In this episode of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, Brad Jeavons sits down with Robert Bruce, a leader who has transformed organisations including Autoliv, Vistaprint, and Amazon Australia.

Robert shares how he built cultures of alignment, trust, and continuous improvement that delivered world-class performance — from saving lives at Autoliv to launching Amazon’s operations in Australia with excellence and speed.

🎯 In this conversation, you’ll learn:

1. How clarity and alignment accelerate business success

2. The leadership lessons behind the Shingo Bronze Prize

3. How Amazon Australia became Amazon’s fastest and most successful country launch

4. Why mindset and humility are more powerful than tools

5. The secret to developing frontline problem-solvers and empowering people at every level

📈 Key Themes: Lean Leadership · Operational Excellence · Culture · Continuous Improvement · Shingo Prize · Amazon · Vistaprint · Leadership Development

Contact Details

Hosted by Brad Jeavons – Enterprise Excellence Podcast
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn
🎥 Watch the video version on the Enterprise Excellence Podcast YouTube Channel

Mr Robert Bruce is contactable - https://www.whitewater-ri.com/our-people

If this episode inspired you:

·       Subscribe to the Enterprise Excellence Podcast on your favourite platform.

·       Share this episode with a leader or colleague passionate about improvement.

·       Reach out to the Enterprise Excellence Group to learn how these principles can accelerate transformation in your organisation.

·       Listen to more about Kaizen Blitz on YouTube with Legend, Art Byrne: https://youtu.be/veAIhXkfHHA

🎧 Listen to more episodes and join the excellence community: https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

🚀 Ready to connect strategy to the frontline and accelerate continuous improvement?
 Listen to this episode with Richard Steel to learn how to align improvement activities with your organisation’s vision, values, and goals. Discover how to empower frontline teams, use visual management and root cause tools effectively, and build a culture of recognition that drives lasting results.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/_nOvV6_hcmA

Summary Keywords
 #EnterpriseExcellence #StrategyDeployment #ContinuousImprovement #Lean #VisualManagement #RootCauseAnalysis #Leadership #OperationalExcellence #WorkplaceCulture #Recognition #Gemba #Catchball #Kaizen #EmployeeEngagement #Culture #Agile #TeamAlignment #FrontlineLeadership

A strategy is only as strong as its connection to the people delivering it. In Episode 207 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, Brad Jeavons sits down with Richard Steel, a global expert with over 40 years of experience in operational excellence, Lean deployment, and behavioural change, to explore how organisations can align improvement activities directly with their vision, values, and strategic goals.

From involving frontline teams in shaping strategy to using visual management, daily huddles, and root cause analysis as powerful alignment tools, Richard shares practical methods that turn plans into progress. This conversation reveals how culture, communication, and recognition work together to create a system of continuous improvement that delivers results where it matters most — at the frontline.

🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/_nOvV6_hcmA

🎓 Enterprise Excellence Academy: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1120772/episodes/17643228

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn
: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjeavons/, call 📞 0402 448 445, or email ✉️ [email protected]

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn
: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjsteel/

• Engage the Frontline Early – Involve teams in shaping strategy before it’s finalised to build ownership and alignment.
 • Visualise the Plan – Create visual management boards that link daily work to organisational vision and goals.
 • Build Problem-Solving Capability – Train teams in root cause analysis and empower them to address barriers to success.
 • Recognise and Reinforce – Use peer-to-peer recognition and thank-you systems to strengthen culture and sustain improvement.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://www.enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/

Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

🚀 Ready to unlock sustainable success in your organisation?
 Listen to this episode with Hitesh Mohanlal to learn how to align your team with business goals, build financial transparency, and create a powerful three-way win for customers, teams, and the company. Discover how trust, empowerment, and shared ownership can transform performance, improve retention, and drive long-term growth.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/SPLa2LMqxRA?si=ASz8jj3soQ4MkmV3

Summary Keywords
 #EnterpriseExcellence #TeamAlignment #CustomerExperience #FinancialTransparency #Leadership #ContinuousImprovement #OperationalExcellence #WorkplaceCulture #BusinessGrowth #Trust #Accountability #Retention #RootCauseElimination #LeadershipDevelopment #Agile #Lean

Sustainable success doesn’t happen by chance — it’s built through alignment, transparency, and trust. In Episode 206 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, Brad Jeavons sits down with Hitesh Mohanlal, founder of WoW Advisors and author of Passport to Wealth, to explore how organisations can achieve a three-way win: delivering value to customers, empowering teams, and driving strong company performance.

From creating financial transparency and empowering teams with ownership to building trust and reducing leadership workload, Hitesh shares the principles that help businesses thrive — even in the face of skill shortages and workforce challenges. This conversation blends leadership, financial acumen, and culture into a practical roadmap for long-term excellence, where people and profit grow together.

🎥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/SPLa2LMqxRA?si=ASz8jj3soQ4MkmV3
🎓 Enterprise Excellence Academy: https://www.enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjeavons/
, call 📞 0402 448 445, or email ✉️ [email protected]

Connect with Hitesh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiteshmohanlal/
or visit 🌐 wowadvisors.com.au

• Align Your Wins – Review how well your organisation balances customer satisfaction, team engagement, and business outcomes.
 • Increase Transparency – Share key financial and strategic measures to build ownership and accountability across teams.
 • Empower Your People – Delegate responsibility, build trust, and enable teams to act boldly and drive results.

 Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

If you’re committed to building inclusive, high-performing workplaces, connect with Tegan on LinkedIn or reach out directly to explore how she can support your organisation. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Enterprise Excellence Podcast so you never miss insights from global leaders shaping the future of work.

#respect #trust #enterpriseexcellence #diversity #inclusion #leadership #manufacturing #miningindustry #organisationalchange #continuousimprovement #psychologyatwork #workplaceculture #businesscaseforinclusion #strategyalignment #inclusiveleadership

In this episode of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, we sit down with Tegan Dowler, a leader in workplace inclusion and culture transformation. With a background in psychology and organisational change in heavy industry and manufacturing, Tegan shares her lived experiences as one of the few women in the sector 20 years ago, and how those challenges inspired her to create real change.

We explore the journey of diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated industries, the importance of respect as a foundation for excellence, and practical steps organisations can take to build inclusive cultures that drive performance, innovation, and long-term success.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/9gU8HFltI2Y

Brad: connect via LinkedIn or call him on 0402 448 445 or email [email protected]. 

Guest Details:

·       LinkedIn: Tegan Dowler

·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebcw/?hl=en

·       Email: [email protected]

1.     Reflect – Ask yourself: Does your organisation’s culture truly allow everyone to bring their authentic selves to work?

2.     Assess – Use tools like employee surveys, diversity maturity models, and cultural diagnostics to understand your current state.

3.     Act – Develop a strategy aligned with your business objectives, backed by leadership commitment, resources, and a clear purpose for inclusion.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

Discover how values-driven leadership can transform organisations and create long-term success. Listen now and learn how to embed kindness, purpose, and stakeholder value at the heart of your business.

#KindBusiness #Values #Purpose #Profit #Leadership #Culture #CorporateResponsibility #Stakeholders #Engagement #ESG #Sustainability #ContinuousImprovement 

In this episode of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, Brad Jeavons is joined by Dr David Cooke, author of Kind Business: How Values Create Value. A finalist in the 2024 Australian Business Book Awards, David’s book explores how organisations can thrive by placing people, purpose, and the planet at the centre of their decision-making. Drawing from his 35 years in the corporate world, including eight years as Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia, David shares compelling stories about shifting culture, engaging employees, and creating businesses that do good while doing well.

Together, Brad and David explore:

·       Why values and profit are not opposites but part of a virtuous circle.

·       How leaders can cast a powerful shadow through their behaviours and decisions.

·       Practical steps boards and executives can take to embed stakeholder primacy.

·       Real-life examples of how listening, curiosity, and care transformed engagement and performance.

This episode is full of insights for leaders who want to build lasting, high-performing organisations that create real value for society and future generations.

Youtube 

Enterprise Excellence Academy

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjeavons/. Call him on 0402 448 445 or email him at [email protected]. 

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcooke/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, here are a few ways to go deeper:

·       Explore More with David: Visit Dr David Cooke’s YouTube Channel
for talks and insights on values-driven leadership and ESG.

·       Get the Book: Kind Business: How Values Create Value is available at major retailers, including Booktopia, or as an audiobook and eBook.

·       Learn with Us: Join workshops and access resources at the Enterprise Excellence Academy

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

Download the free Look, Listen, Learn Guide from the podcast website for practical tools. Go to the guest resources and look up Chris on https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/resources

#leadership  #culture  #engagement  #psychologicalwellbeing  #continuousimprovement  #looklistenlearn  #Shingo Prize  #adaptive leadership

In this episode of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, host Brad Jeavons welcomes back Chris Butterworth, renowned author and four-time Shingo Prize winner. Together, they explore the powerful concept of “Look, Listen, Learn” activities—a leadership approach that goes beyond the traditional idea of Gemba walks to foster engagement, psychological well-being, and sustainable cultural growth.

Chris shares his global experience, fresh from international book launches, and unpacks how leaders can shift their mindset to lead with humility, curiosity, and respect. The conversation dives into practical strategies leaders can use to connect purpose, behaviours, and systems in order to achieve ideal results.

Youtube 

·       Why “Look, Listen, Learn” matters – moving beyond the narrow idea of Gemba walks to a broader activity mindset.

·       The role of psychological well-being – how respect, diversity, and inclusion underpin cultures of continuous improvement.

·       Leadership behaviours – humility, curiosity, listening, recognition, and kindness as cornerstones of effective leadership.

·       Key Behavioural Indicators (KBIs) – practical ways to measure behaviours that drive ideal results.

·       Leader Standard Work systems – how leaders can plan, reflect, and visually track activities to sustain culture.

·       Closing the loop – why action, accountability, and visible follow-through build trust and long-term engagement.

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au
🔗 LinkedIn: Enterprise Excellence Group
🐦 Twitter/X: @EexgGroup

👤 Chris Butterworth: cbenterpriseexcellence.com/about-chris

If you enjoyed this episode:

1.     Subscribe to the Enterprise Excellence Podcast for more insights from global leaders.

2.     Share this episode with colleagues who are working to strengthen leadership and culture.

3.     Download the free Look, Listen, Learn Guide from the podcast website for practical tools.

4.     Reflect and act—choose one way to apply “Look, Listen, Learn” in your own leadership this week.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

🚀 Ready to unlock productivity in the hybrid world?
Listen to this episode with Jed Ayres to learn how to design intentional human connection, leverage AI to remove IT issues before they occur, and transform employee experience into a driver of economic gains.
🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/150D8zzb9WA

#EnterpriseExcellence #EmployeeExperience #HybridWork #DigitalEmployeeExperience #ControlUp #Productivity #ContinuousImprovement #AI #FutureOfWork #Leadership #OperationalExcellence #ITInnovation #WorkplaceCulture #Lean #Agile #RootCauseElimination #HybridLeadership #WorkFromAnywhere

In today’s hybrid work world, productivity gains aren’t guaranteed—they’re earned through intentional design of both human connection and digital experience. In Episode 202 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, Brad Jeavons sits down with Jed Ayres, CEO of ControlUp, to explore how organisations can achieve economic gains by elevating the employee experience. From strategic “break bread” moments to AI-powered systems that eliminate IT issues before they surface, Jed shares how leaders can free their teams from constant firefighting so they can focus on creating value. This conversation blends leadership, technology, and culture into a clear vision for the future of work—one where employee experience becomes a competitive advantage. 

Youtube: 

Enterprise Excellence Academy

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjeavons/. Call him on 0402 448 445 or email him at [email protected]. 

Connect with Jed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedayres/

  Assess Your Employee Experience – Map out how hybrid work is impacting productivity, connection, and engagement in your organisation.

  Identify Impediments – Work with your IT and HR teams to surface recurring technology and process challenges that slow employees down.

  Explore Solutions Like ControlUp – Pilot digital employee experience tools to proactively remove friction and create seamless work environments.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://www.enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/ 
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

Ready to lead your way?
Download Nadia’s 7-Step Framework for Building Capability and Leadership—the same approach that earned national HR awards and transformed performance at Tradelink.
Visit: enterpriseexcellencepodcast.com/downloads and look for Episode 201 downloads.

📬 Interested in building your own bespoke leadership program? Reach out to Nadia via LinkedIn or at www.clockworkconsulting.au.

#LeadershipDevelopment #EnterpriseExcellence #OrganisationalCapability #CultureDrivenChange #StrategicExecution #BespokeTraining #OperationalExcellence #PeopleDevelopment #CapabilityBuilding #TradelinkSuccess #HRExcellence #EmployeeEmpowerment #ShingoModel #ContinuousImprovement 

In Episode 201 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast, Brad Jeavons reconnects with leadership and capability expert Nadia Golenkova. Nadia shares the story and structure behind Tradelink’s award-winning leadership development program—one that’s deeply aligned with organisational uniqueness and purpose. Using a compelling Formula One car analogy, Nadia unpacks a powerful seven-step approach to building internal leadership and capability frameworks that drive sustainable excellence. If you're seeking a way to embed leadership capability that actually sticks—and delivers results—this episode is your roadmap.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/IjEpXWRdKHQ

Enterprise Excellence Academy

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjeavons/. Call him on 0402 448 445 or email him at [email protected]. 

Connect with Nadia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-golenkova/

·      Download the 7-Step Guide
Access the free PDF summary of Nadia’s leadership framework via the podcast website.

·      Assess Your Own Edge
Reflect on your organisation’s strategic advantage. Are your leadership programs designed to enhance it?

·      Start Small, Start Smart
Begin by creating a one-page capability overview tailored to your organisation’s uniqueness. Use it to start meaningful discovery with your teams.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

📥 Download the full case study from Dr Peter Hines on OC Tanner at https://www.enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/downloads#casestudies

#EnterpriseExcellence #LeanLeadership #ShingoPrize #OCtanner #HumbleLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #CultureOfExcellence #PeterHines #GaryPeterson #OperationalExcellence #EmployeeEngagement #LeaderStandardWork #PeopleValueStream #AgileLeadership #ServantLeadership

Welcome to our 200th episode! To mark this milestone, we're joined once again by our very first guest—renowned global expert in lean leadership and enterprise excellence, Dr Peter Hines. In this episode, Peter shares powerful insights from his recent research into OC Tanner, a Shingo Prize-winning organisation led by humble and impactful leader Gary Peterson.

Peter explores what makes OC Tanner's culture so exceptional: from the evolution of Gary’s leadership to how the company embeds sustainable excellence through emotional intelligence, humble inquiry, and the development of self-directed individuals. He also reveals the systems and behaviours that underpin their 800% productivity improvement since winning the Shingo Prize in 1999. This is a deep, practical, and inspiring look at what it truly means to embed a culture of excellence.

You’ll walk away with ideas and insights you can apply immediately within your own organisation. Let’s get into it.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/7lv_ybHikM0

Enterprise Excellence Group: https://www.enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/podcast/episode/7a8f0a8f/200-unpacking-shingo-award-winner-oc-tanner-with-dr-peter-hines

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjeavons/. Call him on 0402 448 445 or email him at [email protected]. 

Connect with Dr Peter Hines on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-hines-16669bb1/

  Download the report: Access Dr Peter Hines’ OC Tanner study via our Resources page to explore the systems and practices discussed. https://www.enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/downloads#casestudies

  Reflect on your leadership style: Are you leading with humility and emotional intelligence? Take time to assess your own micro-behaviours.

  Join the conversation: Attend one of our Enterprise Excellence workshops or virtual events to deepen your learning and connect with like-minded leaders. 

To learn more about what we do, visit https://www.enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/ 
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

https://www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com/downloads#keybehaviours

Summary Keywords
Organisation, improvement, outcomes, defence, focus, journey, teams, leadership, align, airbus, continuous improvement, opportunity, drive, work, change, lean, create, learn, behaviour.

 Welcome to episode 158 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast. It is such a pleasure to have Mr. Ben Phillips on the show with us today. Ben is a Transformation and Business Improvement specialist currently working at Airbus. Ben has extensive experience in healthcare through organisations such as Symbion, and GE. Ben is passionate about transforming cultures to enhance continuous improvement and operational efficiency. Let’s get into the episode, Ben thanks for joining us. 

We are proudly sponsored by S A Partners, a world-leading business transformation consultancy.

Youtube Full episode: https://youtu.be/rqG6z_zG7zQ

Two-Minute Tip: 

Enterprise Excellence Academy: 

 Brad: connect via LinkedIn or call him on 0402 448 445 or email [email protected]. 

Ben Phillips: 

Join our next community! https://www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com/community

Listen to another podcast episode with Ken Webster on Achieving Environmental Excellence through the Circular Economy. 

a)     listen on our website - https://www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com/podcast/episode/499c7325/28-achieving-environmental-excellence-through-the-circular-economy-with-ken-webster

b)     Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/l7vAZS_yvlc?si=auTc3KzOnH6kpiZC

To learn more about what we do, visit www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com.
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.