This week’s guest is Royden Johnson. Ron and Royden discussed lean in South Africa, connection before correction, 5S, authority, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that Royden likes (3:23) Royden’s background (4:02) The state of lean in South Africa (10:41) Connecti…

This week’s guest is Tim Pettry. Ron and Tim discussed outside perceptions of Toyota, Cleveland Clinic’s journey with continuous improvement, and Tim’s unusual workshop at the upcoming Shingo Conference. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Tim likes (2:28) How his lean journey…

This week’s guest is April Bell. Ron and April discussed how Jack Henry uses continuous improvement, specifically Toyota Kata. They also explored quantifying waste in an office setting, and the intersection of tools and scientific thinking. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: April’s fa…

This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed Alen’s work with the City of Grand Rapids, process improvement from the customer perspective, and the importance of celebrating quick wins. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: Alen’s favorite quotes (2:02) His background (5:21) How…

This week’s guest is Michael Lombard. Ron and Michael discussed deliberate versus random practice, homeschooling, youth soccer, and what it’s like using scientific thinking in those environments. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that inspires Michael (3:58) His background (…

This week’s guest is Robb Holman. Ron and Robb discussed Robb’s new book, “Lessons from Abdul,” navigating crises, filtering out the “noise” in our lives, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that inspires Robb (3:30) About his new book, Lessons from Abdul (4:47) Who …

This week’s guest is Jim Huntzinger. Ron and Jim discussed what it means to build a culture of continuous improvement, what the future of continuous improvement looks like, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Jim likes (2:38) His background (3:13) About KataCon 2024 …

This week’s guest is Carlos Pereyra. Ron and Carlos discussed Carlos’s recent graduation from our Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt program, what it means to create psychological safety, measuring success, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Carlos likes (3:31) His ba…

This week’s guest is Jim Vaselopulos. Ron and Jim discussed business distractions, AI, and the lean parallels in Jim’s book on clarity. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that inspires Jim (2:41) His background (3:45) Why he wrote a book (5:10) What “clarity” means to Jim (8:…

This week’s guest is Nikhil Joshi. Ron and Nikhil discussed the role of software in continuous improvement, what the future of AI looks like, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Nikhil likes (2:45) His background (3:35) How software plays a role in the continuous imp…

This week's guest is Clint West. Clint "turned the tables" this week by interviewing our host, Ron Pereira instead. Together they covered everything from lean in the office, to DMAIC, resistance, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Clint likes (6:35) His background (7…

This week's guest is Sam Morgan. Ron and Sam discussed Sam's journey with live coaching, including who he typically works with and what these sessions look like. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Sam loves (3:04) His background (4:31) How he started doing live coaching (5:34)…

This week's guest is Bill Leahy. Ron and Bill discussed Bill's critically important initiative to support veterans as they transition back into civilian life, and his documentary "Unturning Steel." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote that inspires Bill (3:04) His background (3:…

This week's guest is Eric Recker. Ron and Eric discussed bullying, avoiding burnout, and what it means to "Win the Now." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote that inspires Eric (2:05) His background (5:01) What he's up to these days (7:49) The levels of bullying (11:04) Eric's "…

This week's guest is Scott McDuffee. Ron and Scott discussed the role of curiosity in leadership, dealing with "CAVE" people, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Scott's favorite quote (3:12) His background (3:59) The challenges he's faced (6:01) The role of curiosity in leader…

This week's guest is Marc Braun. Ron and Marc discussed all things coaching, including some truly powerful anecdotes. They also explored the concept of "coachability." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Marc's favorite quote (3:07) His background (5:13) What he's up to these days (9:57)…

This week's guest is Karen Friedenberg. Ron and Karen discussed strategic planning, specifically Karen's strategy execution framework. They also talked about measuring initiatives. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quotes that inspire Karen (2:15) Her background (3:11) Her strategy…

This week's guest is Rick Foreman. Ron and Rick discussed dealing with resistance as well as choosing between different leadership behaviors and approaches. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Rick likes (3:39) His background (6:59) Dealing with resistance (11:28) Collaboration…

This week's guest is Adam Lawrence. Ron and Adam discussed kaizen events, specifically the different roles involved and how they function together. They also talked about dealing with "CAVE" People. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Adam likes (3:09) His background (4:14) Wha…

This week's guest is our own Steve Kane. Ron and Steve discussed Toyota Kata, coaching (specifically Steve's coaching style), running certification programs, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Steve's favorite quote (3:05) His early thoughts on Toyota Kata and scientific think…

This week's guest is Ron Pereira. Ron explained what we've been up to as a company this year, including our Live Instructor training, and some of the new courses we've released. We also shared some of the audio from these exciting new videos. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: About our…

This week's guest is Brent Weichers. Ron and Brent discussed the different kinds of motivation, presenting data to a non-technical audience, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Brent's favorite quote (3:10) Presenting data to a non-technical audience (6:37) What he's been learn…

This week's guest is John Abplanalp. Ron and John discussed all things productivity, including OEE, engaging employees, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: John's favorite quote (4:11) His background (5:37) How they approach OEE (13:51) Reducing the national debt through export…

This week's guest is Brandon Brown. Ron and Brandon discussed TWI, and why reducing both personal and professional chaos is so important. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Brandon likes (3:18) His background (4:16) Brandon's thoughts on chaos (6:08) A story about "Bob" the su…

This week we're celebrating our 500th episode by sharing some of our team's favorite moments from over the years. Whether you're new to the podcast or you've been here since the beginning, thank you for listening. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The impact of running into a former st…

This week's guest is Jeff Reinke. Ron and Jeff discussed OT Cybersecurity, its role in manufacturing, dealing with hackers and ransomware, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Jeff likes (3:42) His background (4:27) What OT Cybersecurity is (7:01) What's driving the em…

This week's guest is Chad Bareither. Ron and Chad discussed Chad's book, "Improve LESS," Toyota Kata, why continuous improvement is not just "extra work," and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Chad likes (2:08) His background (2:59) About entropy and why progress comes …

This week's guest is James Newell. Ron and James discussed generational diversity and how it affects workplace dynamics. James explained how we can navigate these differences, ensure that the knowledge transfer happens, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: James' background (3:0…

This week's guest is Kyle Brady. Ron and Kyle discussed suggestion boxes, how to handle suggestions that aren't accepted, and how to get started with your own suggestion program. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Kyle's quote (4:01) His background (5:13) About Kyle's continuous improve…

This week's guest is Kerry L. Bass. Ron and Kerry discussed company culture, employee engagement, finding and retaining the right talent, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Kerry likes (2:13) His background (2:42) About employee engagement (4:07) About the employee-e…

This week's guest is Brandon Brown. Ron and Brandon discussed TWI, training timetables, and what it means to live a life you're proud of. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Brandon likes (3:37) His background (4:38) What TWI is (7:17) All about the training timetable (9:51) Th…

This week's guest is John Knotts. Ron and John explored the multifaceted concept of fear. John also explained why fear exists, and how scientific thinking and continuous improvement can help us all deal with it. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote John likes (3:28) John's backg…

This week's guest is Mark Graban. Ron and Mark discussed process behavior charts, the importance of good metrics, the Red Bead Experiment, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The (often misquoted) quote Mark likes (2:22) Mark's background (8:02) What a process behavior chart is…

This week's guest is Kerrie Jordan. Ron and Kerrie discussed upskilling, what it means to have a "flexible work schedule," improving morale, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote they like (2:58) Her background (4:54) An example (7:25) What the Voice of Manufacturing Wo…

This week's guests are David Henkin and Thomas Bertels. David and Thomas talked about co-authoring their new book, "Fixing Work," how attitudes around work and the workplace have changed, the role of mastery, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote they like (2:58) Their …

This week's guest is Gerald J. Leonard. Ron and Gerald covered a lot of interesting topics including Gerald's personal health journey, brain science, being a musician, and the power of affirmations. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Gerald's favorite quote (3:17) His background (4:06) …

This week's guest is Summer Davies. Ron and Summer discussed the importance of trust, working remotely, addressing micromanaging, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Summer's favorite quote (2:24) Her background (3:16) What to do when someone is hard to work with (5:03) Why you…

This week's guest is Elisabeth Swan. Ron and Elisabeth discussed her book, "Picture Yourself a Leader," the actions we take as leaders, building habits, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote that inspires Elisabeth (2:24) Her background (4:45) About the drawings in her …

This week's guest is Lou Carter. Ron and Lou discussed positive work relationships, how blame can become toxic, and overall how to create a well-loved workplace. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Lou likes (4:12) His background (11:05) What makes for a horrible work relations…

This week's guest is Bruno Pesec. Ron and Bruno discussed journaling, practical tips for reflection, and the relationship between lean, change, and reflexivity. You won't want to skip this one! An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote that Masaaki Imai shared with Bruno (2:57) His b…

This week's guest is Boris Kajos. Ron and Boris discussed working as a team, staying on task, the role of communication, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Boris likes (3:30) His background (4:35) YIT's lean journey (9:14) Whether there was pushback or fear (12:33) W…

This week's guest is Dr. Jennifer Nash. Ron and Jennifer discussed human leadership, her book "Be Human, Lead Human," working from home, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Jennifer likes (1:53) What she means by Human Leadership (4:27) Productivity during the Covid-1…

This week's guest is Brent Weichers. Ron and Brent discussed OpEx assessments and how Brent and his team deliver genuine value and insight through them. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote that inspires Brent (2:54) Brent's background (4:06) What an OpEx assessment is (5:46) Th…

This week's guest is George Saiz. Ron and George discussed the true meaning behind Respect for People, and how to effectively motivate different people in different ways. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote that inspires George (3:20) About George (4:55) About his book, We Star…

This week's guest is Mark Graban. Ron and Mark discussed making mistakes and the importance of psychological safety. Mark also shared a little about his podcast, "My Favorite Mistake," and his new book, "The Mistakes That Make Us." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Mark likes…

This week's guest is Jacob Bonde Larsen. Ron and Jacob discussed RPA (Robotic Process Automation), the three components of RPA, how it relates to lean, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Jacob likes (3:03) His background (4:53) What RPA stands for (6:45) An example (…

This week's guest is Gemba Academy's own John Knotts. Ron and John discussed John's books, stepping into your fear zone, knowing your purpose, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote John likes (3:24) His background (4:09) Navigating fear in a professional context (10:17)…

This week's guests are Sam Morgan and Andres Alamillo. Ron, Sam, and Andres discussed the importance of diversity in continuous improvement, using the kata framework as a lens. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Sam likes (3:12) The quote Andres likes (4:43) Sam's background (…

This week's guest is Nick Katko. Ron and Nick discussed the importance of leveraging Lean Accounting, Nick's book "The Lean CFO," and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Nick likes (2:55) His background (3:51) Why lean accounting matters (6:37) The ramifications of a cost…

This week's guest is Chris Hodges. Ron and Chris discussed Noble Automation, the role of AI in automation, the concept of monomyths, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Chris likes (3:01) His background (3:48) An example of noble automation (11:11) The role of AI play…