Lean Into Excellence

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we’re joined by Mark Reich, Senior Coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of the new book Managing on Purpose. Mark brings decades of experience in Lean leadership, including 23 years at Toyota, to a powerful conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain...

We’re excited to welcome back Doug Bruce to Lean Into Excellence for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked value of White and Yellow Belt training in the Lean Six Sigma journey.

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we’re shaking things up! Chuck Gillis steps in for Marco Bonilla as we welcome special guest Mike Daley to the conversation. Together, we dive into the evolution of Corrective Action Request (CAR) and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)—exploring how these essential processes have transformed over time to drive lasting improvements.

Dr. W. Edwards Deming is often called the father of modern quality management, but his impact extends far beyond statistical process control. In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we explore how Deming’s philosophy reshaped industries, from post-war Japan’s manufacturing boom to today’s Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. We’ll break down his 14 Points for Management, the System of Profound Knowledge, and how his teachings continu...

For years, "government efficiency" has sounded like an oxymoron—but with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the conversation is shifting. In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we explore:

In this milestone 20th episode of Lean Into Excellence, we’re diving into the critical role of supplier relations and how Lean Six Sigma can transform the way companies collaborate with their suppliers. From fostering continuous improvement to aligning goals for mutual success, we explore strategies to enhance quality, reduce inefficiencies, and build stronger partnerships.

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we dive into the challenge of overcoming resistance to Lean Six Sigma initiatives within organizations. We discuss common reasons why teams may push back on these changes, explore the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture open to improvement, and share practical strategies for effective communication and change management. Tune in to gain insights on how to successfully engage y...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Natalie Woof, a powerhouse in the world of Lean Six Sigma. Natalie shares her incredible journey of career transformation, emphasizing the power of taking that crucial first step. From her initial doubts to becoming a sought-after expert, she embodies the spirit of "just start" and see what happens.

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we dive into the world of continuous improvement and explore how it’s implemented differently in small businesses compared to large corporations. We’ll discuss the unique challenges and advantages each type of organization faces, while also uncovering the key similarities that make continuous improvement essential for success, no matter the size. Whether you're leading a small team or managi...

As we celebrate our 15th episode, we dive deep with the founders of Tiger Tamers, LLC – a group of US Navy veterans who are revolutionizing the continuous improvement landscape. These industry mavericks bring their naval expertise to the corporate world, offering a unique blend of methodologies that's changing the game.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with process improvement expert, Doug Bruce, as we uncover the essential do's and don'ts of Kaizen events. In this episode, we dive deep into the critical factors that can make or break your continuous improvement initiatives.