The Lean Solutions Podcast

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

As the midpoint of the year, we've carefully selected a few of our standout episodes from Season Three. These episodes stood out for their ability to captivate and engage our audience, making them the highlights of the season thus far. As always, the continued success of this podcast is made possible by your unwavering support, and for that, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. We're thrilled to revisit and share these moments with our dedicated listeners! What You’ll Learn: In this episode hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Patrick Adams, and guest Charlie Protzman discuss lean leadership, a transformative approach to management that prioritizes efficiency, continuous improvement, and respect for individuals within an organization. About the Guest:  Charlie Protzman is an internationally renowned Lean implementer, trainer and Shingo Prize winning author with over 35 years’ experience in Materials and Operations Management. He has consulted with manufacturers, hospitals, government agencies and other service industries. He has currently published Leveraging Lean in Healthcare Series, One-Piece Flow vs. Batching, Card Based Control Systems for A Lean Work Design, and the Lean Practitioner's Field book as well as in the Journal of Production Economics.  Links: ⁠Click Here For Charlie Protzman's Book: Lean Leadership Basics ⁠Click Here For Charlie Protzman's LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Click Here For Charlie Protzman's Website⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams LinkedIn⁠

Discover the transformative power of the 2-Second Lean philosophy, designed to eliminate inefficiencies and boost productivity. Hear about shifts in the oil and gas sector that highlight the importance of team empowerment. The role of shared learning experiences in fostering a continuous improvement culture is explored, alongside the necessity of committed leadership. Personal insights on enhancing shop floor leadership reveal how time investment can drive collaboration. Finally, learn how initiative and ownership create a positive work atmosphere, ensuring sustained organizational growth.

Explore how a vibrant lean culture values open communication, empowers employees, and prioritizes learning for effective tool usage. Learn from guest Ryan Tierney's experience in revolutionizing his family business with lean principles, emphasizing people development over procedures. Dive into overcoming resistance, driving cultural change, and the power of small improvements in achieving significant breakthroughs in business operations.

What You’ll Learn: In this episode hosts Catherine McDonald, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Shane Wentz delve into the crucial first steps of implementing lean in an organization, emphasizing the vital role of training and the common pitfalls encountered.  About the Guest:   Dr. Shane Wentz has been nationally recognized for his leadership, continuous improvement, and innovation contributions, resulting in significant global organizational savings. His career began in the Army as an intelligence analyst, evolving into a role as a Human Capital Manager where he managed workforce development, planning, training, and operations. Notably, he was the top Human Capital Manager in the Army, inducted into the prestigious Audie Murphy Club, and became the first enlisted soldier to earn a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Post-Army, Dr. Wentz led teams at Siemens, Nike, and Radial, and is now the chief operating officer and lead consultant at A Change in Latitude Consulting. Married to Susie for 24 years, with a son, Tommy, and an exchange student, Alexa, he enjoys running, reading, professional collaboration, and traveling. Links: ⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Shane Wentz’s LinkedInShane Wentz’s TikTok: @bald_professor

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and Jeff Shannon discuss common mistakes in meeting leadership.   This episode provides strategies to engage virtual participants, tips for effective 30-minute meetings, methods to tactfully redirect conversations, and techniques to end meetings positively. About the Guest:   Jeff Shannon, a master facilitator with over 20 years' experience, specializes in corporate strategy workshops and offsite retreats. He designs and leads engaging meetings that drive participation, spark innovation, and achieve desired outcomes. Trusted by leadership teams across various industries, Jeff annually leads 60 to 70 workshops for major corporations including Cargill, Deloitte, and Macy’s. He is also a keynote speaker and author of practical guides such as Lead Engaging Meetings and Hard Work Is Not Enough. Links: ⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn ⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠ Click Here For Jeff Shannon’s LinkedIn Click Here For Jeff Shannon’s Weekly Newsletter Click Here For More Information On Jeff Shannon’s Podcast: Years Not Days