The Lean Solutions Podcast

In our upcoming season, our mission remains clear: empower you with the insights needed for streamlined processes, waste elimination, and building a foundation for sustainable success.  Season three brings inspiring interviews, industry trend analyses, and practical tips for navigating the business landscape. Our podcast boasts a stellar lineup of guests, from industry experts to visionary entrepreneurs, offering actionable strategies for both seasoned leaders and those starting their entrepreneurial journey.  Join us on The Lean Solutions Podcast for a fresh perspective on optimizing operations and igniting passion for efficiency in Season Three. Embrace change, innovate boldly, and pave the way for a leaner, more prosperous future. Thank you for joining the lean revolution! What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald and Andy Olrich engage in a thoughtful exploration of their backgrounds and professional journeys, providing insightful glimpses into their respective experiences. About the Guest:  Catherine McDonald is a Lean and Leadership Coach with MCD Consulting, her own business since 2018. She specializes in Lean deployment across various non-manufacturing sectors, employing a strategic, enthusiastic, and empathetic approach. Using collaborative methods, Catherine guides individuals and organizations from short-term reactive working to long-term strategic thinking. Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Improvement and LEAN Six Sigma, he is also a Certified Scrum Master. Andy finds fulfillment in witnessing the positive outcomes that result from teams collaboratively working towards shared and individual goals. Links: Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn

In our upcoming season, our mission remains clear: empower you with the insights needed for streamlined processes, waste elimination, and building a foundation for sustainable success.  Season three brings inspiring interviews, industry trend analyses, and practical tips for navigating the business landscape. Our podcast boasts a stellar lineup of guests, from industry experts to visionary entrepreneurs, offering actionable strategies for both seasoned leaders and those starting their entrepreneurial journey.  Join us on The Lean Solutions Podcast for a fresh perspective on optimizing operations and igniting passion for efficiency in Season Three. Embrace change, innovate boldly, and pave the way for a leaner, more prosperous future. Thank you for joining the lean revolution! About The Guest: One of the changes we are making this season includes adding three more hosts to the show. The hosts will trade off assisting in the interviews and discussions. Let’s meet the hosts!  Catherine McDonald is a Lean and Leadership Coach with MCD Consulting, her own business since 2018. She specializes in Lean deployment across various non-manufacturing sectors, employing a strategic, enthusiastic, and empathetic approach. Using collaborative methods, Catherine guides individuals and organizations from short-term reactive working to long-term strategic thinking. Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Improvement and LEAN Six Sigma, he is also a Certified Scrum Master. Andy finds fulfillment in witnessing the positive outcomes that result from teams collaboratively working towards shared and individual goals. Shayne Daughenbaugh is a seasoned Process Improvement Project Manager with over 5 years of experience at the State of Nebraska, holding the distinction of a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. They specialize in leading successful organizational change and implementing lean process improvement strategies, focusing on streamlining efforts and enhancing efficiency. With a strong background in operations management and lighting efficiency, Shayne's expertise extends beyond the professional realm, encompassing a decade-long commitment as a Pastor, demonstrating versatile skills in mentorship and strategic planning. Links: Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn For Feedback, Email jr.adams@patrickadamsconsulting.com

In this episode, Michael Bremer and I discover the key differentiators of highly effective organizations, explore the concept of a gemba walk and its importance, and discuss how to keep gemba walks fresh for continuous improvement. What You'll Learn: What is different about organizations that are highly effective at improving and the rest? What is a gemba walk? And why should I do one? What do you mean when you say, "Keep Your Gemba Walks Fresh" About the Guest: Author, semi-retired from business in 2018. A variety of experiences over the years including director productivity and later director of information systems for Beatrice Foods, Chief Financial Officer and Board member for the Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) and President the Cumberland Group in Chicago for 28 years (global consulting company). Served as adjunct faculty for the University of Chicago’s Graham School for a 15 year period and also served as a senior mentor at a new business start-up incubator focused on manufacturing (mHub Chicago). Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here for more information on Michael's Book, How To Do A Gemba Walk: Coaching Gemba Walkers

In this episode, Stephanie Bown and I discuss solutions to common problems, the need for organizations to focus on performance systems, and the role of leaders in fostering high performance, offering practical tips for team leaders. What You'll Learn: Can you tell us a little bit about your book? What kinds of problems does this book help people address? Tell us about why organizations need to think about systems of performance? What role do leaders play in creating a high performance culture? How did you get into this line of work? What drew you to this topic? If you’re a team leader - what are some practical ways you can help your team perform better? About the Guest: Stephanie is the acclaimed author of Purpose, Passion & Performance: how systems for leadership, culture and strategy drive the 3Ps of high performing organizations; awarded one of Australia’s top 3 leadership books in 2021. As an accredited facilitator for Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and Company Director (GAICD), Stephanie deeply understands the challenges today’s leaders face. She works with directors, founders and executive teams to deliver talks and programs that embed high performance habits and drive transformational change. Having completed a Masters in Organization Dynamics, tertiary qualifications in psychology, neuropsychology, and positive psychology; as well as professional accreditations in validated psychometric tools; Stephanie has devoted her life to discovering the dynamics of individuals, teams and organizations. Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to connect with Stephanie Click here for Stephanie's website

In this episode, Trina Poston and I highlight the unique benefits lean brings, explore its next evolutions, and discuss the crucial skill set of a successful lean leader. What You'll Learn: What is your background / how did you get into lean? Many lean practitioners have engineering backgrounds, how do you feel having a non-engineering background benefits you as a lean practitioner? What is your favorite lean practice? In your opinion, what's the next evolution of lean? What do you feel is the most necessary skill set of a lean leader? About the Guest: Trina Poston is a leadership consultant, adjunct facilitator, speaker, strategic portfolio manager and experienced Lean practitioner. As the Founder and Principal of MAP Coaching + Consulting, a business consulting and personal coaching firm, Trina is devoted to serving clients through customized solutions to improve performance. Leveraging a background in strategic development and program execution across multiple industries, Trina brings a multimodal style from a toolkit of Design Thinking, Lean and scalable Project Management principles. This unique approach combined with a focus on training and development and civic engagement have led to Trina being recognized by the State of Michigan Office of Good Government with the Symbol of Excellence. Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here for more information on Trina Poston

In this episode, Adam Ward and I discuss quick insights on Lean's current state, avoiding common transformation errors, and unlocking momentum for stuck Lean practitioners. What You'll Learn: What are your thoughts on the state of lean today? How do you stay current with Lean trends? What are some common mistakes you see with transformations? What one piece of advice would you give Lean practitioners for the ‘20s? How can Lean practitioners who feel “stuck,” get momentum again? About the Guest: Adam Ward is an experienced executive coach who has helped hundreds of leaders achieve their goals. He has an uncanny ability to identify root causes that prevent organizational growth and help clients overcome these challenges and obstacles at scale.  Adam has a wealth of experience working with executives in a variety of industries. He has worked with CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CMOs, and other senior leaders. He is fluent in operational excellence, design thinking, Agile, and other operational and development methodologies.  Adam is a trusted advisor to his clients. He is confidential and supportive, and he always puts his clients' needs first. He is also a skilled listener and communicator and is an Amazon best-selling author of Lean Design in Healthcare and the Healthcare Innovator’s Workbook. Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here for Adam's Book, "Lean Design in Healthcare" ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to connect with Adam on LinkedIn Click here for Adam's Website

In this episode, Kerry L. Bass and I explore strategies for accelerating organizational change, building trust in elections, fostering societal success for all, attracting the right talent, and examining the continued relevance of quality management principles. What You'll Learn: 1. How can my organization get change faster? 2. What can be done to help citizens have more faith in elections? 3. How can societies be more successful in supporting all? 4. How do I get the right people to join my organization? 5. Are quality management principles still relevant? About the Guest: Kerry L. Bass is the CEO and founder of Potential To Reality Consulting and a Senior Member of ASQ. He is an executive consultant who specializes in enterprise transformation, operational excellence and organizational change management. His personal and professional focus is on helping organizations and societies that are dedicated to the wellbeing of their stakeholders achieve and sustain excellence. For more than 25 years, Kerry has been leading and supporting transformation and major organizational change for governmental agencies, as well as non-profit and commercial enterprises.   Links: ⁠⁠⁠Click here for the Potential To Reality Consulting Website ⁠⁠⁠Click here to contact Potential To Reality

In this episode, George Saiz explores the essence of his book, "We Started with Respect," touching on its unique message, the significance of respect, overlooked key elements for cultural change, and personal writing insights. What You'll Learn: 1. Why a book on culture - there are so many out there? What important message do you bring? 2. Why the book title of "We Started with Respect," what's important about that to you? 3. Your front book cover says it's A Novel, but the word "Novel" is crossed out and replaced with the word "Blueprint." Tell us about that. 4. In your book, the team adopts seven key elements of the culture that they want to develop. I recognize that they're all important, but which one or ones do you think are overlooked and yet are key to successfully transforming the company culture? 5. What is something you learned over the course of writing this book? About the Guest: George Saiz enjoys sharing leadership strategies from his experience as a medical device executive with Johnson & Johnson, Zimmer-Biomet, DJO Global and MicroAire. Combined with the best practices he observed as President & CEO of The Association for Manufacturing Excellence, he’s convinced of the importance of including people in all business equations. Now, as a writer, keynote speaker, and coach, he promotes enterprise excellence through a people-centric culture to the next generation of business leaders.  Links: ⁠⁠Click here for more information on George Saiz⁠ ⁠⁠Click here for more information on "We Started With Respect"⁠

We've carefully selected a few of our standout episodes from Season Two. These episodes stood out for their ability to captivate and engage our audience, making them the highlights of the season. 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! Episode Details: In this episode, Mark Deluzio and I discuss the Danaher business system, as well as the art of Lean Transformation. What You'll Learn: Why do Lean Transformations fail? Could you explain the importance of having a business strategy and the ability to deploy/execute the strategy. What made the Danaher Business System so successful? As the "Father of Lean Accounting," how important is it to change the accounting systems when embarking on a Lean Transformation? What role does Respect for People play in the success of a Lean Transformation About the Guest: Mark DeLuzio is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lean Horizons Consulting. He is also a former Corporate Officer and Vice President of Danaher Business System (DBS) for Danaher Corporation. Danaher has been recognized as the leading implementer of Lean globally and has been rated as the 3rd most profitable US stock over the last 30 years. Mark is also credited with developing the first Lean Accounting process in the United States for Danaher’s Jake Brake Division, where he served as their Chief Financial Officer. Mark is the author of “Turn Waste into Wealth,” which offers practical advice for those considering a Lean transformation and “Flatlined – Why Lean Transformations Fail and What to do About It”, which offers the lessons learned from Mark’s association with hundreds of Lean transformations on a global basis. Links: ⁠Click here for more information on Mark Deluzio⁠ ⁠Click here to order one of Mark Deluzio's books⁠ ⁠Click here for Mark Deluzio's Podcast⁠ ⁠Click here for more information on B.R.A.V.E.⁠

We've carefully selected a few of our standout episodes from Season Two. These episodes stood out for their ability to captivate and engage our audience, making them the highlights of the season. 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! Episode Details: In this episode, Mike Leigh and I discuss the application of lean as well as the implementation of a lean mindset within organizations. What You'll Learn: 1. Can you describe your Lean journey so far? 2. How has your attitude toward the application of Lean changed? 3. What is your approach to helping companies move forward on their Lean journey? 4. You're not a big fan of Six Sigma. Why is that? 5. What advice would you give to Lean practitioners who want to make a difference in their organizations? About the Guest:  Mike Leigh is the President of OpX Solutions, a performance improvement company that helps manufacturers remove the barriers that prevent them from achieving their goals by developing leaders and improving processes.  Prior to starting his company, Mike had a 13-year manufacturing career where he held a variety of operational supply chain leadership roles.  Prior to that, he served in the US Navy as a surface warfare officer where he specialized in nuclear propulsion, and later retired as a Commander in the reserves. Links: ⁠Click here to connect with Mike Leigh⁠ ⁠Click Here to learn more about Opx Solutions⁠ ⁠Click here for the OpX Solutions YouTube page⁠