The Edges of Lean

By LeanForHumansBusiness Management

The Edges of Lean episodes

August 28, 2025Ep 139 Michelle Formanczyk: Improving Communication with VoicePrint
Michelle Formanczyk is the owner of Slingshot Designs and serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Lean Consortium as Director of Outreach. She’s a certified VoicePrint practitioner and seasoned consultant with deep expertise in continuous improvement, leadership development, and communication strategy. Today, she joins us to share how VoicePrint brings empathy back to leadership—transforming how teams connect, collaborate, and thrive.”

Key Takeaways
VoicePrint is a communication tool identifying 9 "voices" people use, grouped into exploring, positioning, and controlling clusters
VoicePrint helps leaders understand their communication patterns and impact, improving team dynamics and leadership effectiveness
Combining VoicePrint with lean practices like Kata could enhance leadership development and coaching
Michelle advocates for connecting lean thinkers in Michigan through her work with the Michigan Lean Consortium
Topics
Michelle's Background and Career Path
Grew up in northern Michigan, started career at Chrysler Tech Center
Progressed through roles in industry to global consulting
Now focused on connecting lean and scientific thinkers in Michigan
Involved with Michigan Lean Consortium, recently joined board
VoicePrint Overview
Developed by psychologist Alan Robertson of TalkWise company
Identifies 9 voices grouped into exploring, positioning, and controlling clusters
Includes self-assessment and 360-degree feedback components
Helps individuals understand how they communicate and are perceived by others
Can be applied in various contexts - leadership, teams, personal development
VoicePrint Application in Leadership and Teams
Helps leaders understand their communication patterns under normal and pressure situations
Identifies gaps between intended and actual communication styles
Improves team dynamics by creating awareness of different communication styles
Particularly useful for transitions (e.g. frontline to supervisor, supervisor to manager)
Can be applied across industries and leadership styles
Connecting VoicePrint to Lean Practices
Potential to combine VoicePrint with Kata coaching for leadership development
Could enhance leader's ability to ask effective questions and pivot conversations
Aligns with lean focus on effective communication and continuous improvement
Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) Initiatives
Working to connect Michigan's lean community and resources better
Exploring a stronger relationship with the University of Michigan
Annual conference upcoming, open to attendees outside Michigan
Next Steps
Explore potential integration of VoicePrint with Kata and other lean practices
Consider attending the Michigan Lean Consortium annual conference
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn for further discussion on VoicePrint and lean leadership
43 min
August 13, 2025Ep 138 Sabrina Malter: Continuously Learning
Key Takeaways
Sabrina's journey from the pharmaceutical industry to management consulting focused on learning and lean principles
The importance of creating psychologically safe environments for learning and coaching
Key insights on writing a book, including the value of accountability and developing one's writing voice
Sabrina's book “Lernen leben” ("Learning and Living)" (available in the German language only) focuses on fostering a learning mindset and culture in organizations
Sabrina's Career Journey
25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, starting in quality testing
Transitioned to people and culture, then back to production
Gradually learned about lean, initially viewing it as just tools
Gained a deeper understanding of lean as a learning and continuous improvement approach
Introduction to Coaching
Implemented peer coaching program for the leadership team
Started with basics: open-ended questions, active listening
Learned about Kata coaching, which became a powerful tool
Created a "coaching community of practice" for ongoing learning
Learning Mindset and Culture
Emphasizes learning as a state of mind, not a fixed characteristic
Discusses psychological safety, trust, and accountability in learning cultures
Focuses on making change easier by applying learning principles
Book Writing Process
Worked with a book coach to improve writing style and process
Learned the importance of writing for reader enjoyment
Used accountability (telling others, publisher deadline) to stay motivated
Developed a writing routine and personal mantras
Book Content
Aimed at people leaders and change agents
Covers learning attitudes, culture, Kata coaching, and change management
Includes case studies from companies promoting learning
Sabrina Malter is passionate about creating a work environment where everyone can bring their full self to work and make the boldest impact for the organization and beyond. She loves to challenge, encourage, and support organizations that embark on their learning and growth journey. Sabrina brings her passion to life as a Leadership and learning coach and consultant at her own business, Unveil Business Consulting GmbH. She understands the power of Lean thinking in working towards her vision with a special expertise and skill in Kata Coaching, Leadership Development and Cultural Change. Sabrina’s 25 years of industry background brought her experience and expertise in Business Transformations, Organizational Development and Strategy Management. Her educational background includes a M.Sc. in Sustainability Management from The Open University, UK, as well as further study on Leading People Centered Change, Leadership Coaching, and Professional Resilience. Sabrina lives with her husband and two daughters in the south of Germany. Find Sabrina on LinkedIn or at https://www.unveil-businessconsulting.com
1 hr 3 min
July 29, 2025Ep 137 Jared Thatcher (and the Global Lean Summit)
Key Takeaways
Jared Thatcher has 20+ years of lean experience across manufacturing, consulting, and government sectors
The Global Lean Summit evolved from virtual events during COVID to an international in-person conference
This year's summit (Sept 23-25, 2023) features speakers from global companies, a Toyota plant tour, and follow-up support
The summit aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience on lean principles and implementation
Topics
Jared's Lean Journey
Started in manufacturing, noticing inefficiencies and developing improvements
MBA introduced formal lean concepts, aligning with his natural problem-solving approach
Worked at Daimler Trucks NA, saving millions through continuous cost improvement
Transitioned to office lean implementation, seeing dramatic efficiency gains
Moved to consulting, then to Alaska Airlines, where he solved long-standing data issues
Virtual Kaizen Events
COVID-19 forced a transition to virtual events
Discovered that virtual process mapping was more efficient than traditional methods
Benefits: No rework, better collaboration, increased participation from introverts
Hybrid approach: Using digital tools even in in-person settings
Global Lean Summit Evolution
Started as a virtual event during the COVID lockdowns to help small businesses
Grew from 21 attendees in the first year to nearly 90 at the 2022 in-person event
The 2025 event is partnered with Indiana University, attracting an international audience
Features: Toyota plant tour, speakers from GE Aerospace, and City Furniture
Focuses on five key elements: strategy deployment, people development, workflow optimization, problem-solving, and daily management
Summit Structure and Benefits
Day 1: Principles of successful lean organizations
Day 2: Toyota plant tour and practical application workshop
Day 3: Developing individual lean management roadmaps
Post-summit: 30, 60, 90-day virtual follow-ups for accountability and support
Additional offering: Japan Kaizen Learning Mission in November
Next Steps
Visit www.globalleansummit.com for more information and registration
Connect with Jared Thatcher on LinkedIn for updates
Consider attending the Global Lean Summit (Sept 23-25, 2023) or Japan Learning Mission (November 2023)
Early bird pricing for the summit ends August 15, 2023
About Jared!
With over 10 years of experience in lean process improvement, project management, change management, business analysis, leadership, and training, Jared is a passionate and results-oriented CPI Program Manager at Port of Seattle, where he engages in a lean transformation of the airport operations and other processes throughout the Port. He teaches, trains, and mentors others in continuous process improvement, and developed a lean network of other Port authorities and government agencies to share best practices, success stories, and group problem solving.

He is also the host of the Virtual Lean Summit and the author of Parenting the Lean Way, a book that applies the proven business philosophy of lean to the family. Jared is a Lean Bronze Certified professional, a Project Management Professional, a Certified Scrum Master, and a PROSCI Certified Change Manager,
56 min
January 31, 2025Ep 136 Positive Intelligence with Corinna Freitag
Do you consider yourself to be “good with people?" Some of us are born with the skill of creating relationships and working well with others; some of us struggle, especially people whose strengths are in science and technology, and we all could learn to be better at it! Whether you are a natural "people person" or not, Corinna Freitag has essential advice for all of us about the trait of positive intelligence and how it can enhance our work and personal relationships.

Corinna Freitag

Corinna Freitag is an Executive Coach, Advisor, and Speaker with over 30 years of expertise in natural and human sciences, spanning academia, industry, and continuing education. She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and is a certified Executive Coach. She earned her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the gold standard in professional coaching.
With a career that has taken her across multiple countries, Corinna spent over 18 years working globally in the automotive and chemical industries. She has held diverse roles, collaborating with colleagues at all levels—from the shop floor to Senior Vice Presidents. Her extensive experience ultimately led her to serve as the Global Operational Excellence Leader for over five years.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:19 - Challenges for STEM Professionals in Management
00:05:01 - Client Struggles with Social Skills
00:06:03 - Neurodivergence and Technical Focus
00:07:02 - Rewiring the Brain and Changing Habits
00:10:05 - Coaching Approach: Assessments and Targets
00:15:09 - Coaching Style: Directive vs. Non-Directive
00:20:01 - Emotional Intelligence and Career Advancement
00:23:15 - Client Success Stories
00:29:48 - Positive Intelligence Explained
00:39:41 - Advice for Young Professionals

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Positive intelligence is approaching challenges with a positive mindset.
Some STEM professionals struggle with social skills and building relationships.
It is possible to change and improve social skills with practice and coaching.
Assessments and goal-setting are vital tools in coaching to track progress and measure improvement.
The concept of positive intelligence helps rewire the brain and change habits.
Building empathy and understanding for others is crucial in improving relationships and resolving conflicts.
Training mental toughness is a positive mindset that can help individuals overcome challenges and thrive in work and life.

Memorable Quotes From Corinna Freitag

"Train your mental toughness... handle challenges with a positive rather than a negative mindset”

CONNECT WITH Corinna Freitag

Website: https://www.corinnafreitag.de/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcorinnafreitag/
38 min
October 29, 2024Ep 135 Time Optimization with David Buck
What’s the only thing we all have the same amount of? It’s the number of hours in our day. We live in a culture that is focused on productivity, but David Buck, the author of The Time Optimized Life, has a different perspective on time. He says we should be thinking about time optimization, not time management, and he bases his approach on lean thinking. I invited him to spend a little time with me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights. Note: this conversation is especially important for people who are considering retirement or other major work transitions!
David Buck
David Buck is the author of The Time-Optimized Life and brings over 35 years of experience in organizational and time management to his work. Drawing from an affluent career in business development, where he worked with Fortune 500 companies and innovative small businesses, David developed a comprehensive understanding of business and began thinking about a life strategy that balances career with personal fulfillment.

Having led numerous teams, David understands the difference between productivity and mere busyness. He believes strongly that people in their late 40s and beyond should have the option to pursue fulfilling lives without compromising their career aspirations. As his first customer, David embodies his philosophy, showing his clients that they do not have to choose between a rewarding career and a satisfying personal life. Instead, he guides them in crafting a lifestyle that excites and sustains them, whether it involves full-time work, part-time engagement, or a purposeful retirement.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:04:45 The focus on retirement and life after work
00:08:40 The importance of human connections and meaningful activities in retirement
00:11:41 Defining one's purpose and guiding principles for using time
00:16:23 Negotiating unique employment structures for flexibility in retirement
00:19:54 Building relationship capital at work and personal life
00:23:20 Embracing diversity and continuous improvement in retirement planning
00:26:56 The challenge of transitioning to retirement and finding purpose
00:31:37 Sharing life stories and family histories as a productive activity

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Time optimization emphasizes proactive planning for adaptable, effective scheduling.
Optimizing time allows for prioritizing amid unexpected events.
Defining life purpose is essential for a meaningful retirement transition.
Planning diverse activities helps prevent monotony in retirement.
Work-life flexibility, supported by relationship-building, allows responsiveness to personal needs.
Relationship capital at work enables flexibility and smoother work-life transitions.
Documenting life stories creates a lasting legacy for future generations.
Lean principles applied to personal life improve time management with small changes.

Memorable Quotes From David Buck

"Practice patience, as meaningful things often take longer than expected; it allows you to learn, grow, and appreciate the journey."

CONNECT WITH David Buck

Website: https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/tma/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infinitylifestyle/
43 min
October 17, 2024Ep 134 Continuous Improvement in a Time of Political Turmoil with Phyllis Leavitt
It’s election season in the United States, and it affects us all, no matter how involved we are in politics. Deep fractures run through our families, neighborhoods, and workplaces, affecting our ability to live and work with each other. Phyllis Leavitt’s new book, America in Therapy, directly addresses this problem and what we can do about it. She joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about the intersections of political division and continuous improvement.

Phyllis Leavitt
Phyllis Leavitt’s journey into psychology began long before her formal education. Growing up in a close-knit community, she was always drawn to helping others and understanding the complexities of human emotions. This passion led her to volunteer at local shelters and community centers during her teenage years, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of trauma and the power of compassionate support.
Phyllis Leavitt graduated from Antioch University in 1989, earning a Master's in Psychology and Counseling. She co-directed Parents United, a sexual abuse treatment program in Santa Fe, New Mexico, until 1991, after which she dedicated herself to private practice full-time. Over the course of 34 years as a psychotherapist, Phyllis worked with children, families, couples, and individual adults, specializing in issues related to abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their consequences, and the essential components of healing. She is the author of two books, "A Light in the Darkness" and "Into the Fire."

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:44 Motivation for writing the book "America in Therapy"
00:06:00 The role of dysfunctional family dynamics in societal issues
00:11:48 Identifying and understanding symptoms of trauma and abuse
00:20:00 Bringing psychological principles to national conversations
00:26:10 Importance of seeing individuals, not labels
00:31:17 The need for deep listening and understanding of each other's stories
00:35:11 Introduction to Leavitt's book "America and Therapy"
00:39:04 Advice for young people: Find appropriate ways to contribute

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Family dynamics and trauma influence behaviors across workplaces and society.
Labeling people diminishes their humanity and escalates conflict.
Sharing personal stories fosters empathy and bridges divides.
Small acts of kindness can create a positive societal ripple effect.
Dysfunctional family dynamics lead to symptomatic behaviors in individuals.
Mass shootings may indicate broader societal dysfunction.
Healing from abuse requires rebuilding bonds of compassion and care.
Psychology provides tools for deep listening and conflict resolution.
Safe spaces for dialogue are essential for sharing experiences.
Individuals can promote positive change through kindness and advocacy.

Memorable Quotes From Phyllis Leavitt.

"Healing from trauma is not just about rebuilding oneself; it's about nurturing the bonds of compassion that connect us all."

CONNECT WITH Phyllis Leavitt
Website:https://phyllisleavitt.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-leavitt-630179255
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhyllisLeavitt2
IG:https://www.instagram.com/pel2347/
43 min
October 10, 2024Ep 133 Meetings that Don't Suck with Jonathan Vehar and Cathi Brese Doebler
One of the things that frankly drives me crazy about how people think about continuous improvement is a focus on cost savings rather than increasing productivity and engagement< so I was excited to chat with Jonathan Vehar and Cathi Brese Doebler about a brilliant method to increase productivity, drive engagement and save money. They joined me to talk about their new book. “How to Make Meetings Not Suck” Listen in and consider how their approach might enhance every meeting, from your daily morning huddle to those three-day leadership retreats.

Jonathan Vehar
Jonathan Vehar is on a mission to make meetings better. With years of experience as a leader, executive, and facilitator, he knows what works and what does not. Known as an "innovation thought leader" by Fast Company, Jonathan takes a fresh but productive approach to improving "how teams collaborate". He has worked with top companies like Disney, Intel, NASA, and Pfizer, and his insights have been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Jonathan is also the co-author of six books on leadership, and his latest book, How to Make Meetings Not Suck, comes out in August 2024.
Cathi Brese Doebler
Cathi Brese Doebler brings over 25 years of experience in meeting facilitation, training, and leadership development. Cathi is passionate about helping others learn and grow. Cathi has been a Senior Consultant and Leadership Solutions Facilitator at the Center for Creative Leadership since 2013 and has worked with organizations like Fiserv and McBride & Lucius. She has also collaborated with several colleges, including the University of Buffalo and Erie Community College, blending her expertise in leadership with education.
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KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:43 The importance of having fun at work
00:10:55 The purpose of having agendas for meetings
00:15:29 The cost of unproductive meetings
00:19:50 Calculating the financial cost of meetings
00:22:28 Suggestions for running effective meetings
00:25:14 The CIDR framework for meeting purposes
00:27:14 Differences between in-person and virtual meetings
00:32:19 Managing hybrid meetings effectively
00:33:14 How to connect with Jonathan and Kathy
00:34:02 Advice for young professionals starting their careers

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Thoughtful planning and structure are essential for effective meetings, requiring a clear purpose and well-organized processes.
Ineffective meetings are costly, with an average financial impact of $336,000 in one year.
Virtual, in-person, and hybrid meetings present unique challenges, but we can manage them effectively with the right tools and techniques.
The elements for successful meetings include a Power Agenda, defined roles, clear purpose (using the CIDR framework), and strong follow-through.
The "Power Agenda" focuses on unique components like meeting duration, role assignments (e.g., scribe), processes, and desired outcomes to make meetings more efficient.
The 3 Ps (Purpose, Process, Product) framework helps guide meetings to stay on track, ensuring clarity and respect for the time.
Respecting time by preparing agendas in advance and assigning clear roles is a simple way to improve meeting effectiveness, countering the excuse of not having time for preparation.
The CIDR framework (clear purpose, intentional design, defined roles, and respectful interaction) is crucial for making meetings productive and meaningful.

Memorable Quotes:

“Effective meetings don’t just happen — they require thoughtful planning, clear purpose, and respect for everyone’s time.”

CONNECT WITH Jonathan Vehar:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-vehar/
Website: https://vehar.com/

CONNECT WITH Cathi Brese Doebler:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-brese-doebler-91884910/
Website: https://ditchthe.com/about/
Twitter: https://x.com/CathiDoebler
37 min
September 24, 2024Ep 132 The Hidden Side of Coaching with Kelly Mallery
Who are you when you are coaching? How are you presenting yourself to your learner? How might your inner emotional state affect your coaching effectiveness? Kelly Mallery coaches using the Toyota Improvement Kata and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share some of her insights and what she has learned about the hidden side of coaching.

Kelly Mallery

Kelly Mallery serves as the Operational Excellence Manager for two Viant Medical sites while running her own coaching business, Kelly Mallery Coaching & Consulting LLC. She became part of Viant Medical in 2023, bringing her over 11 years of diverse manufacturing experience across industries such as solar, industrial consumer products, and aerospace. Throughout her career, Kelly has consistently focused on continuous improvement, and in the past five years, she has shifted her focus from practicing to coaching others. In 2020, she joined the Kata Girl Geeks, and by 2023, she founded Kata School Northeast, where she has established herself as a seasoned coach and 2nd coach. Kelly resides in the Upper Valley, situated between Vermont and New Hampshire, with her family.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:06 Kelly's background and role in coaching
00:02:56 Integrating coaching practices into business operations
00:08:38 Developing self-awareness as a coach
00:11:08 Giving specific feedback to coaches
00:14:51 Bringing attention to a coach's emotional state
00:18:41 The impact of self-awareness on organizational culture
00:22:42 Creating trust and healthy conflict through self-awareness
00:28:22 Treating people as vehicles vs. human beings
00:29:27 Kelly's plans and coaching business
00:31:09 Advice for young professionals on self-awareness

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Integrating coaching practices into business operations enhances organizational performance and effectiveness.
Self-awareness is essential for coaches, allowing them to recognize their biases and emotional states, which can significantly influence the learner's experience.
Developing emotional intelligence within organizations fosters trust and encourages healthy conflict, improving team dynamics and performance.
Evolving from viewing individuals as mere tools for change to recognizing their humanity enriches the coaching approach.
Integrating scientific thinking with emotional intelligence creates a holistic coaching practice that addresses both cognitive and emotional aspects of learning.
Fostering self-awareness throughout an organization can lead to a more collaborative environment and enhance overall performance.
Trust and healthy conflict are vital components of effective teamwork, and self-awareness is the key to cultivating these elements.
Continuous personal and professional growth is crucial for coaches, emphasizing the need for ongoing development in self-awareness and coaching skills.

Memorable Quotes From Kelly Mallery.

"Trust and healthy conflict are vital components of effective teamwork, and self-awareness plays a key role in cultivating these elements."

CONNECT WITH Kelly Mallery.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mallery-123b0628/
33 min
September 19, 2024Ep 131 Unblocking the Organization with Jurriaan Kamer
We know that autonomy is one of the factors that leads to high employee satisfaction and that organizational alignment is required to achieve company goals. But how do you get both autonomy and alignment? Jurriaan Kamer believes that companies can achieve aligned autonomy, and there are specific actions leaders can take to reach this goal. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his experience and insights.

Jurriaan Kamer

Jurriaan Kamer is a Dutch expert in organizational change and co-founder of Unblock, a modern management consultancy. He is also a keynote speaker and the author of two influential books. His latest release, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization," offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance ownership, speed up decision-making, and reduce bureaucracy for better outcomes.
Previously, Jurriaan wrote "Formula X," a business novel inspired by Formula 1 racing, recognized by Forbes as a must-read for navigating an uncertain market. With over a decade of experience, he helps organizations eliminate ineffective strategies and foster high levels of autonomy.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:20 Agile Principles vs. Practices
00:06:34 Organizational Culture and Scalability
00:09:38 Leadership Principles and Organizational Culture
00:12:40 Organizational Dysfunctions and Results
00:18:41 Formula One Behind the Scenes
00:21:25 Unblocking Organizational Challenges
00:24:15 Strategy as a Hypothesis
00:29:17 Control Needs in Leadership
00:32:09 Types of Decisions in Organizations
00:35:44 Teamwork and Psychological Safety
00:39:32 Thriving Organizations Through Lean

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Autonomy and alignment are both important factors for organizational success.
Aligned autonomy is the concept of having autonomous teams that work within the framework of the organization's objectives.
Agile principles may not work effectively at the organizational scale, and it's important to explore other organizational theories and methods.
The goal of organizations is to achieve results, whether financial, regulatory, or other objectives.
Unblocking the organization involves identifying and overcoming organizational dysfunctions that hinder progress.
Steering involves continuously setting goals, changing direction, and measuring progress.
Meetings should be focused, purposeful, and used as a tool to drive work forward rather than being a distraction.

Memorable Quotes From Jurriaan Kamer.

"Ownership is not something you can give to someone, it is something that people should take."

CONNECT WITH Jurriaan Kamer.

Website: http://www.unblockbook.net
Book Website: https://www.formula-x.co/
Linkedin :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurriaankamer
X/Twitter: https://x.com/jurriaankamer
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jurriaankamer/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1WPfl4intvNQy5_5bVBcw
37 min
August 26, 2024Ep 130 Continuously Reducing Racism in Your Company Culture with JD Mass
A diverse organization is a competitive advantage –innovation and problem-solving thrive when people from diverse backgrounds work together. No matter who we are, when we move into that diverse environment, we all, no matter our race, carry baggage from racism in our culture. JD Mass has written a book called “Race for What,” addressing the causes of racism and steps white folk can take to heal from the harm of racism and begin to connect as humans. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights.

JD Mass

JD Mass grew up in St. Louis, one of America’s most segregated cities, where his parents raised him in the black community. He worked closely with his childhood friend, Nelly, during the first four years of Nelly’s career, witnessing his rise to international fame. JD later joined a global community of black ex-patriots focused on health, peace, and sharing. Throughout these experiences, he saw the highest impact of racism and power structures. To better understand cultural development, JD earned a degree in organizational psychology. His journey is fueled by a desire to understand the roots of racism and promote a more humane, loving world.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:06:04 Defining culture and its impact
00:08:27 Exploring the roots of racism
00:19:54 Letting go to experience new possibilities
00:21:59 Experiencing a peaceful community in Israel
00:24:02 Applying cultural appreciation to lean implementations
00:29:20 Step 2: Acknowledging the harm of our culture
00:30:26 Step 3: Letting go of power, privilege, and fears
00:32:29 Step 4: Appreciating the value of other cultures
00:35:58 Step 5: Repairing and healing the harm
00:39:04 Step 6: Being led by a new mind
00:39:16 Closing thoughts and advice for young people

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Reducing racism in company culture involves continuous improvement and active efforts to address biases.
Diverse organizations gain a competitive edge through enhanced innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
Racial biases impact interactions in diverse environments, regardless of personal intentions.
The scarcity mentality, driven by limited resources, fosters competitive and discriminatory behaviors.
Addressing racism requires a deep understanding of its historical and systemic origins and patterns.
Perceptions of resource scarcity influence racial attitudes and contribute to competitive behaviors.
Changing deeply ingrained cultural behaviors is challenging due to their entrenched nature.

Memorable Quotes From JD Mass.

“Addressing racism requires understanding and changing historical and systemic patterns.

CONNECT WITH JD Mass.
Website: https://raceforwhat.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-mass-psyd/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/JDMass1
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raceforwhat/
41 min

About The Edges of Lean

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The Edges of Lean explores topics in continuous improvement (lean thinking, creative problem solving, six sigma) that get overlooked. Meet the people practicing lean in odd places or with different…

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