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

This week's guest is Jessica House. Jessica's background is in both continuous improvement and mental health, and she explained to Ron how the two worlds intersect. This episode is another great example of the universal applicability of lean.

This week's guest is Scott Keenan. Scott described his continuous improvement journey, and the work he's been doing with Alan Wire. Ron and Scott also discussed our Toyota Kata course, and Alan Wire's experience with Kata in the Classroom. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you'll learn: 

* The quote that Scott likes (3:21)

* Scott's background (4:12)

* His continuous improvement journey (5:40)

* Some of the challenges they've overcome (9:46)

* Why they do continuous improvement (11:14)

* Their journey with Toyota Kata (14:43)

* Getting people bought into a new concept (18:34)

* How "Kata in the Classroom" helped (22:33)

* The Domino exercise (25:13)

* Scott's final words of wisdom (30:34)

Podcast Resources

* Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3

* Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com

* Gemba Academy Toyota Kata Course

* Scott on LinkedIn

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What Do You Think?

Have you done any work with Toyota Kata? What went well? What didn't?

This week's guest is Rick Foreman. Ron and Rick covered a lot of ground, including Federal Heath's lean journey, and creating a strong culture of continuous improvement. Rick also gave some advice on "selling" others on the power of lean.

This week's guest is Brent Weichers. Brent, who has a ton of continuous improvement knowledge, shared how he developed two different internship programs. He also explained why having interns benefits everyone, and how you can start your own program.

This week's guest is Jonathan Jones. Jonathan shared his background in the culinary, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. Jonathan also described his continuous improvement journey at Moog, his favorite continuous improvement tools, and more.

This week's guest is Ron Pereira. Ron discussed two books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, specifically their teachings on dichotomies and balance. Inspired by this, Ron described three of the dichotomies he's observed in continuous improvement.

This week's guest is Liam O'Malley. Liam shared his continuous improvement journey with us, specifically his experience with Lean Daily Management Systems. Liam explained the benefits and offered some great advice for those getting started.

This week's guest is Nik Kottha. Ron and Nik covered several important topics, including what Nik has learned from yoga, what excellence means to him, and where his passion comes from. Nik also stressed the importance of coaching.

This week's guest is Peter Christian. Ron and Peter talk all about why Lean & Six Sigma programs often fail. They also explain what you can do to prevent some of these pitfalls.

This week's guest is Lee Houghton. Lee shared one of the most personal, moving stories we've had on this podcast. This one will stay with you for quite a while.