Lean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership

Embracing Creative Tensions: Wendy K. Smith on Both/And Thinking and Lean Leadership

My guest for Episode #507 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Wendy K. Smith, co-author of the book Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems. She’s also one of the keynote speakers at this year's AME (Association for Manufacturing Excellence) annual conference.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Enter to win a copy of the book!
Wendy is the Dana J. Johnson professor of management and faculty director of the Women’s Leadership Initiative at the Lerner College of Business and Economics, University of Delaware.
She earned her PhD in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, where she began her intensive research on strategic paradoxes—how leaders and senior teams effectively respond to contradictory yet interdependent demands.
Working with executives globally, she has been a noted keynote speaker and teacher for audiences worldwide. Her research, published among the top journals in the field, has received numerous awards, including the Web of Science Highly Cited Research Award (2019, 2020, and 2021) for being among the one percent most-cited researchers in her field. Wendy lives in Philadelphia with her husband, three children, and the family dog.
In this episode, Wendy discusses strategic paradoxes and how leaders can effectively navigate contradictory yet interdependent demands. Our conversation covers practical examples from Lean Manufacturing and the Toyota Production System, highlighting how "both/and thinking" can lead to innovative solutions and improved performance. Wendy also shares the emotional and cognitive challenges of embracing paradoxes, offering insights into how organizations can create environments that support dynamic, integrative thinking. This episode is a deep dive into the nuances of leadership, organizational behavior, and the power of embracing complexity in problem-solving.
Questions, Notes, and Highlights:
What are strategic paradoxes?
The need or opportunity to break paradoxes?
Good examples of both/and thinking in different businesses?
Origins in lean manufacturing
Just-in-time but hold no inventory
High quality but also super fast
Focusing on both short-term and long-term?
Opportunities for startups to exploit new both/and thinking?
Process as a dirty word in startups?
We can’t vs. we haven’t figured it out yet?
Both/and focus on customers and employees?
Connections to Amy Edmondson and Psychological Safety?
The Dr. Brian Goldman TED Talk
Give us a preview of your keynote talk for AME? A teaser…
The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.
This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

Preview of the Future of People at Work Symposium

In this live stream episode, host Mark Graban introduces a panel of experts discussing the upcoming Future of People at Work Symposium.
 
The event is co-sponsored by nine organizations, including the Lean Enterprise Institute, GBMP Consulting Group, and the Shingo Institute.
 
Panelists Josh Howell, Bruce Hamilton, and Ken Snyder share their perspectives on the symposium's goals, emphasizing the need to address the evolving workplace and workforce dynamics. They highlight the importance of focusing on people in the face of technological advancements and the necessity of fostering a collaborative environment to adapt to future challenges.
 
The panelists provide an overview of the symposium's structure, which will include interactive sessions focused on workplace evolution, technology integration, and supply chain transformation. Unlike traditional conferences, this event aims for active participation, encouraging attendees to engage in collaborative problem-solving.
The speakers stress the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration within the lean and improvement communities to address the ongoing changes in the work environment. The symposium, set to take place in Detroit on July 18 and 19, 2024, is presented as a crucial step in creating a more meaningful and effective future of work.

Tim Hobbs: AME Keynote Speaker and Passionate Problem Solver

My guest for Episode #506 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Tim Hobbs, the founder and president of Hobbs Technical Consulting. He is an author and an in-demand international keynote speaker, trainer and business consultant. He is currently working in the semiconductor industry as a director of digital transformation. 
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Tim served nine years in the U.S. Navy, managing and maintaining advanced electronic navigational, alarm, combat, telecommunication and power systems. After his military service, he worked for Intel Corporation for 14 years. 
He received a B.S. in business information systems and an M.B.A. in technology management and earned his Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt Certification.
Tim authored the book The Anatomy of Problem-Solving.
He'll also be one of the featured keynote speakers at the 40th anniversary of the AME International Conference (the Association for Manufacturing Excellence), being held in Atlanta, Georgia, from October 28 – October 31, 2024.
Enter a contest to win a free book and online course from Tim!
In this episode, Tim shares insights from his extensive career in the semiconductor industry, his journey through the US Navy, and his expertise in problem-solving. We discuss Tim's background, including his roles in digital transformation and Lean Six Sigma, and delve into his philosophy on critical thinking and structured problem-solving methods. Tim also previews his upcoming keynote at the conference, highlighting the importance of leveraging problem-solving for career success and organizational improvement. The conversation touches on his book, “The Anatomy of Problem Solving,” and an exciting book giveaway contest for our listeners. Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective problem-solving and strategic career advancement from an industry expert.
Questions, Notes, and Highlights:
Tell us about the start of your lean journey?
Preview of your keynote talk?
How do you combine frameworks and methodologies with critical thinking in problem-solving?
Can you elaborate on organizational and political problem solving?
Tell us about your online training program?
What method are you using for problem-solving, and how did you develop it?
What is the story behind your book, “The Anatomy of Problem Solving”?
What approach do you recommend for dealing with team dynamics in problem solving?
How do you position problem solving for upward mobility in a career?
Can you explain the PIE (Performance, Image, Exposure) framework and its importance in career advancement?
What strategies do you suggest for engaging with potential sponsors?
How do you handle the human element in problem-solving, especially when dealing with different personalities?
Tim's online training program
The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.
This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

My New Mistake-Proofing Course for TKMG Academy: Available Now!

This is cross-posted from my Lean Blog Audio podcast series.
Episode page with links and more info⁠
I'm very happy to announce the release of my new ⁠Mistake-Proofing course⁠, available NOW through ⁠Karen Martin⁠ and ⁠TKMG Academy⁠.
You can ⁠buy the course individually at TKMGAcademy.com⁠ for $129. Volume discounts are available for large teams or your entire workforce (for more information, email ⁠info@tkmgacademy.com⁠).
The course is also part of the wonderful ⁠collection of courses⁠ in the all-access ⁠annual subscription⁠. The annual price of $529 goes up significantly at 11:59 pm CDT on May 31st, so act now for the best value pricing.
Other TKMG Academy ⁠instructors⁠ in the series include Karen Martin, ⁠Elisabeth Swan⁠, ⁠Mike Osterling⁠, ⁠Tracy O'Rourke⁠, ⁠Brent Loescher⁠... and more.
And if you ⁠subscribe to TKMG Academy⁠, you can participate in Karen's "Community of Practice" meeting with me on Wednesday, June 26th.
 

Art Byrne: Lean from the CEO's Perspective, the Lean Turnaround Answer Book

My guest for Episode #505 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Art Byrne, who was a guest back in Episode 158 about 12 years ago — we discussed his book The Lean Turnaround.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more: https://leanblog.org/505 
Today, we’re discussing his new book, The Lean Turnaround Answer Book, an edited compilation of his “Ask Art” columns published by the Lean Enterprise Institute.
Art Byrne has been implementing Lean strategy in various U.S.-based manufacturing and service companies, such as Danaher Corporation, for more than 30 years, including The Wiremold Company, which he ran for 11 years. He retired as an Operating Partner at the private equity firm J. W. Childs Associates L.P.
In this episode, Art revisits the podcast after twelve years to discuss his new book, The Lean Turnaround Answer Book, an edited compilation of his "Ask Art" columns from the Lean Enterprise Institute website. Art shares his extensive experience implementing lean strategies across various industries, including his notable work with Wiremold and his role in private equity at JW Childs Associates. The conversation also covers Art's motivations for writing his books and his continuous efforts to disseminate lean knowledge, addressing the practical challenges and questions that arise in Lean implementations.
Art elaborates on the essence of Lean principles, emphasizing the need for a fundamental shift in organizational philosophy and strategy. He recounts his experiences in transforming companies through Lean methodologies, including detailed anecdotes about reducing setup times, managing inventory, and improving operational efficiency. Art highlights the significant impact of lean on organizational performance, customer service, and financial health. The discussion also touches on the challenges of aligning traditional cost accounting with lean practices and the importance of engaging the finance department in the lean journey. Overall, Art's insights offer a comprehensive guide to Lean implementation, reinforced by real-world examples and practical advice.
Questions, Notes, and Highlights:
Tell us about the book and how this one came to be…
Cost accounting and inventory?
Orry Fiume - “Real Numbers” book
The strategic value of setup reduction?
How was Lean utilized in your private equity work? How was your role different as a PE partner?
Looking for companies with a certain Lean potential? What factors are you looking for?
Best Lean turnaround story? More likely a smaller PE company than a large public company?
But Lean is not the default management approach for manufacturing? Higher than 10 years ago?
Boeing - did they forget what Shingujitsu taught them?
The problems caused by “make the month”
The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.
This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

Japan Study Trips: A Voyage of Leadership Discovery with Katie Anderson

My guest for Episode #504 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Katie Anderson, author of the book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
In this episode, Katie takes the reins along with me, Mark Graban, to discuss the transformative journey of Japan Study Trips. Recognized globally for its rich contributions to modern business practices, Japan has long been a beacon for leadership and continuous improvement. But how can one experience this powerful journey?
Strong leadership is integral to sustaining a culture of improvement. During these trips, participants get to hear from individuals like Katie Anderson, known for her insightful book "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn." Engaging with thought leaders deepens their understanding of the continuous learning process while expanding their networks. Not only they learn about the principles, they also meet and engage with their pioneers reflecting the deep connection between leadership and continuous learning.
These discussion illuminates the importance of a culture where mistakes are seen as stepping stones to innovation. Personal engagements with companies recognized for their Lean practices reaffirm the significance of 'being over doing,' making these trips a true journey of transformation and discovery.
Questions, Links, Notes, and Highlights:
Learn more about Katie's November trip that I'm a part of
Mark's website about Japan Tour
How can we shift focus from doing to being in order to create a culture where better results and output are achieved?
What role does continuous learning play in creating and fostering cultures of improvement and growth?
How do leaders in organizations prioritize being over doing to cultivate a mindset and culture of learning and improvement?
What are some common production principles and tools observed on shop floors, and how do they align with overall cultural objectives?
What are the behaviors that need to become standard across an organization to create a culture of kindness, constructive response, and continuous improvement?
How can leaders in various organizations and industries cultivate a mindset and culture of learning and improvement similar to those seen at Toyota?
What role does sharing knowledge, stories, and experiences play in enhancing learning and strengthening connections within an organization or across industries?
How do mistakes and constructive responses to them contribute to shaping a culture focused on learning and growth?
The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.
This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

Lean Coaching for Lean Coaches: Sam Morgan Helps Mark Graban

My guest for Episode #503 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Sam Morgan of Illuminate Coaching + Consulting. He was previously a guest in Episode #457.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Today's episode was originally live-streamed on April 9th... Sam's. been doing a livestream series on "Lean Coaching for Lean Coaches." So, in today's episode, you'll hear Sam coaching me... and then we'll have a broader conversation about the work that he's doing. We can all use a coach!
We embark on a deep dive into creating and harnessing a culture of continuous improvement and Lean in various industries, especially within the healthcare sector. The episode unfolds the role of Lean coaching and the evolution of continuous improvement to meet the current business dynamics.
Mark and Sam engage in a discussion on the intersection of psychological safety and effective continuous improvement. They discuss how creating an environment that facilitates incident reporting without fear of reprisal can lead to reduced adverse events, particularly in high-stakes industries like healthcare. This conversation serves as a guide for leaders to understand the importance of building a culture where openness is promoted, and trust leads to real-world enhancements.
Questions, Notes, and Highlights:
Going full time - leaving The Standard?
Entrepreneurial experiments?
People being coached in live format... and people watching?
The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.
This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

Lean from a General Manager and Executive Perspective: DeWayne Allen

My guest for Episode #502 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is DeWayne Allen, an executive, speaker, and workshop facilitator.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
DeWayne is a results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience, renowned for leveraging a solid engineering and operations background to propel growth for Fortune 500 organizations. 
As a visionary leader, DeWayne excels in crafting and executing strategic plans to deliver desired outcomes. With a proven track record in fostering relationships and adeptly managing cross-functional teams, DeWayne ensures seamless alignment of internal operations with overarching business objectives. 
He is also a trusted advisor to C-suite executives for strategic decision-making.
DeWayne is dedicated to empowering 1000+ Black leaders to become influential corporate executives through STEM education, fostering diversity, equity, and innovation.
In this episode, we discuss how industrial engineering principles can be harnessed into strategic corporate leadership. Allen, who began his career as an engineer, spotlights his use of Six Sigma, lean methodologies, and continuous improvement tactics to tackle modern business challenges, from corporate turnarounds to driving growth. His success in transitioning into business-oriented roles, executing lean success in dynamic environments, and managing diverse operational aspects as a general manager add to his rich collection of professional experiences.
Moreover, Allen's innovative application of lean methodologies to the hectic process of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) demonstrate his knack for using these principles regardless of context. And his view on incorporating lean management within nonprofits signals a broader utility for these principles outside of just manufacturing or profit-centered entities. In light of Allen's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), he champions the integration of these ethical and social values with lean principles for greater operational excellence. Join us and delve deeper into the workings of DeWayne Allen's lean philosophy and powerful leadership style.
Questions, Notes, and Highlights:
What's your Lean origin story?
As a leader, helping everybody feel like and work like ONE TEAM?
Becoming a formal leader — steps to work up to being a GM?
What are some of your favorite stories or examples of using Lean throughout your career?
You've worked as General Manager — The split of your time and attention? 
What was your view of Lean in that role and what you learned there?
Tell us about applying Lean in Mergers and Acquisitions work? Can you make that a process?
Tell us about your work in the Non-profit space – National Society of Black Engineers, applying it there?
The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.
This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

Marcia Daszko on Dr. W. Edwards Deming; Her Book, "Pivot Disrupt Transform"

Episode page
My guest for Episode #501 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Marcia Daszko, a speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant.
For more than 25 years, she has passionately been speaking, consulting, and guiding executive teams in Fortune 500/private corporations; education, the U.S. Navy; and non-profits to achieve exponential success. 
Mentored by Dr. W. Edwards Deming, she is nominated for the International Deming Prize; and writes a leadership column for the Silicon Valley Business Journal. She has taught MBA classes at six universities.
Marcia's author of the book Pivot Disrupt Transform: How Leaders Beat the Odds and Survive. She was also co-author of Turning Ideas into Impact: Insights from 16 Silicon Valley Consultants.
Questions, Notes, and Highlights:
How did you get connected to W. Edwards Deming?
What was it like spending time with Dr. Deming? 
Not just statistics? Challenging ideas like performance appraisals
“Change management is another management fad”
Tell us more about the consulting work that you've done and do?
“Identify your problems accurately to problem-solve”??
Helping leaders with “Accelerate efficient, effective data-driven decision-making”??
Accountability and responsibility — big difference
Am I blaming executives unfairly???
3 Fundamental Business Strategies?
“Hope is not a business strategy”
Continual vs. Continuous?
The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.
This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 

500 Episodes and Growing: The History and Evolution of the Lean Blog Podcast

Episode page with transcript and more
My guest for Episode #500 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is me, your usual host Mark Graban. Today, I'm mixing up the format with a solo episode that celebrates 500 episodes over almost 18 years.
I'll share some of the origin story and history of the podcast. You'll hear clips from Episode 1 (with Norm Bodek) and Episode 50 (where Jamie Flinchbaugh asked me about getting started). You'll also hear a clip from a recent conversation where Barry McCarthy, of AME Australia, asked me about persisting with podcasting all these years.
Thanks for listening, whether this is your first time, you've listened to them all, or somewhere in between!
The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.
This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 
Notes and Highlights:
More than 500 episodes in 921 weeks, a little more than one every two weeks for 17.75 years
3,276,745 total downloads / listens, although I'm not convinced the stats are 100% consistent
The top 10 most downloaded episodes
The most frequent guests (#1 is Norman Bodek with 14 episodes)
One anonymous guest
Where listeners are from
The origin story and the intro to Episode #1
A clip from Episode #50
My reflections on the clunky podcast name
A shift over time from “big names” to highlighting new faces and their stories
The one time I forgot to record!
In memoriam: guests who have passed away