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Most people trying to improve their lives are doing it without a clear picture of what they are building toward. For Joel Steele, a near-miss with prison forced him to start making different choices. His book “Life Switch” grows out of that turning point, and the framework he describes maps surprisingly well onto the tools that continuous improvement professionals use every day.
In this episode you’ll learn:Why progress builds momentum faster than motivation alone (0:02)The quote Joel likes (3:19)How focus shapes the direction of everything you do (4:09)What a near-death experience reveals about wasted potential (6:06)How the puzzle analogy reframes goal-setting for real life (8:58)Why believing in the process separates progress from stagnation (13:22)How failure functions as fuel rather than a stop sign (14:47)The difference between living on and merely surviving each day (18:46)How understanding your wiring unlocks the right role for you (21:27)Why fulfillment is the only scorecard that actually matters (24:13)How buying one book becomes part of a million-dollar donation (27:27)“It’s simple in theory, but it’s hard to execute. But when you understand that, hey, this is going to work and you believe in that process and you don’t have doubt in yourself, you make so much more progress.” – Joel Steele
Keep LearningIf Joel’s point about believing in the process resonated, the School of Leadership is a natural next step for anyone who wants to build the kind of clarity and conviction that sustains continuous improvement over time. Learn More About the Gemba Academy School of Leadership.
Podcast ResourcesJoel on LinkedInJoel’s WebsiteGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyStay current on new courses, podcast episodes, and continuous improvement resources. Sign up for the Gemba Academy newsletter at gembaacademy.com/news
What Do You Think?When you think about your own work in continuous improvement, do you have a clear enough picture of the finished puzzle to know where the next piece belongs?
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Most continuous improvement practitioners are trained to prize logic and treat emotion as noise in the system. D. Earl Johnston spent nine years and thousands of research hours across twelve disciplines discovering that framing is backward. His book, “Choosing Emotions,” grew out of a father-daughter moment involving depression, post-it notes, and a single powerful text message. What came out of that work challenges something most leaders have never stopped to question.
In this episode you’ll learn:What Winston Churchill’s 8 words reveal about how emotions work (3:14)How a father-daughter dinner became a 9-year research project on emotions (3:57)The three most common misunderstandings people have about emotions (11:40)Why doom scrolling is an emotionally driven navigation, not a bad habit (16:56)What ego actually is and why most high-performers misunderstand it (19:12)Why trauma persists until you find the words to describe it (22:00)How naming an emotion releases its grip on your behavior (26:11)What neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett says about emotional vocabulary (28:05)How an emotionary differs from an ordinary dictionary (31:13)Why making friends with your emotions makes life easier (32:13)Keep LearningIf the idea that naming an emotion is the first step to solving a problem resonates with how you think about coaching and people development, the School of Leadership builds on exactly that kind of human-centered foundation.
Podcast Resources“Choosing Emotions”Choosing Emotions WebsiteGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyStay current on new courses, podcast episodes, and continuous improvement resources. Sign up for the Gemba Academy newsletter at gembaacademy.com/news
What Do You Think?Where in your work do you see emotional vocabulary, or the lack of it, affecting how problems get solved?
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Puuttuva jakso?
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This week’s guest is Ben Hansen. Ron and Ben discussed how Ben helps companies improve their profit margins, dealing with “profititis,” shifting your focus from revenue to profitability, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: Ben’s quote (2:23)His background (3:59)How Ben helps companies double their profits (6:57)The most common “profit leaks” (9:28)An example using a manufacturing facility (20:17)About “profititis” (23:29)How you address it (26:05)Shifting the focus from revenue to profitability (27:38)Ben’s thoughts on accounting (32:05)Separating the signal from the noise (36:09)Ben’s parting thoughts (37:24)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Ben on LinkedInGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?Has your business ever suffered from profit leaks or profititis? How did you know?
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This week’s guest is Andy Olrich. Ron and Andy discussed the roles of people and tools in continuous improvement, what NOT to do when building a lean culture, teaching younger generations, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Andy likes (3:40)His background (4:25)Andy’s “Aha” moment when it comes to lean (13:33)How his perspective has changed (16:58)What not to do when building a culture of lean (22:47)Andy’s work with younger generations (29:28)His advice for those just getting started (39:08)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Andy on LinkedInThe Lean Solutions PodcastGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What was your lean “Aha” moment?
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This week’s guest is Chris Libutti. Ron and Chris discussed Chris and his wife Yamila’s book, “Performance Unleashed,” his time in the military, the importance of self-discipline, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Chris likes (2:29)His background (4:08)About his time in the military (8:46)What Chris is most proud of (12:42)His transition to college (14:01)About Chris’s book (18:42)The importance of self-discipline (26:39)Chris’s final words of wisdom (32:43)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Performance UnleashedGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?How do you practice self-discipline?
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This week’s guest is Michael Parent. Ron and Michael discussed an interesting AI conundrum, the impact that systems and design have on performance, Michael’s Tetris experiment, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: Michael’s quote (3:03)Ron’s LinkedIn poll on AI (4:32)About Michael’s background (8:11)His thoughts on system and design (10:58)What’s happening with high performers (14:09)How Michael uses Tetris (17:40)What the lessons learned were/are (22:18)How often Michael sees these design problems (24:52)His final words of wisdom (27:52)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Michael’s SubstackMichael on LinkedInRon’s LinkedIn Poll on AIGA 339 | Applying Lean and Six Sigma to Human ResourcesGA 423 | Lean and Human-Centered DesignThe Red Bead ExperimentGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What are your thoughts on Michael’s Tetris experiment?
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This week’s guest is Shahab Shah. Ron and Shahab discussed the importance of balancing human empathy with the demands of reality, why tone matters, first steps for making improvements, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: Shahab’s favorite quote (2:25)His background (4:17)What was the most influential (6:23)What Shahab is looking for when first entering a manufacturing plant (8:26)His first steps for making improvements (13:50)Balancing human empathy with reality (16:01)Why tone matters (25:08)How Shahab handles expectations (31:06)Shahab’s final words of wisdom (42:46)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Shahab on LinkedInGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?Why else does tone matter?
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This week’s guest is Pete Behrens. Ron and Pete discussed Pete’s book, “Into the Fog,” what it means for leaders to face uncertainty, why leadership is like cooking, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: Pete’s quote (2:10)His background (3:15)Why people are the biggest source of variability (6:57)What Pete means by “into the fog” (9:50)Pete’s approach (14:14)What’s better than sitting still (17:59)Why leadership is like cooking (22:07)The constraints Pete is seeing (28:41)Pete’s final words of wisdom (32:32)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Into the FogGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What does venturing “into the fog” look or feel like for you?
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This week’s guest is Brian Meyers. Ron and Brian discussed the heart-stopping story of how Brian’s facility caught fire, the profound difference lean made in saving it, what “unwavering commitment” means, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Brian likes (4:16)His background (5:35)The fire at Brian’s factory (8:40)How lean saved the day (15:14)How they moved forward (17:04)The emotions Brian felt that day (18:48)Unwavering commitment (22:57)His final words of wisdom (26:55)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Brian on LinkedInLean by DoingGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?In what other truly profound ways can lean save lives, factories, whole businesses, etc?
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This week’s guest is Kristin Kielich. Ron and Kristin discussed Kristin’s experiences with continuous improvement in education, dealing with resistance, measuring success, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Kristin likes (2:51)Her background (4:03)About Kristin’s personal lean journey (11:48)Dealing with resistance (14:13)How the UC system uses Value Stream Mapping (19:01)How their team is structured (21:23)Measuring success (27:39)Her final words of wisdom (31:03)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Kristin on LinkedInGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?How else could continuous improvement be used in an educational setting?
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This week’s guest is Randall Dupre. Ron and Randall discussed Randall’s book, “Everyday Lean,” the kinds of mistakes Randall sees people making, what good leadership looks like, his favorite lean principles, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: Randall’s quote (2:46)His background (3:12)Why he left the corporate world (6:22)Why he wrote his book (8:38)The mistakes people are making (9:39)An example of good leadership (12:33)His favorite lean principles (14:55)A hard lesson he had to learn (20:06)Randall’s final words of wisdom (24:47)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Randall on LinkedInRandall’s WebsiteEveryday Lean on AmazonGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?How do you learn to see waste?
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This week’s guest is Dean Svarc. Ron and Dean discussed Dean’s book, “Trojan Horse,” navigating hidden threats, why culture matters, the mistakes leaders make, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that inspires Dean (2:33)His background (3:05)Why he wrote his book (4:08)What it’s about (5:18)What the “hidden threats” are (6:25)Why culture matters (7:33)Some examples (8:37)A success story (10:51)Some of the mistakes Dean sees leaders make (13:28)What he’s trying to instill in leaders (14:54)The mindset shift Dean believes we all should consider (20:04)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Dean’s WebsiteDean on LinkedInGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What other “hidden threats” are there?
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This week’s guest is Ashley Herd. Ron and Ashley discussed Ashley’s Pause, Consider, Act Framework, the concept of a career quilt, micromanagement, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: Ashley’s background (3:36)Her favorite quote (5:08)About the Pause Consider Act framework (9:53)Why “Pause” is the most difficult (13:04)The PDCA framework (15:04)What a “career quilt” is (15:42)Her advice for young professionals (18:15)Ashley’s thoughts on micromanagement (20:49)About her “Great Minds Overthink Alike” sign (25:19)Ashley’s final words of wisdom (26:56)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Ashley’s WebsiteThe Manager Method BookGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What are your thoughts on the Pause, Consider, Act Framework?
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This week’s guest is Adam Lawrence. Ron and Adam discussed Adam’s Wheel of Sustainability, the importance of continuously improving, what his Sustainability System assessment is trying to solve, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Adam likes (2:41)His background (3:32)The Wheel of Sustainability (4:22)Why he created the system (6:48)A case study of how Adam has seen it work (7:33)The importance of continuously improving (9:20)What Adam’s assessment is trying to solve (12:16)The feedback he’s gotten (17:29)Adam’s challenge for our listeners (21:29)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Adam’s Past Gemba Academy Podcast EpisodesThe Wheel of SustainabilityGet Your Sustainability ScoreAdam on LinkedInAdam’s WebsiteGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What are your thoughts on the Wheel of Sustainability?
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This week’s guest is Steven Remsen. Ron and Steven discussed Steven’s time at Intel, how to make change “stick” at a large organization, what Steven sees organizations struggling with, the current state of AI, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that inspires Steven (1:57)Steven’s background (3:03)What he saw at Intel (6:42)The certification factory (9:15)Some of the changes they made (11:01)Making things “stick” across a large organization (16:38)What’s next for Steven and what organizations are struggling with (19:30)The state of AI (21:57)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3Steven on LinkedInGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What do YOU think it takes to make a change “stick” at an organization?
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This week’s guest is Dr. Julia Garcia. Ron and Julia discussed Julia’s book, “The Five Habits of Hope,” the power of resilience, the role hope plays in problem-solving, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Julia likes (3:59)Why she wrote her book (6:21)The power of resilience (7:40)Whether hope is a choice or a habit (9:10)Why it’s a good alternative to grit and struggle (10:51)Julia’s words of encouragement (15:01)The five habits of hope (17:30)How hope plays a role in problem-solving (31:34)Julia’s final words of wisdom (34:52)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3The Five Habits of HopeJulia’s WebsiteGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?Which habit of hope stands out to you?
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This week’s guest is Royden Johnson. Ron and Royden discussed the concept of a lean operating system talking versus singing, the different phases of the operating system, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Royden likes (2:49)Royden’s background (4:08)Whether your lean operating system is talking or singing (12:53)Phase 1: Stabilize (16:27)Phase 2: Standardization (22:57)Phase 3: Continuous Improvement (28:44)A summary of the operating system (30:43)Royden’s final words of wisdom (35:48)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3GA 524 | Connection Before CorrectionRoyden on LinkedInGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What are your thoughts on the three phases?
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This week’s guest is Chad Bareither. Ron and Chad discussed making culture changes in the workplace, powerful aspects of Japanese culture, the importance of cleaning up, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Chad likes (3:06)His background (4:29)Chad’s thoughts on culture change (6:37)An anecdote about Japan (10:08)A powerful anecdote about a manufacturing plant (16:29)Examples of companies that are doing things well (17:56)Chad’s final words of wisdom (27:59)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3GA 498 | The Power of Improving LessGA 556 | What a Successful Lean Transformation Looks LikeChad on LinkedInBareither GroupGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?Have you ever tried to implement cultural changes at your organization?
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This week’s guest is Kathy Miller. Ron and Kathy discussed manufacturing, Kathy’s new book “MORE Is Better,” optimism, psychological safety, and the art of making high-quality connections. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: Kathy’s favorite quote (2:41)Her background (3:01)What motivates Kathy to write books (5:14)What “more” refers to (6:57)The concept of optimism (10:33)What psychological safety (15:46)Advice for dealing with a difficult leader (21:55)High-quality connections and their impact on performance (28:08)Personality types and leadership (30:04)Using the MORE Mentor AI agent (33:49)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3GA 417 | Steel Toes and Stilettos with Kathy Miller and Shannon KarelsMORE Is BetterKathy’s WebsiteGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?How do you define psychological safety?
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This week’s guest is Hanna Bauer. Ron and Hanna discussed the role of emotional intelligence in success, balancing empathy and accountability, navigating love languages, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn: The quote Hanna likes (2:38)Her background (3:17)The impact of cultural factors (6:03)The role of emotional intelligence in success (11:23)Explaining emotional intelligence (15:58)What alignment looks like (18:16)Balancing empathy and accountability (22:34)Hanna’s thoughts on love languages (26:22)Taking small, bite-sized steps (30:29)Podcast ResourcesRight Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3HeartnomicsHanna on LinkedInHanna on FacebookGet All the Latest News from Gemba AcademyOur newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.
What Do You Think?What does alignment look like to you?
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