The Lean Solutions Podcast

This week, I’m talking with Bob Emiliani, engineer, researcher, author, historian of progressive management, educational reformer, and executive coach. Bob is also a long-time TPS/Lean practitioner and was the first to focus on so-called "Lean leadership" as an area of scholarly study. Dr. 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. In this episode we talk about the teachings in Bob’s books, loosening the grip of classical management, how to be successful with Lean and why leaders resist or reject Lean. Important Links: BobEmiliani.com Link to register for Summer Learning Festival https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkcOyrrTkoEtRaHkGa0F2FPMb3cZru5xPA https://bobemiliani.com/book/triumph-classical-management/ https://bobemiliani.com/book/irrational-institutions/ https://bobemiliani.com/book/management-mysterium/

This week, I’m talking with Karen Martin, President of the global consulting firm TKMG, Inc. and President and Founder of TKMG Academy, Inc. Karen is a leading authority on business performance improvement, problem solving, and Lean management systems. Known for her keen diagnostic skills and rapid-results approach, Karen and her team have worked with clients—such as Adventist Health, AT&T, Chevron, Epson, GlaxoSmithKline, Goodwill Industries, International Monetary Fund, Lenovo, Mayo Clinic, Prudential Insurance, Qualcomm, and the United States Department of Homeland Security—to develop more efficient work systems, grow market share, solve business problems, and accelerate performance.  Karen Martin is also an established author and her latest book, Clarity First, reveals how to use clarity to unleash potential, innovate at higher levels, and solve problems more effectively. In this episode we talk about clarity and how to address fear so you can break through any barriers blocking clarity. Important Links: vwww.tkmg.com www.tkmgacademy.com https://twitter.com/karenmartinopex https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmartinopex/

This week, I’m talking with Deondra Wardelle, a corporate trainer, licensed health coach, problem solver, motivational speaker and continuous improvement professional. Deondra is an inspirational leader who serves as a strategic business partner, cultural change steward and operational expert. She has effectively led change management process strategies that facilitate organizational transformation and increase overall capabilities. While her inclusive management style encourages idea sharing and inspires exceptionalism in others, her proven ability to design and deliver a comprehensive range of learning solutions has produced measurable results for her clients. In this episode, we talk about Deondra’s strategic vision boarding, her work with Kata, and her leadership role with #rootcauseracism. Important Links: https://www.deondrawardelle.com/ https://twitter.com/DeondraWardelle https://www.linkedin.com/in/deondrarwardelle/

In this episode, I talk with Ron Pereira, the co-founder of Gemba Academy and the host of the Gemba Academy Podcast.  Ron also has more than 20 years experience working in operations, engineering, supply chain, and continuous improvement. We talk about Ron’s start with Lean and Six Sigma, how the Gemba Academy was born, the importance of scientific thinking and his advice to anyone on the continuous improvement journey. Important Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leansixsigmaacademy/ https://www.gembaacademy.com/ https://blog.gembaacademy.com/podcasts/

In this episode, I introduce you to Question 2 out of my book, Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap: Where Are Your Leaders Spending Their Time?  I talk about leader standard work, Dr. Jeff Liker's Leadership Development Model, and the 6 key traits of a lean leader.

In this episode, I talk with Charlie Protzman about how to leverage lean in the healthcare industry.  Charlie gives us some great history around PDCA as well as a deep dive into a few case studies where he applied the BASICS Lean Implementation Model in hospitals.

In this episode, I play back a recording of a workshop presentation I gave at the Lean Six Sigma World Conference where I discussed the famous Marshmallow Challenge.  I introduced some facilitation techniques and discussion questions for exercise reflection time.

In this episode, I interview Dr. Jeff Liker about The Toyota Way 2nd Edition which was recently published.  We talk about sustainment of continuous improvement initiatives, specifically, CONTROL vs. LEARNING environments.  We also discuss how Dr. Liker is using virtual reality to teach The Toyota Way in 2021.

In this episode, I talk with my guest, John Dennis, about the International Lean Six Sigma Institute.  We talk about the differences between Lean and Six Sigma and dive into the challenges organizations face when adopting these into their organizations.

In this episode, I discuss the new management system needed to support and sustain continuous improvement initiatives.  I give listeners an overview of the leadership traits and behaviors necessary to support lean initiatives. This is a great episode to share with your leadership team!