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

This week's guest is April Bell. Ron and April discussed how Jack Henry uses Toyota Kata, the power of making predictions, managing remote teams, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote April likes (3:17) Her background (4:45) About Jack Henry (6:46) Their continuous improvement journey (7:31) The concept of "first coach second coach" (11:29) What a learner is working on (14:30) Managing coaching sessions for a remote team (18:52) The change management side (20:12) Practical tips for getting started with scientific thinking/Toyota Kata (22:51) April's parting advice (31:26) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 April on LinkedIn GA 522 | Continuous Improvement at Jack Henry with April Bell 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? Do you use Toyota Kata a

This week's guest is Dhana Hanumayya. Ron and Dhana discussed how Dhana uses continuous improvement and quality controls at home, the cause and effect matrix, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Dhana likes (2:43) What Dhana is up to (4:54) What it's like having John Knotts as a coach (7:29) Using quality tools in her daily life (8:09) About the cause and effect matrix (18:08) The first thing Dhana tried (20:05) Advice for being successful using these tools (23:20) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Dhana 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? Do you use continuous improvement or quality controls at home?

This week's guest is Gregg Miner. Ron and Gregg discussed the difference between "doing" lean and "using" lean, how this applies to leaders, the true definition of lean, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Greg (2:23) His background (5:07) What it means to "do" lean (6:28) What lean is (8:54) Why people fall into the trap of "doing" lean (10:13) Why it's so important for leaders to know the difference (13:10) How to "use" lean (19:06) Why lean is more operationally focused (22:52) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Gregg on LinkedIn GA 416 | JELD-WEN's Lean Journey with Gregg Miner 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? In your opinion, what's the difference between "doing" lean and "using" lean?

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 (4:20) How he helps organizations turn things around (7:34) What his role was (13:56) Balancing financial restructuring with operation excellence (14:26) The role that lean can and can't play in turnarounds (18:07) What Alfonso has seen from leaders (20:32) What he would change about his career and what he's proud of (23:40) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Alfonso 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 witnessed or experienced an organization execute a turnaround? Descr

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 discovered he felt unfulfilled (9:27) What's contributing to this crisis (13:21) Encouraging others to tap into their purpose (16:58) Finding value and fulfillment (22:04) About his book The Art of Retreats (27:05) Embracing silence (29:50) Being kind to yourself (34:56) Being patient with the transformation (36:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Fabrice on LinkedIn The Art of Retreats Drive by Daniel Pink Fabrice's Website 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 find pur

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 (4:02) What Alen means by "flow" (6:46) The definition of Flow Efficiency and Resource Efficiency (9:24) A paint booth example (16:17) The key things that differentiate Flow Efficiency and Resource Efficiency (19:30) Advice for someone who is just getting started (26:09) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Alen on LinkedIn GA 067 | Lean Dentistry with Dr. Sami Bahri, DDS GA 521 | Celebrating Quick Wins with Alen Ganic 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? Which one should be prioritized, f

  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 Wheel of Sustainability (6:11) The intention behind the placement (11:39) Whether some are more important than others (12:36) How the Wheel of Sustainability plays into a rapid improvement event (15:20) Using improv during these events (17:10) The future of the lean and continuous improvement movement (27:37) Some upcoming conferences Adam will be speaking at (29:46) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Wheel of Sustainability PDF The Wheel of Sustainability on Amazon Adam's Past Gemba Academy Episodes Adam on LinkedIn Adam's Website Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great

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 digital transformation or "digitization" means (7:47) An anecdote about a decal manufacturer (11:31) Ron's thoughts on where to start (13:15) The three things to think about first (20:14) His parting thoughts (24:50) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Gemba Academy Live Events Ron on LinkedIn MetaExperts MetaPod 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 digitization look like to you?

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 (7:58) Adaptive Leadership (14:57) Facilitation (21:15) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 What Is Change Management? What Is a High-Performance Team? Getting Started with Adaptive Leadership  What Is Facilitation? 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? Which of these four leadership concepts resonates with you the most?

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 (14:07) Giving and receiving feedback (17:29) Chris's insights on how leadership is evolving (18:30) About tessellation and leadership behaviors (23:07) Why it makes companies more efficient (32:14) How Chris thinks liminal space and tessellation work together (34:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Chris's Website Because...Why?: Understanding Behavior in Exigencies S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling: Save the Relationship, Change the Behavior Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership Chris on LinkedIn Chris on X Chris on Facebook Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter

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 background (3:30) Why he wrote "Productivity Reimagined" (5:48) His angle on productivity (8:48) Some of the "ah-ha" moments (10:05) Tips for those who don't produce widgets (13:09) Jacob's advice (22:27) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jacob on LinkedIn Jacob's Website Pre-Order "Productivity Reimagined" on Amazon 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 productivity look like to you?

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) Whether or not she regrets the sacrifices she made (8:38) How she started thinking about life outside gymnastics (11:38) About the "high achievers success cycle" (16:05) Focusing on the process vs. the success cycle (20:42) Perseverance vs. discipline (26:33) About the "highs" (29:09) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Nina on LinkedIn Nina 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? Can you relate to the High Achievers Success Cycle?

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 up to these days (3:04) The early phases and building blocks (5:27) His experience with the Job Instruction component of TWI (6:06) Viewing 5S as more than just a chore (8:18) What Gary is most proud of (13:16) Practical tips for someone new to continuous improvement (15:29) When Gary first "saw the light" (17:11) Advice for when continuous improvement feels like a grind (18:16) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Northern Illinois Food Bank Gary 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

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?