The Lean Solutions Podcast

In this throwback episode, Patrick Adams dives into the topic of failure. He shares one of his favorite books, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by former Navy Commander Michael Abrashoff, which tells a powerful story of organizational transformation and innovative leadership. He also explores the decision-making and calculated risks needed to build a culture of continuous improvement.

What You’ll Learn: In this throwback episode, Patrick talks about the ingredients necessary to spark and maintain a fire of continuous improvement in your organization. About the Patrick:  Patrick Adams is the author of the best selling and Shingo-award winning book “Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap” and the host of The Lean Solutions Podcast. He is an international speaker, coach, and consultant. He is also a University Lecturer for the #1 Supply Chain Undergraduate Program at the University of Arkansas. 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-profits, government, and manufacturing ranging from small business to billion dollar corporations. Patrick is a proven leader and highly experienced consultant with specific niche focus on organizational strategy and leadership development which brings a unique human approach to sound team-building practices; creating consensus and enabling empowerment. He motivates, inspires, and drives the right results at all points in business processes.   Links: ⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, and David McRaney discuss the essential approach in guiding individuals through difficult topics without triggering defensive responses. About the Guest:   David McRaney is a science journalist with a deep fascination for brains, minds, and culture. He is best known for creating the blog, bestselling book, and podcast *You Are Not So Smart*, which explores self-delusion and motivated reasoning. McRaney's work, which began as a blog in 2009, quickly gained international acclaim, with the book version being translated into 19 languages. The podcast continues to feature interviews with leading scientists in psychology, focusing on reasoning, decision-making, and judgment. His second book, *You Are Now Less Dumb* (2013), and his third book, *How Minds Change* (2022), further expanded his exploration of human behavior and thought processes. McRaney frequently lectures globally on these topics, engaging audiences with his insights on how we think and why we believe what we do. Before his writing career, McRaney worked in various roles, including newspaper reporting, covering Hurricane Katrina and human interest stories across the Deep South. He has also been an editor, photographer, voiceover artist, TV host, and teacher. In addition, he spent several years as the head of digital media for WDAM-TV, where he produced *The Green Couch Sessions*, a music TV show highlighting Southern artists. His diverse experience even extends to commercial work for brands like Heineken and Reebok. Most recently, McRaney produced and recorded a six-hour audio documentary on the history and concept of "genius," further showcasing his wide-ranging interests and expertise. Links: ⁠Click Here For David McRaney’s LinkedIn ⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Andy Olrich, and guests Brad Jeavons and Chris Butterworth discuss the complexities of leadership.  The traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to leading organizations is no longer sufficient in an environment where agility, empathy, and adaptability are paramount.  About the Guest:  Chris Butterworth Chris is a multi-award-winning author, international speaker, and Shingo Faculty Fellow. He co-authored three Shingo award-winning books on continuous improvement culture. Brad Jeavons Brad Jeavons is a senior leadership coach focused on creating a better future economically, socially, and environmentally. He hosts the Enterprise Excellence Podcast and authored Agile Sales: Delivering Customer Journeys of Value and Delight. Links: ⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Brad Jeavons’s LinkedIn  Click Here For Chris Butterworth’s LinkedIn Click Here For Leading Excellence - 5 Hats Of The Adaptive Leader

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Patrick Adams, and guest Hessam Vali discuss The evolution of lean implementation in recent years, which has revolutionized process optimization and decision-making.  About the Guest:  Hessam Vali is the co-founder and managing partner of Optegrity Solutions and Techam Solutions, with extensive expertise in lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and supply chain management. Holding a Ph.D. and MBA, he has excelled as a fractional COO for mid-market businesses, leading large-scale manufacturing operations to drive sustainable growth. Certified as a Lean and Six Sigma Black Belt, Hessam is a proven leader in optimizing operations and achieving process consistency. His ability to coach and motivate teams has consistently delivered enhanced performance and bottom-line savings. Links: ⁠⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Hesssam’s LinkedIn Click Here For More Information On Optegrity Solutions Click Here For More Information On Techam Solutions

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Catherine McDonald, and guest Dennis Sergent discuss the intersection of Lean practices and Deming's principles, delving into the essential lessons Lean practitioners can glean from Deming’s insights.  About the Guest:  Dennis Sergent, principal at Sergent Results Group, is a management coach, consultant, and facilitator of scientific improvements grounded in Deming's System of Profound Knowledge. With experience at AT&T, where he was introduced to Dr. Deming’s ideas, Dennis specializes in quality, productivity, and transformation across various sectors. He has published research, delivered numerous keynotes, and lectured at several universities, including Wayne State and Georgetown, in collaboration with the W. Edwards Deming Institute. He has held leadership roles in several organizations and enjoys music, hunting, fishing, and time with his family. Links: ⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Dennis Sergent’s LinkedIn Click Here For More Information On Sergent Results Group

In this engaging discussion, Beth Carrington, a seasoned consultant and master coach in Improvement Kata, shares her insights on lean transformations. She emphasizes the transformative power of coaching kata in fostering innovation and efficiency in organizations. The conversation highlights the shift from an 'implementation mindset' to a more flexible approach, enhancing problem-solving capabilities. Beth also teases an upcoming workshop aimed at helping participants master coaching skills through hands-on learning, reinforcing continuous improvement practices.

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Andy Olrich, and guest Hugh Alley discuss how crucial it is to identify and develop effective leaders in today's dynamic business environment.  Training Within Industry (TWI) offers a systematic approach to building foundational skills that not only enhance operational performance but also cultivate leadership potential.  About the Guest:  Hugh Alley is author and consultant. He divides his time between coaching senior operational leaders in continuous improvement, training front line leaders in core supervisory skills, and designing industrial facilities. Trained as an industrial engineer, he has run three manufacturing and distribution firms, and a department in a government agency. He has taught skills to over 1,000 front-line leaders. He has written two books: "Becoming the Supervisor: Achieving Your Company’s Mission and Building Your Team", and "The TWI Memory Jogger". He speaks frequently about supervision, quality, lean manufacturing and Toyota Kata. From his home near Vancouver, Canada, he helps clients across North America. Links: Click Here For Hugh Alley’s LinkedIn Click Here For Hugh Alley’s Book: Becoming The Supervisor Click Here For More Information On First Line Training ⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn⁠

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Joyce Weiss discuss coaching leaders in a way that ensures their teams feel heard and respected. Strategies such as staying calm, practicing active listening, and expressing yourself clearly to feel comfortable during uncomfortable communication can be effective in any profession. About the Guest:  Our guest today holds a master’s degree in counseling from Oakland University in Rochester, MI, and is the author of the best-selling book, “Take the Ride of Your Life.” She serves as the Official Curator in Conflict Resolution for the World of Business and Executive Coach Summit. Joyce hosts the live broadcast "Kick Conflict to the Curb," interviewing department managers and thought leaders. She is one of only 215 women globally to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation. Known as the Queen of Conflict Resolution, Joyce works with department managers, growth-minded individuals, and small groups to help them use their voices confidently without losing their cool. Links:⁠ ⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn ⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Joyce’s Website   Click Here For More Information On Kick Conflict To The Curb Click Here For Joyce’s LinkedIn   Click Here For Joyce’s YouTube

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and guest Art Byrne discuss Lean strategy and its extension beyond manufacturing as well as its potential to transform any business by enhancing overall operations.  By eliminating waste, delivering consistent customer value, stimulating growth, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Lean principles enable companies to be more responsive to customer needs and increase wealth for stakeholders. About the Guest: Art Byrne began his lean journey in January 1982 as a General Manager at GE, leading the first just-in-time [lean] implementation there. As a Group Executive, he initiated lean at The Danaher Corporation. As CEO of the Wiremold Company, he led a lean transformation that increased enterprise value by nearly 2,500% in nine years and won a Shingo Prize. As an Operating Partner at J W Childes Associates, he implemented lean across their private equity portfolio. Art authored The Lean Turnaround and The Lean Turnaround Action Guide, both Shingo Prize winners. He is a member of the Shingo Academy, the Industry Week Magazine Manufacturing Hall of Fame, and the AME Hall of Fame. Links: ⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn Click Here For Art Byrne’s LinkedIn Click Here For Art Byrne’s Book: The Lean Turnaround