Welcome to KPI Fireside, the podcast where we talk with leaders who make work better through continuous improvement and real problem-solving.

In this episode, Keith Norris is joined by Andrei Anca, author of Lead From Any Seat, to unpack what actually makes CI work—and why most companies get it wrong.

🔻 Why you don’t need a title to lead improvement

🔻 How CI programs lose momentum and how to fix it

🔻 The difference between problem pointers, finders, and solvers

🔻 Why most metrics are misleading—and how to measure what matters

🔻 How AI and change management will shape the future of CI

🔻 The one root cause mistake nearly every team makes

Andrei shares real-world stories and tactics you can use today—whether you're in finance, ops, manufacturing, or tech.

📚 Get the book + free templates: ⁠www.leadfromanyseat.com⁠ 🔗 Connect with Andrei on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/andreianca⁠ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – ⁠linkedin.com/in/keithnorris⁠

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Guest: Nick Katko | Host: Keith Norris

In this kickoff episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Lean Accounting expert Nick Katko—author, consultant, and pioneer in connecting finance with continuous improvement.

🔥 Key Takeaways & Moments:

• Nick’s Lean Origin Story – From CFO at Bullard to a champion of Lean transformations, Nick shares how one company's leap into Lean opened his eyes—and changed everything.
• Why Standard Costing Falls Short – Discover why traditional accounting systems often clash with Lean initiatives and how value stream income statements can transform decision-making.
• The Box Score Breakdown – Learn how Nick’s mentor, Brian Maskell, developed a powerful tool to align operational performance, capacity, and financials.
• Common Pitfalls in Lean Journeys – Nick reveals red flags to watch out for, including cherry-picking tools and losing sight of Lean as a learning culture.
• The ROI of Lean & Creating Capacity – Nick shares how to reframe “cost savings” and make a compelling case for Lean by showing how it improves flow, frees up time, and strengthens customer service.
• Advice for Finance Pros & CI Leaders – Whether you're in accounting or operations, find out how to build a career in Lean and make your role central to transformation.

💡 Whether you're new to Lean or deep in your CI journey, this episode will shift how you think about operations, accounting, and leadership. Tune in for a thoughtful and practical discussion packed with real-world insights and decades of experience.

🔗 Connect with Us

🌐 Learn more: ⁠https://www.kpifire.com/⁠

📱 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpi-fire

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kpifire/