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

This week's guest is Alex Judd. Ron and Alex listened to and discussed David Foster Wallace's famous commencement speech, "This Is Water." This is a very powerful episode that contains some great food for thought for the new year. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Why this commence speech is important (3:47) Alex's background (9:33) What is water? (10:16) The ability to think critically (13:39) The argument he is making (16:18) Why the believer and non-believer are actually similar (26:16) Being lost (35:14) The monotony of adult life (42:03) How NOT to think (44:22) Darkness and light (49:03) Why you get to decide how to see things (51:47) The power of education (58:54) Why there has to be truth (1:03:59) Life before death (1:09:41) Identifying your truth (1:13:15) Choosing wisely (1:16:19) Why truth demands submission (1:18:07) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 GA 446 | F

This week's guest is Julia Goldstein. Ron and Julia discussed the concept of circular economy, what sustainability looks like in a lean context, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Julia likes (2:28) Julia's background (3:29) How Julia heard about lean (5:02) The intersection of lean and sustainability (6:33) What "circular economy" means (7:37) Some examples (9:23) What sustainability communication means (12:07) The roadblocks people are facing in terms of improving using sustainability (15:40) Some practical tips (18:52) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Julia on LinkedIn Julia'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 else can sustainability and lean be used together?

This week's guest is Sabrina McCorvey. Ron and Sabrina discussed what it's like practicing lean in a pandemic, how she has used Gemba Academy, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that Sabrina likes (2:02) Her background (2:26) How she dealt with the pandemic (5:30) What problem she was trying to solve using Gemba Academy (9:33) Why they didn't meet any resistance (15:07) What a standard kaizen event looks like (16:36) Advice for those just getting started (20:46) Advice for the seasoned professional (22:44) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Sabrina 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 has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the way you practice lean?

This week's guest is Katie Anderson. Ron and Katie met up at the AME conference in Dallas to discuss what Katie's been up to as well as her book, Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. Katie also shed some light on her approach to lean, leadership, and learning.  An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  About Katie's book (1:55) Katie's background (3:54) The quote that Katie likes (4:43) What we should be doing as it relates to learning (5:24) The power of creating structure (8:36) Dealing with obstacles (11:06) Shifting what success looks like (16:34) What the next three to five years look like in the lean world (15:41) How lean will help companies navigate uncertain times (17:15) Her upcoming trip to Japan (19:41) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn Katie's Website Katie on LinkedIn GA 173 | How to Use A3 Thinking with Katie Anderson GA 242 | How to Lever

This week's guest is Jen Borden. Ron and Jen discussed transactional lean, what it entails, and how you can get started with it.  An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Jen's quote (1:43) Jen's background (2:27) About transactional process improvement (4:14) Jen's experience with it (6:04) Practical advice for getting started (8:51) The role 5S plays (10:25) How having multiple sites makes a difference (12:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Jen 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 have any experience with transactional lean?

This week's guests are Scott Laundry and Marc Bicknell. Ron, Scott, and Marc discussed all things kata, including being a good coach and how kata can be "evil." An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quotes that Scott and Marc like (2:34) Their backgrounds (3:10) Why kata can be good and "evil" (4:31) Their approach to coaching kata (8:53) How the target condition is formed (13:01) What's special about kata (16:33) The problem with the fishbone diagram (20:41) About personality tests (22:42) Advice for those new to kata (26:58) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Marc on LinkedIn Scott 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 does the power of kata lie for you?

This week's guest is Billy Taylor. We caught up with Billy at the recent AME conference in Dallas, where he and Ron discussed his book The Winning Link and the concept of governance. Billy also shared some powerful anecdotes we think you'll enjoy. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Billy likes (1:56) His background (2:41) What the transition was like (5:04) About his book The Winning Link (8:40) Deliberate clarity (10:44) Cultivating ownership (14:14) Executing winning (16:59) A story about driving change (18:41) The importance of governance (21:09) An anecdote about Jimmy Johnson and Troy Aikman (27:56) Why Billy wrote his book (29:04) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Billy on LinkedIn The Winning Link 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 Mike Thelen. Ron and Mike caught up at the recent AME conference in Dallas, where they discussed company culture, the role of docility, and why "firefighters" get promoted instead of leaders.  An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Mike (1:55) Mike's background (3:42) What it takes to change your company culture (8:13) Why it's so difficult (11:54) Breaking away from a culture of firefighting (15:40) The role of docility (29:02) Asking the right questions (30:41) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Mike 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 docility? What does it mean to be docile?

This week's guest is Gregory MacDougall. Gregory's interview is the first we're sharing from the recent AME Conference in Dallas. Gregory explained how he chooses keynote speakers, what his health journey has taught him, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Gregory (2:19) Gregory's background (3:48) The process of selecting keynote speakers (7:39) His health journey (11:55) How people react when they see him now (21:46) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Gregory 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 story about personal growth.

This week's guest is Trond Undheim. Ron and Trond discussed Trond's book Augmented Lean, and his thoughts on automation and technology. He and Ron also each shared their stance on social media and its effects on humanity. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Trond likes (2:37) Trond's background and what he's been up to (3:43) His background pertaining to lean (9:38) About Augmented Lean (12:32) His take on Toyota (17:47) Some examples (24:13) Doing things faster not better (32:32) His approach to automation (36:13) His opinion of the impact of social media on humanity (41:18) Ron's take on social media (44:44) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Augmented Lean Trond on LinkedIn What Do You Think? What's your take on social media? Is it harmful, beneficial, or both?

This week's guest is Alex Judd. Alex explained his growth-oriented approach to leadership and coaching, and even gave Ron some parenting advice. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Alex likes (3:31) Alex's background (8:05) The services they provide (10:41) What leadership means to Alex (11:41) An anecdote about "here" (16:36) What "there" means in the context of leadership (20:02) What to do when you don't know where to go (23:32) Alex's parenting advice (32:10) What good growth looks like (39:53) Dealing with people who have different energy (45:05) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Alex on LinkedIn Path for Growth What Do You Think?What does leadership mean to you?

This week's guest is Paul Stamper. Paul shared how lean has helped Ventura County improve its processes and how continuous improvement can bring positive change to government and service environments in general. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Paul (2:32) Paul's background (3:38) His favorite philosopher (8:39) About Ventura County's lean journey (9:17) The makeup of Ventura County (16:32) How Lean and Six Sigma have made it to the town level (17:08) Collaborating with other areas (19:26) An example (23:13) The pandemic response (28:38) Paul's advice (32:36) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off Paul on LinkedIn Paul on Twitter County of Ventura - Service Excellence What Do You Think? How else could lean be helpful in government?

This week's guest is Patrick Dippel. Ron and Patrick talked about volatility and how leaders and organizations everywhere can deal with uncertain times. Patrick also explained the merits of on-demand labor and how his website Veryable works. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quotes Patrick likes (3:58) His background (5:24) About his time at GE (7:54) What "volatility" means (10:55) Pat's thoughts on the "Great Resignation" (13:47) How to survive and thrive in volatile times (16:34) About on-demand labor and how Veryable works (18:35) What the operator experience is like on Veryable (23:26) The parallels between JIT and on-demand labor (26:52) Advice for those dealing with volatility and uncertainty (29:43) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off Patrick on LinkedIn Patrick's Blog Veryable Veryable on LinkedIn Veryable on YouTub

This week's guest is Jamie Dixon. Ron and Jamie talked all about the power of storytelling, and how it's done correctly. Jamie also specifically explained what the three ingredients of stories are.  An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Jamie likes (2:30) His background (3:34) His passion for storytelling (6:12) An example about a coffee company (8:59) The role that personality or temperament plays (16:50) Teaching someone storytelling (20:48) The "What's Your Evening Story?" challenge (24:50) The three ingredients of stories (29:30) Why truth matters (38:07) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off The Power of Habit Atomic Habits Jamie's Website Jamie on LinkedIn The Story Habit What Do You Think? Share an example of when storytelling proved to be a powerful tool.

This week's guest is Kurt Neubek. Kurt explained how lean is used in the Design and Construction industries, and the differences between virtual and in-person dynamics. He and Ron also discussed navigating biases. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Kurt likes (3:42) His background (5:20) How lean is applied in design and construction (9:14) Using it in the community (13:05) Virtual versus in-person work (27:06) Making decisions that stick (28:20) Dealing with bias (36:15) His advice for getting started (42:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off GA 228 | How to Apply Lean to Architecture and Engineering Kurt on LinkedIn What Do You Think? How would you go about getting decisions that stick?

This week's guest is Deondra Wardelle. Deondra, a keynote panelist at the upcoming AME Conference, talked to Ron about her consulting work and strategic visioning. They also discussed kata and the future of lean. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Deondra's favorite quote (3:08) Her background (3:52) About the upcoming AME Conference (8:26) The future of lean (13:44) About Deondra's journey (21:18) Her strategic visioning process (26:01) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off Deondra's Website What Do You Think? What are your thoughts on strategic visioning?

This week's guest is Tom Hughes. Ron and Tom discussed how culture and standards coexist in lean, and why it's so important to be candid. Tom also shared some great anecdotes and lean wisdom. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Tom likes (3:31) Tom's background and what he's up to these days (4:49) What Tom means by standards (8:43) Why "culture" and "standards" should go together (10:06) Being candid (11:16) A story about his first automotive job (19:30) The role of "heart" in lean (21:39) A story about Seating Matters (24:49) Why you can't buy a lean culture (28:30) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off Improvement Starts With I Improvement Starts With I on Audible (US) Improvement Starts With I on Audible (UK) GembaDocs Tom on LinkedIn Tom on YouTube What Do You Think?Describe a time when it was important to be candid.

  This week's guest is John Knotts. Ron and John talked all about data, how to approach it, and what tools John recommends. John also expanded on the concept of "being the rock."  An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  John's background (2:57) His favorite quote (3:55) The approach to data collection he recommends (5:50) The type of data John is looking for (13:30) Looking at trended data (14:59) Determining the type of data you're dealing with (17:13) How John handles outliers (20:05) The tools that stand out to John (23:28) What John doesn't teach (28:18) An anecdote from one of his LinkedIn posts (36:25) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off John on LinkedIn "Be the Rock" Post What Do You Think? What is your relationship to data like? How has it been beneficial?

This week's guest is Brent Weichers. Brent explained how his organization has made real changes to improve the lives of the employees. He also shared what he'll be presenting at this year's AME conference. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Brent likes (3:28) His background (6:23) Their approach with metrics and measurements (8:28) How they measure what's working (13:57) How they rolled out what they learned using pillars (15:10) What "winning" would look like (21:46) About heat mapping and Brent's breakout session at AME (26:54) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off Brent on LinkedIn What Do You Think? How do you use metrics to track your improvements and make decisions?

This week's guest is Steve Kane. Ron and Steve discussed the benefits and challenges of virtual training. Steve also explained the trends in virtual training he's observed recently. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote that inspires Steve (2:25) Steve's background (3:39) What virtual training means (5:02) The trends he's been seeing (6:31) How he's adapted to virtual training (10:58) What he's learned about the activities (13:53) Practical tips for virtual training (18:20) Where he sees virtual training going (24:59) What Gemba Academy offers (29:42) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 AME Conference - Use Promo Code Gemba15 for 15% off Steve on LinkedIn What Do You Think? What has your experience been with virtual training?