October 02, 2025

54| Build Influence and Get Buy-in: Elevating the Positioning, ROI, and Value of Lean and Continuous Improvement [with Betsy Jordyn] (BONUS)

59 minutes

What do people in other functions at your organization think lean is all about?

For many—in HR, OD, Finance, or operations—the answer is simple: process improvement, efficiency, waste elimination.

And while those are pieces of the puzzle, they miss the bigger picture.

Too often, continuous improvement and operational excellence teams get pigeonholed as “process people,” making it hard to gain traction or build the partnerships needed for real transformation.

But lean isn’t just about processes—it’s about people. It’s a strategy for developing leaders, engaging employees, and creating lasting change.

If you’re struggling to get leadership buy-in for lean or continuous improvement, the problem likely isn't the results you deliver. It’s how you’re positioning the value of lean and your role as a change leader.

That’s why I teamed up with my friend and business positioning and branding expert Betsy Jordyn for a special bonus episode.

Together, we explore one of the biggest challenges you face as a lean and CI professional: how to position and frame your work so others see its true impact.

YOU’LL LEARN:

Why lean consultants – both internal and external – struggle with positioning
How to talk about what you do in language executives care about
Why people and learning matter more than tools
How to connect leadership behaviors to measurable business results
And why influence skills are just as important as technical expertise

Whether you’re an internal or external consultant, this conversation will help you reframe your work in ways that create greater traction and impact.

ABOUT MY GUEST:

Betsy Jordyn is a Brand Positioning Strategist that helps consulting and coaching business owners clarify their brand positioning and messaging, create a website presence that positions them as sought-after experts, land clients with ease and integrity, and take their place as thought leaders and influencers in their niche. Her mission is to help consultants and coaches monetize their best-at strengths and authentic passions to make a bigger difference in the world.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Full episode show notes: https://kbjanderson.com/roi-strategic-positioning-lean-consultants/
Watch this bonus episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kgCbr2Os3nA
Connect with Betsy Jordyn: linkedin.com/in/betsy-jordyn
Listen to my conversation with Betsy Jordyn on Consulting Matters podcast: The ROI of Elevating Your Strategic Positioning & Messaging
Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
Learn about my Japan Leadership Experience program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip
Download my KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst

TIMESTAMPS:

01:00 – The challenge: how lean is misunderstood as process improvement
04:00 – Why “lean” became associated with tools in the West
07:30 – The “paint story”: respect for people in action at Toyota
10:00 – Demystifying jargon like gemba and focusing on “going to see”
12:00 – Creating conditions for frontline problem-solving
15:00 – Respect for people = holding precious what it means to be human
19:00 – Don’t lead with methodology: framing problems leaders care about
22:00 – From tools to transformation: shaping client expectations
24:00 – Linking behavior change to ROI and business results
25:00 – The Katalyst™ model: building influence and communication skills
27:00 – Why executives aren’t always on board—and how to change that
33:00 – Silos among OD, HR, L&D, and lean consultants
36:00 – Building cross-disciplinary partnerships for culture change
41:00 – Positioning tips: language, boundaries, and when to reveal methods
42:00 – Pairing technical expertise with influence for greater impact
46:00 – Trojan-horsing people-centered leadership through process work
48:00 – Quantifying value: behaviors, KPIs, and ROI
54:00 – Wrap-up: The path forward for lean consultants

...more

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By Katie Anderson

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