Lean Into Excellence

In this conversation, Ronald Graves, a seasoned leadership coach, discusses the intricacies of coaching, the importance of accountability, and the transformative power of self-discipline. He differentiates coaching from mentoring and training, emphasizing the role of a coach in drawing out potential from within individuals. Ronald shares insights on the coaching process, the significance of confidentiality, and the impact of coaching on personal and professional growth. He reflects on his transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and offers wisdom for those considering coaching as a path for self-improvement.

In this conversation, Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla are joined by guest Ken Stocco to explore common misconceptions around Six Sigma education and continuous improvement. Together, they emphasize that true success goes beyond certifications — it requires critical thinking, real-world application, and mentorship. While tools and methodologies are valuable, they should never replace a practitioner’s ability to adapt, solve problems, and apply practical experience. The discussion reinforces the importance of cultivating a continuous improvement mindset, learning from challenges, and fostering team buy-in to drive meaningful, lasting results.

In this episode, we sit down with Elisabeth White, CEO of Cornerstone Agility and author of People Do Change, for a powerful conversation on human-centric change management.

Elisabeth reminds us that change isn’t just a process—it’s an emotional journey. She shares why empathy must be at the heart of leadership during transformation, and how a growth mindset, trust, and community are critical to helping teams move forward.

If you lead people through change—or are navigating it yourself—this episode is filled with thoughtful insight on how to do it with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Chapters

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we sit down with Dr. Lucas Chesla to explore his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a champion of Lean Six Sigma and organizational transformation.

Drawing from his book Revolutionize Work: A Guide to Enterprise Transformation (co-authored with Kirk Nicholas), Dr. Chesla shares powerful insights on leadership, culture, and the role of data in driving meaningful change. He dives into the importance of storytelling in data analysis, challenges common misconceptions about Lean Six Sigma, and emphasizes how empowered employees are key to sustaining continuous improvement.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to inspire action, align strategy, and build a culture where excellence is more than a buzzword—it’s how the work gets done.

Dr. Lucas Chesla - LinkedIn:   / dr-lucas-chesla-lssmbb-pmp-25aab4102  

Revolutionize Work: A Guide to Enterprise Transformation: https://amzn.to/4kbJbik

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we’re joined by Mark Reich, Senior Coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of the new book Managing on Purpose. Mark brings decades of experience in Lean leadership, including 23 years at Toyota, to a powerful conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement.

We dive deep into the principles of Hoshin-Kanri and why it's critical for aligning strategy from the top down and bottom up. Mark explains how tools like A3 problem-solving and daily management are not just techniques—but essential components of a purpose-driven organization.  Mark also reflects on the evolution of Lean, challenges in post-pandemic workplaces, and how new leaders can avoid common pitfalls while building sustainable improvement systems.

If you care about turning strategy into meaningful action—without losing sight of your people—this episode is a must-listen.

To purchase Mark's book Managing on Purpose, please click below:

https://www.lean.org/store/book/managing-on-purpose/

Chapters

We’re excited to welcome back Doug Bruce to Lean Into Excellence for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked value of White and Yellow Belt training in the Lean Six Sigma journey.

In this episode, we break down why these entry-level certifications aren’t just for beginners—they’re essential for building a strong foundation of continuous improvement across any organization.

We discuss: ✅ How individuals at all levels benefit from early-stage training ✅ Why companies should invest in developing problem-solving skills across the workforce ✅ Real-world examples of how White and Yellow Belts create lasting impact

Whether you're new to Lean Six Sigma or leading a team, this episode will show you why every improvement journey starts with the right mindset and the right tools.

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we’re shaking things up! Chuck Gillis steps in for Marco Bonilla as we welcome special guest Mike Daley to the conversation. Together, we dive into the evolution of Corrective Action Request (CAR) and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)—exploring how these essential processes have transformed over time to drive lasting improvements.

If you’re in quality, process improvement, or leadership, this episode is packed with insights to help you tackle issues at the source and create a culture of continuous improvement.

Dr. W. Edwards Deming is often called the father of modern quality management, but his impact extends far beyond statistical process control. In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we explore how Deming’s philosophy reshaped industries, from post-war Japan’s manufacturing boom to today’s Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. We’ll break down his 14 Points for Management, the System of Profound Knowledge, and how his teachings continue to drive continuous improvement in organizations worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned quality professional or just beginning your journey, this episode will deepen your understanding of Deming’s lasting influence on operational excellence.

For years, "government efficiency" has sounded like an oxymoron—but with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the conversation is shifting. In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we explore:

✅ Can government agencies truly embrace efficiency? ✅ Who’s already doing it right?  ✅ What’s the best way to support and sustain change in the public sector?

We break down the real challenges and opportunities in making government work smarter, not harder. If the private sector can streamline operations, why not public institutions?

Join us as we challenge the status quo and uncover what it really takes to bring continuous improvement to the halls of government.

Resources:

https://www.mma.org/about-mma/publications/bestpractices/

https://asq.org/quality-press/display-item?i

In this milestone 20th episode of Lean Into Excellence, we’re diving into the critical role of supplier relations and how Lean Six Sigma can transform the way companies collaborate with their suppliers. From fostering continuous improvement to aligning goals for mutual success, we explore strategies to enhance quality, reduce inefficiencies, and build stronger partnerships.

Join us as we celebrate 20 episodes of driving excellence and look ahead to the future of collaborative success!