PODCAST · business
The Improvement Nerds Podcast
by thegreendotconsultinggroup
Join us as our guest share with us their greatest passions and the things that make them nerdy. All with the hope of chaning the world.
Episodes
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S3 E1 - Scott Payne - What Improvement Nerds Need to Know About PMP
🎙️ Understanding Over Memorization | Scott Payne on PMP & Real-World Project Management What does it really take to pass the PMP—and more importantly, actually lead projects effectively? In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, Mark sits down with Scott Payne, founder of All In PM Prep,...
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S2 E17 - The Magic Behind the Line: Lean Thinking at Disney (Part 2)
In this Part 2 conversation, we go deeper into how Disney applies Lean thinking across the park — often in ways guests never consciously notice. We unpack: How Disney designs queues to create flow and reduce the feeling of waiting Mistake proofing and layered safety systems beyond the obvious…
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S2 E16 - Tom West & Mark Ryan - Visual Management That Actually Works - Our Disney Experience
S2 E16 - Tom West & Mark Ryan - Visual Management That Actually Works - Our Disney Experience 🎙️ Episode Description: Visual Management - From Strategy Development to Ride Lines at Disney In this episode of The Improvement Nerds Podcast, Tom and Mark go full nerd on one of their favorite Lean...
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S2 E15 - Jim Benson - Beyond the Board - Making Work More Human
📖 Description In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, host Mark Ryan welcomes back Jim Benson, creator of Personal Kanban and co-author of The Collaboration Equation. If you caught their first conversation, you know it was a deep dive into how visualizing work and limiting WIP can...
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S2 E14 - Jim Benson - Make Work Visible, Make Work Better
Title: S2 E14 - Jim Benson - Make Work Visible, Make Work Better Subtitle: Kanban and Lean Coffee to replace chaos with clarity Description: Jim Benson—co-creator of Personal Kanban, Shingo Prize winner, and co-founder of Lean Coffee—joins Mark to unpack how visual management and WIP limits…
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S2 E13 - Mark Graban - Nerding Out on a Wide Range of Improvement Topics
Mark Graban - A Wide-Ranging Nerd Out with Mark Graban Welcome back to the Improvement Nerds Podcast! In this episode, we nerd out with Mark Graban—award-winning author, consultant, speaker, and senior advisor to KaiNexus. Mark has dedicated his career to showing the world that Lean isn’t…
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S2 E12 - Rebecca Ellis - Putting the Fun in Fungibility
Title: S2 E12 - Rebecca Ellis - Putting the FUN in Fungibility, Beyond Cross-Training: The Nerdy Truth About Fungibility 🎧 Description: What if your org chart wasn't a cage, but a launchpad? In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, host Mark Ryan sits down with Dr. Rebecca...
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S2 E11 - Laura Hayes - Making Accountability Make Sense
In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, host Mark Ryan sits down with leadership coach and founder of Ground Rules Coaching, Laura Hayes, to unpack what real accountability looks like—and why it’s often misunderstood. From toxic blame culture to practical tools that drive…
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S2_E10 - Chris Hayes - Wired for Excellence, Brain Science to Improve Culture & Change
🎧 Podcast Title: Wired for Excellence: The Neuroscience of Change with Chris Hayes 🎙️ Guest: Chris Hayes, Author of Wired for Excellence 🔍 Episode Description: Don’t miss this fascinating deep dive into the brain science behind organizational change. In this episode of the Improvement Nerds...
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S2 E9 - Leadership, Bandwidth, and the Brutal Truth About Strategy Execution - featuring: Karen Martin
S2 E9 - Leadership, Bandwidth, and the Brutal Truth About Strategy Execution - featuring: Karen Martin 🎙️ Episode Description: In this episode of Improvement Nerds, we’re joined by renowned improvement expert Karen Martin to dive deep into what really makes strategy deployment work. Forget the...
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S2 E8 - Smart Processes, Smarter Tech: Leaning Into AI with Justin Fischgrund
📈In this episode of Improvement Nerds, Mark Ryan sits down with Justin Fischgrund—Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, engineer, professor, and patent-holding innovator—to explore where Lean thinking and artificial intelligence collide. They dig into how AI can complement, not replace, Lean Six...
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S2 E7 - Nerding Out About Nuggets with David Reid at Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s Secret to Efficiency: How They Master Process Improvement | Featuring David Reid 🚀 Ever wondered how Chick-fil-A moves so fast while delivering top-tier customer service? In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, we sit down with David Reid, Director of Industrial and…
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S2 E6 Lean Leadership & People Centered Processes with Katie Anderson
In this episode of Improvement Nerds, we’re joined by Katie Anderson, lean leadership expert and author of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. Fresh from her latest study trip to Japan, Katie shares powerful insights on people-centered leadership, continuous improvement, and how strategy…
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S2 E5: The People Factor: Leveraging Job Relations for Sustainable Change
The People Factor: Leveraging Job Relations for Sustainable Change In this episode of the Improvement Nerd Podcast, we dive into Job Relations (JR)—a cornerstone of Training Within Industry (TWI). April Thomas Schmidt, a TWI expert, shares how JR helps leaders build trust, strengthen…
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S2 E4 - Training Within Industry: From World War II to Modern Excellence
S2 E4 - Training Within Industry: From World War II to Modern Excellence The Timeless Power of TWI: Building High-Performing Teams Through Training Within Industry In the world of process improvement, few methodologies have stood the test of time like Training Within Industry (TWI). Born out of...
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S2 E3 - Political Savviness and the Workplace with Betsy Jordyn
Key Topics Discussed: The Art of Political Savvy Office politics is often viewed in a negative light, but as Betsy explains, it’s all about balance and perspective. Politics doesn’t have to be toxic—it can actually foster collaboration and drive initiatives forward. She shares how understanding…
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S2 E2 - From Pooh Bear to Process Mapping with Betsy Jordyn
🔍 S2 E2 - From Pooh Bear to Process Mapping: Authenticity in Branding and Improvement | Betsy Jordyn Interview 🎙️ In this insightful episode, branding expert and organizational development (OD) strategist Betsy Jordyn joins us to explore the powerful connection between branding and continuous...
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S2 E1 - Passing the Torch
Get ready for an exciting comeback as Tom West, the mastermind behind the Improvement Nerds podcast, returns from a well-deserved hiatus to introduce a brand-new co-host, Mark Ryan! In this episode, Tom reflects on the heart and soul of the podcast—bringing together passionate guests to geek out...
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Bonus Episode - More on Leadership Speech Acts with Mary Andrawis
If you listened to Episode 40, in which Mary Andrawis and I explore the topic, and nerd out a bit about Leadership Speech Acts, you probably sensed that we had a lot more that we wanted to talk about. And you'd be right. In this bonus episode Mary and I revisit Leadership Speech Acts and dive a…
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Episode 40 - Leadership Speech Acts with Mary Andrawis of Serafina Health Strategy
In Episode 40, Mary Andrawis and I explore the topic, and nerd out a bit about Leadership Speech Acts. As Mary puts it, "our words can help shape the future if we use them intentionally." In this Episode we explore the four common speech acts of... declarations attestations and assessments…
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Episode 39 - Hire By Design with Jodi Brandstetter
In Episode 39, I have the great privilege of nerding out with the bestselling author, Jodi Brandstetter as we discuss how the improvement method, Design Thinking can be applied to HR - helping to identify, recruit, onboard, and retain top talent. Jodi Brandstetter, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is passionate...
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Episode 38 - Becoming an Improvement Nerds Generalist with AJ Hobbs
In Episode 38, AJ Hobbs and I discuss the multiple ways an belt can add value to an organization. During our conversation we discuss the advantages of becoming a generalist when it comes to improvement. We can appreciate that there are two sides to this coin, generalizing vs. specializing. We do...
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Episode 37 - Nerding Out About Process Mapping with Craig Willis of Skore
In Episode 37, I nerd out with Craig Willis of Skore (www.getskore.com) about the importance of process mapping. Per Craig, organization's need to make mapping processes as simple as having a conversation. In fact, that is Craig's personal mission, to help organizations map at the speed of...
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Episode 36 - Nerding Out About Wabi Sabi with Mindi Epstein
In Episode 36, guest Minid Epstein gives the Improvement Nerds audience permission to be their authentic selves. To embrace their imperfections and to go forward even when you don't have it all figured out. By practicing Wabi Sabi, you learn to see the beauty in imperfection, no longer allowing...
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Episode 35 - Designing Your Career with Marla Holdread
Have you found yourself at a career crossroads and not known what to do? In Episode 35, Marla Holdread shares that the best thing to do when at a career crossroad, is to think like a designer. Her advice is to stay curious, to be willing to experiment, to reframe the problem, and to collaborate....
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Episode 34 - Nerding Out About the Best Places to Work with Angie Redmon
In Episode 34 I have the chance to nerd out with Angie Redmon about some of the strategies that an organization can employ to help improve their work culture, while embarking on a journey to become one of the Best Places to Work. Angie works with companies who aspire to have an award-winning...
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Episode 33 - Nerding Out About Servant Leadership with Tom Crea
Episode 33 is timely for two reasons. One is that the episode is about servant leadership, an important topic considering the current amount of uncertainty in our world. And the other reason is that the episode airs shortly after Veterans Day. Our guest Tom Crea, joins us and nerds out with us...
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Episode 32 - Nerding Out About Streaking with Jami and Jeffery Downs
Episode 32 is so streaking awesome. Join me, Jami Downs, and Jeffrey Downs as we nerd out about streaking - not the streaking you're thinking. This streaking includes creating a "be statement", setting a goal, and then streaking your way toward improvement. This episode celebrates the idea of...
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Episode 31 - Nerding Out About Design Thinking and Agile with Sheena Birt
How many creative types do you know that can nerd out about Design Thinking and Agile Project Management? Yeah, not many. My guest for Episode 31, Sheena Birt, does that and opens the door for how combining the best of left-braining thinking and right-brain thinking can lead to awesome design in…
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Episode 31 Teaser - Design Thinking in an Agile Way
How many creative types do you know that can nerd out about Design Thinking and Agile Project Management? Yeah, not many. My guest for Episode 31, Sheena Birt, does that and opens the door for how combining the best of left-braining thinking and right-brain thinking can lead to awesome design in…
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Episode 30 - Nerding Out About Culture in the Workplace with Mike Bensi
In Episode 30, Mike Bensi and I nerd out about the importance of culture in the workplace. As we dive deep on the topic we talk about the importance of routinely assessing culture and studying what the key drivers of culture might be. In Mike's experience there are many things that impact…
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Bonus Episode - Nerding Out About Becoming a Black Belt with Laura Pullen McMichael
In this Bonus Episode with Laura Pullen McMichael we nerd out about journey of becoming a Certified Black Belt through ASQ. As we reflect on our individual journeys to certify we talk about study strategy, preparing for the exam, passing the exam, and applying our new knowledge to help drive...
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Episode 29 - Nerding Out About Extreme Ownership with Amy Woodall
In Episode 29, I nerd out with Amy Woodall about the idea of Extreme Ownership. In Amy's words, "Extreme Ownership is about owning your 50. It is about accepting that in any situation you are 50% of the problem and 50% of the solution." In this episode we dive deep on Extreme Ownership, but we…
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Episode 28 - Nerding Out About Healing Healthcare with Sarah Harker
In this episode, Sarah brings her global health experience, travel nursing experience, and passion for caring for the caregiver to the table as we envision how much better healthcare could be if we provided healthcare professionals the space they need to practice self-care. I struggle to…
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Episode 27 - Nerding Out About Authentic Connections with LindsayTjepkema
In Episode 27 I nerd out with Lindsay Tjepkema about the importance of making authentic connections as a leader, as a business, and as a brand. In this episode Lindsay shares strategies on how leaders and organization's can establish trust while building a strong relationships that will drive...
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Episode 26 - Nerding Out About Wellness with Erica Ballard
Episode 26 dives deep on the concept that you have to be well before you can have the energy to enact lasting change in your career, your family, your health, in others, etc. In Erica's words, for a person to have whole wellness they need to focus on 6 key things: what they eat, how much they...
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Episode 25 - Nerding Out About Culture with Jeff Veyera
In Episode 25 Jeff Veyera and I nerd out about the importance of addressing culture as part of any change or improvement initiative. In this episode we dive deep on culture, engagement, process improvement, and Quality 4.0. Jeff Veyera is a 25 year quality professional, Lean Six Sigma Master…
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Episode 24 - Nerding Out About Innovation with Lori Lovens
In Episode 24 I nerd out with Lori Lovens about people's natural instincts to innovate or to stay the same. Lori is a dynamic innovator who delivered hundreds of millions of dollars of product innovation growth for Gatorade and other global brands. Her deep understanding of innovation, from...
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Episode 23 - Nerding Out About Communities of Excellence with Stephanie Norling
In Episode 23, Stephanie Norling and I connect to discuss the ins and outs of the Communities of Excellence program sponsored by Baldrige. The Communities of Excellence program is a framework that is used by self-defined communities to help them define their approach to leadership, establish a...
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Episode 22 - Nerding Out and Taking Steps Toward Improved Emotional Intelligence with Gerald Bush
In Episode 22, Gerald Bush, and I get down and dirty about Emotional Intelligence. Specifically, what is it, why its important, and how individuals can strengthen their EQ.Per Gerald, Emotional Intelligence in leaders, and environments that are psychologically safe to take risks go hand in hand.…
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Episode 21 - Nerding Out About Standardizing Then Scaling with Jeanette Renshaw
In episode 21, Jeanette Renshaw, from Smart Scale Consulting, and I nerd out hard core about the importance of standardizing first, then scaling second. Some of the other things we nerd out about include systems thinking, the Goal, pizza trackers, and inspection. Jeanette is true improvement…
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Episode 20 - Nerding Out Igniting the Fire Starter Within with Jason Barnaby
In Episode 20, Jason Barnaby and I nerd out hardcore about helping people to address self-doubt and to take the first steps toward doing what they are passionate about. As Jason puts it, he wants to "Torch Fear and Ignite Hope." Which is the mission of the company he founded, Fire Starters, Inc....
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Episode 19 - Nerding Out About Fatherhood with Ryan Sullivan
In this episode Ryan Sullivan and I nerd out about creating and building community that empowers each of us to explore and to be our whole, authentic selves. Especially as parents. Ryan shares his passion about being a father (loving his wife and daughter and soon to arrive newborn with a whole...
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Episode 18 - Nerding About Giving with KJ McGlinn
In episode 18, I nerd out with KJ McGlinn about the importance of having a servant's heart and giving. Per KJ, "those that give, get". Regardless of the size of the gift. As a representative of the Make A Wish organization, KJ helps to bring dreams to life for patients and families facing medical...
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Episode 17 - Nerding Out About Flow and Spiral Impact with Karen Valencic
In Episode 17, I nerd out with Karen Valencic about managing conflict and creating flow through her leadership approach called Spiral Impact. Karen Valencic is founder Spiral impact, a Performance Improvement Company specializing in leadership and team development. As a degreed-tenured engineer,...
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Episode 16 - Nerding Out About Mental Wealth with Jeremiah Reed
In Episode 16, Jeremiah and I nerd out about his upcoming book Mental Wealth. Mental Wealth is Jeremiah's approach for helping others achieve financial well-being and freedom. Jeremiah, who grew up a region kid, has overcome the circumstances of a poor school system, having a kid at an early age,...
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Bonus Episode - Nerding Out about the Book Hidden Brilliance with Author Katie Rasoul
Why not have two episodes with Katie Rasoul? In a follow up to Katie's full episode, I wanted to create a bonus episode were all we do is get nerdy about her amazing book Hidden Brilliance: A High-Achieving Introvert's Guide to Self-Discovery, Leadership, and Playing Big. In this bonus episode...
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Episode 15 - Nerding Out About Belonging at Work with Katie Rasoul
Episode 15 is a must listen to episode about the importance of creating psychological safety at work. My guest, Katie Rasoul shares a masterful story about how organization’s need to strive to give people more than a job. That they need to give them a purpose. Katie is a leadership coach, keynote...
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Episode 14 - Nerding Out About The Leadership Challenge with Andrea Butcher
Join Andrea Butcher and I for Episode 14 as we nerd out about The Leadership Challenge. Highlighting the specific behaviors that help to create an effective leader. Andrea is a visionary—she knows how to lead organizations from big picture to execution. She is a dynamic speaker, coach, and...
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Episode 13 - Nerding Out About Mindfulness with Shelley Brown from ROI Mindfulness
In Episode 13, Shelley Brown and I nerd out about mindfulness, among other topics - empathy, leadership, self-awareness, compassion, and meditation. Shelley Brown is a Baltimore based mindfulness speaker, webinar, in-person workshop facilitator and the founder of ROI Mindfulness. She facilitates...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join us as our guest share with us their greatest passions and the things that make them nerdy. All with the hope of chaning the world.
HOSTED BY
thegreendotconsultinggroup
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Improvement Nerds Podcast have?
The Improvement Nerds Podcast currently has 63 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Improvement Nerds Podcast about?
Join us as our guest share with us their greatest passions and the things that make them nerdy. All with the hope of chaning the world.
How often does The Improvement Nerds Podcast release new episodes?
The Improvement Nerds Podcast has 63 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Improvement Nerds Podcast?
You can listen to The Improvement Nerds Podcast 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 The Improvement Nerds Podcast?
The Improvement Nerds Podcast is created and hosted by thegreendotconsultinggroup.
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