leadership of lean transformation you've come to the right place.  AME is practitioner based which means our events and workshops are hands-on and taught by others who have “been there” and want to share their experiences. Visit our site to obtain more information on all of our educational opportunities or join AME and start receiving the many benefits of membership. Make sure to mark your calendars for AME 2023! 🎸The Place: Cleveland, Ohio  🎸Dates: October 30 – November 2, 2023 🎸Theme: ReImagining Excellence 🎼Theme Song: Don’t Stop Belevin’ by Journey Important Links: https://www.ame.org/ame-cleveland-2023 https://ame.org/ https://www.benderinc.com/ https://www.va.gov/long-beach-health-care/ https://www.raymondcorp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dyer-75a646

In this episode, Elisabeth Swan and I discuss the intangibles when it comes to leading others.  Elisabeth is the president of Swan Consulting & Associates, Inc., and co-founder of the Just-In-Time Café. She’s the co-author of the Problem-Solver’s Toolkit: A Surprisingly Simple Guide to Your Lean Six Sigma Journey, and has been helping clients drive change for decades. She’s a Master Black Belt, Speaker, Coach and Lean Six Sigma consultant with a focus on leveraging people to build vibrant problem-solving cultures.  Today, we discussed her new book titled, "Picture Yourself a Leader: Illustrated Micro-lessons in Navigating Change" which will be published in just a few months.  What You'll Learn: What do you mean by "intangibles" in terms of process improvement? Why do people struggle with intangibles? Do you have an example(s)? What are some root causes? What are some actions people can take? About the Guest: Elisabeth has been working as a business process improvement consultant and change leader for over 30 years. She specializes in process-based organization design, problem solving, Lean Six Sigma and change management for blue chip clients. Her client engagements focus on working with leadership and leveraging the talents of internal project managers and teams in achieving strategic goals. The track records of these engagements consistently showcase measurable improvement. Elisabeth's industry experience includes healthcare, hospitality, financial services, insurance, telecommunications, energy and technology. Specialties: - Process Improvement Program Design - Lean Six Sigma - Coaching - Training Design and Implementation - Leadership Coaching - Improvement Team Training - Large Group Facilitation - Facilitation and Communication Skills Important Links: To get updates on when the book comes out: http://eepurl.com/hWMUtH To buy the Problem-Solver’s Toolkit (scroll to the bottom): https://www.jitcafe.com/services https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethswan/

In this episode, Craig Johnson and I discuss the importance of structured problem solving and the power of a robust training program.   What You'll Learn: Why should organizations adopt a structured problem solving process?  Some of Craig's favorite problem solving tools. Why should people pursue lean training? What does good lean training look like? What does the future of lean training look like?  About the Guest: Craig Johnson is a leadership professional with a diverse background in engineering, manufacturing, and talent development. He is passionate about bringing attainable, available, applicable, and affordable Lean Six Sigma training and certification to the entire world.  He founded the Utah Lean Six Sigma Training Center and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Craig is now the Director of the Lean Solutions Academy and Community.  Important Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjohnson-lssbb-cmfgt/ https://www.findleansolutions.com/academy/ Email cjohnson@patrickadamsconsulting.com

In this episode of The Lean Solutions Podcast, Kevin Gausch and I discuss lean applied in different industries.  Specifically, the construction industry. His knowledge and stories help explain how lean can be applied outside manufacturing when practitioners truly understand the principles of continuous improvement.  About the Guest: As a Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence through ASQ with a focus on the construction industry, Kevin has set himself apart as an expert in quality management. In the past 30 years, his experience includes Quality and Project Management in the utility contractor space and the construction industry. He’s worked hands-on across all areas, from foreman to the c-suite, and witnessed the difference that technology can make to help working teams get better every day. Skilled in managing complicated processes that involve many stakeholders, Kevin’s global team is dedicated to sharing their hands-on experience to drive success in digital transformation and ultimately raise the bar for frontline teams. What You'll Learn: How do you apply lean principles in construction? Best practices and tips and tricks for lean process improvement in operations The role of technology and digitization in lean process improvement. The impact of technology on process effectiveness. Links:  https://safetyculture.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevingausch/

In this episode, I am playing a recording of my speaking event last week at Lean Leadership Week for Lean Frontiers.  Lean Leadership Week is an annual gathering of those seeking to learn, implement, and sustain successful lean transformations in order to address some of the most common challenges in lean organizations. The Summit highlights companies who are addressing these challenges through Lean Accounting, Lean HR, Lean Management, and Lean People Development. My presentation was titled: Developing a Lean Culture.  During the presentation, I discuss the three simple areas that need attention in order to achieve a true culture of continuous improvement. I also present a model to adopt understanding in change management. Finally, I challenged the listeners with three questions: 1. Do you have a long-term vision? 2. Have you developed expectations for behaviors? 3. Is it safe for your employees to fail? Links: https://leanfrontiers.com/2022-virtual-lean-leadership-week/ https://leanfrontiers.com/

In this episode I was able to have Bob Emiliani back for a second time to discuss many topics to include his views on 'Fake Lean.'   What You'll Learn: What is Fake Lean? Findings of an Ongoing Root Cause Analysis on Lean Transformation Failures Research studies Bob is currently working on What is Bob's favorite topic to discuss? About the Guest: Dr. Bob Emiliani is an accomplished author whose work spans three disciplines: engineering, social sciences, and humanities. He has authored or co-authored 45 peer-reviewed papers in six different subject areas (leadership, management, management history, supply chain management, higher education, and materials engineering) and is the author or co-author of 22 books. Important Links: BobEmiliani.com https://bobemiliani.com/book/triumph-classical-management/ https://bobemiliani.com/book/irrational-institutions/ https://bobemiliani.com/book/management-mysterium/

In this episode, Paul Deane and I discuss his three core pillars to an operational excellence journey.    What You'll Learn: Three Core Pillars of an operational excellence journey. The biggest drivers for an organization to adopt Lean. The biggest challenges organizations face when embarking on a Lean journey. Paul's biggest 'win' he has seen organizations achieve having implemented effective Lean. How do you get buy-in for Lean? About The Guest: Paul Deane has over 25 years working with large global organizations all over the world leading manufacturing and service operations, and successfully deploying business improvement methodologies. An innovative continuous Improvement practitioner, with strengths in operationalizing LEAN systems, ISO9001, manufacturing best practice and DMAIC projects. CSSC/ISSP certified 6 Sigma Black and Green Belts. Over 15+ years implementing OPEX systems from zero base within global organizations with strong insight into engaging front line staff. His operational, service and manufacturing experience has covered chemical, industrial and food industries. Paul also spoke at the Virtual Lean Summit 2022. Important Links: Paul Deane | LinkedIn YouTube