Joining me today for Episode #204 is Paul Plsek (<a href='https://twitter.com/paulplsek'>@PaulPlsek</a>) and we're talking about his excellent book (a Shingo Research Award recipient this year) titled <a href='https://amzn.to/2UyKNYS'>Accelerating Health Care Transformation with Lean and Innovation: The Virginia Mason Experience</a>. Virginia Mason, of course, is Virginia Mason Medical Center, the outstanding Lean organization that was <a href='https://www.leanblog.org/2010/12/virginia-mason-mentions-learnings-from-toyota-in-full-page-ny-times-ad/'>named “Hospital of the Decade” by Leapfrog Group</a>.
In our discussion, we touch on topics including how you can be Lean AND innovative, how an organization and people can LEARN to be innovative, and what is the health system board's role in this innovation and improvement strategy? I think you'll enjoy the discussion (and the book!).
You can learn more about Paul, his book, and his work at his website: <a href='http://www.directedcreativity.com/'>www.directedcreativity.com</a>.
For a link to this episode, refer people to <a href='https://www.leanblog.org/204'>www.leanblog.org/204</a>.
For earlier episodes of my podcast, visit the <a href='http://www.leanpodcast.org/'>main Podcast page</a>, which includes information on how to <a href='https://mgraban.hipcast.com/rss/leanblog_podcast.xml'>subscribe via RSS</a> or <a href='http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/leanblog-podcast/id168151452'>via Apple Podcasts</a>.  You can also <a href='http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/mark-grabans-lean-blog-podcast'>listen via Stitcher</a>.

Joining me today for Episode #204 is Paul Plsek (@PaulPlsek) and we're talking about his excellent book (a Shingo Research Award recipient this year) titled Accelerating Health Care Transformation with Lean and Innovation: The Virginia Mason Experience. Virginia Mason, of course, is Virginia Mason Medical Center, the outstanding Lean organization that was named “Hospital of the Decade” by Leapfrog Group. In our discussion, we touch on topics including how you can be Lean AND innovative, how an organization and people can LEARN to be innovative, and what is the health system board's role in this innovation and improvement strategy? I think you'll enjoy the discussion (and the book!). You can learn more about Paul, his book, and his work at his website: www.directedcreativity.com. For a link to this episode, refer people to www.leanblog.org/204. For earlier episodes of my podcast, visit the main Podcast page, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS or via Apple Podcasts. You can also listen via Stitcher.

Joining me today for Episode #204 is Paul Plsek (<a href="https://twitter.com/paulplsek" rel="noopener noreferrer">@PaulPlsek</a>) and we're talking about his excellent book (a Shingo Research Award recipient this year) titled&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/2UyKNYS" rel="noopener noreferrer">Accelerating Health Care Transformation with Lean and Innovation: The Virginia Mason Experience</a>. Virginia Mason, of course, is Virginia Mason Medical Center, the outstanding Lean organization that was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leanblog.org/2010/12/virginia-mason-mentions-learnings-from-toyota-in-full-page-ny-times-ad/" rel="noopener noreferrer">named “Hospital of the Decade” by Leapfrog Group</a>.
In our discussion, we touch on topics including how you can be Lean AND innovative, how an organization and people can LEARN to be innovative, and what is the health system board's role in this innovation and improvement strategy? I think you'll enjoy the discussion (and the book!).
You can learn more about Paul, his book, and his work at his website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.directedcreativity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.directedcreativity.com</a>.
For a link to this episode, refer people to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leanblog.org/204" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.leanblog.org/204</a>.
For earlier episodes of my podcast, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.leanpodcast.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">main Podcast page</a>, which includes information on how to&nbsp;<a href="https://mgraban.hipcast.com/rss/leanblog_podcast.xml" rel="noopener noreferrer">subscribe via RSS</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/leanblog-podcast/id168151452" rel="noopener noreferrer">via Apple Podcasts</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can also&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/mark-grabans-lean-blog-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">listen via Stitcher</a>.

Paul Plsek, Lean & Innovation at Virginia Mason Medical Center

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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Paul Plsek, Lean & Innovation at Virginia Mason Medical Center

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