KPI Fireside: A Continuous Improvement Podcast

What separates companies that try Lean from those that live it? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Darren Dolcemascolo, co-founder and managing partner of EMS Consulting Group, to talk about what it really takes to create sustainable improvement. From his early career in operations to helping hundreds of organizations transform through Lean, Darren shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, engagement, and how to keep the ...

In this special 30th episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris looks back on the most powerful lessons shared across thirty conversations with leaders, thinkers, and change-makers in the world of continuous improvement.

From the shop floor to the boardroom, these stories reveal a simple truth — improvement isn’t about tools or projects, but about people, culture, leadership, and daily habits that make progress sustainable.

🔻 Improv...

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Jared Thatcher, Lean Business Consultant, founder of the Global Lean Summit, and author of Parenting the Lean Way, to explore how companies can drive continuous cost improvement without draining their people.

🔺 Why Lean should never stand for "less employees are needed"

🔺 How to use Lean to build morale, not fear

🔺 The role of leadership in protecting improvement c...

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Luca Giovanni Guadagnuolo, a seasoned consultant and Lean transformation leader with decades of experience driving operational excellence across Europe. Luca shares how his journey began at Whirlpool, why he was drawn to Lean from the start, and what it takes to align people across cultures, industries, and leadership levels.

🔻 How to engage frontline teams with A3 thinki...

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Bruce Hamilton, the legendary “Toast Kaizen” teacher, to explore how storytelling can unlock a culture of continuous improvement. Bruce shares lessons from decades of Lean leadership, why respect for people is the true foundation of TPS, and how even small, inch wide and mile deep improvements can transform an organization. From poka yoke to AI, he shows why the future of...

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Cindy Deekitwong, a global sales and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience across specialty chemicals, semiconductors, healthcare, and packaging.

Cindy explains why Lean is more than cost cutting. It is a culture of problem solving and continuous improvement. She highlights the importance of asking the right questions, listening to understand, and moti...

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Bob Luna, a leader who has scaled businesses from $3 million to $500 million across industries like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and even Amazon and Procter & Gamble. With over 30 years of experience, Bob shares why emotional intelligence (EQ) and extreme ownership are just as critical to improvement as value stream maps and throughput metrics.

Bob breaks down how...

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Monika Mangla, Managing Director at Accenture and a global leader in finance and digital transformation, to explore how continuous improvement is evolving in the age of AI.

From predictive maintenance in oil and gas to forward-looking financial planning, Monika outlines real-world examples of AI in action, while also addressing the foundations organizations must get right:...

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Christine Lavoie, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Operational Excellence leader, to explore how great leaders create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday work. Christine shares how curiosity, empowerment, and the right tools help organizations unlock the full potential of their people.

Drawing from her journey across industries and her current role...

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Heather Everton, Vice President of Product at Merrick Bank, to explore how daily standups can transform the way teams work. Heather shares why standups are not just another meeting, but a powerful ritual for building trust, creating alignment, and driving clarity without falling into the trap of micromanagement.

From her experience in both small startups and large enterpri...

In this episode, Dr. Keith Clinkscales shares his remarkable journey from electrical engineer and Lean Six Sigma consultant to Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management at Palm Beach County. With insight shaped by decades of experience in both private industry and public service, Dr. Clinkscales unpacks the real driver of performance: how people feel, think, and show up to work.

From building metrics that empower rat...

What does it really take to build a culture of continuous improvement that lasts?

In this episode, Keith sits down with Ken Snyder—Executive Director of the Shingo Institute—to unpack the leadership behaviors, cultural systems, and guiding principles that separate companies who talk about improvement from those who actually achieve it.

From Toyota’s legacy to modern AI integration, Ken shares hard-earned lessons from five decades of ...

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Tyson Heaton, Senior Director of Co-Learning and Business Strategy at Lean Enterprise Institute, to explore why the most powerful part of Lean isn't the tools, it's the people.

Drawing from his experiences at OC Tanner and LEI, Tyson shares how his perspective shifted from technical solutions to human capability, and why that shift is essential for lasting transformation. From the value o...

Is your belt more than just a piece of paper?

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Kevin Clay—Master Black Belt and founder of Six Sigma Development Solutions—to break down the real meaning behind Lean Six Sigma belt certifications.

From white to black belt, Kevin shares why the value of a belt isn’t in the color or the test—but in the capability it represents. Whether you're an aspiring Green Belt, a hiring manager, or a CI ...

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth—diving deeper into Obeya, visual leadership, and metrics that drive action. Missed Part 1? Check out Episode 16: The Visual Language That Transforms Work.

In this second installment, Gwen and host Keith Norris explore one of the most misapplied tools in the Lean toolbox: the Obeya Room. Together, they unpack what makes it powerful, where most efforts go wrong, and why v...

This is Part 1 of a special two-part conversation with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on the power of visual thinking to transform work, culture, and leadership. Don’t miss Part 2 in Episode 17—check it out here when you're ready.

In this episode, host Keith Norris welcomes back visual workplace pioneer Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth for a rich, wide-ranging conversation on the language of visual work—and how it transforms people, processes, and ...

In this episode, Keith Norris reconnects with Randy Kesterson—Lean strategist, consultant, and creator of the Lean Journey cartoon series—to explore how visual storytelling can simplify, clarify, and challenge the way we think about Lean.

🔻 A deep dive into The Lean Journey: A cartoon series inspired by the Star Wars Franchise

🔻 Closing the gap between Lean theory and everyday reality

🔻 The role of AI in Lean thinking and predictiv...

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Spencer Maybee—Vice President at Western Pipe Fabrication and second-generation small business leader—to explore what Lean looks like when you’re just getting started.

🔻 Why Lean clicked the first time Spencer heard it explained through welding

🔻 What it takes to push change inside a multi-generational family business

🔻 How small changes like shared spreadsheets made a big impact

🔻 Wha...

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Andreas Mader—CEO of Aperia Corporation and longtime Lean transformation leader—to explore how real improvement happens: not through perfection, but through progress.

From global manufacturing to executive coaching, Andreas shares stories and insights on building CI cultures that sustain, developing leaders who stay curious, and creating systems that don’t just improve processes—but peopl...