Episode #88 is a conversation with a returning guest, Jim Baran of the firm Value Stream Leadership (he is @leanVSL on Twitter, also). His sites include the Lean Career Compass and his Lean Career Guide blog. In this podcast, Jim talks about a shift in his firm's business model away from traditional recruiting and placement to helping companies manage Lean talent within their organization. We've structured the discussion to follow somewhat of a "Verbal A3" format, so I hope that helps. For earlier episodes, visit the main Podcast page, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS or via Apple iTunes. You can also hear Jim in episodes #16 and #27. If you have feedback on the podcast, or any questions for me or my guests, you can email me at leanpodcast@gmail.com or you can call and leave a voicemail by calling the "Lean Line" at (817) 776-LEAN (817-776-5326) or contact me via Skype id "mgraban". Please give your location and your first name. Any comments (email or voicemail) might be used in follow ups to the podcast.

Episode #88 is a conversation with a returning guest, Jim Baran of the firm Value Stream Leadership (he is @leanVSL on Twitter, also). His sites include the Lean Career Compass and his Lean Career Guide blog. In this podcast, Jim talks about a shift in his firm's business model away from traditional recruiting and placement to helping companies manage Lean talent within their organization. We've structured the discussion to follow somewhat of a "Verbal A3" format, so I hope that helps. For earlier episodes, visit the main Podcast page, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS or via Apple iTunes. You can also hear Jim in episodes #16 and #27. If you have feedback on the podcast, or any questions for me or my guests, you can email me at leanpodcast@gmail.com or you can call and leave a voicemail by calling the "Lean Line" at (817) 776-LEAN (817-776-5326) or contact me via Skype id "mgraban". Please give your location and your first name. Any comments (email or voicemail) might be used in follow ups to the podcast.

Jim Baran, Lean Talent Management

Since 2006, the Lean Blog Interviews podcast has featured in-depth, candid conversations with leaders, thinkers, and doers in the world of Lean and continuous improvement. Hosted by Mark Graban—author, consultant, and longtime Lean practitioner—the show explores how Lean principles are being applied across industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, startups, and more.
What sets this podcast apart? We go beyond tools and buzzwords. Our guests share real-world stories of success, struggle, learning, and leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned Lean veteran or just getting started, you’ll gain practical insights and fresh perspectives that you can take back to your own organization.
Topics include:
<ul>
<li>
Lean as a management system and cultural transformation—not just a toolbox
</li>
<li>
Continuous improvement and problem-solving, at every level
</li>
<li>
Leadership behaviors that support real change
</li>
<li>
Psychological safety as a foundation for improvement
</li>
<li>
Lessons from the Toyota Production System, Lean Startup, and beyond
</li>
<li>
Candid stories about mistakes—and what we learn from them
</li>
</ul>
We don’t talk much about “Lean Six Sigma” here. But if you believe improvement is about people first—this podcast is for you.
Many episodes feature a special focus on Lean in healthcare, reflecting Mark’s deep work in that field. Hear from leaders working to improve patient safety, reduce waste, and build cultures of respect and learning.
Find all episodes and show notes at <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.leancast.org">www.LeanCast.org</a>. Learn more about Mark and his work at <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.leanblog.org">www.LeanBlog.org</a>. Questions or feedback? Email <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer">mark@leanblog.org </a>

Business

Management

Since 2006, the Lean Blog Interviews podcast has featured in-depth, candid conversations with leaders, thinkers, and doers in the world of Lean and continuous improvement. Hosted by Mark Graban—author, consultant, and longtime Lean practitioner—the show explores how Lean principles are being applied across industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, startups, and more. What sets this podcast apart? We go beyond tools and buzzwords. Our guests share real-world stories of success, struggle, learning, and leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned Lean veteran or just getting started, you’ll gain practical insights and fresh perspectives that you can take back to your own organization. Topics include: Lean as a management system and cultural transformation—not just a toolbox Continuous improvement and problem-solving, at every level Leadership behaviors that support real change Psychological safety as a foundation for improvement Lessons from the Toyota Production System, Lean Startup, and beyond Candid stories about mistakes—and what we learn from them We don’t talk much about “Lean Six Sigma” here. But if you believe improvement is about people first—this podcast is for you. Many episodes feature a special focus on Lean in healthcare, reflecting Mark’s deep work in that field. Hear from leaders working to improve patient safety, reduce waste, and build cultures of respect and learning. Find all episodes and show notes at www.LeanCast.org.Learn more about Mark and his work at www.LeanBlog.org.Questions or feedback? Email mark@leanblog.org

Since 2006, the Lean Blog Interviews podcast has featured in-depth, candid conversations with leaders, thinkers, and doers in the world of Lean and continuous improvement. Hosted by Mark Graban—author, consultant, and longtime Lean practitioner—the show explores how Lean principles are being applied across industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, startups, and more.
What sets this podcast apart? We go beyond tools and buzzwords. Our guests share real-world stories of success, struggle, learning, and leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned Lean veteran or just getting started, you’ll gain practical insights and fresh perspectives that you can take back to your own organization.
Topics include:
<ul>
<li>
Lean as a management system and cultural transformation—not just a toolbox
</li>
<li>
Continuous improvement and problem-solving, at every level
</li>
<li>
Leadership behaviors that support real change
</li>
<li>
Psychological safety as a foundation for improvement
</li>
<li>
Lessons from the Toyota Production System, Lean Startup, and beyond
</li>
<li>
Candid stories about mistakes—and what we learn from them
</li>
</ul>
We don’t talk much about “Lean Six Sigma” here. But if you believe improvement is about people first—this podcast is for you.
Many episodes feature a special focus on Lean in healthcare, reflecting Mark’s deep work in that field. Hear from leaders working to improve patient safety, reduce waste, and build cultures of respect and learning.
Find all episodes and show notes at <a href="https://www.leancast.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.LeanCast.org</a>. Learn more about Mark and his work at <a href="https://www.leanblog.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.LeanBlog.org</a>. Questions or feedback? Email <a rel="noopener noreferrer">mark@leanblog.org&nbsp;</a>

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