
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


If you are a continuous improvement professional, you probably use some games in the training you deliver – maybe as an ice-breaker or perhaps as a simulation to teach a tool. But have you ever wondered how far you can take game-playing to build a team or create a culture? Alex is a woman on a mission to transform workplaces from the inside out. She has been playing around with games that create fun and meaningful learning experiences for years. Are you ready to hear some juicy insights on gaming in the workplace? Don't miss her unique and engaging take on this joyful topic.
Alexandra Suchman
As the CEO and co-founder of Barometer XP, Alex is well-versed in organizational development and improving business operations. She has a unique approach to consulting - she uses games to create engaging learning experiences for her clients. Her expertise stems from her early career in public policy and health, where she noticed many companies struggling with processes. Alex began to focus on creating simple systems and better planning. Today, she continues to help her clients become more strategic and organized in their work, through the use of games.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:00:01 – Exploring continuous improvement with games: an interview with Alexandra Suchman
0:02:37 – Exploring the use of games and simulations to enhance interpersonal skills in the workplace
0:04:33 – Conversation on game development with business partner
0:06:51 – Reflecting on the benefits of Games in the workplace
0:18:00 – Improving communication through pre-planning and games
0:19:36 – Conversation on the benefits of practicing habits and playing games to navigate uncertainty
0:26:33 – Exploring different thought processes in the workplace
0:28:15 – Conversation on team dynamics and diversity in the workplace
0:30:06 – Exploring the benefits of team-building games for group dynamics
0:35:04 – Conversation on developing experiential learning games and simulations for organizational change
0:39:12 – Exploring curiosity and changing paths
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Memorable Quotes From Alexandra Suchman
“Being able to learn in the situational moments and apply the lessons from it is one of the best ways to mitigate the problems that happen over and over."
CONNECT WITH Alexandra Suchman
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrasuchman
Instagram: https://instagram.com/alexbxpteams
The bots are here, and lean and continuous improvement practitioners see that organizations are eager to take advantage of the capabilities of artificial intelligence – or my guest Lauren Hisey calls it, intelligent automation. Lauren is here to demystify AI and share how continuous improvers can make peace with it – and use it effectively in improvement work. And, we are going to hear about her 100 Lunches project. Lauren embraces and overcomes the challenges that other people prefer to avoid. She has an immense passion for continuous improvement and loves to show others how to use it effectively in their businesses and organizations.
Lauren Hisey
Lauren Hisey is a dynamic person with a wealth of experience as an employee and business owner. She is passionate about innovation and creativity and has worked across various fields, such as TA/HR, Sales, Operations, Product Leadership, and Technology. Lauren is a natural problem solver who approaches each day with vigor and enthusiasm, leveraging her extensive knowledge of Lean Six Sigma to help companies achieve sustainable growth. She has spent over a decade working with companies of all sizes as a coach, consultant, trainer, and speaker, honing her skills and imparting her expertise to businesses, universities, podcasts, and networking groups.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Memorable Quotes From
“Network and be open for learning and if you have a chance to find a mentor, don't miss it. Because, they have gone through most of the trouble and will answer your questions when needed.”
CONNECT WITH
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenhisey
Website: https://laurenhiseyconsulting.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhiseyconsulting/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenhiseyconsulting/
Every time we use our lean practices to define and solve a problem, we create knowledge. How can we improve our organizational recognition and management of all that newly created knowledge – which is key to not having the same problem occur again? It turns out that knowledge management itself requires a process and continuous improvement and Dr. Cindy Young is here to share her insights.
Cindy is the Founder/CEO of CJ Young Consulting, LLC, a knowledge management consulting firm, and Curriculum Development and Training Lead with Leidos in Virginia Beach after retiring as a Surface Warfare Officer with 23 years in the U.S. Navy. She holds professional certifications as a PMP, LSSMBB, and CMQ/OE. Cindy has written for Harvard Business Review and is a Management columnist for ISE Magazine. In September 2020, she gave a TEDx Talk called “A Knowledge Mindset: What You Know Comes from Where You Sit." In February 2023, her book, The Knowledge Management Memory Jogger®, was published by Goal/QPC.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:40 – Definition of knowledge management
00:04:44 – Importance of documentation of process improvement
00:06:38 – Managing tacit knowledge in the workplace and strategies for sharing it
00:12:51 – Tips for managing a remote working team and prioritizing knowledge management
00:19:00 – Machine vs. human-centric management
00:22:20 – The Knowledge Management Memory Jogger
00:27: 20 – Knowledge management and organizational culture
00:29:28 – Power and mode of sharing knowledge
00 32: 10 – Knowledge findability and professional knowledge management
00:36: 20 - Knowledge management as a core competency and placement of knowledge manager
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Memorable Quotes From Dr. Cindy J Young
“Professionally managing knowledge requires special skills to organize information, break down silos, and make knowledge accessible, but one also needs to know how to communicate with people who may be withholding information.”
CONNECT WITH DR. CINDY J YOUNG
Website: https://www.cjyoungconsulting.com/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcindyyoung/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drcynthiajyoung?lang=en
Erin Whalen is a coach whose practice is focused on serving the people who work with the grieving and dying: bereavement professionals who need perhaps more than anyone to be seen, heard, and supported. Erin comes to coaching through the path of acting and the art of improvisation. She utilizes the tools she's learned through her artistic experience to help “fill the cups” of her clients and provide them with the communication skills they need to succeed. Erin's passion for coaching shines through her work, and her innovative approach to communication skills training makes her a leader in the field.
Erin Whalen
Erin Whalen, the founder of Compassionate Coaching, has guided teams of bereavement and end-of-life professionals toward being seen heard, and supported. Erin's dedication to effective communication and team building led her to present at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations Virtual Conference twice and host events such as Playback Theater to unite a community of like-minded individuals.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:02:49 Supporting bereavement professionals through team building and communication skills training
0:05:02 Building a community through creativity
0:06:43 Exploring how acting helped Erin become a better coach
0:10:17 Communication skills for bereavement professionals
0:15:11 Role-playing and compassionate coaching for professional growth
0:22:06 Challenges and rewards of Playback Theater
0:23:39 Art of storytelling through music, movement, and drama
0:25:33 Transforming lives through storytelling
0:28:56 Discovering the surprising benefits of creative expression in the workplace
0:30:37 Artful leadership: exploring the role of art in healthcare leadership and resilience.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Memorable Quotes From Erin Whalen
“It's all about the stories we hold. We can give and receive empathy through storytelling and reflection and creating a transformative experience.”
CONNECT WITH Erin Whalen
Website: https://www.compassionatecoaching.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-whalen-compassionate-coaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionatecoachingllc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_compassionatecoaching/
Kyle Gillette is a leadership coach. He coaches business leaders – but not all his clients wear a white collar and work in offices. Kyle works with leaders and aspiring leaders from all walks of life with a special focus on what we sometimes call “blue-collar” work. Kyle’s career path has taken him from men's mentoring to pet resorts, to HR, and running a successful personal training business. In every role, helping people reach their human potential through the power of mindset has always been his path. Kyle’s insights are valuable to all of us in the continuous improvement community.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST
0:09:23: The impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth
0:12:34: Understanding the difference between mentoring and coaching
0:14:23: How coaching and mentoring are applied in the business world
0:20:16: Moving from surviving to thriving through mindset shifts and personal growth
0:27:19: The four pillars of leadership: self-awareness, accountability, growth, and empowerment
0:31:56 Exploring the importance of accountability and mindset in coaching
0:34:51 Understanding the language and mindsets used in coaching
0:36:06: The benefits of journaling for stress relief
0:39:04: Connecting lean coaching and mentoring to empower young men
0:41:20: Using nonprofit work to connect business owners and young men
0:43:15: Learning the skill of active listening to empower your team
0:45:12: Developing self-awareness, mindset, and habits for effective leadership
Key Takeaways
Connect With Kyle Gillette
Website: https://blueshirtcoaching.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-gillette/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blueshirtgroup
Elisabeth Swan just wrote a book – which is not surprising because she’s done it before, but this one is different. This time Elisabeth wrote and illustrated the book – in fact the illustrations are what communicate the great ideas she is sharing. And Elisabeth, consultant, teacher, writer, is adding “artist” to her resume.
In addition, she has an English degree and is a consultant in the operational excellence world. She believes that her background in English translates to being a translator and a storyteller. This has influenced the work she does in helping people understand and enjoy difficult topics, such as statistics. She also has a drive to find a better way, which she realized from problem solving as a child. This has led her to Lean Six Sigma as a way to teach and help others.
Let’s hear more and how that happened.
Elizabeth Swan
Elisabeth, a Six Sigma leader and President of Swan Consultancy and Associates, with a passion for problem-solving. She is also a co-founder of the Just-in-Time Café, a co-author of The Problem-Solver's Toolkit, and an avid traveler, consultant, coach, and educator. She is empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive success through improved soft skills. Let her guide you to new heights of collaboration, creativity, and effective communication in the workplace.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:03: 45 – Transformative power of language
0:07:00 – The art of problem-solving
0:09:57 – The art of learning from other’s perspectives
0:12:58 – Importance of avoiding outer noises
0: 15:51 – Impact of emotions in illustration and real-world
0:17: 35 - The profound role of effective storytelling
0:22: 05 - The importance of effective communication in corporate
0:25:13 – Benefit of leveraging soft skills
0:28:43 – Role of six sigma skills in team management and leadership
0:31: 30 – The Importance and benefits of six sigma learning
0:35:55 – The impact of community engagement
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Memorable Quotes From Elisabeth Swan
‘It’s intangible skills that make people want to work with you.’
Find Elisabeth:
JITCafe.com
Come join us on LinkedIn!
Lori-Ann Duguay worked in government for two decades – and it was there she says that she learned how NOT to treat employees. Now she works with organizations to help them create happier more effective workplaces by focusing on the employee experience as a process that can and should be continuously improved. Lori-Ann joined me to share her experiences and insights.
Lori-Ann Duguay
Lori-Ann Duguay helps companies become that highly-sought after employer where people want to work, stay and thrive! After working 21 years in government in various roles, she realized she had become a tenant of the workplace tethered by the golden shackles of a good pension and benefits. She decided to combine her career experiences both inside and outside government as an HR strategist, talent development expert, professional coach, and dispute resolution practitioner with her in-depth understanding of talent management and employee engagement to start her own company that teaches organizations and Leaders how to adopt a people-centered approach to leadership, talent development, and conflict resolution.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST
0:00:11 Improving employee experiences
0:02:50 How HR create happier and more engaging workplaces
0:07:45 The importance of mapping out the employee’s journey
0:09:25 Engaging employee experience
0:12:44 The people-centered approach
0:14:21 The importance of a long-term approach
0:21:47 Employee’s engagement in rapid organizational growth
0:26:09 Why you should invest in your people
0:32:20 Establishing a talent development strategy
0:36:13 The importance of change management in employee engagement
Key Takeaways
Memorable Quote From Lori-Ann Duguay
“Coalition is key because those are your champions, those are your cheerleaders, they're your Mythbusters”
Connect With Lori-Ann Duguay
Website: https://thepeopleperson.ca/about/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mother_ofgingers/
One of the big challenges of continuous improvement is that different kinds of workers have very different expectations for their own professionalism, customer service, and how their management should behave. Chris Lalomia ran into this when he made career moves from engineering to financial services, and then to entrepreneurship in the home repair business. He’s here to share how he made those transitions, and what he has learned about building a culture for continuous improvement with different types of workers.
It’s 2022 – well it’s almost 2023, and women in technology are not unusual – but there’s still plenty of female talent not taking part or staying in the tech sector. Limor Bergman Gross has time-tested tips on how to succeed as a woman in tech – and how to be a great sponsor of women in tech.
Meet Limor, a revolutionary thinker whose valuable insights help empower women in lean. She is making an impact on how women look at success in the tech world!
Limor Bergman Gross
Limor Bergman Gross has been a mentor for women in tech for over five years. In addition, she was a director of engineering and acquired experience working as an engineer, manager, and director. She is passionate about working and supporting women due to the fact that the engineering industry is a male-dominated industry. She started supporting and helping to grow when she returned to Israel as she believes she is following her callings.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:02:28 The impact of women in technical careers
0:11:51 The power and importance of taking risks in your career
0:17:50 The difference between a sponsor and a mentor
0:19:43 The Importance of a sponsor or mentor in the workplace
0:21:41 The differentiation between a coach and a mentor
0:27:38 The differentiating factor of being yourself in coaching
0:29:43 The benefits of technology in education
0:31:23 The impact of college pressure on Israeli students
0:36:02 The importance of encouraging young people to follow their passions
0:37:41 The power of human connection
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Memorable Quotes From Limor Bergman Gross
“We need women to be bold, courageous, resilient, and believe in themselves.”
CONNECT WITH Limor Bergman Gross
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limorbergman/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/
I hear it every day: “It’s the great resignation.” “People don’t want to work any more!” People are exhausted and burned out – especially in healthcare, and in many other workplaces as well. Mohamed Saleh knows what it takes to address the root causes of burnout. He is here to share his insights. This is a great episode to watch on YouTube, so you can see Mohamed’s slides, but if you listen instead, we are going to describe the visual component for you, and the slides are posted with these show notes.
Mohamed Saleh
Dr. Mohamed Saleh is a thought leader in shifting cultural mindsets by redesigning business systems. Dr. Saleh has a successful track record anchored in two decades of hands-on transformations with a strong interest in making a global difference by providing distinctive leading-edge Lean-inspired education and advisory services aimed at helping organizations in an array of industries achieve the highest levels of performance excellence. Mohamed’s roles in these companies were centered around Lean transformations with much of his career serving in senior-level roles. Saleh is an executive Lean advisor, professor, and founder of Vizibility LLC. He’s an international speaker, writer, mentor, executive coach, and experienced trainer. He has a doctorate in Business Administration and teaches at both the School of Engineering & Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University and the MBA School at Elms College.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:10:21 The impact of workload on healthcare professionals worldwide
0:17:26 The opportunity for change: work-life balance and discretionary effort
0:19:06 The importance of strategy deployment in healthcare organizations
0:25:50 The importance of leader standard work in achieving organizational goals
0:27:21 The three systems of lean: production, management, and people
0:30:41 The importance of employee development in retaining top talent
0:39:11 The benefits and challenges of diversifying your lean talent pool
0:40:58 The different phases of lean and the mistakes to avoid in each
0:44:22 The different phases of a lean transformation and the mistakes to avoid in each
0:52:19 The 10 biggest mistakes leaders make when implementing lean
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Memorable Quotes From Mohamed Saleh
“If you want to work on 100 things at once, you can't get any of them done in the best way possible.”
CONNECT WITH Mohamed Saleh
Website: https://www.vizllc.com/about-us.html
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-saleh-phd/
Mohamed's slides on Reducing Burnout----more----
From the publisher's feed