KPI Fireside: A Continuous Improvement Podcast

What separates companies that control costs from those constantly reacting to them?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Duane Deason to unpack what smarter cost management really looks like in practice. This isn’t about cutting budgets or tightening spending. It’s about understanding where cost is created, where value is lost, and how organizations can make better decisions with clearer data.🔻 Cost problems are usually system problems🔻 You can’t manage what you can’t clearly see🔻 Cost reduction vs. cost understanding🔻 Data needs to be usable, not just available🔗 Connect with Duane Deason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/🔗 Learn more about the Efficacy Group Cost Management Services: https://efficacygroup.com/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

What happens when continuous improvement teams can clearly prove their impact?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Chris Keahey to break down why tracking ROI is one of the most critical and overlooked aspects of any CI program.Chris shares how his journey from firefighting into Lean Six Sigma shaped his approach to discipline, standard work, and decision-making under pressure. But the core of the conversation focuses on a bigger challenge: making CI measurable, defensible, and valuable in the eyes of leadership.🔻 If you can’t prove ROI, CI becomes vulnerable.🔻 Validated data beats projected savings.🔻 Finance alignment is non-negotiable.🔻 Standard definitions create consistency.🔻 Your program should speak the language of leadership.🔗 Connect with Chris Keahey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckeahey18/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

What if the biggest mistake leaders make… is trying to be the answer?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Cheryl Jekiel, founder of the Lean Leadership Center, to unpack one of the hardest shifts in leadership: letting go.🔻 Why most leaders are underprepared to lead—and how that shows up in real organizations🔻 How letting go actually creates stronger, more capable teams🔻 The difference between directing, training, mentoring, and coaching🔻 How to handle team ideas without shutting people down🔻 What great leaders do differently to build independence instead of reliance🔗 Connect with Cheryl Jekiel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryljekiel/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

Why do so many continuous improvement programs fail to deliver lasting impact?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Jess Orr, a business transformation leader with deep experience in Lean and continuous improvement, including time working directly at Toyota. Jess shares why many organizations limit their results by concentrating improvement efforts in a small group of specialists instead of building a system that engages everyone.🔻 Why limiting CI to specialists restricts impact and scalability🔻 Why sustainable improvement requires systems—not just short-term wins🔻 How to justify CI investment using data and performance metrics🔻 The role of leaders in building problem-solving capability across teams🔗 Connect with Jess Orr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessorr/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

What happens when teams deliver everything they were asked for—but still miss what the customer actually wanted?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Francine Bejarano, a program and product delivery leader who has led major technology and transformation initiatives at companies like T-Mobile, IBM, and Verizon.🔻 The difference between output metrics and outcome-driven success🔻 Why success must be defined upfront—not measured at the end🔻 How “voice of the customer” changes alignment and priorities🔻 The danger of “watermelon metrics” (green on the outside, red on the inside)🔻 Why understanding the “why” drives better execution and buy-in🔻 How visibility and structured prioritization improve decision-making🔗 Connect with Francine Bejarano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francine-bejarano-173725149/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Stan Bryant, a senior project management professional and principal of Strategic Initiative Solutions. With a career spanning large-scale technology integration, operations leadership, and PMO development, Stan shares what it takes to lead complex projects, build PMOs that prove their value, and help organizations connect project execution to measurable business results.🔻Why projects are often born from pain points leaders no longer want to tolerate, from mandates to cost pressures to operational inefficiencies.🔻How project leaders can better communicate with sponsors by matching updates to stakeholder influence and interest.🔻Why discipline in planning, stakeholder management, communication, and risk mitigation is essential for project success.🔻Why change management and formal authorization plans are often the missing link between project delivery and real operational adoption.🔗 Connect with Stan Bryant through email: [email protected]🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Lyndsay MacLeod, an award-winning continuous improvement professional with more than 20 years of experience leading transformational change across engineering, manufacturing, and financial services. With a background spanning Lean Six Sigma, process improvement, Agile, and operational excellence, Lyndsay shares how Lean principles can strengthen technology teams, why visibility matters in software delivery, and how leaders can build cultures of learning instead of fear.🔻 Why Lean thinking is especially valuable in technology organizations with complexity, legacy systems, and technical debt.🔻 How value stream mapping helps software teams understand flow, expose bottlenecks, and improve feature delivery.🔻 How control charts create better conversations than red-amber-green dashboards by separating normal variation from true signals.🔻 How leadership mindset and behavior play a major role in creating high-performing teams and sustainable transformation.🔻 Why Lyndsay’s perspective on applying Lean in male-dominated environments highlights the resilience, credibility, and adaptability needed to make improvement work.🔗 Connect with Lyndsay MacLeod on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsay-macleod-7b12215/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Chris Roser, a worldwide renowned expert for lean production; Toyota, McKinsey, and Bosch Alumni, and professor for Production Management at the Karlsruhe University of applied sciences.. Drawing on decades of experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, bottleneck detection, and Lean research, Chris explains why improvement fails without standard work.🔻 Why Toyota and BMW get dramatically more improvement ideas from frontline workers than most Western companies.🔻 How supervisors use regular checklists to make improvement part of daily work instead of an extra task🔻 Why the smallest improvement ideas often create the biggest long-term advantage when companies actually pick them up🔻 The critical difference between work standards, standard work, SOPs, and leader standard work🔻 Why copying Toyota tool-for-tool usually fails, and what companies should do instead🔻 Why improvement disappears when it is not captured and sustained through work standards🔗 Connect with Chris Roser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-roser-allaboutlean/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

What separates short-term Lean initiatives from lasting Lean cultures?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Nick Belcher, a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Lean Culture Architect who has spent decades helping organizations move beyond Lean tools and build people-first improvement cultures. Nick shares why lasting transformation happens when leaders focus on developing people, reinforcing behaviors, and embedding continuous improvement into everyday work rather than treating it as a separate initiative.🔻 Why Lean tools alone cannot sustain improvement without cultural change🔻 What a people-first Lean culture actually looks like in practice🔻 Why leadership behaviors determine whether Lean succeeds or fails🔻 Why continuous improvement must become part of daily work🔻 The role of engagement and trust in sustaining Lean transformations🔻 How organizations move from isolated improvements to enterprise-wide learning🔻 Why developing people is the foundation of operational excellence🔗 Connect with Nick Belcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbelchermba/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

Why do Lean tools fade away in so many organizations? And what actually makes improvement stick?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Marcial Portillo, a global operations and continuous improvement leader with more than 30 years of experience improving manufacturing and supply chain performance across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Marcial currently leads deployment of Spirax’s operational excellence framework across its global supply network.🔻 Why Lean tools without cultural foundation eventually fade away🔻 Blending Shingo principles with a global operational excellence framework🔻 Defining expected behaviors for every pillar and element of deployment🔻 Leadership standard work and the importance of going to the Gemba🔻 Structuring tiered meetings (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3) to drive engagement🔻 Measuring behaviors alongside SQDCP metrics🔻 How daily management improves communication and problem escalation🔻 Using KPIs and KBIs to reinforce systems and culture🔻 The role of presence, authenticity, and consistency in sustaining change🔻 Building dashboards that track maturity, financial impact, and culture🔗 Connect with Marcial Portillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcial-portillo-54388188/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

What separates organizations that struggle from those that truly win?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Jennifer Ralston. As CEO & Founder of HKPO and the HKPO Veterans Academy, she empowers organizations to innovate, execute, and sustain excellence. From Lean Six Sigma transformations at the American Red Cross to global strategic planning and culture assessments, Jennifer shares practical insights on cascading strategy, measuring what truly matters, and building trust-driven organizations.🔻 Why strategic alignment is the foundation of strong culture🔻 How to cascade strategy so every employee knows their role🔻 The difference between SOPs and true standard work🔻 Trust and respect as core cultural principles🔻 How to run an effective strategy refresh session🔻 Why organizations measure too much—and how to measure what truly matters🔻 How leadership behaviors shape accountability🔻 Why variation is the enemy—and how to eliminate it🔻 Empowering transitioning service members through the HKPO Veterans Academy🔗 Connect with Jennifer Ralston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeralston/📘 Sign up for free Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training for Veterans: https://gohkpo.com/training/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

Is AI coming for your job—or just the parts of it you never liked doing in the first place?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Reed Shell, a project management leader with more than 30 years of experience in enterprise delivery and transformation. Reed teaches project management and artificial intelligence at the University of Utah and advises organizations on applying AI responsibly without losing human accountability.🔻 Why quality must be integrated throughout a project—not inspected in at the end🔻 How focusing on value instead of plans accelerated delivery before Agile was formalized🔻 Lessons from Nike’s culture and why culture drives execution speed🔻 Why respect for people is foundational to Lean and transformation🔻 The real risk of AI: automating broken processes🔻 Why value stream mapping and Lean thinking will be even more critical in an AI-driven world🔻 AI as an “overly ambitious intern” that removes low-value work🔻 Why change management is the missing ingredient in most AI rollouts🔻 The autopilot analogy: AI handles the instruments, humans still fly the plane🔻 How leaders can help teams embrace technology instead of fearing it🔗 Connect with Reed Shell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedshell/📘 Learn more about Reed's Work: https://www.bluehippoconsulting.com🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

Why does Agile fail even when teams are trained and processes are in place? In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris talks with Dean Kynaston, co-author of Agile Project Management for Dummies and Scrum for Dummies, about the leadership gaps that quietly derail Agile.🔻 Why Agile is about adaptability, not process compliance🔻 The difference between Agile values and the Scrum framework🔻 What actually happens in an effective daily standup🔻 The real role of Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and team members🔻 Why story points are not a measure of productivity🔻 How transparency and accountability emerge naturally on strong teams🔻 Why leadership behavior determines whether Agile succeeds or fails🔗 Connect with Dean Kynaston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deankynaston/📘 Buy "Agile Project Management For Dummies" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0gcZEJBG🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

Why do large organizations invest heavily in technology and still fail to deliver real value? In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Chris Gunderson, a former oceanographic officer who spent decades working inside U.S. defense programs.🔻 Why “technology without value is worthless” and how organizations confuse output with impact🔻 How Porter’s value chain connects upstream activity to downstream customer value🔻 Why incentives, not strategy decks, determine behavior🔻 The danger of rewarding PowerPoint instead of results🔻 What effective executives consistently do differently when allocating people, money, and attention🔻 How fear, hierarchy, and compliance quietly undermine executionThis episode connects strategy, value, metrics, and culture through hard-earned lessons from some of the most complex systems in the world.🔗 Connect with Chris Gunderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgunderson/📘Buy "Founders Fear" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0UsaCfb🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

How do leaders unknowingly create cultures of compliance instead of commitment? In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Michael Stevens, Presidential Professor of Leadership Studies and a global expert on the people side of performance, to explore what truly separates management from leadership and why respect, not authority, is the real driver of execution.🔻 Why leadership is less about directing work and more about influencing how people choose to show up🔻 The critical difference between managing processes and leading people🔻 Michael’s two-axis leadership model: assertive vs passive and respectful vs disrespectful🔻 Why intent does not matter nearly as much as how leadership behavior lands with employees🔻 The concept of “intelligent disobedience” and why leaders must create space for employees to challenge decisions🔻 Why asking questions before giving answers dramatically increases ownership and execution🔻 How emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and empathy enable better leadership conversations🔻 The four barriers that prevent managers from becoming leaders: knowing, doing, feeling, and being🔻 Why “clear is kind” even when feedback stings and how respectful candor builds trustThis conversation is a masterclass in why leadership development is not about learning more techniques, but about rethinking how power, respect, and influence actually work inside organizations.🔗 Connect with Michael Stevens on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstevensphd/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

How do bad meetings quietly destroy culture, morale, and execution? In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Evan Unger, a leadership and culture expert with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations improve how decisions actually get made.🔻 Why meetings are where leadership actually shows up—and why people judge leaders based on how meetings feel🔻 The real cost of 50% effective meetings on culture, morale, and execution🔻 Evan’s POPRA model for effective meetings: Purpose, Objectives, Process, Roles, and Agreements🔻 The difference between informational meetings, status updates, and true collaborative decision-making sessions🔻 Why the “highest paid person’s opinion” (HPPO) often derails better decisions🔻 How collaborative facilitation leads to stronger buy-in and faster execution🔻 Practical techniques for running better virtual meetings, including timeboxing and simultaneous chat🔻 Why leaders must “go slow to go fast” when designing meetings that actually stick🔻 How improving meetings becomes one of the fastest ways to change organizational culture🔗 Connect with Evan Unger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-unger-6553597/🔗 Learn more about the Collaborative Leadership Virtual Facilitation Skills Program:: https://www.terischwartzassociates.com/virtual/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Bryan Schmidt, a CPA, author, and finance transformation leader who spent more than two decades turning manual, paper-heavy finance processes into streamlined, automated systems.🔻 Why ERP systems are the foundation of any successful finance transformation🔻 The simple ROI math executives expect and how to frame improvement ideas for approval🔻 Why quick wins matter more than big projects early on🔻 How automation can improve morale, not just efficiency🔻 Why honesty and trust are essential when leading change🔻 Practical advice for CI leaders on prioritization, governance, and learning from every project🔗 Connect with Bryan Schmidt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-schmidt99/🔗 Learn more about Bryan's book: https://www.financeautomationblueprint.com/my-book🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

How do you make innovation and transformation actually stick instead of stalling out in planning decks and dashboards? In this episode, Keith Norris talks with Claire Quigley, founder of Tech Team Whisperer. With more than 20 years of experience spanning strategy, innovation, digital transformation, and people leadership across startups and global organizations, Claire explains why most transformations fail and what leaders must do to become truly transformation-ready.🔻 Why transformation success rates have barely changed in the last decade and what leaders overlook.🔻 What it really means to be “transformation ready” before launching major initiatives.🔻 Why purpose, not technology, is the anchor for successful innovation and change.🔻 How leadership assumptions quietly derail improvement efforts.🔻 The difference between tracking green dashboards and recognizing real progress on the floor.🔻 Why adoption and utilization matter more than rolling out new digital tools.🔻 How AI anxiety and “AI shame” show up inside organizations and what leaders can do about it.🔻 Why visual thinking, value stream mapping, and simple CI tools still matter in digital teams.🔻 How storytelling and better questions help leaders drive alignment and engagement.🔗 Connect with Claire Quigley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-quigley-innovation-change-strategy-culture-consultant/ 🔗 Learn more about Tech Team Whisperer: https://www.techteamwhisperer.com/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

How do you build a continuous improvement system that works across industries, scales with growth, and actually changes how people think and act? In this episode, Keith Norris talks with Keshawn Cupid, CEO of Modern Kaizen. Drawing on his journey from the U.S. Navy to consulting across manufacturing, healthcare, food service, government contracting, and more, Keshawn shares why mindset comes before tools and how organizations can move from good intentions to real, repeatable results.🔻 How mindset shifts unlock better problem solving, ownership, and engagement.🔻 Why standard work is essential for consistency, learning, and sustainable improvement.🔻 The difference between solving the current state and solving the gap.🔻 Why over-motivated employees can unintentionally create risk without clear structure.🔻 How CI managers act as translators between leadership goals and frontline execution.🔻 Real-world examples of how chasing the wrong metric drives the wrong behavior.🔻 Why Lean works in any industry where work is repeatable, from manufacturing to hospitals to food service.🔻 How AI can turn complexity into clarity when paired with sound improvement thinking.🔗 Connect with Keshawn Cupid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keshawn-cupid-2ba86855/🔗 Learn more about Modern Kaizen: https://modernkaizen.com/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

How often do organizations say they are “doing Lean” while quietly undermining it through everyday leadership behaviors?In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Bob Emiliani, a respected author, researcher, and longtime critic of superficial Lean implementations. Bob shares candid insights on why most Lean transformations fail, the difference between tools and true Lean thinking, and how leadership behavior either enables or destroys continuous improvement.🔻 Why most Lean transformations fail even when the right tools are in place.🔻 How leadership behavior shapes culture more than any CI methodology.🔻 Why “respect for people” is often misunderstood or ignored in practice.🔻 The hidden ways classical management destroys improvement.🔻 How organizations unintentionally create resistance to change.🔻 What leaders must unlearn before Lean can truly take hold.🔻 Why real improvement requires changing management thinking, not just processes.🔗 Connect with Bob Emiliani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-emiliani-660a72170/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

How do you build a continuous improvement culture that actually sticks, especially across large, complex organizations? In this episode, Keith Norris talks with Dan Barata, Corporate Director of Continuous Improvement at East Penn Manufacturing. With decades of experience across manufacturing, healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, Dan shares why CI must start with people, not tools, and how leaders can create the space, safety, and opportunity for real improvement to happen.🔻 How Dan’s early path in industrial engineering shaped his people-first approach to continuous improvement.🔻 Why training alone does not equal empowerment and what leaders must do next.🔻 The importance of building human connection before introducing process improvement.🔻 How failing forward is different from simply failing and why not all failures are created equal.🔻 Why standard work is the foundation for improvement and not the enemy of creativity.🔻 How leaders can create psychological safety so people feel comfortable trying new ideas.🔻 Why engagement and alignment matter as much as cost savings when measuring CI impact.🔻 Dan’s guidance on utilization, capacity, and creating time for both improvement and people development.🔻 Why coaching and mentoring matter more than running a few isolated improvement projects.🔗 Connect with Dan Barata on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-j-barata-pe-mba/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

How do you build resilience and continuous improvement into your life and work, no matter the challenge? In this episode, Keith Norris talks with Janine LeaBarrett, a governance and engineering leader whose career spans mining, construction, local government, and five seasons in Antarctica. From surviving a life-changing accident to leading teams in some of the harshest conditions on earth, Janine shares practical lessons on clarity, safety, and why continuous improvement matters everywhere.🔻 How Janine became an electrician in a male-dominated field and developed a mindset for continuous improvement.🔻 What five seasons in Antarctica taught her about teamwork, safety, and engineering in extreme conditions.🔻 How surviving a major accident shaped her resilience and philosophy of “get on with it.”🔻 Why she believes continuous improvement is essential in every industry.🔻 Her leadership advice for new supervisors: seek input from everyone and ensure clarity.🔻 Why the Five Whys remains her go-to problem-solving tool.🔻 Why resilience matters: “If you can’t bounce back, you can’t get stronger.”🔗 Connect with Janine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janineleabarrett0427244234/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/📘 Buy the book Impact: https://thatimpactbook.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What if the key to sustaining improvement has less to do with tools and more to do with the brain itself? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Chris Hayes, CEO of Impact Performance Solutions, Shingo Licensed Affiliate, ASQ Fellow, and author of Wired for Excellence: Harnessing Brain Science for Organizational Success.🔻 Why improvement wins fade and how the Shingo Model strengthens sustainment🔻 The brain science of change and how the amygdala triggers threat responses🔻 Why logic alone never drives change and why people need safety and clarity🔻 The five domains of the B.R.A.I.N. Model and how they shape culture🔻 How leaders can reduce threat, spark reward responses, and boost engagement🔻 How clarity, communication rhythms, and small wins support sustainment🔗 Connect with Chris Hayes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiannahayes/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🔗 Visit Impact Performance Solutions: https://impactperformancesolutions.com/📘 Buy "Wired For Excellence: Harnessing Brain Science For Organizational Success" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4mslDn🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What actually makes projects succeed — and why do so many fail before they even begin?In this episode, Keith sits down with Adriana Girdler, President & Chief Efficiency Officer at CornerStone Dynamics, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, PMP, productivity expert, and one of the top project management voices in North America. With over 260K YouTube subscribers and 20+ years leading organizational transformation, Adriana breaks down what organizations get wrong about project work and why clarity, alignment, and methodology matter more than any tool.🔻 Adriana’s unexpected start in productivity and PM (thanks, Franklin Planner)🔻 Why “accidental project managers” are everywhere — and why they struggle🔻 The real definition of a project: start date, end date, deliverable🔻 Why technology is just a tool — not the solution to productivity🔻 What every charter must include (and why it’s your navigation system)🔻 The three levels of project roles: sponsors, steering committees & SMEs🔻 How project managers must shift into strategic leadership roles🔻 The danger of siloed work and why PMs must be the connective tissue🔻 Why organizations unintentionally set teams up for failure🔻 Project management in the age of AI — what changes, what doesn’t🔗 Connect with Adriana Girdler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianagirdler/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🔗 Visit CornerStone Dynamics:https://www.cornerstonedynamics.com/🔗 Explore the SLAY Project Management Course:https://adrianagirdler.thinkific.com/pages/slaypm🔗 Learn about the SLAY Corporate Program:https://www.cornerstonedynamics.com/project-management-corporate-program/🔗 Watch Adriana’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianaGirdler🔗 Follow CornerStone Dynamics on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstone-dynamics-inc/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What does it really take to build a culture of excellence? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Tina Agustiady, award-winning continuous improvement leader, author, and Vice President at J.P. Morgan Chase. With decades of experience leading Lean and Six Sigma transformations across major organizations, Tina shares what it means to create lasting improvement by putting people first.🔻 Why culture, not tools, is the true foundation of Lean and Six Sigma success🔻 How to make training programs hands-on, relevant, and results-driven🔻 The role of emotional intelligence and humility in effective leadership🔻 What companies get wrong about continuous improvement and how to fix it🔻 How change management and empowerment fuel the next generation of leaders🔻 Why continuous improvement is like breathing, if you stop, you will not last🔗 Connect with Tina Agustiady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-agustiady/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

How can sustainability become more than a buzzword and drive real improvement? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Lorenzo Long, Sustainability Coordinator for Ogden City, to explore how cities can turn environmental goals into practical, measurable change. From energy efficiency to policy design, Lorenzo shares how small wins and smart framing create lasting impact.🔻 How Ogden City is embedding sustainability into its long-term planning and daily operations🔻 Why "framing" matters and how changing the language from sustainability to resilience builds buy-in🔻 How to measure what matters with the KPIs behind Ogden’s Energy Wise Strategic Plan🔻 Lessons from Weber State’s revolving sustainability fund that pays for itself🔻 How small-scale tests like an electric vehicle pilot program can spark large-scale change🔻 Why every organization, big or small, should start with one sustainability champion🔗 Connect with Lorenzo Long on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzolong/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What does it take to build a culture where improvement sticks? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Pete Gough, retired transformation leader and former head of Business Improvement at major mining organizations including Rio Tinto, Newcrest, and Goldfields. Over his decades-long career, Pete helped shape hundreds of improvement projects, mentored future leaders, and proved that true transformation starts with people, not tools.🔻 Turning Lean, Six Sigma, and change leadership into one practical “MMA-style” approach to improvement🔻 Why executive visibility and genuine engagement are the foundation for lasting cultural change🔻 How to design training programs that grow future leaders, not just project managers🔻 The role of business improvement teams in connecting strategy, operations, and people🔻 How to quantify hard versus soft savings and set realistic, stretch targets for improvement🔻 Lessons from leading CI across global mining sites and cultures🔗 Connect with Pete Gough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gough-86b03617/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What makes improvement efforts succeed or fail? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Steve Burkle, Global Director of Operational Excellence, to explore the real factors that determine whether continuous improvement takes root or fades away. With more than 30 years leading OpEx transformations, Steve shares lessons learned from the front lines, what it takes to sustain change, develop problem solvers, and create a culture where improvement never stops.🔺 Why listening, not lecturing, is the most underrated leadership skill in continuous improvement🔺 How to turn daily management systems and tiered huddles into the backbone of a thriving CI culture🔺 The difference between doing improvement to people and doing it with them🔺 What separates quick-win projects from true operational excellence🔺 How to measure what really matters, so data drives behavior, not just dashboards🔗 Connect with Steve Burkle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-burkle-lssbb-11a08a78/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What separates companies that try Lean from those that live it? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Darren Dolcemascolo, co-founder and managing partner of EMS Consulting Group, to talk about what it really takes to create sustainable improvement. From his early career in operations to helping hundreds of organizations transform through Lean, Darren shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, engagement, and how to keep the momentum going when improvement fatigue sets in.🔺 Why culture—not tools—determines the success of Lean initiatives🔺 How to teach problem-solving as a daily practice, not a one-time project 🔺 Why humility and curiosity are the real superpowers of Lean leadership 🔺 How to balance structure and flexibility in CI programs 🔺 What to look for when assessing whether your organization is ready for Lean transformation🔗 Connect with Darren Dolcemascolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrendolcemascolo/ 🔗 Explore EMS Consulting Group: https://emsstrategies.com/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this special 30th episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris looks back on the most powerful lessons shared across thirty conversations with leaders, thinkers, and change-makers in the world of continuous improvement.From the shop floor to the boardroom, these stories reveal a simple truth — improvement isn’t about tools or projects, but about people, culture, leadership, and daily habits that make progress sustainable.🔻 Improvement starts with people 🔻 Culture is the real competitive advantage 🔻 Improvement is a team sport — and leaders create the conditions for change 🔻 Improvement is a habit, not a projectWhether you’re a CI professional, a people leader, or someone looking to reignite their own improvement journey, this episode is a reflection on what makes continuous improvement stick — and why it always begins with the human side of change.🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire – https://www.kpifire.com/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Jared Thatcher, Lean Business Consultant, founder of the Global Lean Summit, and author of Parenting the Lean Way, to explore how companies can drive continuous cost improvement without draining their people.🔺 Why Lean should never stand for "less employees are needed" 🔺 How to use Lean to build morale, not fear 🔺 The role of leadership in protecting improvement culture 🔺 Practical examples of cost savings that boost engagement 🔺 How to apply Lean thinking to every part of life, from the office to parentingJared shares real-world stories from his time at Daimler Trucks, Alaska Airlines, and more, showing how respect for people and smart systems thinking lead to sustainable results.🔗 Connect with Jared Thatcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredthatcher/ 🔗 Explore the Global Lean Summit: https://globalleansummit.com 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Luca Giovanni Guadagnuolo, a seasoned consultant and Lean transformation leader with decades of experience driving operational excellence across Europe. Luca shares how his journey began at Whirlpool, why he was drawn to Lean from the start, and what it takes to align people across cultures, industries, and leadership levels.🔻 How to engage frontline teams with A3 thinking and problem-solving🔻 Why leadership’s role is to support, not control🔻 Lessons from rolling out Lean across nine European plants🔻 How to sustain cultural change long after the consultant leaves🔻 Why continuous improvement is as natural as drinking waterWhether you’re leading a factory, managing a team, or guiding strategy at the executive level, Luca’s insights will help you see Lean as more than tools—it’s about respect, delegation, and unlocking human potential.🔗 Connect with Luca Guadagnuolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaguadagnuolo/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Bruce Hamilton, the legendary “Toast Kaizen” teacher, to explore how storytelling can unlock a culture of continuous improvement. Bruce shares lessons from decades of Lean leadership, why respect for people is the true foundation of TPS, and how even small, inch wide and mile deep improvements can transform an organization. From poka yoke to AI, he shows why the future of Lean is still rooted in everyday learning and respect.🔻 The story behind Toast Kaizen and why it still resonates today 🔻 The four Lean philosophies that never change: customer first, people as the most valuable resource, go see, and kaizen every day 🔻 Why inch wide, mile deep is the smartest way to build momentum 🔻 How poka yoke turns mistakes into smarter systems 🔻 Where AI fits in and why it should be AI plus people👉 Listen now and take one small improvement idea from this episode to put into action today.🔗 Connect with Bruce Hamilton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-hamilton-a09a4616/🔗 Explore GBMP: https://www.gbmp.org/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Cindy Deekitwong, a global sales and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience across specialty chemicals, semiconductors, healthcare, and packaging. Cindy explains why Lean is more than cost cutting. It is a culture of problem solving and continuous improvement. She highlights the importance of asking the right questions, listening to understand, and motivating teams by starting with “why.” Along the way, she offers powerful examples from manufacturing, medical devices, and packaging that show how small changes can create outsized impact.🔻 Why value added vs. non value added thinking applies everywhere from gas stations to global supply chains🔻 How “small is the new big” when it comes to culture change and quick wins🔻 The leadership shift from telling to empowering and why listening is the first step🔻 Why continuous improvement must expand beyond the shop floor into sales, marketing, and innovationWhether you are an executive balancing growth and culture, a CI leader coaching teams, or simply curious about how to empower people for lasting improvement, Cindy’s insights will inspire you to look at your work through a new lens.🔗 Connect with Cindy Deekitwong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-deekitwong/🔗 Explore Aperia Corporation: https://aperia.com/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Bob Luna, a leader who has scaled businesses from $3 million to $500 million across industries like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and even Amazon and Procter & Gamble. With over 30 years of experience, Bob shares why emotional intelligence (EQ) and extreme ownership are just as critical to improvement as value stream maps and throughput metrics.Bob breaks down how to cut through the noise of measuring “30 or 40 things” to focus on the few metrics that truly drive results, like cycle time, defects, and Net Promoter Score (NPS). He also explains how leaders can prepare their teams emotionally and culturally to actually embrace process improvement, not resist it.🔻 Why customer feedback through NPS can’t just be collected—it has to drive action 🔻 How EQ and ownership accelerate Lean and CI initiatives across every level of an organization 🔻 The hidden cost of poor processes (and why it often eats up 30% of revenue) 🔻 Practical ways leaders can simplify metrics, build capability, and avoid firefightingWhether you’re leading a team of 20 or a company of 20,000, Bob’s insights show how the right mix of people, process, and metrics can turn improvement into real, sustainable growth.🔗 Connect with Bob Luna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-luna-2b36b68/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Monika Mangla, Managing Director at Accenture and a global leader in finance and digital transformation, to explore how continuous improvement is evolving in the age of AI.From predictive maintenance in oil and gas to forward-looking financial planning, Monika outlines real-world examples of AI in action, while also addressing the foundations organizations must get right: strong data governance, people readiness, and a culture that empowers decision-making at every level.🔻 Why AI is accelerating the pace of continuous improvement 🔻 How finance and operations leaders can build stronger cross-functional alignment 🔻 The critical role of data and governance in making AI valuable 🔻 Why employees should see AI as an assistant, not a replacementWhether you’re a CI professional, a finance leader, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation will challenge how you think about improvement in the AI era.🔗 Connect with Monika Mangla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monika-mangla-cfa-320a52/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Christine Lavoie, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Operational Excellence leader, to explore how great leaders create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday work. Christine shares how curiosity, empowerment, and the right tools help organizations unlock the full potential of their people.Drawing from her journey across industries and her current role at Safelite AutoGlass, Christine highlights what it takes to move beyond process changes and truly build a mindset of improvement. She explains the role leaders play in asking better questions, removing roadblocks, and giving teams the space to solve problems that matter most.🔻 Why continuous improvement is a mindset, not just a methodology🔻 The project roles that make real change sustainable🔻 How leaders can size work between Kaizen and DMAIC effectively🔻 Practical strategies to sustain change for the long termWhether you are leading a frontline team or driving enterprise-wide transformation, this conversation shows how leaders at every level can build trust, alignment, and results through a culture of improvement.🔗 Connect with Christine Lavoie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-lavoie-lssbb-2878095b/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Heather Everton, Vice President of Product at Merrick Bank, to explore how daily standups can transform the way teams work. Heather shares why standups are not just another meeting, but a powerful ritual for building trust, creating alignment, and driving clarity without falling into the trap of micromanagement.From her experience in both small startups and large enterprises, Heather highlights the simplicity and discipline of a good standup, the questions every team should ask, and the psychological benefits of connection and accountability. She also discusses how tools like Standup Alice help make standups more effective across remote, hybrid, and global teams.🔻 Why a 10-minute standup can replace 10 meetings🔻 How standups build trust and autonomy inside teams🔻 The role of rituals in creating culture and alignment🔻 Practical tips for running effective standups in any industryWhether you are leading a software team, managing operations, or looking for ways to improve connection and performance, this conversation shows how standups can bring clarity and momentum to your organization.📚 Learn more about Standup Alice: https://www.standupalice.com/🔗 Connect with Heather Everton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-everton-a4205065/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Dr. Keith Clinkscales shares his remarkable journey from electrical engineer and Lean Six Sigma consultant to Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management at Palm Beach County. With insight shaped by decades of experience in both private industry and public service, Dr. Clinkscales unpacks the real driver of performance: how people feel, think, and show up to work.From building metrics that empower rather than punish, to reshaping toxic cultures and reviving employee engagement, this episode is a masterclass in managing the human side of performance.🔻 Why attitude might be the most underrated performance tool🔻 How toxic cultures get created, and how leaders c a n change them🔻 What public sector teams taught Dr. Clinkscales about legacy systems and lasting change🔻 How to create cross-department collaboration in siloed organizations🔻 How to tell if its time to stay and lead c h a n g e or time to move onThis one is packed with wisdom, energy, and real-world leadership lessons that will stick with you long after the final minute.📚 Read "Your Attitude Is Your Breakthrough" : https://a.co/d/4EoeW33🔗 Connect with Dr. Keith Clinkscales on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkeithclinkscales/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What does it really take to build a culture of continuous improvement that lasts?In this episode, Keith sits down with Ken Snyder—Executive Director of the Shingo Institute—to unpack the leadership behaviors, cultural systems, and guiding principles that separate companies who talk about improvement from those who actually achieve it.From Toyota’s legacy to modern AI integration, Ken shares hard-earned lessons from five decades of experience in global manufacturing, higher education, and enterprise excellence.🔻 Why most CI efforts fail to sustain—and how to avoid idea killers🔻 The three most important drivers of lasting results🔻 What executives often overlook about culture, systems, and strategy🔻 How to move from isolated success to enterprise-wide alignment🔻 The surprising role of humility in high-performing organizationsWhether you're leading from the boardroom or the shop floor, this episode will challenge the way you think about improvement—and equip you to lead it better.📚 Learn more about the Shingo Institute: https://shingo.org/🔗 Connect with Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snyderken/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Tyson Heaton, Senior Director of Co-Learning and Business Strategy at Lean Enterprise Institute, to explore why the most powerful part of Lean isn't the tools, it's the people.Drawing from his experiences at OC Tanner and LEI, Tyson shares how his perspective shifted from technical solutions to human capability, and why that shift is essential for lasting transformation. From the value of flow to the role of daily management systems, he unpacks how true improvement happens when you build trust, expose problems, and empower teams to solve them.🔻 Why capability beats quick fixes🔻 How “no problems” is the biggest problem of all🔻 The link between lean systems, flow, and human well-being🔻 How AI might become a third coach in Lean development🔻 Why frustration should trigger curiosity, not blameWhether you're deep into Lean or just getting started, this episode will challenge how you think about improvement and why it has to start with people.📚 Learn more about the Lean Enterprise Institute: https://www.lean.org/🔗 Connect with Tyson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-heaton-94171138/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Is your belt more than just a piece of paper?In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Kevin Clay—Master Black Belt and founder of Six Sigma Development Solutions—to break down the real meaning behind Lean Six Sigma belt certifications.From white to black belt, Kevin shares why the value of a belt isn’t in the color or the test—but in the capability it represents. Whether you're an aspiring Green Belt, a hiring manager, or a CI leader designing your internal program, this conversation reveals what it really takes to build problem solvers—not just test takers.🎙️ In this episode:🔻 The difference between a belt and actual capability🔻 Why “testing out” isn’t enough—and what to do instead🔻 What white, yellow, green, and black belts really mean🔻 How to build training that creates real change agents🔻 What to look for when hiring certified practitioners👀 Thinking about certification—or hiring someone who is? Don’t miss this one.📚 Buy Kevin’s book Why They Fail: https://sixsigmadsi.com/why-they-fail/🔗 Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssdsi/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth—diving deeper into Obeya, visual leadership, and metrics that drive action. Missed Part 1? Check out Episode 16: The Visual Language That Transforms Work.In this second installment, Gwen and host Keith Norris explore one of the most misapplied tools in the Lean toolbox: the Obeya Room. Together, they unpack what makes it powerful, where most efforts go wrong, and why visual metrics should do more than just “monitor”—they should drive.🔻 The real purpose of Obeya (hint: it’s not about adding more dashboards)🔻 Why digital tools often fail to deliver behavior change🔻 The neuroscience of “touching” data—and how it drives accountability🔻 The difference between metrics that monitor vs. metrics that drive 🔻 Gwen’s “10 Doorways” framework for building a truly visual workplace 🔻 How visuality grows self-leaders and transforms organizational cultureWhether you’re an executive, CI leader, or team supervisor, this episode offers a blueprint for using visual thinking and Obeya leadership to make strategy visible—and results sustainable.🔗 Learn more about the Visual Workplace: https://visualworkplace.com/🔗 Connect with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyngalsworth/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

This is Part 1 of a special two-part conversation with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on the power of visual thinking to transform work, culture, and leadership. Don’t miss Part 2 in Episode 17—check it out here when you're ready.In this episode, host Keith Norris welcomes back visual workplace pioneer Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth for a rich, wide-ranging conversation on the language of visual work—and how it transforms people, processes, and entire organizations.🔻 What “I-driven” visuality really means—and why it matters🔻 The two questions that drive every visual solution🔻 Why so many 5S programs fail—and how to go deeper🔻 The human side of improvement: how visuality reduces stress and unlocks growth🔻 Why visual thinking is not just a tool—but a languageWhether you're an operator, supervisor, or executive, this episode will change the way you see your workplace—and how it speaks back.🔗 Learn more about the Visual Workplace: https://visualworkplace.com/🔗 Connect with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyngalsworth/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Keith Norris reconnects with Randy Kesterson—Lean strategist, consultant, and creator of the Lean Journey cartoon series—to explore how visual storytelling can simplify, clarify, and challenge the way we think about Lean.🔻 A deep dive into The Lean Journey: A cartoon series inspired by the Star Wars Franchise🔻 Closing the gap between Lean theory and everyday reality🔻 The role of AI in Lean thinking and predictive problem-solving🔻 How tiered meetings drive accountability🔻 Making Hoshin Kanri work through simplified strategic alignmentIf you've ever struggled to get your team to “get it,” this episode offers a fresh take on how to communicate Lean with impact—and maybe even a little laughter.🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🔗 Connect with Randy Kesterson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randykesterson/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Spencer Maybee—Vice President at Western Pipe Fabrication and second-generation small business leader—to explore what Lean looks like when you’re just getting started.🔻 Why Lean clicked the first time Spencer heard it explained through welding 🔻 What it takes to push change inside a multi-generational family business 🔻 How small changes like shared spreadsheets made a big impact🔻 What respect for people looks like 🔻 The real-life tension between tradition, growth, and new ideas Whether you're building something from scratch or helping a small team get better every day, this episode is proof that Lean starts wherever you are—with the problems right in front of you.🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Spencer Maybee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-maybee/ 🔗 Explore Western Pipe Fabrication: https://www.wpfiut.com/🔗 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Andreas Mader—CEO of Aperia Corporation and longtime Lean transformation leader—to explore how real improvement happens: not through perfection, but through progress.From global manufacturing to executive coaching, Andreas shares stories and insights on building CI cultures that sustain, developing leaders who stay curious, and creating systems that don’t just improve processes—but people.🔻 Why sustainment is the missing piece in most CI programs🔻 The one mindset shift that makes improvement stick🔻 How to create simplicity in the face of complexity🔻 What it really means to lead through service🔻 Why being better every day beats being perfect someday🔻 The difference between solving a problem and owning itWhether you're on the shop floor or in the C-suite, this episode is a reminder that real change starts with a single question: how can we be better tomorrow than today?🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🔗 Connect with Andreas Mader on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akmader/🔗 Explore Aperia Corporation: https://aperia.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Jesse Rendon, CI leader and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, to unpack what it really takes to turn frontline employees into empowered agents of change.Jesse shares how he went from loading trucks to building enterprise-wide CI systems, and why believing in people’s potential is more powerful than any tool or certification.🔻 How to turn operators into problem solvers 🔻 Why coaching beats training every time 🔻 What happens when leaders truly listen to their teams 🔻 The role of “Lean Squads” in scaling improvement 🔻 Why your frontline knows the solutions—but only if they’re invited 🔻 How to build belief, not just complianceWhether you’re leading from the boardroom or the shop floor, this episode is a blueprint for building cultures that improve from the inside out.🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Jesse Rendon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-rendon-lssbb/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Catherine McDonald—leadership coach, lean consultant, and expert in organizational behavior—to explore why curiosity and reflection are the true building blocks of continuous improvement and effective leadership.Drawing from her experience coaching leaders across industries—from hospitality to healthcare—Catherine breaks down how small habits, intentional space, and respectful conversations drive real, lasting change.🔻 Why most leaders misunderstand "respect"—and how to lead with the real thing🔻 How to create space for improvement (without losing productivity)🔻 The problem with performative leadership—and how to go deeper🔻 Why one-on-ones are the most underused tool in leadership🔻 What it means to be proactive, not just reactive, as a leader🔻 How to lead people, not just manage resultsWhether you’re leading a team or developing yourself as a leader, this episode offers actionable insight on how to lead better by thinking differently.🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🔗 Connect with Catherine McDonald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mcdonald-b6157210a/🔗 Learn more about MCD Consulting: https://mcdconsulting.ie/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Ted Iverson, veteran transformation leader, Shingo Prize examiner, and former McKinsey expert, to unpack what it really takes to sustain results through leadership—not just tools or tactics.🔻 Why cutting costs is the lowest form of consulting (and what to do instead)🔻 How to build self-funding CI systems that actually last🔻 The leadership behaviors that turn stars into star builders🔻 How Leader Standard Work drives cultural change (not just compliance)🔻 What horseback riding and leadership have in common🔻 How to set goals so ambitious they force people to work differently—not harderWhether you're just starting your CI journey or leading transformation at scale, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to lead better.🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🔗 Connect with Ted Iverson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-iverson-47580311/🔗 Explore Iverson Consulting Group: https://www.iversonconsultinggroup.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.