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PODCAST · business

Lean Into Excellence

by Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla

Welcome to 'Lean into Excellence,' the podcast where we dive deep into the dynamic world of Continuous Improvement. Join us as we explore real-life applications, share success stories, and unravel the secrets behind these transformative methodologies. Get ready to lean into a world where efficiency meets innovation, right here on 'Lean into Excellence.'

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Episodes

  1. Adapt to Win: Why Strategy Decays and How to Fix It with Evan Campbell

    Liz and Marco talk with Evan Campbell about how strategy breaks down inside organizations long before execution begins. Evan shares how his background in the military, technology, and consulting led him to focus on the gap between strategic intent and what gets funded, communicated, and…

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  2. The Power of Stewardship in Organizational Success with Eric Alexander

    In this episode, Eric Alexander discusses stewardship leadership, its importance in the finance sector, and how it can transform organizational culture. He shares insights from his book, leadership experiences, and practical advice for leaders at all levels. 00:00 Introduction to Stewardship...

  3. From Engineer to Quality Leader: Building a Culture of Excellence

    In this episode, Ashlesa Mohapatra shares her journey from engineering to quality management, emphasizing the importance of culture, communication, and continuous improvement in manufacturing. Discover practical strategies for integrating quality into daily operations and fostering a culture of...

  4. Mastering the Future: The Science of Certainty with Daniel Burrus

    In this thought-provoking episode, futurist and innovation expert Daniel Burrus explores how leaders and organizations can create certainty in an increasingly unpredictable world. Drawing from decades of experience helping businesses anticipate disruption and drive transformation, Daniel unpacks...

  5. From Ops to CEO: The Power of Data-Driven Leadership with Alan Brooke

    This episode dives into the journey from the shop floor to the CEO chair, emphasizing how operational experience shapes effective leadership. Alan Brooke, CEO of Gill Group, shares insights on data-driven decision-making, leadership development, and maintaining quality and safety culture—offering...

  6. How Capital Intelligence Transforms Supply Chains with Chris Hale

    In this episode, Chris Hale, founder and CEO of Klear, explores the concept of capital intelligence and its critical role in managing business growth, liquidity, and supply chains across various sectors. Discover how understanding and orchestrating capital flow can transform your company's...

  7. Mastering Process Control: Discrete vs Continuous Manufacturing

    In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of process control strategies with insights from industry veterans Doug Bruce and Ken Stocco. They break down the fundamental differences between discrete manufacturing—where components are assembled into final products—and continuous processing,...

  8. The Power of Incremental Improvement

    In this dynamic conversation, Marco and Doug dive into the powerful idea of incremental improvement, showing how tiny, intentional changes can outperform big, flashy plans every time. They bring the 1% better philosophy to life—revealing how focusing on small, daily upgrades can compound into...

  9. Cutting Waste, Creating Value: Lean in Construction with Clark Lowe

    In this episode, we speak with Clark Lowe, CEO of O'Connor Company, about the application of Lean and Six Sigma principles in the construction industry. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing these methodologies in a traditionally slow-to-adapt sector, particularly in a fully...

  10. Mastering Cost Management: Insights from Duane Deason

    In this episode, we sit down with Duane Deason, a seasoned expert in cost management, to explore the challenges organizations face in managing costs without sacrificing value. Duane shares insights from his extensive career, discussing the inefficiencies that often arise as companies grow, the...

  11. Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Lionheart Approach wit Eric Rogell

    Get ready for an energizing conversation with Eric Rogell, as we uncover the powerful connection between mentorship and bold leadership! Discover how courage, authenticity, and a modern take on masculinity shape today's most impactful leaders. Eric also introduces the Lionheart Challenge — a...

  12. Understanding the Realities of Entrepreneurship with Jim Mirochnik

    In this episode, Jim Mirochnik, CEO of HALOCK Security Labs, shares his journey from a challenging childhood as an immigrant to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cybersecurity field. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurship, and the…

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  13. From Hype to Practicality: Making AI Work for Business with David Trier

    This week on Lean Into Excellence, we're joined by David Trier, an experienced leader in product management and AI operations, as well as the VP of Product at ModelOp. Together, we explore the evolving role of AI in business—cutting through definitions and misconceptions to uncover how...

  14. Unpacking 'The Impossible Box' with Kristen Hubler

    Join us as we chat with Kristen Hubler, best-selling author and change management specialist, as we explore her path from education into corporate training, the importance of preparing organizations for change, and the effects of the pandemic on digital transformation. Kristin shares how the…

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  15. Frontline Leadership Unlocked: Empowering Teams with Tania Will Jeppesen

    In this episode, we sit down with Tania Will Jeppesen, founder of The Prepared Leader, to explore the pivotal role and challenges of frontline leadership. Tania shares her journey of equipping these leaders with the tools to thrive, from emotional intelligence and time management to effective...

  16. Unlocking Potential: The Art and Impact of Coaching with Ronald Graves

    In this conversation, Ronald Graves, a seasoned leadership coach, discusses the intricacies of coaching, the importance of accountability, and the transformative power of self-discipline. He differentiates coaching from mentoring and training, emphasizing the role of a coach in drawing out...

  17. Beyond the Certificate: Real-World Six Sigma with Ken Stocco

    In this conversation, Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla are joined by guest Ken Stocco to explore common misconceptions around Six Sigma education and continuous improvement. Together, they emphasize that true success goes beyond certifications — it requires critical thinking, real-world…

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  18. People Do Change with Elisabeth White

    In this episode, we sit down with Elisabeth White, CEO of Cornerstone Agility and author of People Do Change, for a powerful conversation on human-centric change management. Elisabeth reminds us that change isn't just a process—it's an emotional journey. She shares why empathy must be at the…

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  19. From the Marine Corps to Master Black Belt: Dr. Lucas Chesla on Building a Culture of Excellence

    In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we sit down with Dr. Lucas Chesla to explore his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a champion of Lean Six Sigma and organizational transformation. Drawing from his book Revolutionize Work: A Guide to Enterprise Transformation (co-authored with Kirk...

  20. Managing On Purpose with Mark Reich

    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...

  21. Back to Basics: Why White & Yellow Belt Training Matters

    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, we break down why these entry-level certifications aren't just for beginners—they're...

  22. The Continual Evolution of the Customer Corrective Action Request

    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...

  23. Deming's Legacy: The Man Who Transformed Continuous Improvement

    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…

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  24. Government Efficiency: Can It Be Done?

    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: ✅ Can government agencies truly embrace efficiency? ✅ Who's already doing it...

  25. Elevating Supplier Relations with Continuous Improvement

    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...

  26. Mapping Success: Identifying and Navigating Continuous Improvement Projects for Maximum Impact with Joe Ficalora

    In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we're joined by Joe Ficalora, a seasoned expert in Lean Six Sigma and process improvement. Together, we dive into the art of identifying and navigating successful continuous improvement projects. From mastering value stream mapping to understanding…

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  27. Overcoming Resistance to Lean Six Sigma Initiatives

    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,...

  28. Transforming Your Career with Lean Six Sigma- An Interview with Natalie Woof

    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…

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  29. Continuous Improvement: Small Business vs. Big Corporations – What's the Difference?

    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...

  30. From Navy Decks to Business Excellence with Tiger Tamers, LLC.

    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...

  31. Innovate and Elevate: Harnessing AI and Data Analytics for Continuous Improvement with Mark Comerford

    In this episode, we dive deep into the future of continuous improvement by exploring how artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics are revolutionizing the way businesses optimize their processes. Join our experts as they discuss practical strategies, real-world applications, and the...

  32. The Do's and Don'ts of Kaizen Events: Expert Insights with Doug Bruce

    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. Doug shares his wealth of...

  33. Unlocking Six Sigma with Chuck Gillis: Your Questions Answered

    Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with Work Stream Consulting's Founder, Chuck Gillis, who answers your burning questions about process improvement and Six Sigma. Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is packed with valuable…

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  34. The Power of Leader Standard Work with Dave Cloutier

    In this insightful episode, we delve into the pivotal role of Leader Standard Work (LSW) within the realm of Continuous Improvement. Join us as we sit down with Dave Cloutier, the seasoned expert and owner of StraTac Consulting, to explore how LSW can transform leadership practices and drive...

  35. The Agile Advantage with Lucy O'Keefe

    Join us for a special milestone as "Lean Into Excellence" celebrates its 10th episode! In this exciting installment, we're thrilled to welcome Agile expert Lucy O'Keefe to the show. Agile ways of working have revolutionized the way organizations approach product development and continuous...

  36. Unveiling the Power of Control Plans

    Tune in to our latest episode as we delve into the crucial role of control plans in the realm of continuous improvement, with Herb Robbins (Founder of Robbins International). From minimizing defects to ensuring process stability, control plans are indispensable tools for maintaining quality...

  37. Utilizing Lean Six Sigma In The Service Industry

    Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into the world of Lean Six Sigma in the service industry. Aidan Magner, a seasoned expert from 3Sixty, joins us to share his invaluable expertise on implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive excellence and efficiency in service-oriented...

  38. Unlocking Change: The Power of Data Storytelling with Jed Summerton

    Join us for an enlightening episode as we sit down with Jed Summerton to explore the transformative power of data storytelling. Through captivating anecdotes and practical insights, Jed demonstrates how effectively communicating data through storytelling can inspire change and drive meaningful...

  39. Measuring Success: Navigating Measurement Systems in Continuous Improvement

    In this episode, join us as we dive into the critical role of measurement systems in continuous improvement, featuring special guest Kurt Peterson. We'll explore how effectively measuring performance metrics is essential for assessing progress, identifying areas for improvement, and driving...

  40. Continuous Improvement Unmasked: Your Burning Questions Answered!

    In this episode of "Lean Into Excellence," your hosts Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla tackle questions submitted by our listeners, focusing on the key aspects of continuous improvement. From exploring best practices to discussing strategies for avoiding failure when shifting organizational culture...

  41. Mastering Process Capability: Unveiling the Key to Operational Excellence

    Join us in this enlightening episode as we discuss the impact of Process Capability in transforming businesses. Our special guest, Greg Masciana, an expert in the field, will share his insights on the WHY and HOW of Process Capability, and its key role in optimizing process performance. Discover...

  42. Unveiling the Power of Six Sigma Tools: Qualitative vs. Quantitative

    In this episode of "Lean Into Excellence," join us as we dive into the dynamic world of Six Sigma tools with our in-house expert and Master Black Belt, Ken Stocco. We explore the nuanced realms of Qualitative and Quantitative tools, shedding light on their distinctive features and the strategic...

  43. Navigating Efficiency: The Strategic Impact of Process Mapping

    Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the intricate world of process mapping and its pivotal role in transforming businesses. Our special guest, Doug Bruce, an expert in the field, will share his insights on the importance of process mapping and its profound impact on operational...

  44. Embarking on Excellence: Unveiling the World of Continuous Improvement

    Dive into the inaugural episode of "Lean Into Excellence," where we unravel the essence of continuous improvement, debunking myths, defining ownership, and exploring the dynamic landscape. Join us for an engaging conversation that sets the stage for a journey of insights, innovation, and...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to 'Lean into Excellence,' the podcast where we dive deep into the dynamic world of Continuous Improvement. Join us as we explore real-life applications, share success stories, and unravel the secrets behind these transformative methodologies. Get ready to lean into a world where efficiency meets innovation, right here on 'Lean into Excellence.'

HOSTED BY

Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Lean Into Excellence have?

Lean Into Excellence currently has 44 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Lean Into Excellence about?

Welcome to 'Lean into Excellence,' the podcast where we dive deep into the dynamic world of Continuous Improvement. Join us as we explore real-life applications, share success stories, and unravel the secrets behind these transformative methodologies. Get ready to lean into a world where efficiency...

How often does Lean Into Excellence release new episodes?

Lean Into Excellence has 44 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Lean Into Excellence?

You can listen to Lean Into Excellence on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Lean Into Excellence?

Lean Into Excellence is created and hosted by Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla.
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