This week’s guest is Alfonso Aramburo. Ron and Alfonso discussed Alfonso’s experiences with turnarounds, leadership styles, balancing financial restructuring and operational excellence, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that Alfonso likes (3:22) His background (4:2…

Explore Generative AI and its impact on process improvement! On August 13, 2024, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Ken Robinette delivered a presentation to the ASQ Columbus Section titled "Revolutionizing Process Improvement with the Power of Generative AI and Large Language Models." In this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwou…

This week’s guest is Fabrice Desmarescaux. Ron and Fabrice discussed Fabrice’s journey towards professional fulfillment and how he helps others find purpose in their life’s work. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quotes Fabrice likes (4:32) His background (6:04) How Fabrice discov…

In this episode, Adam reads book two in The Zen of Programming (1988) by Geoffrey James. This book is unlike any programming book you've encountered. So, let's try something new for the podcast to showcase this poignant, accurate, and funny book. This episode features chronicles from the fabled zen Master Ninjei. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start wi…

This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen, a Senior Lean and Six Sigma Coach at Gemba Academy, discussed the definitions of flow efficiency and resource efficiency, what differentiates them, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: Alen’s favorite quote (2:29) His background (4…

In this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, Lean Six Sigma Maser Black Belt Maria Fry joins the podcast to discuss all things Mast Black Belt. Maybe you’re curious about what a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt does. Maybe you’re interested in earning your Master Black Belt. Maria talks about all this and more. As both a teacher and consultant, …

This week’s guest is Adam Lawrence. Ron and Adam discussed the Wheel of Sustainability, how it plays into a kaizen event, and how improv can also be a powerful tool in a rapid improvement context. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: His favorite quote (3:45) His background (5:35) The Wh…

In this episode, Adam reads the preface, forward, and introduction to The Zen of Programming (1988) by Geoffrey James. This book is unlike any programming book you've encountered. So, let's try something new for the podcast to showcase this poignant, accurate, and funny book. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 Enter the FREE …

This week’s guest is Ron Crabtree. The two Rons discussed the concept of digital transformation, or digitization, including what it entails, how to navigate these transformations, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Ron likes (2:54) His background (3:22) What a digit…

Have you ever had Tikka Masala Ice Cream? Karina Dubé has. In fact, she made it! Whether it’s ice cream or continuous improvement, Karina understands the importance of experimentation. As Director of Product - EngineRoom® for MoreSteam, Karina also understands the importance of statistics in continuous improvement. “You have measurements that you w…

This week’s guest is Ron Pereira. Ron introduced the Gemba Academy School of Leadership and shared the audio from some of this exciting new content. Be sure to check the show notes to watch the video versions. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: Change Management (1:49) Leading Teams (7…

In this episode, Adam welcomes Dan Slimmon, an experienced Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to discuss aspects of incident response and troubleshooting in software engineering. Dan explains his methodology for clinical troubleshooting, the importance of maintaining a common mental model, and techniques for leading effective incident response efforts…

This week’s guest is Chris Fuzie. Ron and Chris discussed Chris’s books, liminal space, tessellation, leadership, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Chris likes (3:22) His background (4:23) About liminal space and leadership (12:08) Optimizing the liminal space (14:…

“If you don’t hate waste, why are you here?” That’s how Omar Mora views continuous improvement. “You hate the waste,” Omar said. “It has to be that kind of feeling.” Omar Mora is an industrial engineer, a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and the founder of Blackberry & Cross. As the business development manager for Costa Rica-based Blackberry & Cros…

This week’s guest is Jacob Stoller. Ron and Jacob discussed Jacob’s upcoming book, “Productivity Reimagined,” what it means to be productive, what productivity looks like in different industries, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: Jacob’s favorite quote (1:58) Jacob’s backgro…

In this episode of Small Batches, host Adam Hawkins welcomes Alex Nesbitt, a strategy expert and member of the Flow Collective, to delve into the nuances of strategic thinking. The discussion covers different types of strategies, pro-tips on strategic thinking, and how strategy relates to the concept of flight levels. Nesbitt shares insights from h…

This week’s guest is Nina Sossamon-Pogue. Ron and Nina discussed Nina’s gymnastic career, focusing on the process vs. successes, values like discipline, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Nina likes (2:46) Her background (3:11) About her gymnastics career (6:02) Whe…

Lean Six Sigma helps people solve problems. Lean Six Sigma makes things work better. But did you know that Lean Six Sigma can also inspire great art? Emmanuel Aouad makes fun, upbeat music about continuous improvement, with hit songs like 8 Wastes, 5 S, and Gemba Walk. (We play Gemba Walk during this episode!) In this episode, Emmanuel joins the po…

This week’s guest is Gary Cihak. Ron and Gary discussed what it takes to build a Lean and Six Sigma program, the Job Instruction component of TWI, why 5S isn’t just a series of chores, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Gary likes (2:20) His background and what he’s…

Adam discusses strategy in preparation for the next episode. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 Enter the FREE giveaway for a copy of "Playing to Win" 🧭 Get the Small Batches Way guide to software delivery excellence 🥋 Software Kaizen: My One-on-One System for Engineering Leadership 📘 Playing to Win by Lafely & Martin Chapter…

This week's guest is Jessper Maquindang. Ron and Jessper discussed in-person, hybrid, and remote workplaces, how those choices affect company culture, what "belonging" means, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Jessper likes (3:16) His background (4:07) What influence…

Have you ever been to a tailgate party hosted by a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt? In this episode, Ken Robinette talks about the leanest tailgate party on the banks of the Olentangy. Ken is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a former high school quarterback, and the Vice President for Business Development at MoreSteam. It's not just tailgating …

This week's guest is Evan Unger. Ron and Evan discussed what often goes wrong in meetings, especially high-stakes meetings, as well as practical tips for making meetings successful. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Evan likes (2:03) His background (2:39) What Evan sees is go…

Adam discusses three (new-ish) ideas from time on a new gemba. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 Enter the FREE giveaway for a copy of "Modern Software Engineering" 🧭 Get the Small Batches Way guide to software delivery excellence 🥋 Software Kaizen: My One-on-One System for Engineering Leadership 📘 Flight Levels by Klaus Leo…

This week's guest is Ricky Shoop. Ron and Ricky discussed the concept of magnanimity, what it means to be a magnanimous leader, examples of magnanimous historical figures, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Ricky likes (3:01) His background and goals (4:20) What magn…

Once again, the timing is perfect for the latest Quality Time with MoreSteam. On this episode, Alan Goodman joins the podcast. Alan is the Instructional Chair for Quality Engineering & Technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a consultant and public speaker, and an award-winning baker. What makes Alan …

This week's guest is Malti Bhojwani. Ron and Malti discussed personal and professional transformations, different types of motivation, the importance of having a good work/life balance, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Malti likes (4:19) Her background (7:48) Her t…

Adam describes using Hexagonal Architecture, also known as Ports and Adapters, for software delivery excellence. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 Enter the FREE giveaway for a copy of "Modern Software Engineering" 🧭 Get the Small Batches Way guide to software delivery excellence 🥋 Software Kaizen: My One-on-One System for E…

This week's guest is Chad Senkowski. Ron and Chad discussed martial arts, Chad's podcast The Journey, coaching, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote that Chad likes (2:26) His background (3:21) How martial arts relates to continuous improvement (4:51) Why he started a …

The timing is perfect for the latest Quality Time with MoreSteam. On this episode, Alan Goodman joins the podcast. Alan is the Instructional Chair for Quality Engineering & Technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a consultant and public speaker, and an award-winning baker. What makes Alan one of the m…

This week's guest is Clint West. Ron and Clint discussed MacDonald & Owen's lean journey, the state of lean in the lumber industry, navigating biases, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Clint likes (4:57) How he sees bias as an obstacle (6:43) His background (8:34) T…

Adam welcomes Steve Pereira and Andrew Davis to discuss their new book, Flow Engineering. They discuss the book's origin story and the use of cybernetics to drive effective action. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 Enter the FREE giveaway for a copy of "Modern Software Engineering" 🧭 Get the Small Batches Way guide to softwa…

This week's guest is Ahmed Radwan. Ron and Ahmed discussed engagement, what it means to build a "lighthouse," sustaining kaizen efforts, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Ahmed's favorite quote (2:25) His background (3:28) The challenges he's faced (8:15) How to sustain kaize…

Get more curious and creative! Manufacturing engineer and podcaster Shawn Washburn joins Dan on this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam. In the "About" section of his LinkedIn profile, Shawn describes himself like this: "A manufacturing engineer with over 25 years experience in manufacturing, from product to design to manufacturing improvements…

This week's guest is Kurt Sears. Ron and Kurt discussed continuous improvement at Dollar Shave Club, happiness versus joy, the power of living out your beliefs, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote that Kurt likes (2:29) His background (5:47) The continuous improvement…

Adam presents the mental model behind T1 and T2 signals, a necessary lexicon for understanding production operations. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 Enter the FREE giveaway for a copy of "Flow Engineering" 🧭 Get your FREE Guide to software delivery excellence ☕️ Small Batches #103 - Understanding Production Operations (Th…

This week's guest is Matthew Townsend. Ron and Matthew discussed what a broken process looks like, what happens when you automate waste, how to identify and remove it, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: Matthew's favorite quote (3:09) His background (3:54) Defining a "broken" …

WOW, what a difference! In this episode, Alan Payne joins the show to talk about the rise and fall of Blockbuster Video. Alan was one of the most successful franchisees in Blockbuster history. He literally wrote the book on Blockbuster -- Built to Fail: The Inside Story of Blockbuster's Inevitable Bust, which was released in 2021. Alan and Dan disc…

This week's guest is Zack Estes. Ron and Zack discussed Zack's coaching business, applying lean in non-manufacturing contexts, the five functions of business, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Zack likes (3:16) His background (3:34) About Path for Growth (7:19) Appl…

Adam answers a listener's request of advice on succeeding in high-level company or project environments with seven tips. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 Enter the FREE giveaway for a copy of "Flow Engineering" 🧭 Get your FREE Guide to software delivery excellence 📘 Buy "Goldratt's Rules of Flow" 📘 Buy "Playing to Win" (my …

This week's guest is Jason Henderson. Ron and Jason discussed what managing expectations looks like, scientific thinking, dealing with negativity, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quotes that Jason likes (2:25) His background (4:21) How he discovered lean (8:46) What man…

WOW, what a difference! In this episode, Alan Payne joins the show to talk about the rise and fall of Blockbuster Video. Alan was one of the most successful franchisees in Blockbuster history. He literally wrote the book on Blockbuster -- Built to Fail: The Inside Story of Blockbuster's Inevitable Bust, which was released in 2021. Alan and Dan disc…

This week's guest is Jennifer Drago. Ron and Jennifer discussed having a long-term vision, data-driven strategies, overcoming resistance to change, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.In this episode you'll learn: The quote Jennifer likes (4:01) Her background (4:24) Why having strategy and vision is import…

Adam presents TDD as skill zero, the one that unlocks all the others. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 April 2024 Giveaway instructions 🧭 Get your FREE Guide to software delivery excellence ☕️ Small Batches #65: Systems Thinking ☕️ Dave Farley on Small Batches 📘 Tidy First? by Kent Beck Chapters (00:00) - Skill Zero: Test D…

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) Connectio…

Become a force of nature! In this episode, Rich "Raz" Razgaitis joins the show. Raz is the co-founder and CEO of FloWater. On multiple occasions, Inc. Magazine has recognized FloWater as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. In addition to FloWater, Raz has guided multiple startups companies to rapid growth. Raz and Dan…

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 …

Adam presents a catch-all episode on ops reviews, visual management, call-to-actions, and SLOs. Want more? 🚀 New listener? Start with the introduction. 🎁 April 2024 Giveaway instructions 🧭 Get your FREE Guide to software delivery excellence ☕️ Small Batches #104: Blue-Yellow-Black Visual Management ☕️ Small Batches #26: Service Level Objectives wit…

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 fav…

Improve your processes by making work visual!! In this episode, Peg Pennington joins the show. Peg is the president of MoreSteam and a member of the board of directors of the Lean Enterprise Institute. Before joining MoreSteam, Peg was the Executive Director of the Center for Operational Excellence at The Ohio State University. Peg and Dan talk abo…