Lean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership

My guest for Episode #534 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Dale Lucht, co-author of the new book Don't Repeat Our Mistakes: Nine Lessons for Leaders Championing Cultural Transformations. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Dale has led Lean transformations in manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, and he brings decades of leadership experience shaped by mentors such as George Koenigsaecker and the Shingijutsu consultants. In our conversation, Dale reflects on what it takes for a senior leader to go beyond being a "sponsor" of Lean to becoming a true champion. He shares stories of learning by doing, coaching from mentors, and mistakes that became turning points. We talk about leadership habits such as visibility, simplicity, curiosity, and the shift from solving problems yourself to developing others as problem solvers. Dale also discusses how to sustain progress and avoid the common plateau many organizations hit after a few years of Lean practice. Dale and his co-authors, Peter Barnett and Morgan Jones, wrote Don't Repeat Our Mistakes not just to highlight what works, but also to candidly share lessons learned when things didn't go as planned. With proceeds from the book supporting the Michael J. Fox Foundation, it's both a professional guide and a personal legacy project. Whether you're a senior executive, a Lean coach, or someone working to influence leadership in your organization, this episode o Questions, Notes, and Highlights: Early Career & Lean Origins Leadership Lessons & Mistakes Cross-Industry Experience The Book: Don't Repeat Our Mistakes Practical Advice for Leaders This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

In this bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, Mark Graban is joined by William Harvey, AME 2025 Workshop Chair (and 2026 Conference Chair), to preview the AME Annual Conference coming up in St. Louis, October 6–9, 2025. Topics We Discuss ✅ Why AME is for all continuous improvement leaders—not just manufacturing ✅ The 2025 conference theme: Gateway to the Future – AI and Beyond ✅ How AME is blending AI and people integration into learning and networking ✅ Four key workshop tracks, including coaching, TWI, AI, and process excellence ✅ Mark’s own Deming Red Bead Game & Process Behavior Charts workshop Whether you’re in healthcare, services, or manufacturing, AME offers a unique chance to learn from practitioners, connect with peers, and gain new insights into operational and leadership excellence. 🔗 Links & Resources Conference details Workshop registration Special discount code for Lean Blog listeners: NP-MARKG25 We hope to see you in St. Louis!

My guest for Episode #533 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Cheryl Jekiel, founder of the Lean Leadership Center and a longtime advocate for aligning continuous improvement with people-centered leadership. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Cheryl is the author of Lean Human Resources, and her latest book, Let Go to Lead: Six Habits for Happier, More Independent Teams (with Less Stress and More Time for Yourself), offers a practical and deeply human approach to modern leadership. With a background in HR and operations, Cheryl has spent decades helping organizations shift from hierarchical control to empowering, team-driven excellence. In this episode, Cheryl shares her "Lean origin story," which began with a broken-down Ford and a transformative experience at Sweetheart Cup, where she witnessed firsthand how Lean thinking and redefined leadership roles could enhance both performance and the quality of work life. We discuss the importance of clarity in leadership--why vague directives like "take ownership" or "be proactive" often fail without behavioral specificity--and how shifting from being the problem-solver to being the coach can help leaders reduce stress and build truly independent teams. Cheryl also highlights how many organizations discuss empowerment but lack the necessary structures or shared understanding to actually enable it. "We keep saying 'empower people,' but most organizations haven't defined what that actually means." We also explore topics like vulnerability in leadership, the power of peer support communities, and how concepts like motivational interviewing--borrowed from healthcare and addiction counseling--can help leaders foster meaningful behavior change. Cheryl makes a compelling case for leadership as a practiced skill, not a fixed trait, and she encourages organizations to treat leadership development as an ongoing discipline. Whether you're an executive, HR leader, or improvement coach, this conversation offers actionable insight into how leaders can truly "let go to lead." Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #532 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Anne Frewin, a seasoned Lean leader with over 12 years of improvement experience in healthcare, laboratories, and manufacturing. Updated with the correct audio Episode page with video, transcript, and more Anne's background in finance and healthcare administration provided her with a unique entry point into Lean -- first supporting improvement efforts through data, and then stepping fully into the role of change agent. She shares the story of how a persistent mentor who always asked "why" helped her shift from just reporting metrics to developing problem-solving thinking and leading transformation efforts herself. In this conversation, Anne and I explore how Lean principles, such as respect for people, effective idea systems, and a problem-solving culture, manifest in real-world settings. She explains why she prioritizes coaching people to become relentless problem solvers and how systems like visual management and simple idea boards, when supported with good questions, can lead to safer, more efficient work. We also discuss how Lean applies differently (but effectively) across industries, the balance between improvement and documentation, and how to avoid siloed thinking when solving cross-functional challenges--especially in healthcare. "A strong idea system is the first real show of respect for people--it tells the frontline we value their insight and want them to own the solution." Anne also shares her perspective on Lean, Six Sigma, and Lean Six Sigma, offering a practical framework for how these approaches can coexist while serving different purposes. Throughout the episode, we reflect on systems thinking, psychological safety, and the importance of learning through experimentation. Whether you're in healthcare, manufacturing, or any people-centric industry, Anne's passion for leadership development and continuous improvement offers valuable insights. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #532 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Anne Frewin, a seasoned Lean leader with over 12 years of improvement experience in healthcare, laboratories, and manufacturing. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Anne's background in finance and healthcare administration provided her with a unique entry point into Lean -- first supporting improvement efforts through data, and then stepping fully into the role of change agent. She shares the story of how a persistent mentor who always asked "why" helped her shift from just reporting metrics to developing problem-solving thinking and leading transformation efforts herself. In this conversation, Anne and I explore how Lean principles, such as respect for people, effective idea systems, and a problem-solving culture, manifest in real-world settings. She explains why she prioritizes coaching people to become relentless problem solvers and how systems like visual management and simple idea boards, when supported with good questions, can lead to safer, more efficient work. We also discuss how Lean applies differently (but effectively) across industries, the balance between improvement and documentation, and how to avoid siloed thinking when solving cross-functional challenges--especially in healthcare. "A strong idea system is the first real show of respect for people--it tells the frontline we value their insight and want them to own the solution." Anne also shares her perspective on Lean, Six Sigma, and Lean Six Sigma, offering a practical framework for how these approaches can coexist while serving different purposes. Throughout the episode, we reflect on systems thinking, psychological safety, and the importance of learning through experimentation. Whether you're in healthcare, manufacturing, or any people-centric industry, Anne's passion for leadership development and continuous improvement offers valuable insights. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

In this bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, host Mark Graban welcomes back Patrick Adams, founder of the Lean Solutions team and author of Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap—a Shingo Publication Award-winning book. Patrick joins the show to preview the 2025 Lean Solutions Summit, taking place September 23–25 in Detroit, Michigan, at the Westin Detroit Airport. This year’s theme—“Catalysts of Tomorrow: Shaping Future Leaders”—focuses on equipping the next generation of Lean and continuous improvement professionals with the mindset, tools, and leadership capabilities needed to thrive. The summit will feature high-impact keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, and an all-new Executive Track designed specifically for senior leaders. Patrick and Mark discuss the keynotes from Lean legends and storytellers including Mike Rother, Tom Root of Zingerman’s, Stefan Thurner, and more. Other familiar faces in the Lean community—like Katie Anderson, Billy Taylor, and Tilo Schwarz—will return to lead breakout sessions and support the event’s popular Lean Excellence World Championship. This hands-on competition not only builds problem-solving skills but also supports a local Detroit nonprofit through real impact. Whether you're a seasoned leader or a student just beginning your Lean journey, the 2025 Lean Solutions Summit promises inspiration, actionable insights, and meaningful connections. 🌐 Learn more & register: findleansolutions.com/lean-solutions-summit

In this bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, host Mark Graban talks with Jared Thatcher, founder of the Global Lean Summit, to preview the upcoming event taking place September 23–25, 2025 in Bloomington, Indiana. Jared shares the Summit’s origin story—from a virtual event launched during COVID lockdowns to a high-impact in-person gathering that brings together Lean leaders, practitioners, and learners from a wide range of industries. This year’s Summit includes: ✅ A site visit and training day at Toyota Material Handling ✅ A new healthcare track, co-hosted with Indiana University’s medical school ✅ A foundational Kaizen facilitation workshop for hands-on learning ✅ Free in-person access for university students ✅ A 30-60-90 day virtual follow-up to help participants apply what they learned Notable speakers include Phil Wickler (GE Aerospace), Sam McPherson, Mohamed Saleh, Nick Katko, Hide Oba, and Mark Graban, among others. Whether you’re just starting your Lean journey or looking to deepen your capabilities, the Global Lean Summit is designed to foster meaningful connections, practical learning, and sustained improvement. 🌐 Learn more and register at GlobalLeanSummit.com 💡 Subscribe & catch new episodes at LeanCast.org

My guest for Episode #531 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Dr. Melisa Buie, a seasoned operations and engineering leader with decades of experience in high-tech manufacturing. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Melisa has held senior roles at companies like Lam Research, Applied Materials, and Coherent, where she led large-scale Lean transformations and helped drive cultural change across global operations. With a PhD in nuclear engineering and plasma physics, Melisa brings a rare combination of technical depth and people-centered leadership to her work. In this episode, we explore Melisa’s Lean journey — from her early days in Six Sigma to becoming a global Lean leader at Coherent. She shares how her perspective shifted from project-based improvement to empowering teams with daily problem-solving skills. Melisa discusses the critical role of psychological safety in building a continuous improvement culture, and how giving people "permission to improve" must be backed by leadership behavior and support. We also touch on the challenges of applying Lean principles in complex, low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments and why principles still matter more than tools. We also discuss Melisa’s book Problem Solving for New Engineers, written to bridge the gap between academic preparation and the real-world challenges engineers face in industry. She previews her upcoming book, Faceplant: Free Yourself from Failure’s Funk, which tackles the emotional side of failure and how we can grow through it. Whether you're a Lean leader, a coach, or an engineer just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights on leadership, learning, and making improvement accessible for everyone. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #531 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Dr. Melisa Buie, a seasoned operations and engineering leader with decades of experience in high-tech manufacturing. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Melisa has held senior roles at companies like Lam Research, Applied Materials, and Coherent, where she led large-scale Lean transformations and helped drive cultural change across global operations. With a PhD in nuclear engineering and plasma physics, Melisa brings a rare combination of technical depth and people-centered leadership to her work. In this episode, we explore Melisa’s Lean journey — from her early days in Six Sigma to becoming a global Lean leader at Coherent. She shares how her perspective shifted from project-based improvement to empowering teams with daily problem-solving skills. Melisa discusses the critical role of psychological safety in building a continuous improvement culture, and how giving people "permission to improve" must be backed by leadership behavior and support. We also touch on the challenges of applying Lean principles in complex, low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments and why principles still matter more than tools. We also discuss Melisa’s book Problem Solving for New Engineers, written to bridge the gap between academic preparation and the real-world challenges engineers face in industry. She previews her upcoming book, Faceplant: Free Yourself from Failure’s Funk, which tackles the emotional side of failure and how we can grow through it. Whether you're a Lean leader, a coach, or an engineer just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights on leadership, learning, and making improvement accessible for everyone. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #530 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Ken Segel, Co-Founder and Chief Relationship Officer at Value Capture. Episode page with video and more With over two decades of experience in healthcare improvement, Ken has been instrumental in guiding Value Capture's mission: helping healthcare organizations pursue habitual excellence by applying principles of safety, transparency, and systems thinking. In this episode, Ken shares lessons drawn from his unique and non-traditional journey--from public policy work in Washington, D.C. to transformative partnerships with industry icon Paul O'Neill and the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative. Ken and I explore why world-class safety, quality, and financial performance can and must co-exist, and how starting with safety unlocks powerful learning across any organization. He reflects on how Paul O'Neill inspired leaders to set seemingly audacious goals like "zero harm"--not to punish failure, but to align people around shared purpose and continuous improvement. We also discuss the importance of creating a comprehensive operating system, one that fully integrates work systems, management systems, and improvement systems--not just Lean tools or events in isolation. Listeners will learn why Ken believes deeply in the Shingo Principles, and why Value Capture remains the only Shingo Affiliate firm dedicated exclusively to healthcare. He also talks about the recent leadership transition at Value Capture, passing the CEO baton to longtime colleague Shanna Padgett. Whether you're a Lean healthcare leader or someone passionate about values-based leadership, this conversation offers rich insights into guiding with purpose, learning from failure, and building systems that support excellence for all. Ken previously appeared on My Favorite Mistake (Episode 147), where he shared a powerful story about early-career lessons in leadership and systems thinking that helped shape his path into healthcare improvement. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #529 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Scott Gauvin, CEO of Macresco and co-creator of the Respect for People Roadmap. Episode page with video, transcript, and more With 30 years of experience leading operational transformations across sectors including biotech, pharma, agriculture, and manufacturing, Scott brings both a systems mindset and a people-first philosophy to his work. His journey into Lean began with frustration over leadership that blamed people rather than fixing systems—sparking a personal quest to better integrate continuous improvement with what he calls the “practice” of respect for people. In this episode, Scott shares the evolution of his thinking and how it culminated in the Respect for People Roadmap, a structured learning experience designed to operationalize cultural change through nine actionable behaviors. We explore the difference between “respecting people” as an individual action and “respect for people” as a system-level design principle. Scott also challenges the common notion that respect must be earned, arguing instead that every human being is inherently worthy of it—an idea rooted in his research on Confucian influences within Toyota’s founding culture. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone struggling to move beyond Lean tools and truly build a culture of continuous improvement grounded in human dignity. We also touch on how these ideas align with the Shingo Model, why so many transformations fail to stick, and how organizations can design systems that scale respect—without waiting for permission from the top. Check the links below to learn more and access Scott’s free “test drive” version of the Roadmap. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #528 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Mark Reich, a Senior Lean Coach with the Lean Enterprise Institute and former Toyota leader with over two decades of experience. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Mark spent six years working in Japan, including helping launch the Lexus brand and later leading Hoshin Kanri strategy processes during Toyota's rapid growth in North America. He also played a pivotal role at the Toyota Supplier Support Center (TSSC), helping bring the Toyota Production System to manufacturing, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. In our conversation, we dive into his career journey, his approach to Lean leadership, and the practical lessons behind his new book, Managing on Purpose: Using Hoshin Kanri to Develop Strategy, Align Teams, Grow Leaders, and Innovate Your Enterprise. You can get a 25% discount on the book via LEI using the code LBIPODCAST25. Mark shares compelling stories from his early days at Toyota, including working on the front lines of assembly, learning by doing, and his first experience pulling the andon cord. These moments shaped his appreciation for Toyota's deep respect for frontline work and its commitment to developing people. He reflects on how Toyota embeds learning and support into problem solving, where pulling the cord is seen as a learning opportunity, not a failure. That mindset became foundational for his later work, especially when managing enterprise-wide strategy through Hoshin Kanri. We also explore what Hoshin Kanri really is--and what it isn't. Mark challenges the overemphasis on tools like the X-matrix and instead advocates for focusing on purpose, alignment, and leadership behavior. He explains how strategy deployment at Toyota was never a one-way cascade, but a dialogue grounded in humility, curiosity, and shared responsibility. Whether you're new to Hoshin or struggling to sustain it, Mark offers insights that can help any leader make strategy a living, breathing part of organizational culture. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #527 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Dave Fitzpatrick, co-founder of Zenkai Improvement Partners and a 30-year resident of Japan. Dave brings a unique perspective as a Canadian Lean practitioner who has worked extensively in both manufacturing and healthcare, guiding international leaders on immersive study experiences throughout Japan. Episode page with video, transcript, and more In this episode, Dave and I share details about a new collaboration we're leading together--the Lean Healthcare Accelerator Experience. This is a jointly developed series of immersive visits to high-performing organizations in Japan, designed specifically for healthcare executives who want to see Lean principles in action across both hospitals and manufacturing settings. We talk about why we're creating this experience, what makes it unique, and how cultural context, leadership behaviors, and intentional long-term commitments drive sustainable improvement--not because it's "just Japan," but because of the systems and mindsets these organizations have cultivated. Dave shares his personal Lean journey, including how he transitioned from working in aeronautics to leading study tours for visiting professionals. He reflects on the differences between Japanese and Western companies when it comes to employee engagement, psychological safety, and respect for people. We also preview the first Accelerator trip taking place in June 2025 and discuss what makes these experiences so valuable and transformational for participants. Whether you're in healthcare or another industry, this conversation is packed with insights about creating a culture of continuous improvement--and how a visit to Japan can accelerate your learning. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #526 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Bill Canady, a seasoned global business executive, U.S. Navy veteran, and current CEO of Arrowhead Engineered Products. Bill has led over 30 operating companies and thousands of employees across the industrial and consumer products landscape. Formerly CEO of OTC Industrial Technologies, he helped drive impressive growth-boosting revenues by 43% and earnings by 78%. Bill is also the author of The 80/20 CEO and the upcoming From Panic to Profit, and he's a vocal advocate for using Lean and the 80/20 principle as complementary tools for transformation. Join Bill for a live Q&A webinar on April 23rd via KaiNexus! We discuss Bill’s personal Lean journey, which began with Six Sigma and evolved into a deep appreciation for the power of Lean and continuous improvement. He shares how daily management, Kaizen events, and a focus on flow became core to his leadership toolkit—not just on the shop floor but also across the “carpeted” functions like order-to-cash and sales. As CEO, Bill doesn’t just support Lean; he expects it. He talks candidly about making continuous improvement a condition of employment, not through fear, but by creating a culture where people feel safe, engaged, and energized by problem-solving. You’ll hear Bill’s insights on applying Lean as a strategic enabler for profitable growth—not just a cost-cutting tool. He explains how the 80/20 principle helps companies focus their improvement energy on what really matters and how Lean helps teams sustain those improvements. He also shares real-world lessons on leadership, cultural alignment, and navigating resistance to change—especially among those clinging to old firefighting habits. Whether you’re a Lean practitioner, an executive, or someone aspiring to lead, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. Bill offers a compelling blueprint for how to lead with humility, clarity, and purpose—using Lean and the 80/20 mindset to build resilient, high-performing organizations. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #525 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Christopher R. Chapman. He's an experienced agile coach and consultant with a background in software development and agile transformation. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Since founding Derailleur Consulting in 2010, he has guided teams and leaders in adopting agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban while integrating applied systems thinking inspired by Deming and other thought leaders. Christopher is also known for cultivating communities through initiatives such as #SystemsThinkingTO and for sharing his insights in his popular Substack newsletter, The Digestible Deming. In this episode, Chris and I discussed our upcoming collaborative workshops--"From Noise to Knowledge, Executive Leadership Through Data Driven Insight"--scheduled for May 13 in TorontoJune 17 in Cincinnati We highlighted how the sessions will blend experiential learning, such as the Red Bead Experiment, with practical tools like process behavior charts to help leaders decode variation and improve decision-making. The conversation emphasized the Deming philosophy as a core framework, exploring how leadership behaviors and systemic practices directly impact team performance and overall organizational quality. We also noted the engaging social aspect of the workshops, mentioning optional outings to local MLB baseball games as an opportunity for continued dialogue. The discussion then shifted to our personal journeys with continuous improvement, agile methodologies, and the evolution of leadership roles. Chris shared insights from his transition from software development to coaching senior management, focusing on moving beyond traditional, isolated team interventions toward a holistic, systems-oriented approach. We both underlined the need for leadership to embrace a mindset shift--recognizing that issues within teams often reflect broader organizational constraints. We also debated common pitfalls, such as misinterpreting data due to superficial analyses, and argued for using robust, statistical tools to establish meaningful insights, setting the stage for transformative change in management practices. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #524 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is John Willis, an accomplished IT management expert with over 45 years of experience. His extensive body of work includes contributions to Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge and co-authoring The DevOps Handbook. See video, transcript, and more Hosts a podcast that I was recently on, "Profound." John focuses his current research on DevOps, DevSecOps, IT risk, modern governance, and audit compliance. Over the course of his career, he has sold companies to Docker and Dell, and he played a foundational role at Opscode (now Chef). In addition, John founded Gulf Breeze Software, an award-winning IBM business partner recognized for its successful deployment of Tivoli technology for enterprise clients. He has authored six IBM Redbooks on enterprise systems management and served as the founder and chief architect of Chain Bridge Systems. Altogether, John has written more than 11 books and launched over 10 startups, cementing his reputation as a significant innovator in the IT industry. In this episode, the discussion navigates the intersection of lean principles, agile methodologies, and Deming's philosophies as they apply to modern IT and operations. John delves into how systems thinking, profound knowledge, and psychological safety underpin effective incident management and cybersecurity practices. The conversation explores practical challenges and the proactive strategies necessary for integrating legacy improvement methods with today's cloud innovations and infrastructure as code. Throughout the episode, John examines the real-world application of these timeless principles, offering listeners actionable insights into continuous improvement and risk management. He highlights the importance of questioning established norms and embracing complexity to drive operational excellence, providing a compelling roadmap for navigating the evolving digital landscape. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #523 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Mike Eisenberg. He's been a filmmaker since 2010 with his production company, Tall Tale Productions, after completing his B.A. in Journalism at Marietta College in Ohio. Episode page with video, transcript, and more Mike’s father, Dr. John Eisenberg, was a leader in national patient safety efforts as the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) until his passing in 2002. His legacy is prevalent throughout Mike’s presentation, as well as his approach. His new documentary, released last September, is titled “The Pitch: Patient Safety's Next Generation.” He previously joined us in Episode #329, where we discussed his film "To Err is Human." In 2006, Mike was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the MLB Draft and played 3 seasons of professional baseball before beginning his filmmaking career. He now speaks at hospitals, universities, and conferences, where his insight provides a new perspective on a problem that persists across the globe. In today's episode, we explore the evolution of patient safety and the transformative role of technology in healthcare. The conversation dives into how innovations—from advanced command centers to cutting-edge virtual reality and AI applications—are redefining how hospitals prevent and respond to medical errors. The discussion challenges the conventional blame-and-shame approach and instead highlights the importance of building systems that foster trust and resilience among healthcare professionals and patients alike. We also examine the nuances of integrating technology into complex healthcare environments, discussing how effective communication, standardized protocols, and smart design can work together to minimize human error. Drawing insightful parallels with industries like aviation, the episode offers a fresh perspective on the critical need for systemic improvements and the potential for new technological solutions to drive the next generation of patient safety. Questions, Notes, and Highlights: This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

Episode page with video, transcript, and more My guest for Episode #522 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Jacquie Maupin. She joins the podcast to discuss her upcoming workshop at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference (HSPI) hosted by the Society for Health Systems. She and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd from HCA Healthcare, will lead a session titled "From Analysis to Action: Bridging the Gap with Effective Presentations" on February 19. This interactive workshop is designed to help attendees sharpen their communication skills, structure data-driven narratives, and effectively engage executives and stakeholders. Whether you're attending this year or considering next year's event, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of Lean, process improvement, and communication. In this episode, we discuss how journalism and communication skills can enhance Lean and process improvement efforts. Jacquie shares how her background in journalism and military leadership shaped her approach to problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling in the world of healthcare improvement. We explore the parallels between investigative reporting and Lean methodology—how asking the right questions, structuring information effectively, and communicating insights clearly can drive meaningful change. We also dive into Jacquie's upcoming workshop, where she and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd, will guide attendees through strategies for tailoring presentations to different audiences, crafting compelling data-driven narratives, and influencing decision-making. Whether you're attending this year or looking for ways to elevate your communication skills in process improvement, this episode is packed with valuable lessons. Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

Welcome to this bonus session of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast, originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live event! In this conversation, I partnered with Rebecca Michalik from AME Australia to discuss my upcoming workshops in Australia and New Zealand in March 2025. Episode page with video, transcript, and more We’ll dive into key themes like psychological safety as a foundation for continuous improvement and how to make smarter use of performance metrics through process behavior charts. Even if you’re outside Australia or New Zealand, the principles and practical examples we discuss have universal applications for leaders and organizations worldwide. If you're interested in learning more about the workshops, click here. Key Questions: The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more. This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

My guest for Episode #521 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is José R. Ferro, PhD, a Senior Advisor with the Lean Enterprise Institute and the Founder and President, Lean Institute Brasil. Episode page with video, transcript, and more By founding Lean Institute Brasil in 1999 to disseminate the principles and practices of lean thinking to Brazilian companies, Ferro helped catalyze a global movement to establish lean institutes in other countries, which ultimately grew into the Lean Global Network, chartered in 2007. In the late eighties, he was a visiting scholar in MIT’s International Motor Vehicle Research Program (IMVP), which introduced the term “lean” to describe Toyota’s revolutionary management system. Ferro received PhD and master’s degrees in business administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation, and production engineering from the University of São Paulo in São Carlos. His new book, Daily Management to Execute Strategy: Solving problems and developing people every day, is available now. In today's episode, José will share practical insights on how to integrate daily management with strategy, the critical role of psychological safety in fostering problem-solving and improvement, and lessons learned from decades of leadership and Lean practice. So, stay tuned for an engaging conversation about Lean, leadership, and creating cultures that thrive on continuous learning and improvement! Questions, Notes, and Highlights: The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more. This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.