The Lean Solutions Podcast
This podcast offers business solutions to help listeners develop and implement action plans for lean process improvement and implement continuous improvement projects, cost reductions, product quality enhancements, and process effectiveness improvement. Listeners come from many industries in both manufacturing and office applications.
Episodes
Improve First, Automate Second
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams and Catherine McDonald are joined by David Norris to explore why organizations should improve their processes before automating them. They discuss how jumping too quickly into automation or AI can result in organizations simply automating existing waste and complexity.David shares how leaders can understand the current state
Stop Managing Lean. Start Growing People.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Andy Olrich and Catherine McDonald are joined by Lean culture coach Edwin Proper to explore why organizations need to stop managing Lean and start growing people. They discuss how lasting Lean cultures are built through small, consistent leadership habits rather than tools or one-time improvement initiatives.Edwin shares practical ways le
How Leadership Behavior Impacts Execution
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams and Shayne Daughenbaugh are joined by returning guest Olaf Boettger to explore how continuous improvement and daily management apply beyond traditional operations, including sales, commercial teams, innovation, and product development.They discuss why effective daily management requires the courage to identify problems inste
Why Smart Leaders Do Stupid Things
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Shayne Daughenbaugh is joined by Michael Krumpak, executive coach, leadership advisor, and author of Why Smart Leaders Do Stupid Things, to explore why even experienced, well-intentioned leaders sometimes make poor decisions. They discuss how pressure, stress, and blind spots can disconnect a leader's intentions from their actions—and why
Before You Invest: The AI Readiness Check
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Catherine McDonald is joined by Dajana Achelpohl to explore the AI readiness gap. The difference between simply giving people access to AI and actually creating meaningful business value from it. They discuss why organizations can invest in AI tools, licenses, and pilot programs yet still struggle to see measurable results or sustained ad
Culture Is the Hidden Process
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Catherine McDonald is joined by Stephanie Angelo to explore why culture is the hidden process behind organizational performance. They discuss how organizations can improve processes all day long, but without a culture that supports trust, accountability, and engagement, those improvements are unlikely to stick.Stephanie explains why compa
Why Your Kata Isn’t Sticking
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich are joined by Dr. William Harvey to explore one of the biggest challenges in continuous improvement: sustainment. Together, they discuss why organizations can be great at launching improvement initiatives but struggle to maintain momentum and achieve lasting results.William identifies three fundamental condit
Behavior Profiles and Kata in the Workplace
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Natalie Howden is joined by Cindy Darnell, Steve Burgett, and Jordan Kimball for a preview of their sessions at the Lean Solutions Global Summit. Together, they explore how organizations can design better processes, reduce ambiguity, strengthen communication, and develop people through continuous improvement.
Why Batching is Slowing Your Team Down
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Shayne Daughenbaugh and Andy Olrich welcome James Martin to explore why batching often feels more efficient, but can actually hurt the flow of an entire organization. James shares real-world examples of reducing batch sizes and moving toward flow, including a transformation that reduced processing time from 1
People + Innovation: A Pre-Summit Series
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams is joined by Rebecca Moyers, Director of Operational Excellence for the State of Missouri, for a preview of her session at the Lean Solutions Summit, The Feedback Advantage. Rebecca shares how the State of Missouri is using employee and customer feedback to guide process improvement, strengthen experiences, and focus limited
People + Innovation: A Pre-Summit Series
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams is joined by Paul Doyle and Shawna Hondorp for a preview of their sessions at the Lean Solutions Summit. Together, they explore two critical topics shaping today's organizations: developing leaders through intentional systems and using AI to strengthen talent acquisition without losing the human connection.The conversation d
How to Find the Real Root Cause
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Shayne Daughenbaugh sits down with Seamus Maguire to explore one of the biggest reasons problem-solving fails, even in organizations with experienced people and proven Lean tools. Drawing from his new book, Finding Fact Before Fixing, Seamus explains how cognitive biases, assumptions, and the pressure to find quick answers often lead team
People + Innovation: A Pre-Summit Series
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams is joined by Brett Lesiewicz, Judd VanBergen, and Phil Ranck for a preview of their sessions at the 2026 Lean Solutions Summit. Together, they explore how stronger relationships, proactive planning, and better communication help organizations succeed in uncertain environments.The conversation highlights how Lean tools like t
Lead With Your Eyes
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Andy Olrich and Catherine McDonald sit down with Andrew Kettner to discuss why one of the most overlooked leadership skills, eye contact, can have a profound impact on trust, communication, and continuous improvement.Andrew explains how effective leaders must look beyond reports, dashboards, and data by practicing Lean's "go and see" mind
People + Innovation: A Pre-Summit Series
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams sits down with John Dyer to explore the thinking behind the Lean Excellence World Championship and why it has become one of the most engaging learning experiences at the Lean Solutions Summit.The conversation dives into how the competition gives participants and observers the opportunity to see Lean in action. From process m
Leading with MORE
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Catherine McDonald sits down with Kathy Miller to explore why successful transformations are driven by people, not just processes.You'll learn how trust, meaningful work, optimism, and strong relationships create lasting cultural change, why consistency is essential for leaders, and how simple daily leadershi
SIPOC: start improvement right
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Catherine McDonald and Shayne Daughenbaugh welcome Michael Parent to discuss SIPOC, one of the most effective tools for understanding and improving business processes. Michael explains how SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) helps teams define process boundaries, identify stakeholders, and maintain focus on delivering c
The First 90 Days of Lean: What Actually Matters (Part 1)
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Spotlight Episode!!As we continue revisiting some of the conversations that sparked meaningful discussions, we’re bringing back this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast with Patrick Adams and Shayne Daughenbaugh.In this conversation, Patrick and Shayne explore what new leaders should focus on when stepping into a Lean journey. Instead of jumping straigh
SOPs That Don't Collect Dust
What You'll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Catherine McDonald and Shayne Daughenbaugh discuss the practical realities of capturing, creating, and deploying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in fast-growing organizations. Drawing from Shayne’s experience leading SOP standardization across multiple locations, they explore how businesses can create consistency while maintaining a
Leadership That Lasts: Respect, Stability, and the Human Side of Excellence
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this special Lean Solutions Summit episode, Patrick Adams sits down with keynote speakers Richard Sheridan, Joe Dyer, and Jason Schroeder to discuss the summit theme: Better Together: People Plus Innovation.The conversation explores the growing role of AI, automation, and technology in today's organizations while emphasizing that sustainable success st
From Action Plans to Experiments
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams welcomes back Beth Carrington to explore the difference between simply executing action plans and developing true scientific thinking through Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata.Beth shares her journey from the automotive industry into Lean transformation work and explains how discovering Toyota Kata fundamentally changed her
The Wheel of Sustainability Explained
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Andy Olrich sits down with returning guest Adam Lawrence to explore why so many improvement efforts fail to stick and what leaders can do to create lasting, sustainable change.Adam shares the origin story behind his “Wheel of Sustainability” framework and explains why sustainability is ultimately a leadership process, not just a technical
Unlocking Potential on the Frontline
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Shayne Daughenbaugh and Catherine McDonald sit down with leadership strategist and Army veteran Jonathan Pride to explore the SOAR mindset. A leadership framework built around storytelling, ownership, abundance, and resilience.Jonathan shares how leaders can move beyond compliance-driven management and develop teams through coaching, curi
Hidden Costs are Killing Margins
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams, Catherine McDonald, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and Andy Olrich unpack the hidden costs that quietly erode margins, and why most organizations don’t see them coming.You’ll learn how these costs often live outside traditional financial statements, showing up instead as rework, inefficiencies, poor handoffs, and constant interruptio
Gemba for Beginners: Why Leaders Need to Go See the Work
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams and Shayne Daughenbaugh break down the true meaning of GEMBA and why it’s a foundational practice in Lean leadership.You’ll learn how going to the “real place” helps leaders move beyond assumptions and understand what’s actually happening in their processes. The conversation highlights why many leaders avoid the gemba. Often
Better Behaviors, Better Outcomes: How Leaders Drive Change
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Patrick Adams sits down with Cindy Darnell to explore how behavioral assessments like DISC can transform leadership, communication, and team performance.You’ll learn how understanding personality styles helps leaders adapt their communication, reduce conflict, and build stronger relationships across teams. Cindy shares practical examples
The 10-Minute Improvement
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Catherine McDonald and Shayne Daughenbaugh explore the power of small, everyday improvements. What they call the “10-minute improvement.”Instead of focusing only on large-scale Lean projects, they break down how organizations can unlock hidden opportunities by addressing small frustrations, workarounds, and communication gaps that often g
Smart Steps in Industry 4.0 (Part 2)
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Andy Olrich, Patrick Adams, and guest John Broadbent dive into the real starting point of Industry 4.0—shifting from “proof of concept” to “proof of value.”You’ll learn why simply collecting machine data isn’t enough, and how to tie that data directly to financial outcomes that matter to leadership. The conversation breaks down practical
Smart Steps in Industry 4.0 (Part 1)
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode, Andy Olrich, Patrick Adams, and guest John Broadbent break down what Industry 4.0 really means, and why it’s not as complex or expensive as many think.You’ll learn how to start small, connect existing systems, and use data more effectively to improve operations. The conversation highlights why Industry 4.0 is about integration, not techno
Stop Selling Lean: Start Solving Problems
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Andy Olrich and Catherine McDonald break down one of the biggest reasons Lean fails in organizations, and how it has nothing to do with the tools.Most companies try to “sell Lean” as a program or initiative, which immediately creates resistance. Employees see it as something being done to them instead of for
How to Accelerate Your Business Transformation
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Patrick Adams and Shayne Daughenbaugh sit down with Lean expert Darren Walsh to uncover why most Lean transformations stall, and what leaders must do to accelerate real business transformation.With more than 25 years of experience working with world-class organizations, Darren explains why many companies stru
The Future of Lean: Strategy, AI, and People
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, hosts Patrick Adams and Shayne Daughenbaugh are joined by Marco Dannerhill to explore how Lean thinking must evolve in today’s fast-changing business environment. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the plastics industry, Marco shares how Lean has shifted from focusing on localized process imp
Making Lean Stick: It Starts with Leadership
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, hosts Patrick Adams, Andy Olrich, and guest Steve Riley discuss the importance of leadership behaviors in maintaining Lean initiatives. They highlight how unintentional actions, such as not picking up trash or not following standard work, can undermine Lean efforts. Steve Riley, a manufacturing operations lea
The First 90 Days of Lean: What Actually Matters (Part 2)
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this second part episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Patrick Adams and Shane Daughenbaugh discuss the initial steps for a new leader implementing Lean principles. They emphasize understanding the current state through one-on-one interviews and Jeff Liker's leadership development model, which includes personal development, coaching others, daily Kaiz
The First 90 Days of Lean: What Actually Matters (Part 1)
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Patrick Adams and Shane Daughenbaugh explore what the first 90 days should look like after discovering Lean or stepping into a new organization. Once someone understands the principles of continuous improvement, what should they actually do first? They discuss how your approach must shift depending on your le
Going from Strategy to Starting
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Andy Olrich and Catherine McDonald explore what happens after the strategy day is over. Once goals are set, how do organizations move from planning to real execution? They highlight the challenges of managing too many goals and the necessity of engaging teams in the strategy process. They unpack why teams oft
Opportunities to Coach at Work
What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeIn this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald and Shayne Daughenbaugh discuss what coaching in the workplace really means. Why it’s far more than a buzzword. The conversation breaks down the difference between coaching, training, and mentoring, and explains how coaching serves as a powerful leadership approach for developing people, building trust, and sustain
Why the Best Leaders Ask Better Questions: Part 2
What You’ll Learn: The second half dives deeper into the people side of continuous improvement. Dave explains how Nemawashi and intentional conversations help build alignment, trust, and momentum. Listeners learn why asking thoughtful questions—like “who else should we talk to?”—can naturally expand buy-in and lead to better decisions. The episode wraps with reflections on leadership, lea
Why the Best Leaders Ask Better Questions
What You'll Learn: In the first half of the episode, the conversation focuses on the foundations of effective change and project success. Dave shares insights on the importance of executive support, strong project management, and understanding the real problems teams are trying to solve. The discussion highlights why improvement efforts often stall and how leaders can create clarity by en
Goal Setting That Sticks: Lean Your Way to Success in 2026
The Lean Solutions Podcast hosts start off season 5 by addressing a common challenge: setting goals is easy, but making them stick is not. They emphasize that meaningful goal setting requires clarity, alignment, and intention, warning that vague goals and misaligned priorities often lead teams off track. From the start, they frame goals as something that must connect directly to daily wor
Four Habits Every Leader Needs to Bring Into 2026
What You’ll Learn:Join the Lean Solutions Podcast hosts as they discuss the importance of reflection and goal-setting for 2026. They shared personal reflections on habits, such as overcooking presentations and non-use of talent, and the significance of being grounded and customer-focused. The team also discussed the eight wastes of lean to identify and improve personal habits.Links:Lean S
Why Leaders Need Standard Work at Every Level
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams interviews Natalie Howden, a new team member at Lean Solutions, about her career journey and the importance of standard work in Lean environments. Natalie shares her background in pharmaceuticals, lithium-ion, and office furniture, highlighting her transition from a scientist to a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. She emphasizes the value of
Change Wars: Stop Fighting Resistance
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald and guest Kelly Mallery discuss the importance of understanding and managing resistance to change in the workplace. They emphasize that resistance is a natural human reaction rooted in fear and that fighting it can be counterproductive, leading to eroded trust and failed change initiatives.About the Guest:Kelly Mallery has built h
Positive Leadership: The Foundation of Continuous Improvement
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Catherine McDonald, and guest Wendy Sellers discuss positive leadership. They define positive leadership as focusing on strengths, optimism, and psychological safety, which fosters continuous improvement through ongoing learning and experimentation. They emphasize the importance of accountability, high standards, and clear company valu
Play as a Tool for Continuous Improvement
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Shayne Daughenbaug, and guest Alex Suchman discuss how play can serve as a powerful tool for continuous improvement and stronger team performance. They highlight how workplace disagreement often stems from interpersonal dynamics and different communication styles. They also emphasize that play can foster trust, accountability, and psyc
Spotlight Episode: People First - The Soft Skills Advantage
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich discuss the importance of soft skills in leadership, emphasizing empathy, communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.About the Guest:Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Im
Spotlight Episode: Sustaining Culture and Connection
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Andy Olrich, and guest Leire Martinez discuss the importance of sustaining culture and connection in organizations. They emphasize that culture is crucial for continuous improvement and can vary across different departments and regions.About the Guest:With a strong Lean Six Sigma background, she is experienced as an Operations D
Lean Solutions at the BLOX
What You’ll Learn:Patrick Adams discusses his experience on the "Blox" show, a live startup competition. He was motivated by the opportunity to learn and apply new skills to his business, Lean Solutions. The show, which features 100-150 businesses, is hosted by Wes Bergman and involves daily classroom sessions and challenges. Patrick emphasizes the importance of simplifying business expla
Catalysts of Tomorrow: Lean Solutions Competition
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams welcomes Andy Olrich and John Dyer to discuss their experiences at the Lean Excellence World Championship. They share insights into the diverse strategies teams employed to tackle a common challenge and emphasize the critical roles of customer engagement and supplier analysis. Despite early obstacles, the winning team distinguished its
Why Your Process Improvement Efforts Stop After the First Year
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Craig Tedrow discuss the importance of long-term sustainment in organizational processes. Craig shares his journey from resisting Lean practices to embracing them, emphasizing the need for leaders to involve employees and revisit improvements regularly. They highlight the significance of clear expectations, enabling action, a
From Good to Great Mate
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich discuss Andy's recent trip to the US for the Lean Solutions Global Summit. Andy, was a speaker and judge at the summit’s Lean Solutions Competition. He notes the success of advanced manufacturing centers and the importance of lean and best practice tools. Patrick and Andy reflect on the new Lean Solutions office, empha
Military Leadership Principles for Continuous Improvement
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Shayne Daughenbaugh and guest Lee Campe discuss the application of military leadership principles to continuous improvement. Lee shares his extensive experience across various industries, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, training, and decision-making under pressure. They discuss the need for leaders to be part of the team, set a go
The Power of Team Science: Breaking Silos
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Patrick Adams, and guest Tina Patel Gunaldo discuss interprofessional collaboration. They explain the importance of interprofessional education (IPE) in training future healthcare professionals to collaborate effectively. Tina highlights the challenges of traditional hierarchies and the need for asynchronous collaboration.About t
Bridging the Gap: Aligning Technology with Innovation
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Claire Quigley discuss the gap between technological capabilities and business outcomes. They emphasize an understanding of the purpose of transformation, aligning leadership and people, and ensuring clear communication and change management.About the Guest:Claire Quigley is the founder of Launchpad9, a b
The Problem With Inventory
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald and guest Evan Powell discuss the critical importance of inventory management in businesses. They emphasize that inventory management is not a one-size-fits-all approach and requires dynamic, cross-functional collaboration. Evan highlights common misconceptions, such as viewing inventory as a set-and-forget system and relying sole
Building Capability that Sticks: Turning Training into Tangible ROI
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Andy Olrich, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Nadia Golenkova discuss the importance of capability strategy in training programs. They emphasize the need for a strategic approach to learning, focusing on specific skills and measurable outcomes. Nadia highlights the pitfalls of reactionary training and the benefits of a long-term, embedded learning eco
Group Intelligence In Continuous Improvement
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Andy Olrich and guest Colleen Soppelsa discuss the importance of group intelligence in practical problem-solving. Colleen also highlights the significance of integrating behavioral mapping with technical problem-solving frameworks like A3 and DMAIC to achieve sustainable improvements. The discussion underscores the critical role of behavioral alignm
From the Garage to Lean Leadership: Real Talk On Leading With Action
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Brian Meyers discuss leadership principles and the importance of mentorship, active listening, and creating a safe environment for innovation. They highlight the significance of continuous improvement and adapting Lean practices to fit specific organizational needs. Brian discusses his rapid adoption of Lean principles, inspi
The Learning Organization Advantage: The Executive Summit Series
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Tilo Schwarz discuss the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly changing world. They highlight the need for companies to adapt quickly, citing an example of a high-end electronics company facing competition that can deliver in weeks what their company takes months. They emphasize the importance of developin
Strategic Planning in Motion: The Executive Summit Series
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Katie Anderson discuss strategic planning, emphasizing the importance of ongoing adjustments rather than annual reviews. Katie highlights the Japanese method Hoshin Kanri, which involves continuous reflection and adjustment. They stress the need for leaders to align strategic goals with customer needs and organizational capac
Accountability in Action : The Executive Summit Series
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Andy Olrich, and guest Billy Ray Taylor discuss the connected business model, emphasizing the importance of ownership and accountability in leadership. They highlight the significance of visual management systems, such as KPA and KPI boards, to drive continuous improvement and psychological safety. Check out the upcoming Lean Solution
Gen Z & The Future of Manufacturing
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Matthew Rassi discuss the future of manufacturing. They explore the unique characteristics and misconceptions about Gen Z in the workforce. They emphasize the importance of providing purpose, ownership, and flexibility to engage Gen Z.About the Guest:Matthew is a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with over 25 ye
Leading the Change: Innovation, Culture, and the Lean Leader’s Mindset
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Daniel Walker discuss the importance of innovation, culture, and leadership in change management. The empathize the significance of middle management in organizational change and innovation. He shares his research on empowering middle managers and the need for a culture of continuous improvement.Abou
Values In Action
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Andy Olrich and guest Hessam Vali discuss the importance of aligning leadership with personal and organizational values. Hessam shares his journey of self-reflection and the impact of a pivotal moment with a CEO. They discuss practical steps for embedding purpose, such as documenting values, integrating them into daily operations, and fostering a cu
Midwestern Grit Meets Modern Leadership
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Jason Jackson discuss the concept of the Silicon Prairie and its growing tech innovation. Jason shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of agility, self-awareness, and continuous improvement. They highlight the success of Nebraska's Center of Operational Excellence (COE) in fostering a cul
Leading with Empathy: Lean Transformation in Healthcare
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Lindsay Shababy discuss the importance of empathy in Lean transformation in healthcare. The emphasize the need to see the world through others' eyes, especially in healthcare where staff often face burnout and systemic challenges. They highlight the balance between empathy and accountability, using practical examples li
Smarter, Leaner: AI Meets Lean Thinking
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Randy Kesterson discuss the integration of AI with Lean thinking on the Lean Solutions Podcast. They emphasize the importance of maintaining human judgment and involvement in the process. They also discuss the need for accurate data collection and the potential for AI to transform workplaces, urging
Spotlight Episode: Respect for People in Lean Leadership
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Scott Gauvin discuss how the principle of "respect for people" goes beyond individual actions to become an organizational-wide practice that fosters culture transformation, engagement, and continuous improvement. They explore strategies for leaders to cultivate a learning culture, emphasizing active liste
Spotlight Episode: "Rethinking Failure"
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and Catherine McDonald as they discuss the importance of reframing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a negative event.About the Hosts:Catherine McDonald is a Lean and Leadership Coach. Her work involves training and coaching executives and teams in organizations of all types and sizes. In 2018, Catherine started her own bus
Beyond the Tools
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and guest Cheryl Jekiel discuss the transition from using Lean as a collection of tools to embedding it into behavioral perspective. They emphasize the importance of behavioral change over tool implementation and highlight the need for clear vision, peer support, and top-down alignment to drive sustainable
Cultural Transformation
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Steve Spear discuss the evolution of industry, emphasizing the importance of cultural shifts driven by Lean thinking. They interview Steve Spears, a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, who highlights the role of innovation in organizational transformation.About the Guest:Steve Spear is a senior lecturer at MIT
Respect-Driven Delegation
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Sam Yankelevitch discuss the importance of respectful delegation in leadership. They highlight the significance of clarity, accountability, and continuous coaching in delegation. Together, they elaborate on the "commitment conversation" framework, which includes defining tasks, acknowledging uncert
Defining Your Core Values
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Jason Schroeder discuss the importance of core values in leadership, particularly in the construction industry. Schroeder shares his journey from a command-and-control leadership style to a more collaborative approach, highlighting the significance of a clean, organized, and safe work environment.About
LEAN with Hands-On Learning
What You’ll Learn:Are you learning about improvement or actually doing it? In this episode, host Patrick Adams is joined by continuous improvement leader Brian DeVries to dig into the power of hands-on learning and why lectures alone just don’t cut it. From the shop floor to the boardroom, real growth happens when you roll up your sleeves and apply what you’ve heard. Whether you're traini
Summit Keynote: Speaker Special
What You’ll Learn:Join us for this Speaker Special featuring Billy Ray Taylor, with hosts Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich. They discuss Billy Ray Taylor's keynote presentation from the 2024 Lean Solutions Summit, and dive into the importance of standards in leadership, using personal anecdotes and sports metaphors to illustrate his points.About the Guest:Billy Ray Taylor is a visionary oper
Coaching For Success
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Patrick Adams, and guest Olaf Boettger discuss the importance of coaching for success, particularly in developing and mentoring emerging leaders. They highlight the need for leaders to unlearn harmful behaviors and adapt to new leadership styles.About the Guest:With 26 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, our guest bri
Sustaining Culture and Connection
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Andy Olrich, and guest Leire Martinez discuss the importance of sustaining culture and connection in organizations. They emphasize that culture is crucial for continuous improvement and can vary across different departments and regions.About the Guest:With a strong Lean Six Sigma background, she is experienced as an Operations D
The Role of Frontline Leaders
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and guest Sebastian McLeod, discuss the importance of frontline leaders in driving organizational change. Sebastian McLeod, CEO of TrippNT, shares his company's journey from a basement startup to an industry leader, emphasizing the significance of frontline workers and the impact of Lean principles.About the
From Culture to Capability
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Patrick Adams, and guest Micki Vandeloo, discuss the transition from a learning culture to actual capability in organizations. They highlight the importance of applying learning to real-world applications and the role of leadership in fostering this culture.About the Guest:Micki is the President of Lakeview Consulting, Inc., le
Courage and Vulnerability
What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Royden Johnson, discuss the importance of vulnerability and courage in leadership. Royden Johnson emphasized the need for leaders to move from imitation to differentiation to embrace vulnerability effectively.About the Guest:Royden Johnson is a distinguished manufacturing leader with extensive experience
Recommended
Infinite Health with Dr. Arasi Maran
The Daily
World News Tonight with David Muir
English Vocabulary Help
The Joe Rogan Experience
TED Talks Daily
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Stand In The Circle
SLOW ENGLISH PODCAST (A1-A2) With Subtitles | Daily Videos | English With Us Podcast
Learn English A2 with Daily News | Simple English Listening Practice
