The Lean Solutions Podcast

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!

In this episode, listeners will hear an introduction to my new book, Avoiding The Continuous Appearance Trap.  I discuss the book dedication, introduction, and dive into the first of the twelve questions: Are you Content.  Get your copy at www.avoidcontinuousappearance.com.

In this episode, listeners will hear a piece from our Lean Leadership Certification as the Lean Solutions Academy.  I explain the difference between leadership and management, identify the five leadership actions, and define servant leadership.