<a href='http://leanblog.org/coffee6'>Episode page with links, video, and more</a>
In this episode, Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh respond to listener questions about system design, leadership behavior, and navigating misguided Lean requirements.
They explore why some systems—like college football playoffs or improvement quotas—fail to deliver their intended results, and what leaders can do instead. Topics include cultivating psychological safety in higher education, getting Lean started when the broader organization isn’t supportive, and how to redirect “check-the-box” improvement mandates into something more meaningful.
Along the way, they also cover fresh coffee beans, local roasters, AI-generated music playlists, and a low-key holiday performance by Brandi Carlile—because culture matters too.

Episode page with links, video, and more In this episode, Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh respond to listener questions about system design, leadership behavior, and navigating misguided Lean requirements. They explore why some systems—like college football playoffs or improvement quotas—fail to deliver their intended results, and what leaders can do instead. Topics include cultivating psychological safety in higher education, getting Lean started when the broader organization isn’t supportive, and how to redirect “check-the-box” improvement mandates into something more meaningful. Along the way, they also cover fresh coffee beans, local roasters, AI-generated music playlists, and a low-key holiday performance by Brandi Carlile—because culture matters too.

<a href="http://leanblog.org/coffee6" rel="noopener noreferrer">Episode page with links, video, and more</a>
In this episode, Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh respond to listener questions about system design, leadership behavior, and navigating misguided Lean requirements.
They explore why some systems—like college football playoffs or improvement quotas—fail to deliver their intended results, and what leaders can do instead. Topics include cultivating psychological safety in higher education, getting Lean started when the broader organization isn’t supportive, and how to redirect “check-the-box” improvement mandates into something more meaningful.
Along the way, they also cover fresh coffee beans, local roasters, AI-generated music playlists, and a low-key holiday performance by Brandi Carlile—because culture matters too.

System Design, Psychological Safety, and When Lean Quotas Backfire

Formerly known as ”Lean Whiskey.”

Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh share more than just their MIT degrees: they’re authors, speakers, and trusted voices in the Lean community... plus they’re both serious about their coffee. 

Each episode offers insightful discussions on essential topics like operational excellence, leadership effectiveness, organizational culture, problem-solving strategies, innovation, and building a thriving Lean culture. Whether you’re an experienced executive, an ambitious manager, or someone passionate about elevating organizational performance, Lean Coffee Talk provides practical wisdom you can apply directly to your workplace.

They bring expertise without the complexity – because Lean doesn’t have to be rocket science. Their takes are bold and their insights are fresh. welcome to Lean Coffee Talk... Where Lean wisdom is brewed and served.

Mark Graban: http://markgraban.com/

Jamie Flinchbaugh: https://jflinch.com/

Podcast home: https://leancoffeetalk.com/

Note: The first 50 episodes were done under the theme and name of ”Lean Whiskey”

Business

Management

Formerly known as ”Lean Whiskey.” Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh share more than just their MIT degrees: they’re authors, speakers, and trusted voices in the Lean community... plus they’re both serious about their coffee. Each episode offers insightful discussions on essential topics like operational excellence, leadership effectiveness, organizational culture, problem-solving strategies, innovation, and building a thriving Lean culture. Whether you’re an experienced executive, an ambitious manager, or someone passionate about elevating organizational performance, Lean Coffee Talk provides practical wisdom you can apply directly to your workplace. They bring expertise without the complexity – because Lean doesn’t have to be rocket science. Their takes are bold and their insights are fresh. welcome to Lean Coffee Talk... Where Lean wisdom is brewed and served. Mark Graban: http://markgraban.com/ Jamie Flinchbaugh: https://jflinch.com/ Podcast home: https://leancoffeetalk.com/ Note: The first 50 episodes were done under the theme and name of ”Lean Whiskey”

Share System Design, Psychological Safety, and When Lean Quotas Backfire

Sign up to save your podcasts

System Design, Psychological Safety, and When Lean Quotas Backfire

System Design, Psychological Safety, and When Lean Quotas Backfire

More shows like Lean Coffee Talk (formerly known as Lean Whiskey)

Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond

Lean Blog Audio: Practical Lean Thinking, Psychological Safety, and Continuous Improvement

KaiNexus: Continuous Improvement, Leadership, and More

My Favorite Mistake: Learning Without Blame in Business and Leadership