Show notes: <a href='https://www.leanblog.org/118'>https://www.leanblog.org/118</a>
Remastered July 2021
Episode #118 is a follow up to <a href='http://leanblog.org/116'>podcast #116</a> with  <a href='http://www.lean.org/WhoWeAre/LeanPerson.cfm?LeanPersonId=1'>Jim Womack</a>, founder and former Chairman of the Lean Enterprise Institute, now their Senior Advisor and author of the new book <a href='https://amzn.to/39PFlHN'>Gemba Walks</a>, available in paperback, Kindle format, iBooks, and other formats.
In this episode, we talk about both GM and Toyota – their challenges, Jim's reflections on the companies, and thoughts about where they are headed in the future. Jim also answers reader questions about the word “lean” itself and the combination of the Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Show notes: https://www.leanblog.org/118 Remastered July 2021 Episode #118 is a follow up to podcast #116 with Jim Womack, founder and former Chairman of the Lean Enterprise Institute, now their Senior Advisor and author of the new book Gemba Walks, available in paperback, Kindle format, iBooks, and other formats. In this episode, we talk about both GM and Toyota – their challenges, Jim's reflections on the companies, and thoughts about where they are headed in the future. Jim also answers reader questions about the word “lean” itself and the combination of the Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Show notes: <a href="https://www.leanblog.org/118" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.leanblog.org/118</a>
Remastered July 2021
Episode #118 is a follow up to&nbsp;<a href="http://leanblog.org/116" rel="noopener noreferrer">podcast #116</a>&nbsp;with &nbsp;<a href="http://www.lean.org/WhoWeAre/LeanPerson.cfm?LeanPersonId=1" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Womack</a>, founder and former Chairman of the Lean Enterprise Institute, now their Senior Advisor and author of the new book&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/39PFlHN" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gemba Walks</a>, available in paperback, Kindle format, iBooks, and other formats.
In this episode, we talk about both GM and Toyota – their challenges, Jim's reflections on the companies, and thoughts about where they are headed in the future. Jim also answers reader questions about the word “lean” itself and the combination of the Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Jim Womack on GM, Toyota & Lean Six Sigma *

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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Jim Womack on GM, Toyota & Lean Six Sigma *

Jim Womack on GM, Toyota & Lean Six Sigma *

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