The Lean Solutions Podcast

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, host Patrick Adams discusses the importance of continuous improvement using the analogy of climbing Mount Everest, emphasizing preparation, teamwork, and simplicity. About the Host: 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 Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn Click Here For Patrick Adams' Book⁠

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Catherine McDonald, and guest Ryan Weiss discuss Ryan's Optics System, which aligns people and processes for enhanced organizational performance. The system uses a five-step process: identifying the work stream, understanding its purpose, scope, and gaps, creating a SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) framework, defining quality, value, and speed expectations, and establishing an accountability and responsibility matrix (ARM). About the Guest:  Ryan is a former global executive with experience leading large multinational teams (180+), managing a global chemical technology portfolio ($500M), and living in multiple countries (Singapore, Philippines, USA). He left the corporate world in 2016 to become an entrepreneur for a second time. Since the founding of EPS, his team has created the OPTIC(S)(TM) system, developed a software platform to enable the system, launched a #1 Amazon best seller, and interviewed nearly 100 business leaders on his podcast OPTICS in Action!   Links: ⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Ryan Weiss Linkedin Click Here For Ryan Weiss Website Click Here For Ryan Weiss Book

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Catherine McDonald, and guest Lesley Worthington discuss the importance of effective communication in Lean management and workplace communication. They highlight how clear, respectful communication can make or break Lean initiatives, using personal anecdotes and examples. About the Guest:  Lesley combines 20 years of quality and regulatory experience, her university degrees in psychology and law, and thousands of hours of teaching and coaching. Her training as an executive coach provides her clients with the skills, techniques, insights, and mindset that raise their confidence. Lesley helps clients take their communication skills to the next level and allows them to have a positive impact on their organizations. Links: ⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Lesley Worthington’s LinkedIn

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and guest Shane Silsby discuss the difficulties of managing limited resources in local government, such as budget constraints and public input, compared to the private sector's focus on profit. Silsby emphasized the importance of efficient procurement and leveraging technology to improve service delivery. About the Guest:  Shane Silsby has 25 years of experience in strategic planning, public policy, organizational development, and major infrastructure projects. His career includes executive leadership roles in the private sector and government, with his last public role as Director of Orange County Public Works. As CEO of Silsby Strategic Advisors, he helps public agencies solve complex challenges, including federal funding strategies. Silsby holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Michigan State University, is a member of the American Public Works Association's national government affairs committee, and is the author of "Managing for Meteors."

In this episode, Patrick talks about the importance of good leadership and how you can do small things to create the right culture within your organization.    What You’ll Learn This Episode:   Why you need to keep things simple instead of complex The 3 points to keeping it simple  The importance of keeping a clear vision of where you are heading Why you need to keep it visual  The 3 main points to keeping it visual 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

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