In this episode of the WLEI podcast, LEI speaks with software industry veteran Robert Martin. Robert is one of the original signers of the Agile Manifesto and the author of several influential books, including Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship. During the conversation, Robert shared insightful perspectives on some of the bigges…

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, Jim Womack and John Krafcik share the origin story of the term "lean." Jim led the MIT global benchmarking study of the automotive industry, which led to the seminal book The Machine That Changed the World, and John was one of the principal researchers. Jim went on to co-author a similarly influential book, Lean…

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, LEI speaks with Dr. Jackie Gerhart and Dr. Christopher Longhurst. Dr. Gerhart is a family physician and VP of clinical informatics at Epic Systems, while Dr. Longhurst is the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Digital Officer at UC San Diego Health. In the discussion, we explore: How health systems are using AI to …

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, LEI speaks with Alan Goodman, professor and department chair of quality engineering at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Alan spent his career in operations at GE before becoming a professor. The podcast explores his recent work to teach young students lean skills to prepare them for careers after school. In the…

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, we speak with Ben Armstrong, Executive Director of MIT's Industrial Performance Center, and Jim Morgan, Senior Advisor at the Lean Enterprise Institute. They share perspectives from Ben's extensive research on the history and future of US manufacturing and Jim's first-hand knowledge of developing new products an…

Electrification has given rise to new American automotive ventures such as Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors. Aside from the powertrain, these companies are innovating the driving experience through breakthrough performance and by deeply integrating software into vehicle architecture. These disruptions demonstrate exciting possibilities but raise a c…

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, LEI speaks with Emily Swaney and Alli Kulp from OhioHealth. Emily is the senior director of OhioHealth's lean promotion office, leading the organization's continuous improvement team. Alli is a senior advisor in the lean promotion office and previously worked as a registered nurse. In our discussion, we explore:…

In the book What Would You Do If You Had No Fear? Living Your Dreams While Quakin’ in Your Boots by Diane Conway published in 2004, the author asks a variety of people the simple question "What would you do if you had no fear?" A woman named Janet responded by saying "Yes" when offered the opportunity to sail to the Caribbean and later to the South…

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, we speak with Dennis Wade from Oakland University and Lisa Eshbach, PhD from Ferris State University. They share their universities' programs that provide hands-on lean learning experiences for students through collaboration with industry partners. In our discussion, we explore: The backgrounds and roles of Denn…

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, our guests are Jennifer Trask and Brittney Heatherington from MillerKnoll. Trask is the Director of the MillerKnoll Performance System (HMPS) for business processes and dealer network, while Heatherington is a continuous improvement coach for the dealer network. In our discussion, we explore: MillerKnoll’s metho…

In the 2002 book Double Lives: Crafting Your Life of Work and Passion for Untold Success, David Heenan describes 10 extraordinary individuals who led "double lives". Having lived in Hawaii for many years, the author included two guys who also lived in Hawaii and excelled in both business and art. The author includes 20 keys to living a "double life…

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, LEI speaks with Billy Taylor, former operations executive at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He is now President of LinkedXL and author of The Winning Link: a Proven Process to Define, Align, and Execute Strategy at Every Level. In our discussion, we explore: Billy’s career journey from third shift supervisor to…

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, LEI's guests are Mary Nell Egan and Lisa Karam from MassMutual, a leading insurance company. Egan and Karam delve into the intricacies of transformation in a traditionally cautious, large organization. In our discussion, we explore several key themes: MassMutual’s evolution from a tool-centric to a customer-valu…

Partners in Pleasure: Sharing Success, Creating Joy, Fulfilling Dreams - Together is a book written by Paul Pearsall in 2001. Using life lessons gathered from ancient Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures, Dr. Pearsall suggests that being on "Hawaiian time" or experiencing "Polynesian Paralysis" can give you a new perspective on life and help you unders…

LEI chats with Frank Paluch, Retired President of Honda R&D Americas, and Lara Harrington, Retired Honda Chief Engineer. Frank and Lara share how Honda utilized Lean Product and Process Development principles to launch successful vehicles like the Honda Passport. During the conversation we dive into the following: Understanding Customer Value – As …

A Little Book of Aloha contains a collection of Hawaiian proverbs and inspirational wisdom as collected by Renata Provenzano in 2001. It includes a quote from Clifford Nae'ole the Hawaiian cultural advisor at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua on the island of Maui. He describes the experience of Polynesian Paralysis as being on "Hawaiian Time" and he fin…

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we speak with Jill Katic and Grace Eovaldi from Barton Malow, a major construction company that has recently seen significant growth. Jill and Grace share how they've been working to foster a culture of problem solving throughout Barton Malow, principally through a program dubbed Lean University. During the conv…

The book Sailing the Dream (1999) written by John F. McGrady describes his adventures sailing a 34-foot sailboat from Seattle to the South Pacific and back to Hawaii. Not just a sea story, Sailing the Dream is a metaphysical pilgrimage that encourages the reader to join in and take a second look at the values that steer their own lives. While in Bo…

The book A Widow's Might written by Carolyn Ellis Lipscomb in 1999 describes the remarkable life of Carolyns mother, Mattie Norman Ellis, who was known as "Mama". After 13 years of marriage, Mama (age 33) became a widow in 1933 during the Great Depression of the 1930s. With 6 children, no savings, and a meager secretarial salary, Mama managed to ke…

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we talk with Fabrice Bernhard and Catherine Chabiron. Fabrice is the co-founder of Theodo, a fast-growing software company, and Catherine is the author of the new book, Learning to Scale at Theodo: Growing a Fast and Resilient Company. Fabrice and Catherine share how Theodo has seamlessly integrated lean thinkin…

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we speak with Mehmet Gur, Senior Director of Operations Engineering at DHL eCommerce. He has been leading the company's next-generation automation efforts. Since the pandemic, DHL eCommerce – DHL's business-to-consumer unit – has faced dramatic increases in volume. This surge required new automation technology t…

The Trouble With Paradise (1998) written by David A. Ross is a fictional story that begins with the disappearance of Amelia Earhart over the south pacific in 1937 and then overlaps with a visitor to Maui in 1997 who experiences Polynesian Paralysis and ends up adrift in the ocean. “Paradise… Just when we think it’s within our grasp, the scene chang…

In this episode we review an article that appeared in the March 1995 issue of Travel Holiday magazine. The article written by Frederick Turner is titled Secret Florida and describes the unique panhandle of Florida - once called West Florida. "Separated from the peninsula by both climate and history, the panhandle possesses a character all its own."…

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we speak with Jay Multanen and Jared Ragozzine from Bestbath, a manufacturer specializing in showers and bathtubs for both commercial and residential buildings. Jay is the co-CEO, while Jared is Director of Lean and Continuous Improvement. During the conversation we touch on: Organizational Transformation: Gain …

In the latest episode of the WLEI podcast, we delve into hoshin kanri (strategy deployment) with Otto Funke and Joseph Tamayo from GlobalFoundries, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Otto has overseen the strategic planning process at one of GlobalFoundries' production facilities for sixteen years. He will share insights on how the sit…

In November 1995, Robert C Schmitt wrote an article for the Hawaiian Medical Journal titled Medical Progress in a Remote Archipelago. Schmitt severed as the Hawaii State Statistician and wrote or co-authored 4 books and more than 200 articles and numerous government reports. 18 of his articles appeared in the Hawaiian Medical Journal. Hawaii reside…

In the travel guide SAMOA - Western and Amercian Samoa written by Deanna Swaney and published by Lonely Planet in 1994, the author provides an overview of travel to these islands in the South Pacific. She warns visitors that almost everyone experiences "Polynesian Paralysis" and find themselves relaxing on the beaches and enjoying the relaxed lifes…

In the latest episode of the WLEI podcast, we explore the topic of organizational change with Dr. Lynn Kelley, former vice president of supply chain and continuous improvement at Union Pacific Railroad and author of the new book Change Questions. Kelley posits that there is no such thing as a fixed plan for a successful transformation. Leaders must…

SURFIN'ary is a dictionary of Surfing Terms and Surfspeak compiled and edited by Trevor "Coconut" Cralle who is considered the world's leading authority on surf slang. The book includes a brief history of surfing and each page of this 362-page book includes surfing pictures, artwork, and surfspeak. "You can't help but learn something new and entert…

Maui Bound is an 132-page hardback book that contains excellent photos by over 30 photographers. The text is provided by author Tom Stevens. Not just another coffee table book, the photographs in this book will gently touch you with nostalgia for life in Maui in the early 1990s. "Polynesian Paralysis" is mentioned in Chapter 6 on page 94. For more …

Derek Davies wrote an article for The Honolulu Weekly in November 1991 titled Hiding Behind The Aloha Spirit. After 25 years as the editor of the Far Eastern Economic Review, Davies spent a year in Hawaii as a journalist at the East West Center in Honolulu. Davies decries duplicity in the name of Aloha, but he also admits that he experienced "Polyn…

Marlene Freedman wrote a book about the island of Molokai - The Friendly Isle in 1977. She describes the relaxed lifestyle and easy way of life that causes residents on this island to experience "Polynesian Paralysis". Molokai is a special place where you can find a "feeling of solitude, peacefulness and a unity with nature." For more information a…

In the April 1989 issue of Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction magazine, there was a story written by Sage Walker titled Indian Giving. The story describes a woman's journey to a remote cabin in the mountains of New Mexico to quit smoking. She ends up experiencing Polynesian Paralysis and having an encounter with a spiritual being. For more information …

The book HAWAII (1986) includes photographs by Frank Salmoiraghi and text by Jocelyn Fujii. Each page of this 128-page hardback book contains excellent examples of the history and natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and life in Hawaii in the 80s. Polynesian Paralysis in included in the chapter on Local Style as something similar to "Hawaiian Tim…

In the book CATWALK - The Art of Model Style, Marie Helvin describes her life growing up in Hawaii and becoming a supermodel. Marie did not want to succumb to Polynesian Paralysis and be stuck in Hawaii; she would follow her dreams. Polynesian Paralysis can help you take time to be still and discover the strength inside yourself, which can give you…

In their book The Peripatetic Diabetic, Good Health, Good Times, and Good Food, For the Diabetic who wants to have it all published in 1984, June Biermann and Barbara Toohey describe how someone with diabetes can live an active and healthy life. One suggestion they give to reduce stress and enjoy life is to experience Polynesian Paralysis. Polynesi…

In the 1983 book, The Journey Is Everything - A Journal of the Seventies, Helen Smith Bevington describes her personal experiences month by month from January 1970 to December 1979. When she visits Hawaii to see her son David and grandkids, she learns about Polynesian Paralysis. She writes, "The way to take a journey is not to be concerned with arr…

In the latest episode of the WLEI podcast, we take a deep dive into a new venture whose goal is to rekindle America’s industrial tradition. Re:Build Manufacturing was founded by former Amazon executive Jeff Wilke in 2021. We sat down with its CEO Miles Arnone and Chief Lean officer Bonnie Davis to learn about Re:Build Manufacturing’s purpose and ho…

In the book HAWAII RECALLS: Selling Romance to America - Nostalgic Images of the Hawaiian Islands 1910 to 1050, author DeSoto Brown collected and assembled hundreds of historic examples of promotional materials that were used to convince many people that Hawaii was the most romantic place on earth. DeSoto claims that Betty Grable's father lived in …

In this episode we review the book Malice in Blunderland or How the Grits Stole Christmas by Allen Fotheringham (1982). As one of Canada's most controversial political critics, "Dr. Froth" has been called "the greatest cobweb blower and guff-remover in Canadian journalism." In this book he writes about politics in Canada and seems to believe that r…

While Lean can trace its direct roots to the production system launched by Toyota more than 50 years ago, its timeless appeal translates into immediate practical countermeasures in a surprising number of situations. What A Unicorn Knows, a terrific new book by authors Matt May and Pablo Dominguez, proves this by presenting a comprehensive applicati…

In this episode of the Polynesian Paralysis Podcast, we review an article from the spring 1981 issue of the La Salle College magazine. Robert S. Lyons Jr, the editor of the magazine, joined a group of La Salle alumni on a 9-day trip to Hawaii where many of the visitors experienced Polynesian Paralysis. La Salle College, now La Salle University, is …

Channel 5 in Seattle had a regular locally produced a variety talk show called "Seattle Today" that ran from 1974 to 1991. In 1979, co-hosts Chris Lenz and Shirley Hudson traveled to Hawaii to interview Pay O'Day and Lan Roberts, both popular radio personalities in Seattle and Hawaii. During the interview, Lan Roberts mentions his personal experien…

In the April 1978 issue of Latitude 38, a sailing magazine, Steve and June Jones wrote an article about their sailing adventures from England to the Caribbean. Upon arriving at the island of Bequia in the Grenadines, they experienced "Polynesian Paralysis". For more information about Polynesian Paralysis, please visit our website at http://www.rxal…

In this episode we review the book Who Wrote the Book of Love? written by Thomas Farber in 1977. The story on page 68 describes the interactions and discussions between the two boat captains in the south pacific over the decision of a crewmember (a young woman) who decides to switch boats. The trouble arises, when one captain finds out that his new…

In this episode we review an article from the November 1977 issue of Tennis USA magazine. Written by Spence Conley senior editor, the article is titled Royal Lahaina - Pro Watching in Paradise. The article describes the 1977 Island Holidays Pro Tennis Classic tournament also known as the Hawaii Open. Conley suggests that conditions were right in Ha…

What is the best way to tackle complex problems? Getting better at this perennial challenge certainly fuels the beating heart of lean practice. It is the key theme in author Paolo Savaget's new book, The Four Workarounds: Strategies from the World’s Scrappiest Organizations for Tackling Complex Problems. He discusses his findings with WLEI host Tom…

In the July 1976 issue of Pickup Van & 4WD magazine, Granville L. King writes about his adventures in Hawaii. He describes his attempt to "live off the land" after his money ran out while exploring the Big Island. He found coconuts, avocadoes, papayas, coffee beans, bananas, and oranges growing wild. He also caught some fresh fish from the ocean. H…

In this episode we review the book Little Things That Keep Families Together written by Arline Cate Thrash in 1976. As a middle-aged wife and mother of 4 children, she decides to return to graduate school to study special education. She describes her daily challenges with housework and homework and how the little things in life kept her family toge…

In the 1973 May-June issue of OCEANS magazine, Fred Hoctor wrote an article titled Mazatlan: From freebooters to friendly hosts where the Sea of Cortez begins. In this article about a coastal town in Mexico, he compares Polynesian Paralysis to the Mexican experience of "manana". Both experiences are the result of a relaxed lifestyle and healthy wor…