If you're passionate about continuous improvement, quality, or operational excellence, chances are Dr. W. Edwards Deming has shaped your journey—even if you haven't realized it yet.

But do you know how this influence came about and the profound impact Deming’s management theories have had on shaping quality and improvement approaches such as Lean, Agile, and DevOps?

I've invited John Willis, author of "Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge," to today’s episode to explore Deming’s learning journey to become the father of the quality movement and how he influenced the development of the Toyota Production System and Japan’s rebirth following World War II.

We discuss Deming's pioneering management teachings and how you can apply his System of Profound Knowledge to solve problems in today's complex work environments.

We also explore the four lenses of the System of Profound Knowledge—appreciation for a system, understanding variation, theory of knowledge, and psychology—and how integrating these concepts can elevate your approach to leadership and improvement.

Tune in to discover how you can apply these management theories to solve the complex problems within your organization today.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• The fundamental essence of leadership and how connecting people with purpose can drive organizational success.
• The significance of Deming's System of Profound Knowledge and the integration of its four components.
• How experiencing lean principles in action differs from theoretical knowledge and why it's critical for effective change leadership.
• The role of psychological safety in fostering an environment where everyone's input is valued.
• Insights on how Deming’s principles apply to contemporary challenges, such as generative AI, emphasizing the importance of operational definitions and probability in managing complex systems.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/24
• John’s book “Deming’s Journey to Profound Knowledge” - here
• Get the book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn:”  LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Connect with John Willis: linkedin.com/in/johnwillisatlanta
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Learn more about the Japan Study Trip leadership program: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] An introduction to today’s guest and author of "Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge," John Willis
• [05:04] Dr. Deming’s concept of profound knowledge
• [05:43] The four elements to understand complexity 
• [12:23] How the Toyota Way pillar of Continuous Improvement = Wisdom and Kaizen 
• [20:13] The impact of a collaborative culture 
• [24:03] Deming’s people-centered leadership approach 
• [28:56] John’s key takeaways a year after joining my executive Japan Study Trip leadership program
• [41:39] John’s advice on applying Deming’s principles today and the development of GenAI

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

What does “winning” mean to you as a leader? And what is your leadership role  in creating a winning strategy and organizational culture?

According to Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and President at LinkedXL and former Goodyear Tire executive, winning is not only about setting a clear strategy and aligning on the goals and metrics, but engaging your team members and defining the actions to get there.  

Billy and I recorded this episode back in 2022, just as his book “The Winning Link: A Proven Process to Define, Align, and Execute Strategy at Every Level” was about to be released – and I wanted to bring the conversation here for you to learn from Billy’s wisdom and insights about the humanity of leadership and how to win.  

In this conversation you’ll hear stories from Billy’s leadership at Goodyear, highlights from his book, the importance of DEI in building a winning culture, and Billy’s greatest challenge – and greatest learning – as a leader.

Remember, the winning link in your organization is your people, and it’s the connection of links of people together that creates and grows our Chain of Learning.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• How to define and align your strategy and goals to ensure organizational success by focusing on clear standards and processes.
• The importance of not just making metrics visible – but “making people visible” –  by acknowledging their contributions is crucial for fostering a culture of psychological safety and engagement.
• The significance of servant leadership in valuing individuals' thoughts and experiences, regardless of their position within the organization.
• The difference between key performance actions (KPAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) and how to leverage them to achieve significant performance improvements.
• Actionable advice on creating common meaning through language and connecting with your team, based on real-life examples and practices.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/23
• Get Billy’s book “The Winning Link” - here
• Get the book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” – available in paperback, hardbound, audiobook, and ebook - LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Follow Billy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/billyrtaylor
• Download the KATALYST Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] The importance of value and respect in leadership 
• [03:07] Helpful practices that have shaped Billy’s leadership approach 
• [06:59] The power of embracing who you are as a leader
• [09:38] How to connect an entire organization (“LinkedXL”)
• [11:25] What “winning” really means according to Billy
• [13:54] The link between KPAs and KPIs
• [18:02] The importance of DEI and inclusion
• [23:45] The power of trust within large organizations 
• [26:44] Billy’s learnings from his book
• [31:22] Billy’s greatest challenge as a leader

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

Have you ever paused to reflect on the critical moments of your life and realized their impact on your own trajectory and others' lives?

In this special episode of Chain of Learning, I welcome back Isao Yoshino as we celebrate our decade-long partnership and the anniversary of our book "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn." Together, we discuss the power of hansei—reflection—as the cornerstone of learning and wisdom.

We reflect on the journey of writing the book, the strength of our partnership, and the importance of asking the right questions. Mr. Yoshino shares how he continues to learn and grow from the book's lessons while uncovering the profound impact of reflection on his personal and professional development.

Join us as we explore practical ways to develop the habit of reflection, empowering you to gain new perspectives and insights.

Because remember, reflection is the crucial link in your chain of learning, guiding you toward continuous improvement and deeper wisdom.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• How reflection - hansei in Japanese - is crucial for effective leadership and continuous improvement. 
• How failures can serve as powerful learning opportunities, and the significance of fostering a culture that embraces mistakes for deeper understanding and innovation.
• True learning happens through continuous reflection on both good and bad experiences, which leads to new insights and better decision-making.
• How "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" is not meant to be read just once; it is a resource for ongoing reflection and deep learning.
• The importance of a personal reflection process and how it can significantly contribute to one's leadership and personal growth journey.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/22
• Get the book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” – available in paperback, hardbound, audiobook, and ebook - LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Learn more about my Japan Study Trip / Japan Leadership Experience program: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Introduction to the power of reflection, or hansei, with guest Isao Yoshino
• [03:12] Overview of the concept of hansei – reflection – why it’s important and how it influenced the writing of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn
• [09:24] The importance of having an attitude toward learning 
• [14:06] Mr. Yoshino’s definition of powerful and hat makes Learning to Lead Leading to Learn powerful 
• [23:46] Mr. Yoshino’s learnings based on his new perspective 
• [28:59] The importance of asking open questions and hearing other people’s challenges and struggles 
• [30:00] A framework to help you practice reflection
• [34:51] How one plus one equals more than two

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

Today's guest, Isao Yoshino, a 40-year Toyota leader, has influenced thousands of leaders worldwide and inspired my book, "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn."

Join us as we celebrate two anniversaries: our first meeting in July 2014 and the four-year anniversary of our book. In Part 1 of our conversation, Mr. Yoshino shares his insights on leadership, learning, and the Chain of Learning® concept.

We'll discuss lessons from successes and failures, the strength of connections, and people-oriented leadership. Whether you're looking to implement these practices with your team or find inspiration for your leadership journey, this episode is full of actionable insights from one of the wisest and most caring leaders I know.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• The importance of seriousness in demonstrating your commitment to your people, developing a strong organizational culture, and modeling the way.
• How establishing patience as a foundational attitude is essential to your leadership effectiveness and organizational success.
• Strategies for fostering personal and professional growth by learning from both successes and failures.
• Practical advice on translating Toyota’s practices into your leadership approach, emphasizing commitment, patience, and continuous learning.
• Insights into Toyota's people-centered learning culture and how you can foster this culture in your organization.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/21
• Get the book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” – available in paperback, hardbound, audiobook, and ebook - LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Learn more about my Japan Study Trip leadership development program: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Introduction to Chain of Learning with guest Isao Yoshino
• [05:17] What ‘Chain of Learning’ means to Mr. Yoshino 
• [11:25] The importance of leaders asking questions 
• [15:37] What Mr. Yoshino has learned about leadership
• [17:51] Why ‘seriousness’ is so vital 
• [21:46] Combining seriousness with patience 
• [27:24] The power of working at Toyota 
• [33:25] Mr. Yoshino’s advice to himself and you
• [35:45] Katie’s key takeaways from the conversation

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

Have you ever received blank stares from leaders when you’ve advocated that they adopt an improvement method or tool you know will help them? 

Perhaps the problem is not your idea but rather that you aren’t communicating in a way that connects these concepts with the business outcomes they need or in language that they understand.

One hurdle that can hinder your effectiveness in influencing executives is the very thing that makes you valuable in your position and as a passionate continuous improvement leader  –  your technical expertise and problem-solving ability.

That’s why, in this episode, Brad Toussaint and I explore the importance of communicating in ways that resonate with senior leaders about the outcomes and business results they need. We then discussed how to coach leaders to develop the behaviors, practices, and systems that will lead to those results.   

We also discuss the critical shift you need to make from being the doer of improvements to becoming a coach to executives to enable them to be serious about what it takes to lead change and their essential role in setting direction and creating the conditions for people to be successful.   

Being an effective change leader and coach isn’t just about having technical know-how—it’s about explaining all the methods, tools, and behaviors in a way that business leaders and executives can understand and then apply.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• How transitioning from a 'doer' of improvements to a coach and enabler of managers and executives can drive sustainable change
• Different strategies for simplifying complex principles, making them accessible and actionable for leaders
• Three important things to include when communicating to leaders: the reason for change, expected results, and methods 
• The importance of observation and reflection in driving learning forward and the challenge of integrating them into practice
• How to help leaders demonstrate they are serious about leading change 

Tune in now to learn more about leadership, change management, and the importance of speaking in a language that resonates to align, influence, and coach leaders – so that you can propel sustainable change and get needed results. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/20
• Connect with Brad Toussaint on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brad-toussaint
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Change KATALYST™  Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/KATALYST
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Learn more about my Japan Study Trip leadership development program: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] How to improve as a change leader
• [03:38] How Brad coaches executives and leads change 
• [09:42] How to speak in a way that connects you to your leaders
• [10:34] Using language as a force for leadership
• [13:52] Simplifying terms and topics 
• [23:27] Management should focus on process and people
• [28:20] Reflection time is valuable for busy leaders
• [33:35] Why leaders should deeply understand their role and their people
• [39:00] Why leaders must pull, not just push change
• [40:35] Three important characteristics you need to lead change

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

Do you e𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘆-𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 — 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁? Or have you ever struggled with getting your senior team on board with your vision for change, getting support for a new initiative, or getting leaders to sign on to your services as a coach or consultant?

Good news — mastering the skills of persuasion and influence by leading with curiosity and human connection is the way to get to "yes".

Whether it is a #lean or #agile transformation, #continuousimprovement project, #operationalexcellence program, or selling a product or service, your success hinges on your ability to connect with people and understand how to bring them along with you.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙨: 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 “𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨” 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚!

In this episode, Derek Roberts and I explore the art and science of persuasion of how to get to "yes" and authentic buy-in in the context of leadership. 

Mastering the power of persuasion — of selling people on your idea, the change initiative you are leading, or your services —  to help others adopt new ways of thinking and working is essential to your success, career growth, and impact.

Derek's expertise highlights how to navigate these interactions effectively, ensuring you're heard, understood, and able to inspire action.

We discuss concepts in his new book, “Listen to Sell: How Your Mindset, Skillset, and Human Connections Unlock Sales Performance,” and the essential skills of selling ideas and gaining buy-in, which are crucial for any executive or continuous improvement leader.

If you want to become a more influential change leader who identifies and bridges gaps through strategic communication, this episode is for you.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• How asking compelling questions and listening helps you influence decisions and lead change effectively
• Strategies for coaching executives to engage actively in change initiatives, highlighting the difference between persuasion and manipulation
• The importance of preparation in getting buy-in includes understanding your audience, conducting thorough research, and developing situational awareness 
• Techniques to adapt your communication style to match different behavioral types — talkers, controllers, doers, and supporters — to enhance your effectiveness in selling ideas and facilitating organizational change
• A framework that will help you ensure personal and professional alignment with your purpose, abilities, values, commitments, and beliefs 

Tune in now to enhance your leadership and get buy-in by mastering the power of persuasion through listening.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/19
• Connect with Derek on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derekroberts1/
• Book: “Listen to Sell”:amazon.com/Listen-Sell-Skillset-Connections-Performance/dp/1774583763
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Change KATALYST™  Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/KATALYST
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] An introduction to Derek Roberts 
• [04:09] Sharing a vision and getting buy-in
• [08:40]Discussion about Derek's book and the training programs he offers through Integrity Solutions
• [11:18] The distinction between asking logical vs. emotional questions
• [17:19] The tension between being persuasive and avoiding manipulation
• [20:12] The power of truly listening
• [23:01] Different behavioral styles and their influence on the buying experience
• [32:15] The five areas of the congruence model relevant to sales and leadership roles
• [37:50] Derek’s journey in being more engaged and curious 
• [42:41] The impact of concentrating your energy on preparation 

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

What do you think of when you hear the word “kaizen”? 

An event? A process that you are working on improving? Something else? 

The Japanese word “kaizen” is usually translated to mean “continuous improvement.” But there is a deeper meaning. It’s actually the lynchpin to creating a real culture of continuous improvement. 

In this episode, I unpack the essence of kaizen, not only as a method for process improvement but also as a personal and organizational mindset for pursuing excellence.

Inspired by my recent keynote at the Shingo Institute conference and insights from studying Japanese and leading my Japan Study Trips, I explore how “kaizen” goes deeper than mere process improvement. It’s about cultivating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to change.

You’ll also hear the connection between Devo’s song “Whip It” and the word “kaizen” – and how you can both “whip it bad” and “whip it good” when it comes to continuous improvement.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• How kaizen represents the discipline to continuously pursue positive change within yourself and in your organization
• Key strategies for identifying and correcting misalignments between your intentions and actions so that you can create a culture where continuous improvement is practiced by everyone
• How you can shift from being the primary problem-solver to an enabler who cultivates the skills necessary for overcoming challenges
• Effective ways to embed the principles of kaizen into personal leadership habits, enhancing your impact as a leader or coach and setting an example for others to follow
• Insights into how you can use a scientific problem-solving method for personal improvement as well as problem-solving 

Tune into this episode to discover how – “when a problem comes along”  – you and your team can all “whip it” to solve problems at all levels and create an enduring culture of improvement. And I bet you’ll be singing this song for weeks!

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/18
• Learn more about my executive Japan Study Trips: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip
• Read the “paint story” in my Shingo-award-winning book LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Take the Change KATALYST™  Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/KATALYST
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Understanding the true meaning of Kaizen
• [03:44] Psychological safety and leaders’ responses to mistakes are key for an operational excellence culture
• [08:54] The real meaning of Kaizen is about self-discipline, continuous improvement, and making change for the greater good
• [11:21] Creating an organization filled with problem solvers with Larry Culp
• [17:46] How intention is about aligning behavior with impact and purpose
• [19:33] How to use Plan-Do-Study-Adjust (PDCA) or Study-Adjust-Plan-Do (SAPD) cycles for personal improvement

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

Does successful change always have to start from the top? 

How can you stop pushing change on your leaders and instead create pull from them for the organizational culture you envision?

If you're leading continuous improvement internally, these questions are crucial because they address the challenge of how to cultivate a workforce of capable, engaged problem-solvers across all levels.

That’s why, in this episode, I welcome Pennie Saum, a Process Improvement Program Manager at the Port of Seattle, to discuss how to lead organizational transformation from the middle by engaging people's minds and hearts and bringing them along on the journey. 

You’ll hear Pennie share how the Port’s Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) program has been pivotal in creating an engine of change by developing employees across the organization. From basic foundations to a selective Lean Specialist program, leaders at all levels are being empowered to lead improvement as part of their daily work. ,

Tune in to learn more about community building, inclusion, and effectively involving people in improving processes to create a vibrant culture of continuous improvement.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• How successful change initiatives can, and sometimes should, be led from the middle of an organization rather than from the top down
• How leaders and internal process improvement consultants shifting from doers to coaches allows for broader ownership of improvement initiatives across an organization
• Why belonging and community must exist within the workplace to foster an environment that nurtures  continuous improvement and engagement
• The benefits of immersive learning experiences, such as my immersive Japan Leadership Experience, which provide hands-on learning, enhance team-building, and boost collaborative skills 
• The importance of meeting people where they are at to increase engagement and ownership of process improvement and change leadership

You’ll also hear why the Port of Seattle has invested in sending cohorts of leaders on my Japan Leadership Experience as a key part of its strategy to create a culture of leader-led continuous improvement and why Pennie is looking forward to joining me in Japan on a future cohort.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/17
• Learn more about my executive Japan Study Trip: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Change KATALYST™  Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/KATALYST
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Connect with Pennie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/penniesaum/

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Leadership and learning unite for continuous improvement
• [04:32] Pennie’s transition to lead lean process improvement across  different industries, from trucking to government 
• [11:16] Methods for sharing wins and addressing frustrations
• [16:06] The importance of adaptability and flexibility in organizational leadership
• [23:16] Encouraging workplace learning and its personal impact
• [27:38] Leveraging middle managers to drive change
• [32:43] What it looks like to create a culture of bravery and transformation

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

Are you focusing on the right problems in your organization? More importantly, are you creating the conditions and processes to solve them effectively?

In this episode, Mark Graban and I explore the importance of developing the skills of an Analytical Systems Thinker—one of the eight core competencies in my Change KATALYST™ model—to catalyze truly meaningful change.

You’ll gain a better understanding of how to make informed decisions and drive improvement by applying the right kind of analytics instead of reacting to your metrics' ups and downs. Mark also shares ways to think more systemically about processes across your organization.

We explore why fostering an experimental culture and responding kindly to mistakes is crucial for driving organizational innovation and improvement.  

If you’re looking to advance as a continuous improvement change leader who leads change and creates real improvement, this is an episode you’ll want to tune into now. 

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• The difference between leading change and leading actual improvement 
• How monitoring metrics and experimenting move the needle in a statistically meaningful way 
• How to react less and lead more effectively by mastering the art of interpreting data to discern statistical signals and genuine performance shifts
• What it takes to create psychological safety and encourage continuous organizational improvement
• The importance of how leaders respond to mistakes to create a culture of learning, problem-solving, and innovation
• The importance of modeling, encouraging, and rewarding candor to create a culture where mistakes and learning are embraced 

You’ll also hear why Mark is thrilled to join Katie’s Japan Study Trip Leadership Experience in November 2024. Katie's exclusive immersive program is a high-value opportunity to observe lean principles in action and understand the heart and soul behind creating a culture of continuous improvement. Submit your application today for the next cohort and join over 150 global leaders who have joined Katie for this journey of what it means to create a culture grounded in respect for people and continuous learning.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/16
• Learn more about my executive Japan Study Trip: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Change KATALYST™  Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/KATALYST
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Driving change vs. leading actual improvement
• [03:11] Defining characteristics of effective Analytical Systems Thinkers 
• [05:29] The process of value stream mapping and system dynamics
• [07:26] The Measure of Success & advice for leaders looking to use data to inform better decision-making
• [14:47] The risk of wasting time & resources if you remain in a reactive state
• [20:14] The importance of mistakes for a culture of learning, problem-solving, and innovation
• [32:43]  Key takeaways from Mark’s and Katie’s experiences in Japan and the value of going on Katie's Japan Leadership Experience Study Trip
• [41:36] Mark’s best piece of advice for other continuous improvement change leaders

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.

Want to know the secret to success?

It’s about embracing lifelong learning, being willing to try new things and seek out information, setting intentions to get better, and embracing the failures that come with learning your way forward.

I believe when we stay in learning – a learning attitude, mindset, and practice – anything is possible. 

Being a “learning enthusiast” is a foundational part of who I am. It’s given me the courage to step out into the unknown and, ultimately, has catapulted my personal growth and leadership impact.  

In this week’s episode, you’ll discover the 5 core attributes I believe are the heart of becoming a Lifelong Learning Enthusiast, one of the competencies in my Change KATALYST™ model, and how you can leverage them to drive your success too.

 So, if you’re ready to revitalize your commitment to learning and enhance your personal, team, and organizational impact, you’re in the right place.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• The importance of embracing new challenges and knowledge with a learning mindset
• The power of actively seeking feedback for transformative growth
• How to be intentional with what you’re trying to improve and the necessary role of reflection in the learning process
• A framework for becoming more adaptable, adjusting what you're doing based on new knowledge and insights 
• How to lead by example with vulnerability and clarity in purpose to create a learning culture and grow your Chain of Learning®

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode shownotes: ChainOfLearning.com/15
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Change KATALYST™  Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson 

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] An introduction to being a lifelong learner
• [1:15] Some of Katie’s personal experiences as a lifelong learner
• [9:26] What’s at risk if you don’t make regular learning a priority 
• [12:32] Step #1 - Actively embracing new experiences and knowledge
• [14:50 ] Step #2 - Being receptive to and proactively seeking out feedback and suggestions
• [17:40] Step #3 - Setting time for intentional practice and reflection
• [19:44] Step #4 - Adapting and addressing your approach based on new knowledge and insights 
• [21:42] Step #5 - Modeling the way as a lifelong learning enthusiast
• [26:19] Katie’s recommendation for the best way to stay in learning

Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.