What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Catherine McDonald and guest Evan Powell discuss the critical importance of inventory management in businesses. They emphasize that inventory management is not a one-size-fits-all approach and requires dynamic, cross-functional collaboration. Evan highlights common misconceptions, such as viewing inventory as a set-and-forget system and relying solely on software or AI.

About the Guest:

Evan Powell is an operations and supply chain professional dedicated to optimizing processes, reducing waste, and improving performance. With a proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings, increased productivity, and enhanced customer satisfaction, he brings a practical, cross-functional problem-solving approach. Evan’s expertise spans end-to-end supply chain management, including process optimization, lean manufacturing, inventory management, demand planning, logistics, vendor management, and continuous improvement. All with a focus on achieving real-world impact.

Links:

Click Here For Evan Powell's LinkedIn

Evan Powell's Website

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Andy Olrich, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Nadia Golenkova discuss the importance of capability strategy in training programs. They emphasize the need for a strategic approach to learning, focusing on specific skills and measurable outcomes. Nadia highlights the pitfalls of reactionary training and the benefits of a long-term, embedded learning ecosystem.

About the Guest:

Nadia is a trusted executive partner with 18+ years of leading corporate people functions and teaching in top executive MBA programs. She helps organizations design impactful learning, capability, people, and OD strategies that drive measurable results. Known for guiding cultural transformations and developing leaders at all levels, Nadia is recognized nationally and internationally as an award-winning innovation champion. A certified coach, she brings creativity, curiosity, and accountability to every engagement, inspiring clarity and unlocking potential.

Links:

2025 Lean Solutions Summit

Click Here For Nadia Golenkova's LinkedIn

Click Here For Clockwork Capability Website

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Andy Olrich and guest Colleen Soppelsa discuss the importance of group intelligence in practical problem-solving. Colleen also highlights the significance of integrating behavioral mapping with technical problem-solving frameworks like A3 and DMAIC to achieve sustainable improvements. The discussion underscores the critical role of behavioral alignment in driving organizational success.

About the Guest:

Colleen Soppelsa began her career abroad, working in educational services in Japan and in consumer luxury goods in Italy, where she met her husband. Her journey in lean continuous improvement started in Purchasing at Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America in Erlanger, KY, supporting electronics assemblies and steel structures. In 2011, she transitioned into the Aerospace and Defense industry, holding performance improvement roles at GE Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies.

Over the course of her career, Colleen has facilitated teams in project management, kaizen, and strategy deployment. These experiences deepened her focus on organizational behavior and the transformative impact of trust, teamwork, and creativity in advanced engineering environments.

Links:

2025 Lean Solutions Summit

Click Here For Colleen's LinkedIn

Click Here To Access Colleen's Website

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Brian Meyers discuss leadership principles and the importance of mentorship, active listening, and creating a safe environment for innovation. They highlight the significance of continuous improvement and adapting Lean practices to fit specific organizational needs. Brian discusses his rapid adoption of Lean principles, inspired by trips to Japan and Europe, and the transformative impact on his business culture.

About the Guest:

Brian Meyers is the President of JcrOffroad, Victory 4×4, and Fat American Mfg, where he’s spent over 20 years transforming a garage startup into a thriving company powered by a 50+ person team and a strong Lean culture. After realizing that leadership begins with personal accountability—not blame—Brian committed to becoming the leader his team deserved. Now, through his Lean by Doing podcast and speaking, he shares real stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical tools to help other leaders grow, improve, and build cultures their teams are proud to be part of.

Links:

2025 Lean Solutions Summit

Click Here For Brian Meyers LinkedIn

Click Here For Brian Meyers YouTube 

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Tilo Schwarz discuss the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly changing world. They highlight the need for companies to adapt quickly, citing an example of a high-end electronics company facing competition that can deliver in weeks what their company takes months. They emphasize the importance of developing a learning organization, starting with individual learning and scientific thinking.

About the Guest:

Tilo Schwarz is an author, leadership coach, and co-founder of the Campus for Leaders at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences. He specializes in helping leaders cultivate team creativity and adaptability through scientific thinking and coaching practices. As a former plant manager, Tilo led a team that won the A.T. Kearney "Factory of the Year" award and placed second in the WHU/INSEAD "Best Factory" competition. He began practicing Toyota Kata in 2007, collaborating with Mike Rother during its foundational research. Tilo has authored several books and frequently speaks at international events, focusing on leadership that empowers teams to innovate and grow.

Links:

2025 Lean Solutions Summit

Click Here For Tilo Schwarz LinkedIn

Click Here For Tilo Schwarz Website 

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Katie Anderson discuss strategic planning, emphasizing the importance of ongoing adjustments rather than annual reviews. Katie highlights the Japanese method Hoshin Kanri, which involves continuous reflection and adjustment. They stress the need for leaders to align strategic goals with customer needs and organizational capacity.

About the Guest:

Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership and learning coach, consultant, and professional speaker, best known for inspiring individuals and organizations to lead with intention and increase their personal and professional impact. Katie is passionate about helping people around the world learn to lead and lead to learn by connecting purpose, process, and practice to achieve higher levels of performance. Her book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning is an international #1 Amazon bestseller.

Links:

2025 Lean Solutions Summit

"Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" Link

Click Here For Katie Anderson's LinkedIn

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Andy Olrich, and guest Billy Ray Taylor discuss the connected business model, emphasizing the importance of ownership and accountability in leadership. They highlight the significance of visual management systems, such as KPA and KPI boards, to drive continuous improvement and psychological safety. Check out the upcoming Lean Solution Summit, where Billy will lead an executive track focused on leadership and organizational transformation.

About the Guest:

Billy Ray Taylor is the CEO of LinkedXL, a global consulting and software company known for its Connected Business Model (CBM), which helps organizations align strategy, execution, and measurable outcomes. With over five years leading LinkedXL, Billy has focused on building systems that connect people, processes, and assets to drive collaboration and operational excellence.

Before founding LinkedXL, Billy served as a global operations strategist at Goodyear, where he led major operational turnarounds. His experience laid the foundation for his mission to help organizations achieve sustainable value through strategic alignment and leadership development. He is also the author of The Winning Link and a respected speaker who shares practical insights on leadership, culture, and performance.

Links:

Click Here For Billy Ray Taylor's LinkedIn

2025 Lean Solutions Summit

The Winning Link

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Matthew Rassi discuss the future of manufacturing. They explore the unique characteristics and misconceptions about Gen Z in the workforce. They emphasize the importance of providing purpose, ownership, and flexibility to engage Gen Z.

About the Guest:

Matthew is a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years of experience in production leadership and operations, including 10 years in medical device manufacturing. He holds a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and teaches Six Sigma courses at Governors State University. He serves on the Board of Advisors for FCS Manufacturing and is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineering. In 2021, he earned a patent for a laparoscopic instrument design. Through his consulting work, he helps small businesses implement Lean practices and develop self-directed teams. Matthew is also active in reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals through Lifehouse-Group. Outside of work, he enjoys family life with his 11 children and 3 grandchildren and restoring old homes.

Links:

Click Here For Matthew Rassi's LinkedIn

Click Here For Lean Manufacturing Expert Website 

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Daniel Walker discuss the importance of innovation, culture, and leadership in change management. The empathize the significance of middle management in organizational change and innovation. He shares his research on empowering middle managers and the need for a culture of continuous improvement.

About the Guest:

Dr. Walker has been developing his skills in problem-solving, innovation, and culture change for several decades. He is a certified Six Sigma black belt. He holds a BS in Plastics Engineering Technology, an MS in Management, Strategy, and Leadership, and a PhD in Business Management. His doctoral research focused on organizational change and innovation. He has a passion for facilitating the learning process, focusing on leadership development and cultural innovation.

Links:

Click Here For Daniel Walker's LinkedIn

What You’ll Learn:

In this episode, host Andy Olrich and guest Hessam Vali discuss the importance of aligning leadership with personal and organizational values. Hessam shares his journey of self-reflection and the impact of a pivotal moment with a CEO. They discuss practical steps for embedding purpose, such as documenting values, integrating them into daily operations, and fostering a culture of vulnerability and trust. Hessam also highlights the significance of storytelling and recognition programs in reinforcing values and engaging employees. 

About the Guest:

Hessam Vali is Co-Founder of Techam Solutions, an engineering and management consulting firm focused on operational excellence and business transformation. A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and ASQ Certified Quality Professional, Hessam has a strong track record of leading teams to streamline processes and deliver measurable results.

With deep expertise in Lean tools like Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, SMED, and 5S—as well as methodologies like DMAIC and DMADV—he has led major product development projects in the automotive and construction sectors. Customer-focused and results-driven, Hessam combines technical precision with strategic insight to tackle complex challenges.

Links:

Click Here For Hessam Vali's LinkedIn

Click Here For Website