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

Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you’re reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode. This episode’s guest is Jacob Stoller, journalist and author who is about to release his newest book, The Lean CEO. To write this

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Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you’re reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode. Today’s guest is David Meier. David has an impressive background as an author and former Toyota group leader. These days he runs his

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Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you’re reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode. This week our guests are Hollie Jensen and Darrell Damron. Both Hollie and Dan work in the Washington State Governor’s Office implementing lean practices

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Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you’re reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode. Today’s episode features our first husband and wife duo, Tracey and Ernie Richardson. This dynamic team are Toyota veterans and are now on the Lean

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Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you’re reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode. In this episode we crank up the intensity a bit as we visit with Greg Glebe, the President & Founder of Xylem Design.

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Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you’re reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode. Today’s guest is Jeff Miller, the Chairman of the Global Best Practices Group for Toyota Financial Services. A long-time Gemba Academy customer, my

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Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you're reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode.

We really changed things up in this episode. Instead of hosting, it was my turn to be the guest and answer all the questions. Our own Steve Kane hosted and we discussed why  lean is a people-centric methodology, and how brain chemicals like oxytocin play a big role in a Kaizen Culture.

To hear the podcast just press the "Play" button at the top of this post. An MP3 version is also available for download here and a downloadable PDF transcript of the interview is available here.  

Visit Us at the AME Conference This November & Save 10% on Registration!

If you plan to attend the upcoming AME conference November 10-14 be sure to stop by the Gemba Academy booth to say hello.

While I'm definitely biased I think you'll find we give away some of the coolest "swag" at the conference!

We also plan to host an after hours "networking" event on Tuesday evening... free food and drinks!  More details to come on this.

Finally, if you haven't registered for the conference and plan to be sure to use the coupon code GEMBA10 in order to save 10%.

AME is definitely our favorite conference to attend so we hope to see you there!

In this episode you'll learn:

Ron's background and how he got into continuous improvement (3:27)

Ron's favorite quotation (6:15)

What Gemba Academy's upcoming Culture of Kaizen course is all about (7:03)

Why "Respect for People" should really be "Respect for Humanity" (9:16)

What endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, cortisol have to do with performance (10:50)

Why this concept is only now being discussed in the lean community (21:53)

What "Respect for People" means to Ron (23:30)

Aesop's Four Oxen Fable and what it has to do with the phrase "Kaizen Culture" (25:04)

The best advice Ron has ever received (26:13)

Ron's personal productivity habit (27:41)

Ron's final words of wisdom (33:28)

Podcast Resources

Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3

Right Click to Download a Written Transcript in PDF Format

Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com

AME (Use Discount Code GEMBA10 to save 10% on upcoming conference in November 2014)

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

Ron's LinkedIn

Download a Free Audio Book

If you enjoy listening to podcasts chances are you'll also enjoy listening to audio books.

And if you've never listened to an audio book today is your lucky day since you're able to download a free audio book over at our favorite audio book provider - Audible.

Simply click this link to claim your free audio book.

Please note you will need to sign up, which includes providing your credit card, but if you're not happy with the service you can easily cancel the subscription after downloading your free audio book before your free trial expires.

Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes!

If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you’re a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone.

The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  You can download it here.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Gemba Academy podcast on iTunes. You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly.

Full Written Transcript

GA 27 | Ron Pereira

Announcer: You're listening to Episode 27 with Ron Pereira.

[music]

Announcer: Welcome to the Gemba Academy Podcast, the show that's focused on helping individuals and companies achieve breakthrough results using the same continuous improvement principles leveraged by companies such as Toyota, Del Monte, and the US Department of Defense.

Now, here's your host, Ron Pereira.

Ron Pereira: Hey there, this is Ron Pereira with Gemba Academy. I'd like to welcome you to another edition of the Gem...

Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you're reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode.

Today's guest wears many hats. Michael Bremer is a blogger, author, and President of the Cumberland Group. He is also an AME volunteer and the Co-Managing Director of the Chicagoland Lean Enterprise Consortium Group.

In this episode we explore why Gemba Walks matter and how to make the most of them. Hopefully Michael's advice will take your Gemba Walks to the next level.

To hear the podcast just press the "Play" button at the top of this post. An MP3 version is also available for download here and a downloadable PDF transcript of the interview is available here.

Visit Us at the AME Conference This November & Save 10% on Registration!

If you plan to attend the upcoming AME conference November 10-14 be sure to stop by the Gemba Academy booth to say hello.

While I'm definitely biased I think you'll find we give away some of the coolest "swag" at the conference!

We also plan to host an after hours "networking" event on Tuesday evening... free food and drinks!  More details to come on this.

Finally, if you haven't registered for the conference and plan to be sure to use the coupon code GEMBA10 in order to save 10%.

AME is definitely our favorite conference to attend so we hope to see you there!

In this episode you'll learn:

Michael's background and how he came to learn about lean (3:32)

The two quotes that inspire Michael (8:55)

Michael's definition of a Gemba Walk (11:25)

Why you should do them (13:02)

The problems people encounter during them (15:13)

The three steps to a successful Gemba Walk (16:51)

Why there should always be standard work for your Gemba Walks (21:38)

Roughly how long your walks should be and how often you should do them (24:48)

What "Respect for People" means to Michael (31:43)

What comes to mind when Michael hears "Kaizen Culture" (36:44)

The best advice Michael has ever received (38:04)

Michael's favorite personal productivity habit (39:54)

Michael's final words of wisdom (51:45)

Podcast Resources

Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3

Right Click to Download a Transcript in PDF Format

Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com

AME (Use Discount Code GEMBA10 to save 10% on upcoming conference in November 2014)

The Chicagoland Lean Enterprise Consortium

The Cumberland Group

The High-Velocity Edge: How Market Leaders Leverage Operational Excellence to Beat the Competition

How to Do a Gemba Walk

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Michael's LinkedIn

Michael's Twitter

Download a Free Audio Book

If you enjoy listening to podcasts chances are you'll also enjoy listening to audio books.

And if you've never listened to an audio book today is your lucky day since you're able to download a free audio book over at our favorite audio book provider - Audible.

Simply click this link to claim your free audio book.

Please note you will need to sign up, which includes providing your credit card, but if you're not happy with the service you can easily cancel the subscription after downloading your free audio book before your free trial expires.

Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes!

If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you’re a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone.

The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  You can download it here.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Gemba Academy podcast on iTunes. You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly.

Full Written Transcript

GA 26 | Michael Bremer

Presenter: You're listening to Episode 26 with Michael Bremer.

[background music]

Presenter: Welcome to the Gemba Academy podcast. The show that's focused on helping individuals...

Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you’re reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode.

Today's guest is Gemba Academy Co-Founder Kevin Meyer. Kevin wears many hats at Gemba Academy and has a lot of great insight into team management, business strategy, and technology, not to mention lean and continuous improvement practices.

Kevin is also a big fan of simplicity and utilizing the full potential of his employees and colleagues. I think you'll find what he has to say both refreshing and relevant.

To hear the podcast just press the "Play" button at the top of this post. An MP3 version is also available for download here and a downloadable PDF transcript of the interview is available here.  

In this episode you'll learn:

Kevin's diverse career background (4:48)

The two quotes that inspire Kevin (8:38)

How complexity impacts businesses (10:22)

Why fancy technology isn't always the answer (12:55)

How Gemba Academy battles complexity (14:46)

The qualities Kevin looks for in executives (16:09)

Kevin's definition of "Respect for People" (18:18)

What comes to mind when Kevin hears the phrase "Kaizen Culture" (20:41)

The best advice Kevin has ever received (22:13)

Kevin's favorite personal productivity habit (24:04)

A quick Gemba Academy update...stay tuned! (32:43)

Kevin's final words of wisdom (37:31)

Podcast Resources

Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3

Right Click to Download a Written Transcript in PDF Format

Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com

AME (Use Discount Code GEMBA10 to save 10% on upcoming conference in November 2014)

Specialty Silicone Fabricators 

Lean Accounting Summit

The Shibumi Strategy: A Powerful Way to Create Meaningful Change

Gemba Academy Culture Code

Gemba Academy Team on LinkedIn

Kevin's Website

Download a Free Audio Book

If you enjoy listening to podcasts chances are you'll also enjoy listening to audio books.

And if you've never listened to an audio book today is your lucky day since you're able to download a free audio book over at our favorite audio book provider - Audible.

Simply click this link to claim your free audio book.

Please note you will need to sign up, which includes providing your credit card, but if you're not happy with the service you can easily cancel the subscription after downloading your free audio book before your free trial expires.

Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes!

If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you’re a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone.

The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  You can download it here.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Gemba Academy podcast on iTunes. You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly.

 Full Written Transcript

GA 25 | Kevin Meyer

Announcer: You're listening to Episode 25 with Kevin Meyer.

Welcome to the Gemba Academy Podcast, the show that's focused on helping individuals and companies achieve breakthrough results using the same continuous improvement principles leveraged by companies such as Toyota, Del Monte and the US Department of Defense.

Now, here's your host, Ron Pereira.

Ron Pereira: Hey there, this is Ron Pereira with Gemba Academy and I would like to welcome you to another edition of the Gemba Academy Podcast.

As always, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to listen to this show, and for watching our videos over Gembaacademy.com. We definitely appreciate each and every one of you.

Today, I'm especially pumped up to welcome my good friend, my business partner and one of the co-founders of Gemba Academy, Kevin Meyer to the show. Kevin and I have really gotten to know each other, obviously, very well over the last really five,

Press the play button above to listen to the episode. If you’re reading this via email or RSS click the image below to listen to the episode.

Today's guest is Keivan Zokaei, a UK-based author and consultant. Keivan is a pioneer in the lean and green movement. In this episode we explore what exactly "lean and green" means, and how to bring environmentally-friendly practices to your workplace.

To hear the podcast just press the "Play" button at the top of this post. An MP3 version is also available for download here and a downloadable PDF transcript of the interview can be found here.

In this episode you'll learn:

Keivan's lean and continuous improvement background (3:21)

The quotation that most inspires Keivan...think Deming (5:23)

Why lean is not innately green (5:55)

What it takes to make your business lean and green (8:26)

Practical examples of lean and green in action (9:45)

Why many companies don't adopt a lean and green philosophy (14:27)

How you can learn about the lean and green movement (17:31)

Keivan's definition of "Respect for People" (19:51)

Keivan's take on the phrase "Kaizen Culture" (21:30)

The best advice Keivan has ever received (22:17)

Keivan's personal productivity habit (24:25)

Keivan's final words of wisdom (30:41)

Podcast Resources

Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3

Right Click to Download a Written Transcript in PDF Format

Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com

Lean and Green Business

Creating a Lean and Green Business System: Techniques for Improving Profits and Sustainability

Out of the Crisis

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

SA Partners

Keivan on LinkedIn

Download a Free Audio Book

If you enjoy listening to podcasts chances are you'll also enjoy listening to audio books.

And if you've never listened to an audio book today is your lucky day since you're able to download a free audio book over at our favorite audio book provider - Audible.

Simply click this link to claim your free audio book.

Please note you will need to sign up, which includes providing your credit card, but if you're not happy with the service you can easily cancel the subscription after downloading your free audio book before your free trial expires.

Subscribe & Never Miss New Episodes!

If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes. Once you’re a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and smartphone.

The easiest way for iPhone users to listen to the show is via the free, and incredible, Podcast app.  You can download it here.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Gemba Academy podcast on iTunes. You can also subscribe via Stitcher which is definitely Android friendly.

Full Written Transcript

GA 24 Keivan Zokaei

Announcer: You're listening to Episode 24, with Keivan Zokaei.

[background music]

Announcer: Welcome to the Gemba Academy podcast, the show that's focused on helping individuals and companies achieve breakthrough results, using the same continuous improvement principles leveraged by companies such as Toyota, Del Monte, and the US Department of Defense. Now, here's your host, Ron Pereira.

Ron Pereira: Hey there, this is Ron Pereira with Gemba Academy, and I'd like to welcome you to another episode of the Gemba Academy podcast. As always, thank you so much for taking time to listen to this podcast, and for watching our videos over at GembaAcademy.com. I do want to give one quick Gemba Academy update.

We've recently released the second edition, if you will, of our Gemba Live episode over at FastCap. If you're not familiar with FastCap, you really need to at least check out some of the free videos that we have available on FastCap, just an incredible company. Paul Akers and his team recently moved into a new facility in Bellingham, Washington.

There are no walls within this facility. It's an open facility, it's gorgeous.