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

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Today's episode is jam-packed with amazing lean conversation. FastCap's Paul Akers invited me to join his monthly Lean Roundtable, during which he and other lean leaders check in with each other and discuss a specific topic related to continuous improvement.

In this edition, we discussed what we're struggling with in terms of lean. To say I learned a lot is an understatement.

An MP3 version is also available for download here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

How the Lean Roundtable got started and who the participants are (3:06)

How Ashley Bailey of Klime-Ezee is struggling with engagement and vision (7:05)

How Greg Glebe of Xylem Design is struggling to connect with employees (11:40)

How Loren Jones of Xylem Design is struggling to set a consistent lean example (13:28)

How Michael Althoff of Yellotools is struggling to keep lean practices top of mind (16:46)

How Nick Koceljl of Walters & Wolf is struggling to sustain lean changes (21:32)

How Glenn Bostock of SnapCab is struggling to identify areas to improve (30:34)

How Bruce Ennis of BE Quality is struggling to inspire and engage employees (33:59)

Why lean is hard...is it the message or the methodology? (48:10)

How Paul Akers of FastCap is struggling to help improve employees' personal lives (53:50)

How Ron recently understood what lean is really all about (59:31)

Final comments from the participants (1:03:40)

Video Version of Lean Roundtable

Podcast Resources

Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3

Download a Free Audio Book at Audible.com

FastCap

Klime-Ezee

Xylem Design

Yellotools

Walters & Wolf

SnapCab

BE Quality

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What Do You Think?

What are you presently struggling with? Is lean hard, easy, or neither?

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This episode's guest is Michael Ballé, co-author of popular lean novels like "The Gold Mine," "The Lean Manager," and "Lead With Respect."

Michael and his father Freddy Ballé make lean literature engaging and accessible to readers of all backgrounds and levels of expertise.

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:

Michael's background and how he became interested in lean (2:00)

The quote that inspires Michael (6:32)

Why Michael and his father decided to write in the novel format (9:30)

A short summary of "The Gold Mine" (13:06)

A short summary of "The Lean Manager" (14:17)

A short summary of "Lead With Respect" (14:58)

How Michael balances challenging others with respecting their wishes (16:32)

Why you don't have to go to a factory to see lean in action (19:17)

Why Michael can't pick a favorite book of the three (24:27)

What "Respect for People" means to Michael (27:46)

What "Kaizen Culture" means to Michael (29:43)

The best advice Michael has ever received (31:31)

Michael's alternative to a personal productivity habit (32:56)

The advice Michael has for anyone at the beginning of their lean journeys (36:18)

What's next for Michael and his father Freddy Balle (39:25)

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

The Gold Mine: A Novel of Lean Turnaround

The Lean Manager

Lead With Respect: A Novel of Lean Practice

The Lean Turnaround: How Business Leaders Use Lean Principles to Create Value and Transform Their Company

Taiichi Ohnos Workplace Management: Special 100th Birthday Edition

The Lean Post: Michael Balle 

Gemba Coach Column

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @thegembacoach

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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 22 Michael Ballé

Announcer: You're listening to Episode 22 with Michael Ballé.

[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.

[background music]

Ron Pereira: Hey there, this is Ron Pereira with Gemba Academy. I'd like to welcome you to another episode of the Gemba Academy Podcast. I'd also like to thank you for taking the time to listen to the show and for watching the Lean and Six Sigma training videos we offer over at gembaacademy.com.

Today,

The more I study lean the more I realize its deep philosophical roots... Plato's Allegory of the Cave is a great example of this.

As such, in this short episode, I'd like to invite you inside a dark and dreary cave where we're challenged to determine what's real or simply shadows on the wall.

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:

A brief summary of Plato's Allegory of the Cave (2:32)

How this allegory relates to continuous improvement (6:34)

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

The Allegory of the Cave

Download a Free Audio Book

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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

[Ron] You’re listening to episode 21 with Ron Pereira. [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.

[Ron] Hey there, this is Ron Pereira from Gemba Academy and I’d like to welcome you to another episode of the Gemba Academy podcast... as always, I definitely want to thank you for taking the time to listen to the show and for watching our continuous improvement videos over at GembaAcademy.com.

Like we did a few weeks ago... I’m going to be flying solo today.

We do have many more guests lined up but we plan to mix some shorter solo shows like this one in from time to time to keep things fresh and fun!

Obviously, your feedback is very important to us so please let us know what you think of our approach to these podcasts... if you prefer one style over another or have new ideas please do me a huge favor and leave a comment at the bottom of the show notes for this episode which can be found at GembaPodcast.com/21. And that’s 2-1 for twenty-one. So, GembaPodcast.com/21.

Now then, during this episode I do plan to get a little philosophical but don’t worry... since the things we’re going to explore are immediately applicable to any continuous improvement practitioner.

In fact, even if you’re not a practitioner of continuous improvement I’m confident the lessons will resonate with you as well. So, let’s get to the show.

[music transition]

[Ron] One of my passions in life is to learn new things. And while I definitely enjoy reading books focused on continuous improvement I also enjoy studying philosophy.

And what’s even more interesting is the more I learn about people like Taiichi Ohno the more I realize their teaching is extremely rich with philosophical thought.

Today's guest is our own Sales & Marketing Director, Steve Kane.

Prior to joining us at Gemba Academy, Steve served as Vice President of Operations at Specialty Silicone Fabricators.  With many years of real - hands on - lean experience, Steve has lots of lessons to share.

In this episode, Steve and Ron explore the topic of autonomous teams.  Specifically, Steve shares how to develop people through autonomy and why doing so can revolutionize any business no matter the industry.

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:

Steve's career background... think motorcycles! (02:24)

Steve's role at Specialty Silicone Fabricators (4:00)

The quote that inspires Steve (5:16)

What working at SSF was like before implementing autonomous teams (6:40)

The definition of autonomous teams (10:10)

How Steve learned about autonomous teams (11:58)

The bold method Steve used to implement autonomous teams at SSF's Michigan plant (16:40)

Some of the challenges SSF faced those first weeks after implementation (22:54)

How Steve brought this same concept back to the Paso Robles plant (31:30)

What Steve would've done differently (33:56)

How to learn more about autonomous teams (38:08)

Steve's definition of "Respect for People" (39:42)

Steve's definition of a Kaizen Culture (41:37)

The best advice Steve has ever received (42:57)

Steve's personal productivity habit (43:28)

Steve's answer to the new lean leadership scenario (45:00)

Steve's final words of wisdom (47:57)

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

Specialty Silicone Fabricators 

Email: [email protected]

Download a Free Audio Book

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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 20 Steve Kane

Announcer: You're listening to Episode 20 with Steve Kane.

[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 from Gemba Academy, and I'd like to welcome you to another episode of the Gemba Academy Podcast.

As always, thank you so much for listening to our show and for watching our Lean and Six Sigma training videos over at gembaacademy.com.

We definitely appreciate each and every one of you. I'm extremely excited to welcome Steve Kane to the show today. The reason for this excitement is because Steve recently joined the Gemba Academy team as our Director of Sales and Marketing.

Now,

Today's guest is Jean Cunningham, one of the original Lean Accounting thought leaders. Jean is an incredibly knowledgable and insightful consultant and it was such a privilege to interview her.

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:

Jean's career history and background (2:30)

The quote that inspires Jean the most (4:24)

Why Jean believes that lean is a strategy, not an initiative (5:44)

What financial results you can expect from implementing lean (7:55)

Jean's elevator speech on Lean Accounting and its role in an organization (14:01)

What organizational development has to do with lean (16:50)

Jean's definition of "Respect for People" (20:54)

The problems Jean is currently trying to solve (22:02)

The best advice Jean has ever received (24:17)

Jean's personal productivity habit (25:30)

Jean's final words of wisdom...think Toyota (30:11)

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

Real Numbers: Management Accounting in a Lean Organization

Easier, Simpler, Faster: Systems Strategy for Lean IT

The Lean Turnaround: How Business Leaders Use Lean Principles to Create Value and Transform Their Company

Jean's Website

Please Subscribe to this Podcast

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.

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Full Written Transcript

 GA 19 Jean Cunningham

Announcer: You're listening to Episode 19 with Jean Cunningham.

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 episode of the Gemba Academy podcast.

Now, if this is the first time that you've listened to this show I'd like to welcome and thank you for checking the show out. And for our long-time listeners I would also like to thank you for your continued support. We definitely appreciate it.

Now, I do have one quick Gemba Academy update. We've recently released an incredible Gemba live episode where we featured Menlo Innovations, a software development company in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While I'm obviously a little biased, I do think the episode turned out great.

If you're not a Gemba Academy customer and want to take a sneak peek at this episode, while also exploring the more than 600 other Lean and Six Sigma training videos we have, all you have to do is visit GembaAcademy.com and signup for a three-day full access trial subscription.

Today's guest is Jean Cunnningham. Jean is one of the original Lean Accounting thought leaders of the...

Today's guest is Jim Morgan, President of the EMC Network and Senior Advisor at the Lean Enterprise Institute.

With an impressive and diverse career, including ten years at Ford where he worked directly with CEO Alan Mulally, Jim has an abundance of lean knowledge to share with us including how Lean Thinking applies to Product & Process Development.

Specifically, Jim shares why Lean Product & Process Development is such a powerful concept and how, at its core, actually revolves around people.

Lean Product & Process Development Exchange Conference

Lastly, as you'll hear, you can save $100 by using the coupon code "Gemba" when registering for the Lean Product & Process Development Exchange.  

This conference really excites me... especially since Dave Pericak, Chief Engineer Ford Motor Company, will speak about the 2015 Ford Mustang's product development process!  You can learn more about this conference here and be sure to use the coupon code "Gemba" to save $100.

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:

Jim's background and lean history, including his time at Ford (3:13)

Jim's favorite inspirational quotes (7:43)

What kind of experiences Jim has had as a lean researcher (9:03)

How Jim would go back and improve his book if he could (12:17)

Jim's definition of Lean Product & Process Development (13:45)

How and why LPPD is people-centric (16:12)

The many benefits of LPPD (18:14)

The challenges of LPPD, and what it takes to overcome them (19:42)

What leaders can do to discover and implement LPPD (21:18)

Jim's definition of "Respect for People" (23:17)

One problem Jim is trying to solve (24:26)

The best advice Jim has ever received...it involves Jiu Jitsu! (25:23)

Jim's simple but powerful personal productivity habit (27:51)

Jim's final words of wisdom (31:19)

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

The Toyota Product Development System: Integrating People, Process And Technology

Lean Product and Process Development

Evolution of Manufacturing Systems at Toyota

The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done (Harperbusiness Essentials)

Toyota Kata: Managing People For Improvement, Adaptiveness, and Superior Results

The Toyota Way to Lean Leadership: Achieving and Sustaining Excellence Through Leadership Development

Managing to Learn: Using the A3 Management Process to Solve Problems, Gain Agreement, Mentor and Lead

Lean Enterprise Institute 

EMC Network

LPPDE Conference (use promo code "Gemba" to receive $100 off)

Email: jmor990 at aol dot com

Please Subscribe to this Podcast

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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.

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Ask a Question

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Today's podcast is a little different from any of our previous shows since, well, I'm flying solo!

My family and I recently took a 3,600 mile road trip which afforded me the opportunity to listen to some audio books.

One of these books is something I've long wanted to read but never had... and that book is "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

Initially, you may wonder what this book has to do with continuous improvement... but, I contend, this may be one of the most important books you could ever read if you hope to truly make an impact with continuous improvement or really any aspect of your life.

And, as you'll hear, this trip was very special to me for a deeply personal reason since my Father passed away shortly after we visited with him.

My Dad taught me so many things... but, perhaps the most significant thing he taught me was that our success in life largely depends on how well we can get along with and influence others which is exactly what this book is about.

So, I am dedicating this episode to my late Father, Dr. Ronald Roy Pereira.  I love you, Dad!

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

We've also consolidated this episode into an eBook that can be downloaded and read online or offline.  

Here is an outline of the episode broken down by parts and chapters.

Part 1: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

Chapter 1: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People (5:18)

Principle: Don't criticize, condemn, or complain.

Chapter 2: The Big Secret of Dealing with People (7:00)

Principle: Give honest and sincere appreciation.

Chapter 3: He Who Can Do This Hold the Whole World with Him.  He Who Cannot Walks a Lonely Way (9:12)

Principle: Arouse in the other person an eager want.

Part 2: Ways to Make People Like You

Chapter 1: Do This and You'll Be Welcome Anywhere (11:22)

Principle: Become genuinely interested in other people.

Chapter 2: A Simple Way to Make a Good Impression (12:38)

Principle: Smile.

Chapter 3: If You Don't Do This, You're Headed for Trouble (14:11)

Principle: Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.

Chapter 4: An Easy Way to Become a Good Conversationalist (15:29)

Principle: Be good listeners while encouraging others to talk about themselves.

Chapter 5: How to Interest People (16:33)

Principle: Talk in terms of the other person's interests.

Chapter 6: How to Make People Like You Instantly (17:22)

Principle: Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.

Part 3: How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking

Chapter 1: You Can't Win an Argument (18:53)

Principle: The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.

Chapter 2: A Sure Way of Making Enemies — And How to Avoid It (19:51)

Principle: Show respect for the other person’s opinions. Never say “you’re wrong.”

Chapter 3: If You’re Wrong, Admit It (20:48)

Principle: If you’re wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.

Chapter 4: A Drop of Honey (21:54)

Principle: Begin in a friendly way.

Chapter 5: The Secret of Socrates (23:30)

Principle: Get the other person saying “Yes, Yes” immediately.

Chapter 6: The Safety Valve in Handling Complaints (24:36)

Principle: Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.

Chapter 7: How to Get Cooperation (25:28)

Principle: “Let the other person come up with, and implement, his or her ideas!” 

Chapter 8: A Formula that Will Work Wonders for You (26:50)

Principle: Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.

Chapter 9: What Everybody Wants (27:36)

Principle: Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires.

Chapter 10: An Appeal that Everybody Likes (29:01)

This episode's guest is Jamie Flinchbaugh, who has over 20 years of lean transformation experience. I've followed his work for years and was so excited to finally connect with him on this episode.

Jamie is such a down-to-earth guy... I'll think you'll enjoy listening to us talk about everything from Lean Accounting to our kids' soccer teams.

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

In this episode you'll learn:

Jamie's lean career history (2:42)

The quote that has inspired Jamie for over 15 years (4:08)

Jamie's definition of a Lean Leader, and why it's a verb, not a noun (6:07)

Why Lean Leadership is often overlooked (9:05)

How Lean Accounting fits into Lean Leadership (10:14)

The best way to coach leaders, in Jamie's opinion (13:43)

How lower level practitioners can succeed without leadership support (15:56)

What "Respect for People" means to Jamie (19:13)

The one problem Jamie is really trying to solve at the moment (20:51)

The best and most unique advice Jamie has ever received (21:52)

Jamie's simple but effective personal productivity habit (22:49)

Jamie's final words of wisdom (28:58)

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

The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean: Lessons from the Road

Man's Search for Meaning

Jamie's Blog

Lean Learning Center

Jamie on Twitter

Please Subscribe to this Podcast

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.

Download a Free Audio Book

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

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Ask a Question

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Full Written Transcript

 GA | 16 Jamie Flinchbaugh

Announcer: You're listening to Episode 16 with Jamie Flinchbaugh.

[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. I'd like to welcome you to another episode of the Gemba Academy Podcast. As always, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to listen to what we're up to.

Today, I'm excited to welcome a guest to the show named Jamie Flinchbaugh. I've followed Jamie's work for many, many years. He's been blogging and writing and doing other kinds of lean thinking activities out there. But, I've never had the fortune of actually meeting Jamie, so I was really excited to finally get to talk to him a little bit on this episode.

Jamie has written a really good book -- we're going to talk about it in the episode -- called the "Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean." It's one of my favorite lean thinking books and actually, one of the earlier books that I read on my journey. He's a really good guy. He's very active in the consulting,

Today's guest is Mike Grogan, who works for CCBRT, a medical relief clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

This episode is particularly inspiring...Mike's answers stayed with me long after our conversation was over.

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

In this episode you'll learn:

How Mike got started in continuous improvement (3:15)

Mike's favorite inspirational quotation (4:30)

Why Mike moved to Tanzania (6:05)

What it is like to teach lean in the developing world, particularly in healthcare (12:07)

The impacts of lean that Mike has seen to date, and the one Mike is most proud of (15:20)

The biggest challenge Mike has faced (19:45)

Why Mike feels he is meant to be in this line of work (22:30)

Mike's description of "what Africa does to you" (28:00)

What you can do to help in your own community (if you can't move to Africa) (31:40)

Mike's definition of "Respect for People," or as he puts, "Respect for Humanity" (35:18)

The one problem Mike is currently facing (38:05)

The best advice Mike has ever received (39:34)

Mike's personal productivity habit (40:59)

Mike's powerful final words of wisdom (50:53)

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

CCBRT

Kupona Foundation

Mike Grogan Consulting

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

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

Toyota Kata: Managing People For Improvement, Adaptiveness, and Superior Results

Creating a Lean Culture: Tools to Sustain Lean Conversions, Second Edition

Beyond Heroes: A Lean Management System for Healthcare

Mike on LinkedIn

Email: mike at mikegroganconsulting dot com

Please Subscribe to this Podcast

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.

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Full Written Transcript

 GA 15 Mike Grogan

Announcer: You're listening to Episode 15 with Mike Grogan.

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 the show. We truly do appreciate each and every one of you. Today, I'm excited to welcome Mike Grogan to the show.

Mike, as you'll learn is doing some incredible work in Tanzania, Africa where he's primarily working with hospitals. As you'll soon hear, Mike is extremely passionate about the work he's doing, and is without question an incredible example of what it means to truly respect people.

Next,

This week's podcast guest is Adam Zak, a Lean Executive Recruiter.

With a diverse background in lean thinking, accounting, finance, and management Adam uses his unique perspective to share some truly powerful advice.

If you're looking to hire someone to jumpstart your company's lean journey, this episode's for you!

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

In this episode you'll learn:

How Adam got into lean recruiting (2:20)

Adam's two inspirational quotes (4:25)

What being a "Lean Leader" really means (6:11)

What companies need to do to be strong lean thinkers (12:07)

The two mistakes companies make when hiring lean specialists (18:20)

Adam's one-word solution for middle level associates struggling to prove the power of lean to their bosses (20:53)

Adam's interpretation of "Respect for People" (23:58)

The best advice Adam has ever received (25:18)

Adam's personal productivity habit (26:23)

Adam's three final phrases of wisdom (33:10)

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

The Machine That Changed the World: The Story of Lean Production-- Toyota's Secret Weapon in the Global Car Wars That Is Now Revolutionizing World Industry

Joy, Inc.: How We Built a Workplace People Love

LinkedIn: Adam Zak

Twitter: @LeanThinker

The Lean Thinker Website

Lean Recruiter Website

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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.

Download a Free Audio Book

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Full Written Transcript

Announcer: You're listening to episode 14, with Adam Zak.

[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, welcome to another episode of the Gemba Academy Podcast. As always, thank you so much for taking time to listen to the show.

Now, one quick Gemba Academy tidbit I wanted to share is that we're now offering a free, full access, three day trial to our School of Lean and School of Six Sigma. To be honest, we found our best sales tool is to simply let people have a sneak peek at what we have to offer and then let them make a decision on whether they want to buy or not.

If you're not a Gemba Academy customer and are interested in learning more about what we have to offer, please head over to gembaacademy.com and request a three day trial. You'll see a link right there on the home page. If you're already a Gemba Academy customer, thank you so much. We truly do appreciate your business.

Today, I'm joined by a gentleman named Adam Zak. Adam is actually an executive recruiter who specializes in the Lean thinking space.