A Quality Podcast: Recent Episodes
John Thacker Jr
All things Lean and Continuous Improvement with your hosts, John Thacker Jr and Jake Harrell! Join us for insightful conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and others as we explore the world of Lean. Never dry, never dull, and sometimes a bit irreverent. Don't miss an episode!
John Thacker Jr. is an MBA and Lean Six Sigma Black belt with decades of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, 3PL, and consulting.
Jake Harrell - The Funniest Lean Guy on LinkedIn - is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with extensive experience in manufacturing, logistics, consulting, and humor.
In this episode, Elisabeth Swan joins us to discuss her new book, Picture Yourself a Leader. Elisabeth has been working as a business process improvement consultant and change leader for over 30 years, specializing in process-based organization design, problem solving, Lean Six Sigma and change management for blue chip clients. Her industry experience includes healthcare, hospitality, financial services, insurance, telecommunications, energy and technology. If that sounds like a lot of credibility, wait until you read her book! Picture Yourself a Leader is an excellent example of what self improvement books can be. Pull up a chair, and join us!
Buy the book here -->https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Yourself-Leader-Illustrated-Micro-Lessons/dp/B0C1DJ42TR/
https://Elisabethswan.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethswan/
https://www.zoomopex.com
Rob Bull of Plexus Consulting joins us from sunny, summer New Zealand! Rob specializes in helping SMEs improve their businesses, and is also a Lego Serious Play instructor. In this episode, we discuss the unique challenges facing SMEs, and some of the things smaller businesses can do to excel.
http://www.zoomopex.com/
www.plexusconsulting.co.nz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-bull-leanthinker/
It didn't involve a secret lab, vats of mysterious, boiling liquid, nor space aliens. We think. But there were some factors that helped us be successful in our careers, and we want to share that with you!
https://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thacker-leansixsigmablackbelt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeharrellchasingexcellence/
What better way to celebrate the holidays than to sit back with a tall glass of nog-free eggnog and discuss a stocking full of "leadership" BS being peddled by unscrupulous and unskilled snake-oil-salepeople? Happy holiday's from the AQP team!
http://www.zoomopex.com/
Have you thought about safety lately? Safety is a "safe" buzzword, but how safe is your business, really? In this episode, we invite author, Lean leader, and activist Sean Fields back on the program to talk about some of the ineffective things we have experienced, as well as a few helpful tips on how you can improve safety in your organization. Strap on your seatbelt, and let's go for a ride!
http://www.zoomopex.com
https://www.beehivefund.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thacker-leansixsigmablackbelt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeharrellchasingexcellence/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-fields-21290b45/
Trouble finding and hiring new talent? You're not alone! Don't worry, this isn't a total b*tch-fest...we include some helpful suggestions for pulling yourself out of the rut. Join us as we discuss why planet acquisition sucks - and what you can do about it.
Discount code for Person John Thacker Edition Aviators:
https://tinyurl.com/yc4hy2yd
https://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thacker-leansixsigmablackbelt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeharrellchasingexcellence/
What happens when someone who cares about you tells you how you need to improve by using the language of Lean? Well, in this case, it turns into a book! Join AQP and authors Jennifer Lacy and Jesse Hernandez as we discuss Lean and Love...the uncomfortable art of self-reflection and healing.
https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Love-Letters-Relationships-RipplesOfImpact/dp/B0B2TYD58G
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-jesse-hernandez-9b912327/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlacy/
How does one do Lean during a pandemic? CAN one do Lean during a pandemic? Lean champion and guru sensei Nathan Corliss joins us this week to talk about cutting through the crap and getting things done - even when people are literally dying around you. A must listen for anyone working in an unpredictable environment!
http://wwwzoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-corliss-a839836/
Bob is long time CI Industrial Engineer, trained in the Shingujitsu school of Lean. Bob's career spans supply chain, VP of Operations, Lean Engineer with Tesla, management consulting, and most recently CI Engineer at Gibson's famed Custom Shop. In this episode we talk about the application of lean to various industries - what is the same, and what is different. Don't miss the Jake Harrell filter challenge either! Winner gets a thing.
http://zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-rush-865731/
There is a lot of total crap on the internet! A seemingly endless stream of self-proclaimed experts are poisoning the well with bad ideas and lack of experience. This is bad for the Continuous Improvement industry, and bad for business leaders who are too busy MAKING MONEY to fool around trying to figure out who can legit help them and who is full of crap. Catch this unfiltered screed about some of our pet peeves here!
https://zoomopex.com/
Jason Azevedo has had his heart in business development since an early age, starting a very successful apparel company that grew from humble garage beginnings to annual gross billings of over a million dollars at age 15. By 18 Jason was doing millions in business with Starbucks, Nike, Disney, Marvel, Volkswagen, Audi, Lucas films, Dodgers and countless NBA teams. In 2009, Jason co-founded Advoque, one of the only US based manufacturers located in SIlicon Valley, California. His emphasis on Made In America is a driving force for how the various companies he’s co-founded operate. As the founder of Manufacturing Revitalization Corporation of America, Jason is a driving force behind bringing American manufacturing back. In this episode, Jason talks about his vision for American manufacturing and how MRCA is changing the game for hundreds of US families and communities.
There is a good chance that you are hindered from improving your business because your technology...sucks. And don't get us started on the over-sold and under-utilized ERP monster! Commiserate while learning about some helpful approaches to taming the monster and coming out ahead on this high-octane episode of A Quality Podcast. Sponsored by R.N. Salt and James Bean.
http://www.zoomopex.com/
john@zoomopex.com
jake@zoomopex.com
You've been hired to make change - but what change? And how do you keep from breaking all the china? In this episode, Phil Ranck, US Army logistics veteran and founder of Lean Alaska, joins us to discuss cultural adaptation for change agents. If you are tasked with improving an organization, this is a must listen!
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/philranck/
https://www.leanalaska.com
What are some things you can do right now in your operation to gain some quick wins? Whether you are a senior operations leader, a CI professional, or an internal or external consultant, you can benefit right now from these three actions. Join John Thacker Jr and Jake Harrell as we talk through these actions that you can take immediately - and "win right now...and in the future."
https://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.zoomopex.com/products/p/cycle-time-reduction-facilitators-workbook
Hit a snag? A big one? Perhaps you have come to the gripping realization that your risk management is not up to snuff - or perhaps you want to ensure that it is up to snuff before you hit that big snag! Mark Sneeringer is an experienced Continuous Improvement leader with deep expertise in Six Sigma, Lean, Change Management and Program Management. He has led improvement efforts for businesses ranging from consumer lifestyle products, to large household appliances, to complex medical devices. On this episode, Mark discusses some of the ways to make your risk management program effective and efficient.
Have you ever struggled to enact change within an organization? You are not alone! In this episode, Lee Houghton discusses important elements to change, what to expect when leading change, and how to overcome resistance to change. Lee is a business improvement coach with Get Knowledge in the UK, and host of the popular and highly recommended Get Business Results podcast.
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-problems-solved-podcast/id1444154403
https://getknowledge.co.uk
You may be surprised to learn that some state governments - notably Nebraska - employ an entire CI department! This week Shayne Daughenbaugh, Continuous Improvement Manager and LSS Black Belt with the state of Nebraska, joins us to discuss what it is like working with agencies and departments within a state. If you are interested in using Lean Six Sigma to improve a bureaucratic or siloed enterprise, well, this episode has you covered.
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayne-daughenbaugh-096b63b5/
If you are are in business, you are in the business of change...and that can have significant negative consequences on employee morale, retention, and performance. Albert Oktovianus has a background in industrial engineering, and now serves as Vice President of HR. In this episode, Albert discusses what change fatigue is, how to recognize it, and what to do about it. A must listen for all business leaders!
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-okto/
Several years ago a special unit of military commandos was sentenced to prison for a crime they didn't commit. They promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Lean underground. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire...the J Team.
On this episode of A Quality Podcast, John and Jake are joined by Jesse to discuss solving real problems. What does real problem solving look like, and how does your own company look?
This episode brought to you by the letter "J".
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://depriestconsult.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fjdepriest/
Metrics, culture, leadership...they are all connected, and there is a way to integrate them effectively! In this episode we are joined by Mark Graban, consultant, author, podcaster, blogger, and Lean icon! Mark explores effective use of process behavior charts, the need for causal analysis, and the cultural essence of kaizen.
http://www.johnthackerjr.com
http://www.zoomopex.com
https://www.markgraban.com
https://www.leanblog.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgraban/
Are you a CI professional? Are you beating your head against the wall, panicking because it seems as if management doesn't actually want to improve? Bob Emiliani is a former manufacturing engineering manager and current professor at Central Connecticut State University. Bob is the mind behind "Leadership by Design", and has authored several books explaining the history and psychology of classical management, and how it might interfere with Lean goals. In this episode, Bob discusses how to peg your organization, what to do if you're stuck, and also helps Jake critique John's awesome shirt (it's awesome).
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
http://zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-emiliani-660a72170/
https://bobemiliani.com
Do you lead a CI team or facilitate CI initiatives? Nick Usher has a long history of CI management, and is Managing Partner at Usher and Usher Consulting. Join us as Nick discusses mindsets that matter in CI leadership, as well as teasing some of the 12 leadership principles that he dissects in his upcoming book.
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://usherandusher.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/usher-and-usher-consulting-llc-580873230/
What does Kaizen have in common with Karate? In this episode, Performance Improvement Manager and co-founder of Aegis Self-Defense Nathan Corliss joins us to share his perspective on Lean, CI, and change management. In this episode Jake dresses up, John dresses down, Twisted Sister gets replaced by Motorhead, Nathan wins Kung Fu Panda, and for those about to Kaizen...we salute you! http://www.johnthackerjr.com/ http://www.zoomopex.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-corliss-a839836/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/aegis-self-defense/
Do you find it challenging to apply the vast, amorphous body of Lean knowledge to your business? Sean Fields is a veteran industrial engineer and author of "Quantum Lean - Taking Lean Systems to the Next Level". In this episode, Sean and co-author Michael discuss the concepts of Quantum Lean, and how you can get real results quickly regardless of individual environment.
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.beehivefund.org
https://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Lean-Taking-Systems-Level/dp/1604271752/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-fields-21290b45/
Do you work in a service industry? Have you wondered how to apply Lean principles to your processes? Kyle Kumpf is a PMO Management AVP in banking and shares his experience implementing Lean in banking. Learn from real-life examples emphasizing approach and relationalityy to maximize effectiveness. This one is a must-watch for everyone interested in actual CI implementation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-kumpf/ http://www.johnthackerjr.com/ http://www.zoomopex.com/
Do you work in a service industry? Have you wondered how to apply Lean principles to your processes? Kyle Kumpf is a PMO Management AVP in banking and shares his experience implementing Lean in banking. Learn from real-life examples emphasizing approach and relationalityy to maximize effectiveness. This one is a must-watch for everyone interested in actual CI implementation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-kumpf/
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
http://www.zoomopex.com/
Do you lead a team? Do you need to get your team to the "next level"? Adam Hoots is Lean Construction Shepherd at Construction ACHE Solutions, and has twenty years of experience in the construction and architectural industries. With a background that spans CI leadership for major construction companies to COO of York Exponential (AR, AI, and robotics), Adam knows a thing or two about team capability and how to grow it. Listen along as we discuss the critical components of building team capability, including EQ, the ditch on either side of the road, business systems, and Tigers over Gamecocks...
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/ http://www.zoomopex.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ https://constructionachesolutions.com/
What is Scrum? How do you do it? How can it help you? Felipe Engineer is a Registered Scrum Trainer (RST), Construction Scrum Expert, host of the EBFC Show podcast, author of Construction Scrum, and has the golden voice of a radio god. Listen along as we explore scrum, fight about Deming, and get sidetracked by cigars and John's sartorial choices. http://www.johnthackerjr.com/ http://www.zoomopex.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/engineerfelipe/ https://thefelipe.bio.link https://www.theebfcshow.com/blog/ https://constructionscrum.com
How powerful is a team that believes in itself? And how do you get there? In this episode, we discuss keys to effective team culture and health with Tina Provost. Tina is Head of Continuous Improvement, North America for Covetrus, as well as the founder of Pep! - a company dedicated to enabling the behaviors of recognition and gratitude. Tina is also a proud Ohio State University alum and President of the Board for the Ohio State Cheer Alumni Society. Tina has an undergraduate in psychology and earned her Lean Six Sigma black belt with Cardinal Health.
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
http://www.zoomopex.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaprovost/
https://www.sendsomepep.com
How do you engage front-line workers to improve your business? And why does it matter? Paul Deane is Senior Business Improvement Leader at Australia Post, and is actively engaged in empowering front-line workers for success. A chemical engineer by training, and having spent years as an Operations Manager and Plant Manager in Lean organizations, Paul is well positioned to understand business needs and get real results in people-centered way. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of employee engagement and empowerment on your Lean journey.
http://www.zoomopex.com/
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-deane-85844789/
Watch Paul’s YouTube videos here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM_R8LtSxq8dnO7KuK86m1g
Happy Holidays from AQP! In this episode we go beyond fat men from the arctic and pop the lid on five Lean myths and legends. Be prepared to get your panties in a wad, and possibly start an internet flame war that will result in Skynet. You've been warned!
https://www.johnthackerjr.com
https://www.zoomopex.com
We live in a technological world, like it or not. But how we implement tech solutions is a significant factor in operations, company culture, and ultimately business success. In this episode, Sean Driscoll, President of Driscoll organizational Solutions, joins us for a lively discussion on a people-centered approach to acquiring, implementing, and maintaining technology. If you have tech issues or are planning any kind of solutions upgrade, this might be the episode for you.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/driscollsolutions/
https://driscollsolutions.com
https://www.johnthackerjr.com
https://www.zoomopex.com
Clinton Pope is a Quality Chief with the DoD, veteran, and industrial engineer. In this episode, we discuss the challenge of guiding teams and leaders into systems thinking. In this far-ranging discussion we talk about healthcare systems, the problem of credentials in modern CI, and general gaps to technology and communication. Don't miss Clinton's critical insights into how your business can improve by evolving a systems thinking mindset!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpope/
https://www.zoomopex.com
https://www.johnthackerjr.com
Brian Winningham is the owner at Field Driven Lean, and an expert in Lean for construction. Today, he introduces a set of tools known as "Liberating Structures" that can help facilitators, well, facilitate. Don't worry; as you might have guessed, it isn't dry and boring when Brian is involved! Learn about a powerful tool set that you can add to your repertoire today. https://www.linkedin.com/in/fielddrivenlean/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/field-driven-lean/ https://www.liberatingstructures.com https://www.zoomopex.com/
Darth Derek Scott is the Director at Paragon Process Improvements, a consulting firm in northern Scotland. Derek has a long history as a quality professional, and is a senior member of AQS, a fellow at CQI, a fellow at Management and Strategy Institute, and a fellow at Royal Statistical Society. He's also a great fellow! Join us for this Halloween special as we discuss serious topics with a light-hearted flair.
http://www.zoomopex.com/
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-scott-11730235/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/paragon-process-improvements-ltd/
Jennifer Lacy serves as the Lean Practice Leader to Robins and Morton, a company that specializes in healthcare facility construction. Jennifer has a passion for the people element of Lean, and hosts "5S in Relationships" on LinkedIn Live. Join us as we dive into a deep and broad-ranging discussion of how changes in the workplace dynamic require new and innovative thinking and actions from modern business leaders.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlacy/
https://www.zoomopex.com
https://www.johnthackerjr.com
Avi Fishman is the Director of Process Improvement at Memorial Healthcare System, and joins us this week to talk about Lean in healthcare. How do the principles ofLean apply to the healthcare industry? Find out in this episode!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/avifishman/
https://www.zoomopex.com
Jason Long is a General Manager in the cold storage supply-chain industry. Jason joins us to discuss "creating a winning work environment", and shares his stories of kaizen in a difficult industry. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in how to affect real change at work!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-long-16249a15/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zoom-operational-excellence/
https://www.zoomopex.com
Kyle Kumpf is a Lean Process Manager in the banking industry, and he is on the leading edge of translating and implementing Lean principles to the banking sector. Join us for a humorous and insightful journey into the emerging world of lean finance.
Brian Winningham is the owner of Field Driven Lean, a consulting company that specializes in Lean construction. With two decades of experience in construction project management, Brian is well equipped to handle the vagaries of the construction industry. In this episode, Brian discussed "better, easier" - a CI philosophy that allows companies to get great results even when Lean, per se, is off the table. Join us for an episode of fun, learning, and introspection!
Dr. Lucas Chesla, LSSMBB, PMP, is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp (hoo-rah!), and the founder and president of ValueAdded616. VA616 has helped companies realize over $300,000,000 in bottom line savings, over 550,000 hours earned back for clients, and over 500 students trained and certified in continuous improvement. VA616 has completed over 200 projects in four distinct industries: education, manufacturing, banking, and DoD, with three enterprise level end-to-end continuous improvement culture transformations. On this episode, Dr. Luke discusses the difference between training and education, and why it should matter to business leaders seeking the benefits of CI.
Albert Octovianus joins us from Jakarta, Indonesia to discuss change management! Albert has a background in engineering, but has spent his last few years working with the Human Resources department on facilitating change management. Albert brings deep insight and lots of good "gems" to a conversation about people and sustaining change that you won't want to miss!
This week Marnie Schmidt joins us to talk about getting CI and QA to play nice together! As companies have evolved over time, layers of management systems have sometimes left the organization clumsy, stiff, and resistant to change. Instead of fighting over territory, organizational silos can work together to achieve rapid improvement...and Marnie shares how.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-schmidt-cssbb-cqa-463a5624/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/marnie-schmidt-llc/
https://www.johnthackerjr.com/podcast
https://www.zoomopex.com
This week, Andrew McLaughlin joins us to discuss Lean in construction. Andrew is Lean manager for a large GC, and shares insights and thoughts around the challenges of implementing Lean in the trades.
Adam Lawrence is Managing Partner at Process Improvement Partners LLC and author of The Wheel of Sustainability. Join us as we discuss some of the challenges and rewards of coaching teams to sustainable success!
Jesse Hernandez joins us to discuss "creating a winning culture". What does it take to turn your organization into a winner? Jesse points out three major characteristics of a winning culture in this sometimes informative, often humorous episode. Don't miss it!
James Davis is an Industrial Engineer with Epitec and has a passion for making people's lives better through continuous improvement methodology. Join us as we discuss the necessity of Lean adaptability and the MVP strategy for CI in operations.
Join Jake Harrell and John Thacker as we dig into the theory of effective questioning! In this informative episode we look at the three main types of questions - Naive, Learning, and Teaching, and how and when to use each type to maximize your effectiveness as a leader of change.
http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
Valorie Hendrix, MBA, joins us to discuss the concept of value function analysis! Valorie is a long-time quality and continuous improvement professional, the owner of Dynamic Empire Consulting, and author of the recently released "Streamlining Function and Value: How to Reduce Cost and Deliver Exceptional Value". Learn this important continuous improvement tool, and connect with Valorie below.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorie3201/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamic-empire-consulting/about/
https://dynamicempireconsulting.com
https://www.johnthackerjr.com
Jason Haines is a Lean Consultant and the epitome of servant leadership. Jason has a background as a factory worker, and discusses with us the importance of culture and connecting with your team as we strive for continuous improvement. Don't miss this impactful episode!
Karen Martin is a Lean Consultant, President and Founder of TKMG Consulting and TKMG Academy, and the author of two Shingo Award winning books, including the 800-CEO-READ's finalist "Clarity First". Karen joins us to talk about clarity, continuous improvement, and more. http://www.johnthackerjr.com https://tkmg.com https://tkmgacademy.com
Megan Sawtelle joins us to discuss the application of Lean Six Sigma to the administrative professional's role. This eye-opening conversation dives into the exclusion often faced by administrative professionals, and how you can rectify that.
http://AKLeanVirtualAssitance.com
http://www.johnthackerjr.com
Join us as we talk about leadership, conflict resolution, and having tough conversations with the tough guy himself - Louis J. Fernandez! Tinker, tailor, soldier, cost reduction expert, Louis brings his wealth of leadership knowledge to the podcast to help us evolve our leadership style.
http://www.johnthackerjr.com
Paul joins us from bonny Scotland to discuss creating a continuous improvement culture and what that means for leaders, boardrooms, and front-line leaders.
Jonathon Andell joins us for a sharp discussion about top-down leadership, command-and-control, and the negative and toxic effects on culture (and why they are not the same). Join us and join the conversation in the comments! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-...
Angela Penton - "The Process Detective" and owner of Open Field Process Improvement - joins us to discuss the critical importance of leaders going to gemba! This is a fantastic episode full of insight for leaders at all levels of the organization. Connect with Angela for more quality insight on process improvement. https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-pe... https://www.linkedin.com/company/open... http://www.johnthackerjr.com/
What is leadership? How is it defined? What behaviors can you change right now to be a better leader? And how the heck does one "manage up"? We dive into these questions and more on this episode of A Quality Podcast with John Thacker and Jake Harrell.
Octavio Salas joins us from Guadalajara to discuss his role as an engineer in the food industry. Don't miss this episode as we cover the challenges of documenting SOPs and installing new equipment all under the direction of new management - that's a lot of new! Impromptu Macarena performance at 41:00...
Paul Dunlop joins us from beautiful Victoria (not Queensland) Australia to discuss Lean implementation, coaching, and consulting. There is a lot of good stuff in this video! Listen along and reach out to Paul at the links below. https://www.dunlopconsultants.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/dunlopcon... https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thac... https://www.johnthackerjr.com