Lean By Design
Lean by Design explores how organizations can fix what’s predictably broken in their operations — starting with the systems, decisions, and behaviors that shape how work gets done. Hosts Oscar Gonzalez and Lawrence Wong speak with leaders from biopharma and beyond, drawing lessons from industries that share the same pursuit of clarity, efficiency, and sustainable execution. Each episode breaks down real challenges into practical insights that help teams align better, think smarter, and move faster. Produced by Sigma Lab Consulting, Lean by Design helps organizations design for what works—and eliminate what doesn’t. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
In this episode, we discuss the 2025 MassBio Industry Snapshot — an annual report tracking employment trends, investment, real estate, and pipeline activity across the life sciences ecosystem.
With talent displacement, funding cuts, and lab vacancies reshaping the landscape, the conversation zeroes in on how biopharma companies should rethink efficiency. Instead of defaulting to layoffs and budget slashing, Lawrence a...
Why Operational Excellence is Biopharma’s Next Competitive Advantage
In this special cofounder episode of Lean by Design, Oscar Gonzalez and Lawrence Wong pull back the curtain on the ideas behind Oscar’s upcoming book—and the operational realities that inspired it.
The core message? The biggest risks in biopharma often don’t come from the science. They come from fragile systems, tribal knowledge, and disconnected proce...
In this episode, we introduce a new approach to operational excellence, one built for the realities of today’s biopharma landscape.
As the industry faces tighter budgets and widespread restructuring, the pressure to “do more with less” has never been higher. But when you can’t fix everything, where should you start?
We share how Sigma Lab Consulting helps clients focus on the workflows that matter most—those that, if br...
In this episode, we sit down with Bogdan Knezevic, co-founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope, to talk about a growing challenge in life sciences R&D: making smart decisions when data is scattered across teams, tools, and partners.
Bogdan explains why disconnected systems lead to costly delays, duplicate experiments, and missed opportunities. He shares how the shift from academic to industry research, where projects are sh...
In this episode, we sit down with David Hirschfeld, 35-year software veteran and founder of Tekyz, to talk about why designing workflows before you start building is critical for sustainable growth.
We explore how the speed of modern tools and AI can create a dangerous illusion of progress, causing teams to skip planning and discovery. David challenges the common “build while flying” mindset and explains why taking tim...
Have you ever started a project only to realize you’re building something your leaders never asked for? You’re not alone.
In this episode of Lean by Design, we sit down with Marcelo Calbucci, a veteran of Amazon, Microsoft, and multiple startups, to explore the PRFAQ Framework, Amazon’s secret weapon for aligning strategy and execution.
By drafting a mock press release and FAQ before a single line of code is written, te...
Have you ever noticed the gap between where your organization is and where it needs to be widening every day—especially when workflows are undefined or changing?
In this episode of Lean by Design, we sit down with Liam O’Neill of BPM‑D to tackle the big question: do you invest in building process capabilities internally or lean on outside consultants? We’ll walk you through evaluating your readiness, embedding process ...
Have you ever watched a rowing team give it their all only to spin in circles? That’s exactly how we feel when our teams pour in effort without clear roles and responsibilities.
In this episode of Lean by Design, we explore how vague decision‐making and overlapping tasks quietly drain momentum, leading to missed deadlines and frustrated teams. We’ll share how defining ownership, fostering psychological safety, and usin...
In this episode, we explore how small, intentional improvements—not sweeping changes—drive real progress in biopharma operations. The discussion highlights a common challenge: the disconnect between strategy and execution, often due to underutilized middle management.
You'll learn a simple framework for creating meaningful change: start within your sphere of influence, map key inputs and outputs, and implement sol...
Unlock the potential of Smartsheet for the biopharma industry with strategies that can transform project management. Can a minimalist approach to Smartsheet integration enhance team efficiency and adaptability? In this final part of our series on change management, we explore practical insights drawn from thousands of workflows designed to empower R&D and clinical operations with tailored, compliant solutions.
Is it possible to build a culture of accountability without slipping into micromanagement? In this episode of Lean by Design, we dig into strategies for fostering responsibility and efficiency in high-stakes environments like biopharma. Explore how tools like Smartsheet can shift team dynamics from routine updates to meaningful, strategic conversations that drive real progress.
We'll unpack practica...
Struggling to secure team buy-in for Smartsheet adoption in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment? In this episode of Lean by Design, we explore the strategies that drive effective implementation in the intricate world of biopharma, where workflows are complex and evolving. Discover actionable insights to streamline processes, boost data transparency, and reduce administrative burdens, allowing teams to focus on ...
In this episode of Lean by Design, we’re joined by Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink, to unpack a counterintuitive truth: complexity is innovation’s worst enemy. From her days in advertising to her role as a simplicity guru in biopharma, Lisa shares a journey fueled by one mission—cutting through the noise to make work... actually work.
Together, we get real about the meeting marathons, inbox floods, and busyness obsessi...
Ever wondered how continuous improvement can propel your organization's growth to new heights? In this episode of Lean by Design, host Oscar Gonzalez delves into innovative strategies drawn from recent projects. Discover how you can transform data into meaningful metrics that drive success and ensure everyone is aligned with clear, visible guidelines.
Explore actionable tips for leveraging comprehensive checklists...
Ever wondered how to supercharge your company's operations without expanding your team? In this episode of Lean by Design, host Oscar Gonzalez reveals innovative strategies from a recent project with a dynamic 100-person company. Discover how you can enhance workflow efficiency by reimagining and optimizing your existing data and documentation.
Explore actionable tips for transforming digital assets like PowerPoin...
-Effective Project Portfolio Management Strategies
-Challenges and Opportunities in PPM Tools
-Implementing Technology in Organizational Processes
-Effective Deployment of PPM Tools
IDC White Paper: The Power of Next-Gen Project and Portfolio Management
https://www.smartsheet.com/inside-smartsheet/research/IDC-project-portfolio-management-whitepaper
Thank you t...
- Unpacks insights from ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference
- Focuses on sustainability and digital evolution in pharma
- Next-gen facilities are efficient and eco-friendly
- Shift to interconnected data systems revolutionizes research
- Tools like Benchling streamline data and asset management
- Networking fosters collaboration and innovation
- Personal anecdotes highlight importance of a...
- Unexpected team bonding and strategic planning during a snowed-in off-site retreat at Sigma Lab Consulting
- Reflecting on past year's successes and future opportunities
- Team cohesion and unique problem-solving approach leading to repeat engagements with diverse clients
- Integrating Lean Six Sigma with deep industry knowledge for success in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical consulting
- Th...
- Boost R&D team efficiency through collaboration and accountability
- Address inefficiencies in most R&D projects
- Cultivate a successful life sciences workplace culture
- Refine data for actionable insights and shared ownership
- Align project goals with corporate objectives
- Optimize equipment scheduling for lab efficiency
- Balance detailed monitoring with key metrics
- Promot...
- Highlight the critical importance of a robust asset management strategy.
- Discuss maintenance scheduling, coordination, and the power of clear communication.
- Emphasize post-service rituals to ensure optimal equipment performance.
- Share personal experiences and lessons learned from overlooked maintenance.
- Advocate for dialogue among technicians, scientists, and coordinators.
- Dive deep int...
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