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

This week we're celebrating our 600th episode. Our Director of Studios Greg Nickell asked Ron about the company's growth over the years, the challenges we've faced, what we hope the next generation will take away from our videos, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Ron's favorite quote (1:07) His background (1:32) How Gemba Academy began (3:24) The role of timing in Gemba Academy's success (7:30) Some of our early challenges (10:20) What our library looks like now (12:45) Our focus on helping people solve problems (14:36) An anecdocte about a particularly powerful transformation (16:30) Whether or not Ron practices continuous improvement at home (18:39) The famous dishwasher video (20:11) What Ron hopes the next generation will take from Gemba Academy (21:30) What Ron would tell his younger self (22:47) About the power of showing up (23:43) Ron's words of wisdom (24:55) Podcast Resources Right Click to

This week's guest is Melissa Sherman. Ron and Melissa discussed misconceptions about continuous improvement, navigating different personalities, the role coaching plays in change management, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Melissa (2:25) Her background (3:13) A misconception about continuous improvement (5:35) Lean being done "to" people (7:27) The role of communication (8:32) An anecdote about change management (11:58) How Melissa coaches different personalities (15:40) Dealing with "CAVE" people (17:01) The role of coaching in continuous improvement and change management (24:53) Melissa's take on AI (27:52) Her final words of wisdom (29:17) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Melissa on LinkedIn Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog post

This week's guest is Darren Walsh. Ron and Darren discussed some of the pitfalls he's seen in continuous improvement, the corresponding countermeasures, his book, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Darren likes (1:59) His background (2:48) Why he wrote his book (4:34) Some of the pitfalls he's seen and some countermeasures (6:01) Where to start (10:18) How Darren applies these principles (16:13) What "good" looks like to Darren (19:09) What to be mindful of (23:41) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Making Lean Work Darren on LinkedIn Darren'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? What does success in lean look like to you?

This week's guest is Robin Hills. Robin and Ron discussed emotional intelligence, unconscious bias, the importance of empathy and active listening, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Robin's quote (2:55) How Robin defines emotional intelligence (4:43) How it plays into righteous anger (7:03) Avoiding manipulative behavior (9:38) Robin's thoughts on unconscious bias (10:42) Practicing empathy (13:42) The importance of pausing after listening (14:50) How Robin practices this (17:38) The future of emotional intelligence (20:03) Robin's final words of wisdom (23:31) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 554 | Leveraging Emotional Intelligence Robin on LinkedIn Robin'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 practice empathy at work?

This week's guest is Grace Gavin. Ron and Grace discussed honesty in the workplace, how company hierarchies play a role, the importance of accountability, taking stock of your leadership, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Grace's favorite quote (2:42) The role of honesty in the workplace (3:31) How the structure of the company factors in (6:14) Developing a culture of authentic open communication (9:22) The primal reasons behind fear and anxiety (11:46) Barriers that can get in the way (16:46) How to communicate more effectively (19:02) The importance of accountability (21:17) Grace's advice for personal career growth (25:19) Taking stock of your leadership (28:16) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Grace on LinkedIn GA 551 | Knowing Honesty and Listening to Understand  Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses

This week's guest is Don Kieffer. Ron and Don discussed the concept of dynamic work design, their individual takes on AI, Don's book, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Don's quotes (2:13) His background (5:23) Why Don wrote his book (9:35) What a dynamic work design is (13:46) Don's process (16:34) Some example situations (18:45) What has surprised Don (22:10) Don's take on AI (24:59) Achieving the right balance using dynamic work design (30:02) How it compares to TWI (32:46) Don's final words of wisdom (34:22) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 There's Got to Be a Better Way The Most Underrated Skill in Management 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 dynamic work design before?

This week's guest is William C. Davis. Ron and William discussed some defining moments in William's impressive career, what leaders are doing wrong nowadays, dealing with tricky and uncomfortable situations, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quotes William likes (2:24) His background (3:25) Some of the common failures of modern leadership (8:51) William's take on the status quo (13:32) The most common failures in leadership (15:31) His outlook on the future (19:40) Some practical solutions (20:46) Dealing with difficult situations (25:52) His final words of wisdom (30:22) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 William'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? What are some other issues you've noticed in leadership today?

This week's guests are Dr. Lucas Chesla and Kirk Nicholas. Luke and Kirk shared how continuous improvement is used in the military, the book they wrote together, their thoughts on AI, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quotes Luke and Kirk like (3:55) Kirk's background (5:16) Luke's background (10:04) The inspiration for the book (14:34) About their enterprise model (21:35) All about the five pillars (26:41) Their thoughts on ChatGPT (30:49) How they respond to pressures for results (35:29) How they met (42:55) Luke and Kirk's final words of wisdom (43:57) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Luke on LinkedIn Kirk on LinkedIn Value Added 616 Revolutionize Work 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? Which of the five pillars resonates with

This week's guest is Dexter Chan. Ron and Dexter discussed handling resistance, other challenges he's faced, and why the "Aha!" moment makes all the effort worth it. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Dexter likes (2:18) His background (4:34) The key learnings he has taken from his diverse range of experiences (12:17) How he handles resistance (15:44) The "Aha!" moment (20:54) A challenge he's had to face (22:58) His advice for someone just getting started (25:32) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Dexter 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? Share a recent "Aha!" moment you either experienced or witnessed.

This week's guest is Brian Schreuder. Ron and Brian discussed Brian's company's lean journey, some of the challenges they've faced, what their material management looks like, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Brian likes (2:57) His background (3:58) The cultural side of things (9:35) Some of the challenges they've faced (13:15) What Brian has enjoyed the most (15:19) Time and patience (16:47) What their material management looks like (17:33) The financial impact they've seen (20:43) A favorite aspect of lean (22:58) His trip to Ireland (25:28) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Brian 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? Is your company on a lean journey? How is it going?

This week's guest is Nikhil Pal. Ron and Nikhil discussed the concept of the Smart Factory, the analytics involved, the effect technology has had on humanity, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Nikhil's quote (2:48) His background (3:50) What "Smart Factory" means (5:18) Continuously improving in a smart factory (6:54) What the analytics look like (8:20) The effect technology has on humanity (11:48) The key to managing the potential stress involved (15:06) Getting tools and lean fundamentals to work in harmony (16:58) The common pitfalls Nikhil has seen (18:33) A "favorite mistake" Nikhil has made (20:15) His final words of advice (22:54) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Nikhil on LinkedIn Process Masters 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 Do You Th

This week's guest is Justin Goethe. Ron and Justin discussed why people struggle to get on board with lean, the role traditional consulting can play, why "A Plan for Every Part" is important, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Justin likes (2:57) Why we're hesitant to take action (4:02) Justin's background (5:16) Who Justin would train first (12:13) Getting the finance community on board (14:10) Why people struggle with lean (17:03) The role a consultant can play (18:11) Justin's advice for where to start (23:42) Why "A Plan for Every Part" is important (25:38) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Justin on LinkedIn Allied Logistics 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 on board with lean?

This week's guest is Holly Plaga. Ron and Holly discussed why lean doesn't always take root, the mindset necessary for success, creating a sustainable lean culture, Holly's "favorite mistake," and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Holly likes (2:52) Her background (3:31) Why lean doesn't always take root (7:33) The mindset you need for lean to be successful (9:26) Tips for creating a sustainable culture (12:54) Holly's "favorite mistake" (14:50) Dealing with CAVE people (16:28) Her final words of wisdom (20:55) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Holly 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? Why else does lean and continuous improvement not stick?

This week's guest is John Knotts. Ron and John, a Senior Coach at Gemba Academy, discussed cultural alignment in continuous improvement, the key differences between the various Six Sigma belts, how continuous improvement leads to real savings, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote John likes (2:25) His background (3:32) Getting tangible results (6:58) How continuous improvement adds real financial value (10:15) The key differences between the Six Sigma belts (14:09) The importance of understanding different documents (17:33) About cultural alignment (20:52) Thinking beyond belts (23:43) John's parting thoughts (27:18) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 John 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 would you explain the difference between

This week's guests are Kirsten Gallagher and Adam Lawrence. Ron, Kirsten, and Adam discussed Kirsten and Adam's individual backgrounds, what it means to be a "kaizen ninja," how to handle reluctant participants, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quotes Kirsten and Adam like (2:30) Kirsten's background (3:26) Adam's background (6:17) What the "kaizen ninja" concept means (8:00) Their experiences with people reluctant to participate (10:14) Adam's anecdote about making a personal impact (20:01) What's unique about each of their styles (22:05) Their final words of wisdom (27:28) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Kirsten on LinkedIn Adam on LinkedIn Process Improvement Partners on LinkedIn Adam'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? What does

This week's guest is Philipp Schett. Ron and Philipp discussed OKRs, accountability, making structural changes, balancing transparency and autonomy, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quotes Philipp likes (2:02) What accountability looks like (6:52) About OKRs (10:23) How it could be beneficial in accountability (11:48) The structural changes they've made that have made an impact (17:58) Incorporating accountability whilst preventing surveillance culture (22:55) Balancing transparency and autonomy (28:35) Philipp's parting thoughts (31:22) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Philipp 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 ever used OKRs?

This week's guest is Mike Schoenberger. Ron and Mike discussed the concept of "Radical Love Leadership," improving the human connection at work, his company Sunco's values, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Mike likes (2:12) His background (2:44) Mike's work (4:25) What he means by "Radical Love" leadership (6:36) Their values and their culture (9:53) Improving the human connection (12:25) Advice for leaders who want to improve their organization (22:55) Whose job it is to form the company culture (25:48) Mike's final words of advice (28:36) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Mike on LinkedIn Mike's Website Sunco 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 else do we improve human connection in the workplace?

This week's guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed how Alen simplifies complicated topics, the powers of lean beyond manufacturing, dealing with "CAVE" people, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Alen likes (2:20) His background (3:15) How Alen explains complicated things (11:50) How he handles CAVE people (15:13) Why people come back (21:47) How lean is being applied beyond manufacturing (25:48) Alen's advice and final words of wisdom (29:35) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 521 | Celebrating Quick Wins GA 544 | Flow Efficiency vs. Resource Efficiency GA 566 | Managing With Your Eyes  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 some other misconceptions about lean?

This week's guest is Andy Crocker. Ron and Andy discussed Andy's book, "The Unconditionals," what it was like working on a project for NASA, the importance of stability, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Andy likes (3:18) His background (4:27) Competing for a NASA project (6:19) How he felt after it ended (10:08) The key takeaways (11:50) Living conditionally vs. unconditionally (13:50) What it means to "love" unconditionally (16:29) Comparing and contrasting unconditional values and leadership (21:54) The importance of stability (27:12) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 The Unconditionals Andy'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 "love" unconditionally in a work environment? What does that look like?

This week's guest is James Turk. Ron and James discussed James' book "The Giving Game," choosing between leadership styles, dealing with personality conflicts, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote James likes (2:37) His background (3:36) Why he wrote the book (6:59) The human side of leadership (8:11) Dealing with personality conflicts (15:55) Strategies for leadership instead of "command and control" (18:47) James's parting thoughts (27:02) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Drive by Daniel Pink The Giving Game by James Turk The Turk Group James 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 leadership style do you resonate with the most?