Gemba Academy Podcast: Lean Manufacturing | Lean Office | Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | Leadership

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 influenced him to become a leader (5:52) His approach to personality assessments (7:14) What Jessper has seen as far as remote vs. hybrid working (11:43) Building a company culture remotely (13:54) How leaders are changing (16:29) What a "sense of belonging" means (18:17) Balancing the reality of for-profit business with finding your purpose (23:33) Why change is difficult to implement (25:02) Discovering and seeing the benefits (29:49) An inspiring mathematical equation (30:51) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jessper on LinkedIn Jessper's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter i

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 going wrong with meetings (6:52) Knowing your "Why?" (9:50) The role of facilitation skills (10:34) The role of the personality of the leader (12:30) Examples of organizations that do it well (13:51) Practical tips for getting better (15:23) Advice for practitioners (18:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Evan on LinkedIn Evan on Schwartz + Associates Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What is your take on meetings? What makes them successful?

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 magnanimity is (6:07) How it relates to harmony, integrity, etc (9:40) An example of someone demonstrating magnanimity (13:54) What it means to be winsome (16:35) How to culture a mindset of magnanimity when things are hard (18:44) Whether a business can be magnanimous (26:11) Humility and magnanimity (32:57) Examples of magnanimous historical figures (36:05) Final words of wisdom (41:45) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Lumin Counseling Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What doe

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 takes on personal transformation (10:30) Intrinsic vs. external motivation (13:12) Another quote Malti likes (16:04) KPIs vs. KPAs (18:02) Examples of personal growth leading to organizational impact (18:52) Handling behavior you can't accept (22:16) Other insights Malti has gained from her consulting work (23:47) What happens when you "inherit" a team (27:47) The importance of work/life balance (30:14) Malti's parting thoughts (34:17) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Malti's Website Malti on LinkedIn Malti on YouTube Malti on Amazon Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a

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 podcast (6:11) The angle of the podcast (8:16) The guests that have impacted him the most (11:02) Why his passion is hands on training and coaching (16:00) His advice for those just getting started (16:28) His routine (17:57) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Chad on LinkedIn Ron's Episode on The Journey Motivate Multimedia on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Where else can you draw parallels with continuous improvement?

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) The progression of his career (11:44) What Clint feels he has done well and not done well (13:25) What Clint is trying to improve (17:49) The benefits of lean at MacDonald & Owen (20:34) The state of lean in their industry (22:18) The hardest part of his job as CEO (25:20) His advice for those at the beginning of their careers (30:26) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 MacDonald & Owen's Website GA 514 | Turning the Tables on Ron with Clint West Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think?

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 kaizen efforts (13:52) Keeping people engaged (15:03) Building a "lighthouse" (19:30) How lean has impacted Ahmed personally (20:13) His struggle with humility (24:32) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Ahmed on LinkedIn Kaizen Made Easy on YouTube Kaizen Made Easy on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you keep people engaged in your kaizen efforts?

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 environment at Dollar Shave Club (7:37) His two statement philosophy (9:10) How bias plays a role in the culture (9:38) Happiness vs. joy (13:05) His take on stoicism (18:31) The role of leadership in a culture of continuous improvement (21:44) Advice for fostering project success (25:11) Kurt's final advice (31:06) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Kurt on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What are your thoughts on stoicism?

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" process (8:28) Examples in manufacturing (13:58) The other issues that surface when you automate waste (17:30) Tips for identifying and removing automated waste (19:57) Specific mapping techniques for a front office environment (22:07) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Matthew on LinkedIn Sparc Engineers Sparc Engineers on LinkedIn Sparc Industries on Instagram Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Describe a time you automated a bad or broken process.

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) Applying lean in digital spaces (8:28) Whether he speaks about lean specifically (11:19) Why envisioning outcomes is difficult (15:37) The five functions of business (17:18) Zack's reading project (27:25) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Zack on LinkedIn Path for Growth How to Operationalize Your Business Workbook Zack's Reading List GA 456 | "This Is Water" by David Foster Wallace with Alex Judd Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What are you reading this year?

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 managing expectations means to Jason (10:04) Some examples (12:48) How Jason deals with negativity (18:32) Advice for anyone who is struggling (21:45) What Jason would tell his younger self (23:39) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jason on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What does managing expectations mean to you?

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 important (7:35) Balancing for-profit need with altruism (10:05) Painting the long-term vision and creating strategic pillars (15:56) Getting total buy-in (17:25) Communicating your vision (19:39) Some general examples (21:18) How Jennifer overcame resistance to change (23:27) Other challenges she has seen leaders face (25:30) What Jennifer is most proud of (29:30) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jennifer's Website Jennifer on LinkedIn Jennifer on YouTube Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What 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) Connection before correction (13:42) His journey with 5S (16:11) The contrast between moral authority and formal authority (23:24) Accountability vs. ownership (27:22) Advice for anyone at the early stage of their continuous improvement journey (29:27) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Royden on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How is lean different in your country compared to other places in the world?

  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 started (3:38) A Ford employee's perception of Toyota  (9:30) The Cleveland Clinic Improvement Model (12:17) How they've involved physicians (19:19) About his unusual upcoming workshop (25:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Shingo 36th Annual Conference The Cleveland Clinic Improvement Model PDF Tim on LinkedIn Tim on X: @valuesstreamldr Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? What about Cleveland Clinic's story resonates with you?

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 favorite quote (2:08) Her background (2:56) Some of the challenges Jack Henry has faced with continuous improvement (4:57) Their experience with kata (8:38) The framework they use (12:03) How they quantify waste (13:38) Their vision and plan (16:25) The intersection of tools and scientific thinking (18:40) The challenges they're facing (19:59) Advice for getting started (25:30) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 April on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Have you used kata i

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 the mayor discovered lean (9:12) An anecdote about the water department (10:47) What you can do to introduce and sustain a lean initiative (15:03) Focusing on process improvement from the customer's perspective (21:27) The importance of measuring (22:50) Approaching those "in the middle" (24:10) Alen's advice for those getting started (29:23) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Alen on LinkedIn Gemba Academy Live City of Grand Rapids Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you cel

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 (5:42) Going from practitioner to CEO (9:11) His family's experience with homeschooling (11:11) Using the scientific framework with homeschooling (20:56) Using the scientific framework with soccer (28:14) One of Ron's favorite soccer memories (33:59) Kata as a method of balance (38:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Kata School Florida Kata School Florida on LinkedIn GA 004 | Leveraging the Toyota Kata Approach to Learning & Coaching GA 243 | How to Strive to Thrive Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up h

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 Abdul is (8:29) Robb's basketball career (14:01) What Robb learned from Abdul (14:53) Receiving well with so much "noise" (19:06) Practical tips for being better at receiving (24:47) Where you can get Robb's book (29:22) What else is going on in Robb's life (30:22) A story about Robb's wife's cancer treatment (32:52) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Robb's Website Lessons from Abdul Robb on LinkedIn Robb on Facebook Robb on Twitter Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Who in

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 and other upcoming events (6:53) What a continuous improvement culture looks like (8:53) The commonality of having a hypothesis (11:53) The foundational skills to building a continuous improvement culture (13:34) Ron's horse and cart analogy (19:27) Why it's important to share this knowledge (23:41) What Jim thinks the future of continuous improvement looks like (28:09) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Lean Frontiers Jim on LinkedIn Lean Frontiers on LinkedIn KataCon10 TWI Summit Skills Lab Skillpoint for Job Instruction Skillpoint for Toyota Kata Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our

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 background (4:16) Failing faster (7:20) How we can encourage a culture of experimentation (11:21) Some personal examples (12:31) Getting people excited about lean (17:03) Advice for leaders (19:12) Why it is so difficult for leaders to create psychological safety (21:10) Measuring success (23:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Carlos on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you get people excited about lean?