Quality Time With MoreSteam

April Thomas first joined the show six months ago for Episode 40. A lot has happened since then. For example, April has been on the road sharing her expertise. April has presented at the ASQ Lean and Six Sigma Conference and the Virginia and DC SHRM Conference. Her message is the same everywhere she goes. The soft stuff can actually be the hardest stuff. And your organization's success with the soft stuff shows up in your data whether you're paying attention or not. As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who began her career as a hospice social worker, April brings a unique perspective to leadership and continuous improvement. On this episode, she explains why psychological safety isn't just a feel-good concept. It's the condition that makes accurate data collection possible. April also gets into what happens to a team after a layoff and how they are watching to see leadership's response. April explains what leaders get wrong in those moments and what they should consider doing instead. And if your organization has a retention problem, April has a message for you. Retention is not a strategy. It's an outcome. The real question is, what kind of organization are you building? Ask yourself, would you want to work there? This episode is for everybody. Even the data people. And maybe, especially the data people.   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:14 - What's April been up to lately? 3:39 - April's presentation at ASQ's Lean and Six Sigma Conference 7:31 - How a lack of psychological safety affects data 9:47 - Discussing psychological safety with data-driven practitioners 12:09 - Recognizing a psychologically safe environment 16:20 - How practitioners in on-leadership roles can help build psychological safety 18:07 - How participants reacted during April's session at ASQ's Lean and Six Sigma Conference 22:43 - Organizational strategy and project prioritization 26:43 - One thing you can do this week to improve the culture of your organization 28:22 - Retention is an outcome, not a strategy 31:58 - The intersection of continuous improvement and Human Resources 34:39 - Layoffs and the ongoing work of continuous improvement 38:01 - The SCARF Model in the aftermath of layoffs 40:59 - Catching up with April since Episode 40 44:49 - The Kaytlyn Madison Thomas Memorial Foundation 49:06 - The soft skills can bring in the hard dollars   Additional Resources: April Thomas on LinkedIn April's PSA from MADD Mid-Atlantic The Kaytlyn Madison Thomas Memorial Foundation The first annual Kaytlyn Madison Thomas Memorial Walk Episode 40 with April Thomas MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

AI is making things faster. Find out why that's not always the same as making things better. On this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, Xander Hathaway joins the podcast. Xander studied computer science at Notre Dame. He earned his master's in information and data science from UC Berkeley. And for nearly five years, he has been VP of Product Development at MoreSteam, which means he spends his days thinking about software, Lean, and AI all at once. That background matters for Xander's conversation with host Dan Swartwout. Xander and Dan explore the intersection of continuous improvement and artificial intelligence. Speed and improvement are not the same thing, and the gap between them is exactly where continuous improvement lives. Measuring output has always been easier than measuring value. Because of that, faster tools can make it easier to go all in on producing the wrong things. What about standard work and process knowledge? When AI is doing the building, standard work matters more than ever. And process knowledge does not become less important as technology improves. Rather, Xander says the opposite is true. And every system has a tolerance for error. Knowing your tolerance can change how your system is built. Finally, it's Quality Time with MoreSteam, so expect a few laughs along the way. In particular, stick around for the birthday story. Nine months later, Dan still can't explain it. As it turns out, neither can AI. In this episode, you will hear about: 2:39 - Software engineering and operational excellence 5:07 - The "Gemba" in Software Engineering 6:45 - Using AI to improve the process, not just move faster 8:51 - AI and output metrics 10:12 - AI, software development, and standard work 13:45 - Adopting AI in both operational excellence and technology 16:03 - Dealing with "hallucinations" 20:46 - AI adding complexity to software systems 22:23 - AI predictions in the past versus the future state of AI 26:07 - Rapid AI improvement and deep process knowledge 27:55 - Tips for OpEx leaders as their organizations adopt AI 30:28 - Dan's baseball story (cliffhanger alert!)   Additional Resources: Xander Hathaway on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, we welcome back Rich "Raz" Razgaitis to the show. Host Dan Swartwout has known Raz since the second grade. Raz was also the second guest ever on Quality Time with MoreSteam. That was two years ago, and as you will learn, a lot has happened since then. Raz is the co-founder and CEO of FloWater, a company on a mission to restore clean drinking water across the United States. Raz's mission is the same. But two years later, the company has grown a lot. (Oh, and since that last episode, Raz has been named EY's Entrepreneur of the Year for the Mountain West. Not bad.) Raz and Dan dig into what it actually takes to scale a business the right way. How do you rebuild a team after a crisis forces you to downsize? How do you design a hiring process that shows you something real about a candidate? Raz looks for two things in a potential employee: competency and chemistry. He explains exactly what he means by both, and why getting one without the other can cost you. Raz also shares the story of a tagline his team spent months developing that his customers completely ignored. It turns out the customers had already written a better one themselves. This episode is a great reminder that voice of the customer cannot be manufactured in a conference room. Because they've been friends for over 40 years, the conversation between Dan and Raz is just as fun as it is informative. They talk about Raz's children's book, which went to number one with a bullet. And Raz shares how cooking dinner sometimes means more than just cooking dinner. Raz and Dan's second grade teacher, Ms. Blume, would be proud of this episode. We think you'll like it, too.   In this episode you'll hear about: 2:34 - Reintroducing Raz and FloWater 7:16 - Crossing one billion plastic bottles saved 10:25 - Redesigning processes while rebuilding the team 13:44 - Competency and chemistry 18:53 - Finding the right chemistry fit 23:31 - Continuous improvement in the interview process 32:29 - Learning the Voice Of The Customer while building a business 40:49 - Standardizing processes to ensure quality at every station 46:13 - Entrepreneur of the Year 47:13 - Clean Water is Awesome: No, Really! 50:23 - Steak dinners   Additional Resources "Raz" (Rich) Razgaitis on LinkedIn FloWater FloWater on LinkedIn Clean Water is Awesome: No, Really! MoreSteam's Website MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

What does a grocery store in Philadelphia have to do with running a billion-dollar operation? If you're 17-year-old Joe Baker, quite a lot, actually. Joe started bagging groceries at 17. By 24, he was the youngest store manager in company history. And by 32, he was running a billion-dollar business for Hertz in Los Angeles. Today, Joe Baker is the COO of Veritext and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and the lessons he learned as a grocery bagger still resonate with him all these years later. On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Joe explains how he leads at the intersection of people, process, and technology. For Joe, the industries may change, but his approach does not. Joe puts people first, and he believes that a great culture is the foundation of a great organization. Joe and host Dan Swartwout get into the good stuff. How do you earn trust in a new organization? How do you get people to actually buy in? How do you build a culture where people care? Joe has been answering those questions his entire career. Business is a game of inches. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They are also in every minute, every second of this interview with Joe Baker.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:42 - Meet Joe Baker 5:39 - Getting into Villanova's MBA program 8:38 - The common thread throughout Joe's career 10:24 - Learning about leadership at Joe's very first job 12:56 - Why Joe's first job was so impactful 15:29 - The best opportunities for improvement or change when joining a new organization 18:18 - One of Joe's first mentors 20:19 - Joe's introduction to Lean Six Sigma at Hertz 26:24 - Business is a game of inches (voice of the customer) 30:52 - Dan's survey story 32:38 - Conducting effective surveys 36:04 - Joe's work coaching and developing people 37:12 - Joe studies leadership at 17… yes, 17! 40:00 - Learning from John Maxwell and Jack Welch 41:53 - Being open and genuine as a leader 45:45 - Finding the right balance as a Lean Six Sigma leader 49:46 - Using data to tell a story 52:30 - Analysis paralysis in sports and business 58:14 - Joe's final thoughts   Additional Resources: Joe Baker on LinkedIn Books By Joe Baker Joe Baker at Veritext MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

This episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam focuses on leadership in service of others. Adelaido "Ad" Godinez is a retired Army colonel with 31 years of service. He has held senior roles across both the public and private sectors and brings one of the most impressive resumes the show has ever seen. As this episode shows, he's just as honest as he is accomplished. How is leadership affected by pressure, values, and daily habits? Ad and Dan talk about what happens when pressure builds and you start losing sight of the good work you are actually doing. Ad explains how he rebuilt his daily routine after leaving the military. His nightly "three things I am grateful for" habit might sound small, but it turned out to be a game changer. This episode also shows what respect for people looks like in real life. You'll hear the story behind Ad's surprise visit to MoreSteam HQ. He stopped a workday cold to publicly thank MBOE coach Ken Robinette in front of the whole team. The conversation also covers more traditional lean topics, like kata-style coaching and solving problems people actually care about. Ad is generous with his stories and his wisdom. He does not pretend any of it was easy. But it was definitely worth it. This episode will be worth it for you, too.   In this episode, you will hear about: 3:15 - Meeting Ad at MoreSteam HQ 6:01 - Even the very best need coaching 8:37 - Respect for people 9:31 - Ad's background 12:16 - Advising national leaders during the pandemic 16:32 - Pressure creating self-doubt 18:52 - Going from the military to the corporate world 23:11 - Performance systems and recovery systems 26:58 - Expressing gratitude on a daily basis 31:59 - The MBOE Program at The Ohio State University 33:43 - Learning from those around you 36:56 - Becoming a better teacher, coach, and student 40:20 - Authentic leadership 42:06 - When the situation calls for a different leadership style 45:16 - Building up the people around you 49:35 - Asking Ad to return to the show 51:41 - Ad's consultancy, SOI Solutions 54:05 - Wrapping up the episode   Additional Resources: Adelaido "Ad" Godinez on LinkedIn SOI Solutions MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Jon Dario joins the show. Jon is currently the CEO of Edison Properties. He has also spent over 30 years translating operational excellence principles across industries most people think are completely different. For example, Jon ran Gap's busiest store in New York City. He oversaw 240 locations and $1.7 billion in business at Travelex. Plus, he's got experience in banking and real estate. Regardless of the industry, Jon has noticed one problem that never goes away. How do you get consistent results when everything is moving fast and nothing ever slows down? Strategy sounds great in the conference room. But when that strategy hits the floor, things can fall apart. Jon and Dan explore why that happens. They also talk about leader standard work and daily rhythms that actually help. Jon explains what it takes for people to feel safe enough to try new things and occasionally fail. This episode covers the stuff that makes leadership so challenging. Jon doesn't pull punches, and he's got the stories to back it up. Of course, this is Quality Time with MoreSteam, so there's some college football in the mix.  Oh, and we'll have you singing a jingle you haven't thought about since the 90s. You're welcome. If you want operational excellence that's honest and real instead of theoretical and rehearsed, this is the episode for you.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:41 - Meet Jon Dario 4:40 - Universal management challenges 6:10 - Getting strategy from the executive suite to the store floor 8:22 - Effective communication strategies for leaders 10:48 - Authentic humility in leadership 13:44 - Multiple locations and leader standard work 15:11 - Effective huddles in a fast-paced environment 18:20 - Giving people the freedom to try 21:24 - We Are Penn State 24:28 - The manager's core purpose 27:49 - Jon's shift from retail to banking 34:30 - Dealing with resistance to change 38:20 - Old Navy in the 90's 45:05 - Continuous improvement and high workforce turnover 48:03 - Jon discusses the books he has written 50:51 - What Jon wishes he had learned earlier   Additional Resources: Jon Dario's Website Jon Dario on LinkedIn Get Jon Dario's Books Jon Dario's Author Profile on Amazon MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Evan Unger joins the show. Evan is the Managing Partner at Schwartz + Associates. He's spent over 30 years helping organizations work together. Evan's held leadership roles at Merck and CommonSpirit Health. One time, he even facilitated the meeting where his own position got eliminated. It's exactly as awkward and fascinating as it sounds. Here's Evan's brutal assessment: most meetings are 30 to 40 percent effective. Maybe. That's a staggering waste. Evan has spent decades figuring out why it happens and how to fix it. He shares a dead simple technique for virtual meetings. It stops the same three people from dominating every conversation. He also explains how to handle the "hippo effect." That's when the highest paid person's opinion shuts down everyone else in the room. This includes the people who actually know what's going on. The conversation covers Evan's career from the GE Workout days to his pandemic pivot. After losing all his work in 2020, Evan spent weeks depressed on his couch. His wife told him to get it together. What happened next involved meditation, mural boards, and a complete business transformation. You'll also hear how Evan signed up for a ten-day silent meditation retreat and what he learned there. Plus, why facilitators create meetings that shouldn't exist and what manila envelopes have to do with continuous improvement. What's the plane flight metaphor for running a kaizen event? Why do leaders get promoted for expertise but fail at collaboration? How do you hold space for the quiet people when the VP is in the room? Find out in this episode. And yes, you'll probably laugh a few times, too.   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:28 - Meet Evan Unger 4:46 - A playoff football cliffhanger! 6:01 - Transformation in big, complex organizations 7:19 - When Evan facilitated his own departure 9:18 - Facilitation as a style of leadership 11:35 - Pivoting from in-person to online 15:59 - Using chat to make online meetings better 18:12 - HIPPO: The Highest Paid Person's Opinion 19:54 - Dealing with the "HIPPO Effect" 22:28 - Humility in leadership 25:13 - Collaboration before everybody was online 28:04 - Meeting mistakes 29:22 - "So many meetings should not be allowed to happen." 29:53 - A Kaizen event is like a plane flight 32:09 - Universal leadership skills 34:19 - How psychology and economics factor into Evan's work 37:23 - Evan's history with meditation 40:46 - Meditation and Evan's approach to leadership 42:42 - Closing thoughts and Evan's program Additional Resources: Evan Unger at Schwartz + Associates Evan Unger on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn The box score of the NFL Playoff Game mentioned in this episode   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Darren Walsh joins the show. Darren is a Lean leadership coach and author with over 30 years driving transformations across industries like medical devices, aerospace, and healthcare. Oh, and also video games. We definitely talk about video games. Darren wrote the book Making Lean and Continuous Improvement Work: A Leader's Guide to Increasing Consistency and Getting Significantly More Done in Less Time. It's been getting a lot of buzz in the world of Lean. Darren wrote his book after seeing the same struggles everywhere he went. Teams want to improve. But they can't seem to make it stick. There are thousands of certified Green Belts and Yellow Belts, but most organizations still struggle with day-to-day problems. Darren spent years researching why that happens and how to fix it. Darren shares stories from his time at Sega in the 90s. As a member of Generation X, host Dan Swartwout finds this topic especially interesting. Darren also talks about building sustainable improvement cultures as opposed to chasing quick wins. It's a great conversation with one of the foremost leaders in continuous improvement. What should daily management actually accomplish? Why do frontline managers play a bigger role in continuous improvement than most people realize? Learn the answers to these questions and more. And of course, because it's Quality Time with MoreSteam, there are some laughs along the way. Plan. Do. Check. And act by downloading this episode!   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:46 - Darren's background 5:23 - Why Darren wrote Making Lean and Continuous Improvement Work 9:06 - The number one takeaway from Darren's book 11:44 - Continuous Improvement at Sega 16:55 - The first 30 or 60 days at a multi-site transformation 20:16 - Implementing Lean in smaller businesses 22:26 - Frontline managers who spend time on the wrong things 25:18 - Visiting the Gemba with the right mindset 28:50 - Organizations that want to improve but get stuck 33:31 - The standard work of Lean management 37:12 - Darren's next book (and how you can help!)   Additional Resources: Making Lean and Continuous Improvement Work and Darren's Contact Info Darren Walsh on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

Quality Time with MoreSteam is starting 2026 by bringing back one of the most popular episodes from 2025. Host Dan Swartwout opens the show with a look back at the amazing lineup of guests who joined the show last year, from Shingo Prize winners to Lean Enterprise Institute board members to college professors and healthcare leaders. Then, Dan introduces one of his favorite interviews from last year, the conversation with Thomas Paider. Tom is the co-author of The Lean IT Field Guide and Vice President for Technology Infrastructure and Computing at Nationwide. He also serves on the Board of Directors for LEI. Think about this. Why do so many people think Lean is just about cutting costs? In reality, Lean is so much more. Tom talks about the misconceptions that hold technology teams back and what really changes when leaders focus on moving people to more valuable work. He explains how Lean, Agile, and DevOps actually fit together. He also talks about why leaders should initially focus on changing their own management system. Tom talks about what thriving IT cultures look like. He also explains why visual management matters in the IT sector and how going to see different industries sparks creativity. Tom's profound words are worth hearing again in 2026 as Quality Time with MoreSteam kicks off the new year.   In this episode, you will hear about: 0:15 - Dan looks back on 2025 5:53 - Introducing Thomas Paider 7:20 - Tom's Background 10:34 - Working on Y2K 12:11 - Key Messages from  the Lean It Field Guide 14:05 - The Operational Definition of IT 15:45 - The First Steps in a Lean IT Journey 19:39 - Misconceptions About Lean in the Technology Space 22:05 - Moving People to More Valuable Activities 24:38 - Agile in IT 28:08 - The Early Days of the Lean IT Transformation at Nationwide 30:12 - Advice for IT Teams Starting Their Lean Journeys 32:51 - Learning from Other Industries 35:24 - Overcoming Resistance 37:55 - Lean, Agile, and DevOps 42:18 - Tom's Proudest Moments at Nationwide 44:00 - Peyton Manning 45:02 - The Future of Lean Technology 48:19 - Tom's Experiences as a Runner   Additional Resources: Thomas Paider on LinkedIn The Lean IT Field Guide: A Roadmap for Your Transformation MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Grant Gemberson just wanted to push that year-end Kaizen event into January and get on with his holiday to-do list. Instead, Gemberson received an unexpected visit from three ghosts: the Ghost of Projects Past, the Ghost of Present Performance, and the Ghost of Future States. (You know where this is going, right?) In this special holiday edition of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout shares a Lean Six Sigma twist on a seasonal classic. During this episode, you will follow Grant through conference rooms, Gemba walks, and two very different futures as he confronts his own "we tried that once" mindset. MoreSteam's own Josh Cantie narrates the action. This episode is fun and festive, but it also deals with some important questions. Why do improvements sometimes fade? What counts as real support from leaders? And what does it look like when Kaizen is a daily habit, not just an event on the calendar? It's holiday fun and continuous improvement in one short, special episode. Happy holidays from MoreSteam!!   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:37 - Meet Grant Gemberson 2:31 -  The Ghost of Project's Past  6:33 - The Ghost of Present Performance 8:54 - The Ghost of Future States 11:54 - The Closing Scene   Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout shares highlights from a recent MoreSteam webinar with company president Peg Pennington. That webinar was titled "Driving Strategic Alignment with the Lean Management System." It was one of MoreSteam's most anticipated (and successful) webinars of the year. During her presentation, Peg focused on a familiar problem. The strategy seems clear at the top, but the daily work does not match that strategy. In response, Peg explained what it means to treat Lean management as a real system instead of a set of projects. In her view, Lean management is four connected systems. First, the strategy system: setting a true north and choosing the few "big rocks" that really matter. Second, the problem-solving system: using value stream thinking and methods like A3 or DMAIC to turn strategy into real change. Third, the daily management system: leader standard work, huddles, and the daily routines that keep your team from backsliding. And finally, the people system: Go See, Ask Why, Show Respect. In this episode, Peg describes the leadership behaviors that create more problem solvers. Between clips from Peg's webinar, Dan jumps in to recap key takeaways from what you just heard and to set the table for the next clip. Together, they'll show you what it takes to keep strategy, operations, and people moving in the same direction.   In this episode, you will hear about: :22 - Introducing the Lean Management System 4:19 - The Strategy System 9:52 - The Problem Solving System 14:10 - Where to start with the Lean Management System 16:42 - Understand, simplify, automate 21:20 - The Daily Management System 28:35 - The People System 32:21 - Process Improvement in action   Additional Resources: The Full Webinar: Driving Strategic Alignment with the Lean Management System MoreSteam's Library of Webinars MoreSteam's Library of Case Studies MoreSteam's Library of Blogs MoreSteam's Lean Six Sigma Toolbox MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

Steve Adams brings decades of real experience to Quality Time with MoreSteam. He graduated from West Point and served in the Army Corps of Engineers. Eventually, Steve spent thirty years at Procter & Gamble, where he drove improvement on a global scale. Along the way, Steve even got Deming's autograph. Yes, the W. Edwards Deming! Host Dan Swartwout talks to Steve about solving problems and the commitment to quality. With Steve, you get 30 years of real stories from the plant floor. And one more thing… you'll never guess what classic TV show is referenced in this episode.  After the interview, Dan shares the audio from a recent episode of MoreSteam's Street Stats YouTube series. Street Stats focuses on making business statistics useful and practical. After you're done listening to this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, go check out more Street Stats!   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:40 - Steve's background 2:27 - Going to Proctor & Gamble 3:41 - Steve's role in the Total Quality Movement 4:37 - Analytical problem solving 6:45 - Centerlines in manufacturing 12:22 - Meeting W. Edwards Deming 14:21 - Deming's 14 Points 15:40 - Quality products require quality components 16:52 - Steve's time as a consultant 20:05 - Peter Falk, Columbo, and continuous improvement 24:32 - Street Stats on Quality Time With MoreSteam   Additional Resources: The Street Stats Playlist on YouTube MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dave Harry joins the show. Dave is well known throughout the world of continuous improvement as "The Process Whisperer." Before becoming a Lean Six Sigma legend, Dave spent years as a US Navy helicopter pilot. He even gave Paul Newman a helicopter ride! (Yes, the Paul Newman.) As Dave explains, helicopter pilots understand Six Sigma better than most people. When you're flying a million parts in formation and 99.9% success won't cut it, you learn to work for perfection. In his conversation with host Dan Swartwout, Dave walks through his journey from military aviation to major OpEx roles with Northrop Grumman and Rolls-Royce. Toyota Kata also gets serious attention in this conversation. Dave is a self-proclaimed "Kata Geek" who has attended 10 Toyota Kata summits. Additionally, Dave shares what he learned from 15 years of judging ASQ's International Team Excellence Awards. Learn what separates breakthrough teams from box checkers. Want to keep your virtual team engaged? Dave has plenty of tips. Yes, he's having fun and keeping things silly. But when it comes to teamwork and process improvement, Dave is dead serious about getting results. The Process Whisperer makes friends for life wherever he goes. Now it's your turn to become friends with Dave Harry.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:42 - What it means to be a Process Whisperer 3:13 - Dave's background as a US Navy helicopter pilot 5:32 - The Paul Newman story 7:16 - Dave's academic background 8:46 - Moving to the corporate world 10:02 - Becoming the Process Whisperer 12:59 - Projects that generated big cost savings 16:01 - Opening Process Whisperer Consultants 18:10 - Toyota Kata 24:25 - Post-pandemic challenges for Lean leadership 29:09 - Judging the ASQ International Team Excellence Awards 35:50 - Making friends for life   Additional Resources: Dave Harry on LinkedIn Process Whisperer Consultants The Process Whisperer in Space? MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Kim Scibelli joins the show. Kim is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who leads supply chain and operations at AVS Bio. And after coaching teams through transformations for years, Kim has learned that you can't "pizza party" your way to culture change. Why do people say they want things to get better but resist when changes actually happen? Kim talks about identifying blockers at every level and developing strategies to help them get on board. She also discusses the importance of giving teams the freedom to experiment. For example, Kim describes the time she gave a terrified team permission to try something new. That one act of trust led to a new cart design that rolled out across 23 distribution centers. Kim explains the difference between agreement and alignment and why confusing the two can derail change efforts. She also talks about vulnerability in operational excellence and what self-reflection actually looks like for leaders. Of course, host Dan Swartwout once again manages to weave some classic TV into the show. This time, it's Dragnet and The Price is Right. The episode ends with Kim explaining why she stays in change management. Her answer about making work better for people and helping them feel seen and heard is the perfect way to end this conversation. And that's just the facts.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:52 - Change management is hard 3:17 - Resistance to change 9:10 - Mistakes leaders make when leading change 10:25 - Being self-aware 11:59 - Giving your team the freedom to try something new 15:02 - Change management and being vulnerable 18:12 -  You can't "pizza party" your way to culture change, 24:31 - The difference between agreement and alignment 27:05 - Doing things differently 33:02 - The lasting impact of successful change management   Additional Resources: Kim Scibelli on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dr. Lars Maaseidvaag joins the show to talk about one of his areas of expertise, process modeling and discrete event simulation. Lars has worked in continuous improvement for over 30 years. He's also from Ann Arbor, Michigan, which creates some good natured tension when he talks to Ohio State graduate (and your host) Dan Swartwout. In easy-to-understand terms, Lars explains discrete event simulation and why it matters. For example, he tells us about helping a large hospital during the pandemic. The hospital had a thousand people backed up in the parking lot trying to get screened. Lars and his team quickly built a simulation model to address the situation. As a result, they found solutions that saved the hospital thousands of dollars per day, with no new equipment required. Most Lean Six Sigma tools handle stable processes just fine. But what happens when you've got fluctuating demand and everything depends on everything else? Lars walks us through how simulation helps with these messy situations. He also talks about MoreSteam's own Process Playground, which lets you run simulations without learning to code or buying expensive software. Lars and Dan bond over bratwurst and argue about the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry. They also discuss George Box's line that all models are wrong but some are useful. As this episode shows, some podcasts are useful, too.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:16 - Meet Lars 5:20 - What is discrete event simulation? 8:02 - The process at a coffee shop 11:58 - How process modeling helped reduce wait times at a hospital 15:39 - How simulation reveals solutions that other Lean tools might miss 20:10 - Interdependencies and interactions in simulation modeling 23:04 - Examples of interdependencies in blackjack 25:15 - Using Process Playground in EngineRoom 28:45 - The building blocks analogy 32:27 - Pitfalls to avoid: analysis paralysis 36:22 - Process modeling and roller coasters 42:09 - All models are wrong, some are useful   Additional Resources: Lars Maaseidvaag on LinkedIn The Impact of Process Modeling: Reducing Queue Times for COVID Testing MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn QTWM Episode 31: Solving Healthcare Bottlenecks with Process Modeling MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn    Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, April Thomas joins the show. Most Lean Six Sigma professionals didn't start their careers as hospice social workers. April did. April is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt whose mission is to be an advocate, a catalyst, and a coach for transformational change. Being a hospice social worker taught her about empathy and helping people through difficult transitions. Those skills transfer directly to April's work in continuous improvement and organizational change. During her conversation with host Dan Swartwout, April explains her grief-informed approach to change management and how leaders can support teams through major workplace changes. April also discusses why psychological safety affects data quality and how to recognize change fatigue before it becomes a problem. Also, April recently got her motorcycle license. Does riding a motorcycle apply to continuous improvement? You know it! This episode is perfect for both business leaders and cool riders.   In this episode, you will hear about: :57 - From hospice social worker to Lean Six Sigma Black Belt 4:56 - Learning to ride a motorcycle 6:53 - How riding a motorcycle applies to continuous improvement 10:16 - Looking at resistance and change through the lens of grief and loss 12:29 - Continuous improvement, change fatigue, and employee wellbeing 14:54 - Leadership and empathy 17:58 - Psychological safety and continuous improvement 20:34 -  Being an advocate, a catalyst, and a coach for transformational change   Additional Resources: April Thomas on LinkedIn April's PSA from MADD Mid-Atlantic The Kaytlyn Madison Thomas Memorial Foundation MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

Brent Godwin of The Lubrizol Corporation steps into the spotlight on this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam. Earlier this year, Brent attended MoreSteam's Best Practices for Operational Excellence Conference (BP4OpX) for the very first time. At the conference, leaders in operational excellence and continuous improvement share best practices during keynote presentations, workshops, and peer-to-peer discussions. Now, Brent joins the show to talk about his experiences at the conference. Brent and Dan talk about networking opportunities, fresh ideas for speeding up Lean Six Sigma projects, and what makes BP4OpX genuinely different. Lindsay Van Dyne, MoreSteam's Vice President of Marketing, also joins the show to share how the design and programming of the conference play a vital role in MoreSteam's mission. Join Brent, Dan, and Lindsay as they discuss how bringing people together makes important things work better for the whole wide world. Yes, the whole wide world!   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:57 - Meet Brent 3:39 - MoreSteam's mission and BP4OpX 4:45 - Brent's expectations and experiences 6:13 - The design of the conference 7:43 - Leaders from different industries at BP4OpX 10:22 - Two presentations that made a big impression on Brent 13:10 - Networking opportunities at the conference 18:08 - The "icebreaker" that opened BP4OpX 20:38 - Insights and strategies to take back to the team 21:19 - Advice for leaders attending in the future 23:51 - Working with Wendy's and Stephanie Chen   Additional Resources: Brent Godwin on LinkedIn The Lubrizol Corporation Meredith Brody from Constellation on Quality Time with MoreSteam Reflections on the 2024 BP4OpX MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Lindsay Van Dyne on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

Dan welcomes back Eric Olson to Quality Time with MoreSteam. Eric is a professor of industrial technology at Cal Poly State University and lead of the Future of People at Work Initiative. In this episode, the conversation shifts focus from AI to workplace dynamics and lean education. At the start of the conversation, generational differences in today's workforce take center stage. Then, Eric and Dan talk about building lean communities from the ground up and the challenges of scaling improvement initiatives. Eric also describes his hands-on approach to teaching the Green Belt curriculum at Cal Poly. For teams looking to get started with Lean, Eric suggests starting with simple questions to help nurture a culture of continuous improvement. This is another fun episode. Eric tells us why the future of people at work should include a midday nap. And be prepared! You might find yourself debating whether butter belongs in the refrigerator or on the counter.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:29 - The next generation of workers 4:49 - Central Coast Lean 8:57 - Teaching Gren Belt at Cal Poly 16:01 - Start out by asking "why?" 18:58 - Questioning a process 22:43 - Financial performance in Lean organizations 24:40 - Talking to CEO's who don't know about Lean 25:51 - The next Future of People at Work symposium   Additional Resources: Eric Olsen on LinkedIn Future of People at Work Central Coast Lean Eric Olsen at Cal Poly MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout welcomes Taylor Pack, Senior Manager of Process at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Taylor started her career working retail at Cracker Barrel. She became a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt through her experience at Bridgestone and the U.S. Coast Guard. Now she uses continuous improvement to help grant more wishes for children with critical illnesses. Taylor shares how Make-A-Wish operates entirely on donor funds.  Every improvement in efficiency directly impacts the organization's ability to reach more families. She explains how her small team has streamlined operations across the organization with impressive results. During the conversation, Taylor discusses how process improvements have reduced workloads for overburdened staff and accelerated communication between departments. Listen and find out how Taylor and Make-A-Wish use Lean Six Sigma and process improvement to grant more wishes and change more lives.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:31 - The Make-A-Wish Foundation 4:02 - Taylor's background 6:20 - Taking the job with Make-A-Wish 7:38 - Continuous improvement and Make-A-Wish 10:31 - Lean Six Sigma projects at Make-A-Wish 17:07 - Improving the handoff process 19:34 - Data analysis at Make-A-Wish 23:04 - Other key metrics 26:38 - Continuous improvement outside of manufacturing 29:21 - Buy in 36:05 - The impact of granting wishes 42:49 - The evolution of continuous improvement at Make-A-Wish 47:24 - The impact of Lean Six Sigma in the non-profit sector   Additional Resources: Taylor Pack on LinkedIn The Make-A-Wish Foundation MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout welcomes Josh Howell, President of the Lean Enterprise Institute. Josh went from Starbucks barista to leading lean transformations at thousands of locations worldwide. Now he's working alongside lean legends Jim Womack, John Shook, and Peter Ward. Josh shares how his store was randomly selected for Starbucks' "model cafe" experiment with lean. That background led to his promotion from store manager to corporate headquarters when Starbucks expanded lean throughout the company. During the conversation, Josh explains why standardization and innovation are friends, not enemies, and discusses his framework for helping leaders develop humble inquiry skills. The conversation also covers how AI serves as a thinking companion and why Josh still feels as challenged today as when he first began putting these ideas into practice. Plus, there's some good-natured ribbing about college football when this Notre Dame alum cleverly fires back at Dan's historical trivia. Listen and find out why this 'luckiest lean learner in the world' believes most organizations are missing the boat on actual work improvement and focusing too much on management activities instead of where the real value creation happens.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:40 - Josh's background 3:28 - Josh responds to Eric Olsen (cliffhanger!) 10:18 - The journey from Starbucks to LEI 15:51 - Interacting with the legends of Lean 19:20 - The definition of Lean 21:14 - Lean thinking and meaningful work 24:50 - Standardization and innovation 27:45 - The coach as learner 29:39 - The Lean Transformation Framework 34:51 - Josh reflects on his career trajectory 37:06 - Sustaining Lean practices 40:40 - It's 2025, so we gotta talk about AI 45:34 - Being successful at Lean is challenging 49:18 - Football talk to close out the show   Additional Resources: Josh Howell on LinkedIn Josh Howell at the Lean Enterprise Institute The Lean Enterprise Institute Tom Paider on Meaningful Work MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout welcomes Eric Olsen, Professor of Industrial Technology at Cal Poly State University. Eric spent 20 years in industry with companies like Caterpillar and Hewlett Packard before jumping into academia. Dan started the interview with a bunch of questions about Lean, but the conversation took a sharp turn into artificial intelligence territory. Eric shares how he's experimenting with AI for everything from writing to problem-solving. He uses it as his go-to learning tool. Of course, the big question looms: how do people find new ways to contribute when AI keeps getting better?" Eric tackles this head-on through his work with the Future of People at Work initiative, where different improvement methodologies team up to solve bigger challenges. Hear how one continuous improvement expert is using AI to revolutionize his own learning process!   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:04 - Eric's background 4:39 - Eric's time at The Ohio State University 6:00 - The recent Future of People at Work symposium 7:35 - The future of Future of People at Work 11:06 - Adding extra value in the age of AI 18:15 - Engaging with AI 22:47 - Students using AI 25:33 - Eric's question for Josh Howell, President of the Lean Enterprise Institute   Additional Resources: Eric Olsen on LinkedIn Future of People at Work Central Coast Lean Eric Olsen at Cal Poly MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube  

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout hosts two-time Shingo Prize winner Drew Locher. Their conversation covers lean-driven process improvement and team leadership. Drew believes that 80% of continuous improvement is behavioral. So, have you created a safe environment for your team? Do you avoid blame-and-shame language? And because change must be directional and done with purpose, are the reasons for change clearly outlined? Find out why these are keys to operational excellence. Value stream mapping. Boom! PDCA. Of course! There are also some fun callbacks to previous episodes as Drew brings a new perspective to familiar themes. Did we mention that Drew is from the Philly area and trusts the process? You know this will be good.   In this episode, you will hear about: 0:46 - Drew's background 7:05 - Value stream mapping mistakes 13:18 - Why some leaders are reluctant to visit the Gemba 15:22 - Toyota Kata and PDCA 19:27 - Lean thinking outside of manufacturing 25:15 - Overcoming negative mindsets 31:43 - Creating the right work environment 35:27 - Leadership behaviors that drive continuous improvement 39:43 - Comparing leadership and management 42:01 - Unleashing The Power of 3P 49:31 - The Philadelphia Eagles 50:39 - Ideas about the future   Additional Resources: Drew Locher at Change Management Associates Drew Locher on LinkedIn Drew Locher's Author Profile on Amazon MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout welcomes Michael Hathaway to the show. Michael is MoreSteam's eLearning Content Manager. Before joining MoreSteam, Michael taught at charter schools in Houston and Columbus. Now, Michael uses the lessons he learned as a professional educator to develop eLearning for continuous improvement professionals. Some educational concepts are universal, whether you're teaching kids or Lean Six Sigma Black Belts. Clear storytelling. Rapid feedback. Constant experimentation. That sounds like continuous improvement, right? But it's also great teaching. Listen to this episode to learn more! Yeah, we tease him a lot, 'cause we got him on the spot, Welcome Back, Michael!   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:07 - Michael's background in education 3:20 - From middle school to MoreSteam 5:17 - Applying the lessons learned as an educator 7:44 - Continuous improvement at Yes Prep and KIPP 13:56 - Using data to create more effective eLearning 16:12 - Updating content as learning evolves 19:28 - Teaching the soft skills of continuous improvement 22:03 - Motivating learners 26:46 - Working with Mel Coyle at MoreSteam 28:27 - The future of eLearning   Additional Resources: Michael Hathaway on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Process Playground MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout sits down with Dr. Mary Reich Cooper and Michael Anderson from the Jefferson College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University. The conversation explores how Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence are put to work in healthcare settings. Michael is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Mary brings experience as a physician and holds a law degree. Their unique backgrounds shape the way they tackle challenges at Jefferson, from managing change to finding better ways to support patients and staff. This episode also looks at the realities of standardizing care in a people-focused environment and the ongoing effort to improve handoffs in healthcare. With a few nods to football (Fly, Eagles Fly) and life in Philadelphia, you will get a look at continuous improvement in action at one of the country's leading academic health institutions.   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:46 - Medicine, Law, and Lean Six Sigma 5:53 - Informatics 7:26 - Leveraging diverse backgrounds while collaborating 11:40 - Healthcare and "widgets" 13:14 - Lean Six Sigma and patient safety 15:56 - Advice for other healthcare organizations 18:44 - Using Lean Six Sigma to fight staff burnout 20:40 - Continuous improvement in the healthcare curriculum 22:08 - What healthcare can learn from other sectors 23:16 - Handoffs in healthcare 25:32 - Future trends in process improvement and healthcare   Additional Resources: Michael Anderson on LinkedIn Dr. Mary Reich Cooper on LinkedIn The Jefferson College of Population Health MoreSteam's Process Playground MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

What's better than one Lean Six Sigma Black Belt? Two! On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout welcomes Lean Six Sigma Black Belts Raquel Chase-Kelly and James Perry to the show. Raquel and James work for Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics and use process modeling to streamline hospital operations and improve patient care. Process modeling lets you rapidly simulate and anticipate how a system reacts to different situations. During this fun, informative chat, James and Raquel explain how MoreSteam's Process Playground helped Dartmouth Health clear a 155-car backup at a drive-through flu clinic and fix an MRI backlog. This episode also covers building a model with imperfect data and fighting staff burnout. Of course, as always, there are some laughs along the way. Listen and find out why everybody should have a Jamie.   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:23 - The backgrounds of our guests 5:22 - Using Process Playground during the pandemic 6:37 - Streamlining the drive-through flu clinic 9:29 - Starting out with process modeling, simulations, and Process Playground 11:05 - Building models with imperfect data 13:09 - Fixing the MRI backlog 14:50 - Modeling shows the need for additional staff 16:03 - Using Process Playground to advocate for staff well-being 18:48 - The magic of process improvement 20:57 - Teaching process improvement at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Value Institute Learning Center 25:05 - Collaborating with other healthcare providers 26:14 - Advice for beginners in process improvement 27:49 - Future challenges in healthcare 32:00 - Closing thoughts   Additional Resources: James Perry on LinkedIn Raquel Chase-Kelly on LinkedIn The Dartmouth Hitchcock Value Institute Learning Center MoreSteam's Process Playground MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout welcomes Dr. Larry Inks to the show. Larry is a Professor of Management and Human Resources at The Ohio State University who previously ran talent management for Cardinal Health. Dan and Larry discuss why one clear goal keeps a team focused. They also explore change management, including the emotional aspects of change, and the differences between management and leadership. Listen and find out why Larry is one of the foremost experts on talent management and team effectiveness. In addition to being informative and helpful, this is one of the most entertaining episodes of Quality Time with MoreSteam. Larry kept Dan laughing throughout the conversation. Clutter in your junk drawer? It's here. Cleaning out your garage? We've got it. Even WKRP in Cincinnati? Absolutely. You won't want to miss this one.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:08 - Larry's background 5:07 - Building successful teams 7:04 - Setting goals that work 9:54 - Empathy, compassion, and organizational leadership 11:36 - The difference between managing and leading 13:14 - Being authentic as a leader 16:35 - Making changes that last 21:30 - Helping people work through the emotional side of change 25:24 - The quiet resistance to change 27:20 - Remote work versus return-to-office 34:31 - Thoughts on resilience   Additional Resources: Larry Inks, PhD, on LinkedIn Larry Inks, PhD, at The Ohio State University MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

Step onto the field with host Dan Swartwout as he explores a new playbook for improvement. In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan tells the story of the fictional Columbus Tigers, a football team that turns around its losing streak using Lean Six Sigma. (There actually was a Columbus Tigers pro football team about a century ago!) Football is familiar territory for many, and this episode uses the game as a fresh lens for understanding process improvement. Dan breaks down Lean Six Sigma concepts in plain language and shows how tools like process maps and dashboards can drive real change. The action on the field becomes a guide for tackling challenges in any organization. See how the strategies behind winning games translate to smarter teamwork, fewer errors, and better results everywhere. Lean Six Sigma steps out of the factory and onto the gridiron, making continuous improvement accessible, practical, and a little more exciting.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:32 - Introducing the Tigers 4:05 - Lean Six Sigma defined 5:59 - The DMAIC framework, starting with Define 7:38 - Measure 9:21 - Analyze 12:29 - Improve 14:51 - Control 16:16 - The results 17:31 - Recapping the Lean Six Sigma tools used by the Tigers 21:42 - The purpose of this episode   Additional Resources: The Most Recent Street Stats Video Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dr. Jim Cole joins the podcast to share how process improvement has guided his work in both military and healthcare settings. Dr. Cole introduces tools like the Marine Corps Planning Process, OODA loops, and operational risk management. Jim shares how these military methods helped him tackle challenges in civilian healthcare. To that end, Dr. Cole reflects on creating efficient systems for bed availability and managing variation to establish standard work. This conversation highlights how practical tools and strong leadership can transform even the toughest situations into opportunities for improvement. Plus, for you music fans, there are references to AC/DC, Cheap Trick, and Stray Cats!   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:41 - Jim's background in the military and medicine 4:39 - Growing up in Suburban Chicago 7:05 - College, the military, and medical school 7:53 - The Navy Seals 10:52 - Process Improvement and  Fleet Marine Force Warfare Officer Training 15:28 - The OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act 16:45 - Operational Risk Management 19:57 - Using military training in Process Improvement for civilian healthcare 24:02 - Addressing hospital bed availability 29:17 - Introducing Process Improvement to an initially reluctant team 31:33 - Variation and Standard Work 34:07 - Reviewing the data and performance metrics 35:59 - Keys to leadership 38:17 - Depictions of surgery in movies and TV 41:21 - From chaos to order   Additional Resources: Trauma: My Life as an Emergency Surgeon Dr. Jim Cole on LinkedIn Dr. Jim Cole at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout talks with Mark Reich. Mark is Senior Lean Coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of the new book, Managing On Purpose. Mark's book is a practical guide to Hoshin Kanri, a strategy deployment system that combines long-term vision with day-to-day execution. Managing On Purpose features step-by-step tools and a detailed case study to help organizations align strategy with action while developing their leaders. Mark shares stories from his career, including his time managing Toyota's corporate strategic planning for North America. He explains how tools like "catchball" and "obeya" help organizations foster collaboration and track progress effectively. Mark also emphasizes the importance of leadership behaviors in creating a culture where problems are opportunities for growth. This episode is packed with insights on strategy deployment, leadership development, and creating purpose-driven organizations. Don't miss this fun, informative conversation with one of Lean's most experienced practitioners.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:48 - Mark's background 5:34 - Working for Toyota in Japan 7:28 - The  Toyota Supplier Support Center (now the  Toyota Production Systems Support Center) 9:49 - Writing Managing on Purpose 12:40 - An introduction to Hoshin Kanri 18:04 - PDCA (Plan. Do. Check. Act.) 20:43 - Understanding problems at the Gemba 24:11 - The concept of Obeya 28:48 - The concept of Catchball 34:04 - Value-creating work versus non-value-creating work 37:34 - Hoshin Kanri and leadership 40:10 - Initial feedback to Managing on Purpose 42:30 - The changing business environment 46:02 - The opportunity for everybody to innovate 49:02 - Mark's next project   Additional Resources: Order Managing on Purpose Mark Reich on LinkedIn Mark Reich at the Lean Enterprise Institute Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout chats with Kim Koning, Aurorium's Global Director of Operational Excellence and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Kim shares his journey from wrestling mats in Indiana to leading global process improvement initiatives. He also reflects on how lessons from his early career as a plant manager and his MBA in finance shaped his approach to leadership and continuous improvement. Kim shares why Gemba walks are his favorite part of the day and how they help build trust on the shop floor. Another standout moment is when Kim recounts his "aha" realization—the day he saw Lean Six Sigma as the key to staying competitive. At home, Kim's audience of eight might roll their eyes at his continuous improvement experiments. But on Quality Time with MoreSteam, his experiments find a much bigger audience.   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:00 - Kim's background 2:52 - Wrestling with continuous improvement 4:36 - Going to Purdue 5:45 - Plant management 7:24 - Gemba walks 9:27 - Statistics and probability 11:24 - Kim's thoughts on Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence 20:44 - The Best Practices for Operational Excellence Conference 23:36 - The Master Black Belt challenge 26:23 - Kim's "aha!" moment   Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart  

We're throwing a party for the big 2-5! MoreSteam is turning 25, and what better way to celebrate than with the 25th episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam! This special episode takes you on a journey through 25 standout moments from the podcast. Host Dan Swartwout revisits some of the most interesting, surprising, and entertaining highlights from past episodes. From creative uses of Lean Six Sigma to moments that made us laugh (or think twice), this collection captures everything we love about continuous improvement—and then some. It's a greatest-hits celebration packed with sharp takes, unexpected twists, and plenty of reasons to celebrate 25 years of making things better. Cheers to MoreSteam!    In this episode, you will hear about: 1:11 - Peg Pennington 2:01 - Rich "Raz" Razgaitis 2:37 - Alan Payne 3:25 - Shawn Washburn 4:09 - Alan Goodman 4:53 - Ken Robinette 5:41 - Emmanuel Aouad ("Gemba Walk") 7:30 - Omar Mora 8:11 - Karina Kretz 9:00 - Maria Fry 10:05 - Generative AI and Process Improvement 11:27 - MoreSteam's Best Practices for Operational Excellence Conference 13:00 - Brian Bross 14:14 - Dino Tripodis 15:22 - Kevin Keller 16:25 - Peter Ward 17:37 - Meredith Brody 18:46 - Getting in the Holiday Spirit 19:38 - Ryan Weiss 24:13 - Thomas Paider 26:23 - Chris Spranger 27:37 - Bill Hathaway 29:09 - Writing Jokes with Generative AI 32:54 - The 25th Moment   Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

MoreSteam is celebrating 25 years of process improvement! In this episode, MoreSteam founder and CEO Bill Hathaway joins the show to talk about all the milestones, mistakes, and defining moments. Bill shares stories from his early days in manufacturing, including a memorable encounter with instrument panels that didn't quite fit (spoiler: kicking them wasn't the best solution). He also talks about the leap from corporate life to starting MoreSteam, how the company got its unique name, and what it was like running the business out of his home—with his dog as VP of Security. The conversation covers lessons in leadership, the evolution of process improvement, and why unglamorous work is often the most important. Bill also reflects on the future of MoreSteam and the role of technology, like generative AI, in solving tomorrow's problems. Join us for a candid discussion about the past, present, and future of Lean Six Sigma, operational excellence, and continuous improvement at MoreSteam.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:59 - Bill's First Experiences with Quality and Process Improvement 5:36 - The Beginning of MoreSteam 10:49 - The Name of the Company 13:36 - The Challenges of Running a Business Out of Your Home 15:17 - Moving Into MoreSteam's First Office 18:10 - Mistakes Along the Way 22:53 - From Content to Software: EngineRoom 25:10 - Bill's Secret to Leadership 28:06 - Connecting to MoreSteam's Mission 30:12 - In Praise of Unglamorous Activities 31:26 - The Future of MoreSteam 35:50 - The Team Sport of Continuous Improvement   Additional Resources: Bill Hathaway on LinkedIn In Praise of Unglamorous Activities Quality Time with MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time with MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time with MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart  

Chris Spranger's Lean Six Sigma journey began unexpectedly during a co-op at a firetruck manufacturer. Initially uninterested in quality work, he soon became fascinated by tracking production data and solving shop-floor problems. A mouse pad from his boss featuring 'ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt' and a Christmas gift request for Lean Six Sigma by Michael George sealed the deal—Chris was hooked. In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Chris chats with Dan about how he has applied Lean tools across industries like healthcare, aerospace, and public service. He shares insights on adapting methodologies to different organizational needs, engaging stakeholders effectively, and why soft skills are critical for success. Chris also explores Measurement System Analysis (MSA), explaining how it ensures reliable data collection and highlights inconsistencies in processes.  It's all about making work easier and more effective! Tune in to hear why Chris believes improving processes isn't just about efficiency—it's about creating better days at work for everyone involved.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:45 - How a firetruck factory introduced Chris to Lean Six Sigma 3:45 - The role of a mouse pad and a book in shaping his career path 6:26 - Applying Lean tools across diverse industries 9:14 - Common misconceptions about Lean Six Sigma 13:11 - Why communication and people skills are key to success 19:22 - People skills: the art and the science of Lean Six Sigma 20:49 - How MSA ensures consistent and reliable measurements 24:11 - Detecting inconsistencies with MSA   Additional Resources: Chris Spranger on LinkedIn Spranger Business Solutions Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Thomas Paider joins the show. Tom is the co-author of The Lean IT Field Guide: A Roadmap for Your Transformation. He is also the Vice President for Technology Infrastructure and Computing at Nationwide and a member of the Board of Directors of the Lean Enterprise Institute. This is a phenomenal conversation. According to our host Dan Swartwout, this episode contains some of the most profound thoughts on Lean in the history of the podcast. Tom makes complex ideas about Lean and Agile approachable and engaging. If you're interested in how Lean principles can reshape IT and create thriving workplace cultures, this episode is one you won't want to miss!   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:33 - Tom's Background 4:50 - Working on Y2K 6:27 - Key Messages from  the Lean It Field Guide 8:25 - The Operational Definition of IT 10:02 - The First Steps in a Lean IT Journey 13:56 - Misconceptions About Lean in the Technology Space 16:22 - Moving People to More Valuable Activities 18:55 - Agile in IT 22:25 - The Early Days of the Lean IT Transformation at Nationwide 24:29 - Advice for IT Teams Starting Their Lean Journeys 27:08 - Learning from Other Industries 29:41 - Overcoming Resistance 32:12 - Lean, Agile, and DevOps 36:35 - Tom's Proudest Moments at Nationwide 38:17 - Peyton Manning 39:19 - The Future of Lean Technology 42:36 - Tom's Experiences as a Runner   Additional Resources: Thomas Paider on LinkedIn The Lean IT Field Guide: A Roadmap for Your Transformation MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Ryan C. Weiss joins the program. Ryan is an author, entrepreneur, and president of Effective Performance Strategies. He also tells one of the best stories about continuous improvement. That story involves tools, skills, mindset, and an orangutan. (Yes, an orangutan.) You won't want to miss it. In addition to that great story, Ryan and host Dan Swartwout talk about the power of the SIPOC, eliminating bad handoffs, and the importance of parallel paths. Maybe you already have the tools. You might already have the skills. But without a doubt, this conversation with Ryan C. Weiss will put you in the right mindset for operational excellence!   In this episode, you will hear about: 0:48 - Ryan's Background 3:35 - Ryan's Experiences in College 11:12 - Ryan Path Changes From Medicine to Finance 16:05 - From the Corporate World to Entrepreneur 18:36 - The Fitbit Story 22:27 - The Orangutan Story 29:40 - Dale Carnegie and Continuous Improvement 31:49 - Building SIPOCs 33:49 - Broken Handoffs 37:05 - Getting People Involved in Processes 39:51 - SIPOC-Focused Software 42:31 - Ryan's Podcast   Additional Resources: Ryan C. Weiss on LinkedIn Optics: Align People and Process to Accelerate Performance Optics in Action Podcast Effective Performance Strategies MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

This isn't your typical Quality Time with MoreSteam! To celebrate the season, we're bringing you a festive treat — a Lean Six Sigma-inspired version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Packed with value streams, Gemba walks, and continuous improvement cheer, this playful adaptation blends holiday magic with the principles of operational excellence. Pause for a moment to recharge, reflect, and enjoy a fun story that blends the holiday spirit with a touch of improvement inspiration. Here's to a new year filled with fresh ideas, smoother processes, and plenty of opportunities to grow.   Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Meredith Brody from Constellation joins the show to discuss the successful implementation of a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt program. Constellation has a winning program called the Embedded Lean Practitioner Program. As a LSS Black Belt and Principal Project Manager at Constellation, Meredith shares firsthand experiences and practical advice on how to design and execute a successful program that aligns with organizational goals. Listeners will get a clear picture of what it takes to kickstart a Lean Six Sigma initiative – from setting clear goals and engaging stakeholders to tracking success. This episode is a must-listen for organizations aiming to boost efficiency, improve quality, and build a culture of continuous improvement. By hearing from someone who's helped successfully implement a process improvement training program, you'll walk away with practical insights to help drive real change in your own organization. Join Meredith and host Dan Swartwout for an engaging discussion that offers guidance on creating a big impact with an effective training program. Plus, there are a few laughs along the way. All organizations can benefit from continuous improvement. This podcast is perfect for leaders, managers, and professionals committed to operational excellence and innovation.   In this episode, you will hear about: 1:28 - Meredith's background 6:34 - The inception of the Embedded Lean Practitioner program 9:12 - Piloting the program 10:34 - Changes in the program over time 13:50 - Responding to feedback about the program 17:29 - Using simulations to enhance learning 23:32 - Communicating ROI to senior leadership and other stakeholders 26:10 - Promoting the program within the organization 28:31 - Why people participate in the program 31:28 - How Meredith uses Lean Six Sigma outside of work 33:55 - Working with MoreSteam   Additional Resources: Meredith Brody on LinkedIn Constellation on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, we are honored to have Peter Ward join the show. Peter is Chair of the Lean Enterprise Institute, Professor Emeritus of Operations Management at The Ohio State University, and a Shingo prize winner. During this episode, we explore Peter's incredible journey in Lean and Six Sigma. Peter shares how he helped bring Lean and Six Sigma into the business school, launched the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) program, and reflects on his Shingo Prize-winning research. We also discuss how Lean principles have evolved and their impact across industries today. It's a great conversation on operational excellence and continuous improvement!   In this episode, you will hear about: 2:48 - Teaching Lean at Ohio State's Fisher College of Business 9:03 - How teaching Lean at Ohio State influenced other colleges and universities 12:02 - The significance of being "embedded" 15:46 - Teaching Six Sigma at Ohio State's Fisher College of Business 20:56 - The first Master's program in Operational Excellence 25:28 - The Center for Operational Excellence at The Ohio State University 28:20 - Peter's role as chair of the Lean Enterprise Institute 34:04 - Incremental improvements and disruptive change 40:04 - Winning the Shingo Prize 49:46 - Peter's proudest accomplishment   Additional Resources: Peter Ward on LinkedIn Peter Ward's Ohio State University Profile Peter Ward at the Lean Enterprise Institute MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout strikes a chord with Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Kevin Keller. It's a dynamic deep dive into the world of process improvement! Kevin hits all the right notes as he shares insights from his corporate career and his encore as a consultant, teacher, and coach. As a frequent headliner at MoreSteam's monthly webinars, Kevin covers topics that will have you humming along to the tune of operational excellence. Together, Kevin and Dan explore topics such as: Statistical Hypothesis Testing: Making data-driven decisions that hit all the right beats to improve processes. Control Charts: Keeping quality in harmony and reducing variability. Response Surface Methodology: Orchestrating product performance through systematic experimentation. Understanding Variability: Why hitting the right tempo in reducing variability is key to operational success. With practical examples and real-world applications, this episode is music to the ears of anyone interested in process improvement, statistics, and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Tune in for an engaging conversation that makes complex statistical concepts accessible and actionable. And don't miss how Kevin's hall-of-fame career in barbershop music has shaped his approach to teamwork and continuous improvement – because when it comes to process excellence, it's all about finding the perfect harmony! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:24 - Meet Kevin 2:26 - How Kevin got involved in Lean Six Sigma 3:58 - How Kevin got involved with MoreSteam 5:30 - Consulting work as a Master Black Belt 7:00 - How Kevin uses continuous improvement principles in his personal life 8:26 - The MoreSteam webinars hosted by Kevin 10:23 - Improving operations by understanding variability in manufacturing processes 15:10 - What is CPK 16:20 - Statistical hypothesis testing and its role in process improvement 17:54 - Simplifying statistical concepts to make statistical insights more impactful 21:44 - The importance of valid statistical inferences in business decision making 24:13 - The skill of communicating as a Master Black Belt 25:32 - How control charts assist in maintaining process quality 31:30 - Response surface methodology 34:41 - Kevin's hall of fame career in Barbershop music   Additional Resources: Kevin Keller on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Webinars Kevin Keller's November 20, 2024 Webinar Kevin Keller's December 18, 2024 Webinar MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Walt Disney once said, "We don't make movies to make money. We make money to make more movies." We think Dino Tripodis would agree with that. On this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, Dino joins the show to discuss the making of DOWN TO THE FELT, the largest independent film ever produced in Columbus, Ohio. Michael Weston, Michael Stahl-David, and Scottie Thompson have starring roles in DOWN TO THE FELT, and Dino is a writer and producer of the film. Dino is also a comedian, podcaster, and Columbus, Ohio radio legend. On this episode, you will discover how creativity meets efficiency as Dino and host Dan Swartwout explore the art of producing a high-quality film on a $1.5 million budget. That may sound like a lot of money, but the average Hollywood movie has a budget between $50-$100 million. Dino shares entertaining insights and anecdotes about balancing artistic vision with practical constraints. Whether you're a film enthusiast or passionate about optimizing processes, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to achieve excellence on a budget. Oh, did we mention that Dino and Dan have been friends for over 25 years? Yeah, this is a fun listen. In this episode, you will hear about: 2:18 - Dino's podcast, Whiskey Business 5:07 - Dino's history in show business 11:12 - Introduction to DOWN TO THE FELT 12:40 - Writing the movie 16:01 - Raising money to make the movie 19:44 - Other movies Dino has been involved with 24:38 - Ensuring quality without a Hollywood budget 29:44 - The American Film Market 32:36 - The filmmaker as an entrepreneur 39:08 - Improving efficiency while making a movie 43:14 - Getting better as a team 46:49 - Getting the team on the same page 48:57 - The importance of feedback 55:10 - Indicators of quality 62:06 - Saving money 64:22 - DOWN TO THE FELT on social media   Additional Resources: Down To The Felt Movie Website Whiskey Business Podcast Dino Tripodis on LinkedIn Dino Tripodis on IMDB Down To The Felt on IMDB MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

On this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, we serve up a delightful blend of culinary creativity and cutting-edge efficiency! MoreSteam eLearning project manager Brian Bross joins the show. Brian is a software engineer with a flavorful past as an executive chef in some of the most notable restaurants and organizations. Brian and Dan will whisk you away on a journey through the bustling world of restaurant kitchens, where lean principles aren't just about trimming the fat but also about crafting the perfect recipe for success. Discover how Brian sliced through the challenges of waste reduction, stirred up customer satisfaction, and seasoned processes with efficiency – all while keeping the kitchen team engaged and inspired. Brian explains how lean methodologies can spice up supply chain management, maintain top-notch quality control, and foster innovation in menu development. And if you think lean is just for kitchens, think again! Our guest will share insights on how these savory strategies can be a recipe for success in any industry. Quality Time With MoreSteam sets the table with a hearty serving of laughs, lessons, and lean insights that are sure to leave you hungry for more! Oh, and dad jokes.   In this episode, you will hear about: 3:00 - Brian's educational background 4:00 - How Brian got involved with cooking and the restaurant industry 8:49 - Brian's experiences with cooking and understanding Lean principles 9:44 - Challenges Brian faced in implementing Lean principles during his culinary career 11:49 - Reducing waste in the kitchen 14:06 - Process improvement and pizza 18:57 - Lean principles improving food quality (standard work) 20:44 - Supply chain management in a restaurant 22:39 - Lean principles supporting innovation 25:20 - Applying lessons from the restaurant industry to other industries 29:37 - Cooking at MoreSteam 32:07 - Dad jokes   Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Brian Bross on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

MoreSteam recently presented its 22nd Best Practices For Operational Excellence Conference. Practitioners and thought leaders from various industries attended the conference to discuss the latest strategies and tools for enhancing operational excellence. MoreSteam Peg Pennington is one of those industry leaders. Although not an industry leader, Quality Time With MoreSteam host Dan Swartwout attended the conference, too. In this episode, Dan and Peg reflect on their time at the conference. They discuss the presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities that made the conference such a success. Plus, this episode answers the burning question: Are continuous improvement professionals better comedy writers than generative AI?   In this episode, you will hear about: 0:11 - Introduction to the MoreSteam Best Practices For Operational Excellence Conference 1:15 - Josh Howell from the Lean Enterprise Institute and John Shook 3:16 - Our wonderful host, The Wendy's Company 6:23 - Thomas Jefferson University 7:32 - Professor Nate Craig and Artificial Intelligence 9:45 - Greif 12:53 - The American Society for Quality 14:15 - Bill Walton, CEO of Ardagh Glass Packaging North America 16:54 - Emmanuel Aouad from Episode 9! 19:34 - Baptist Health South Florida 22:15 - General Motors 22:38 - Continuous Improvement Comedy Writers 26:56 - Medtronic 28:00 - Reflections on the BP4OpX Conference 29:59 - How the conference has grown 31:23 - Interacting with MoreSteam at the conference   Additional Resources: The American Society for Quality (ASQ) ASQ CEO Sid Bhatnagar (Sid B.) on LinkedIn Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) LEI President Josh Howell on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Explore Generative AI and its impact on process improvement! On August 13, 2024, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Ken Robinette delivered a presentation to the ASQ Columbus Section titled "Revolutionizing Process Improvement with the Power of Generative AI and Large Language Models." In this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout brings you some highlights from Ken's presentation. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field of operational excellence, this episode offers a fascinating (and fun!) glimpse into the future of continuous improvement.   In this episode, you will hear about: 0:55 - A description of Ken's Presentation 1:58 - What is Generative AI? 5:26 - AI continues to evolve 6:47 - How you can use AI at your job 8:11 - How organizations are using AI 10:44 - How experimenting with AI can make you more effective 12:59 - How Ken uses Generative AI 15:38 - Keeping pace with technology 21:00 - How MoreSteam is using Generative AI   Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter Ken Robinette on LinkedIn ASQ Columbus Section Event Page MoreSteam's Webinar: Accelerating Process Improvement with AI MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, Lean Six Sigma Maser Black Belt Maria Fry joins the podcast to discuss all things Mast Black Belt. Maybe you're curious about what a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt does. Maybe you're interested in earning your Master Black Belt. Maria talks about all this and more. As both a teacher and consultant, Maria performs at the highest levels of continuous improvement and operational excellence. In her conversation with Dan, Maria shares both her experiences and advice. Topics include communicating with stakeholders, mentoring other continuous improvement professionals, and stealth Sigma. (Yes! Stealth Sigma!) "What problem are we solving? Who's your audience? And then you fit the approach to make it most effective in that organization." Thanks for the advice, Maria. Our approach was asking MoreSteam's own Lindsay Van Dyne to also join this episode. Maria believes you must "know your audience." At Quality Time With MoreSteam, we do!   In this episode, you will hear about: 3:24 - Maria's start as a Master Black Belt 4:35 - Black Belt versus Master Black Belt 9:09 - How Maria describes her job outside the world of continuous improvement 10:25 - A Master Black Belt's organizational impact 13:23 - The Master Black Belt as a consultant 15:55 - Communicating with stakeholders within an organization 18:05 - The modern certification requirements 19:53 - The Master Black Belt Curriculum 23:22 - A potential Master Black Belt's preparations and considerations 26:40 - Conversations leading up to Master Black Belt certification 28:33 - People, process, and culture: know your audience! 33:07 - Advice for potential Master Black Belts 33:58 - Maria organically names the episode   Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Master Black Belt Certification Maria Fry on LinkedIn Lindsay Van Dyne on LinkedIn MoreSteam's 2024 Best Practices in  Operational Excellence Conference MoreSteam's Website EngineRoom Data Analysis Software Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Sigmapedia   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Have you ever had Tikka Masala Ice Cream? Karina Dubé has. In fact, she made it! Whether it's ice cream or continuous improvement, Karina understands the importance of experimentation. As Director of Product - EngineRoom® for MoreSteam, Karina also understands the importance of statistics in continuous improvement. "You have measurements that you want to make and metrics you want to hit," Karina noted. In this episode, Karina and Dan talk about ice cream, statistics, and how quality professionals use EngineRoom to make things better. "I love hearing feedback from any types of users, positive or negative," Karina said. "I like hearing the negative feedback, too. We always want our own continuous improvement." Well said, Karina. However, we doubt you will have any negative feedback to this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam!   In this episode, you will hear about: :30 – Karina's educational background 5:30 – Using statistical tools in process improvement 7:19 – Prioritizing what data to analyze 9:25 – Features of EngineRoom data analysis software 11:00 – An overview of Discrete Event Simulation 12:18 – Using Process Playground for Discrete Event Simulation 13:36 – The visual reporting capabilities of EngineRoom 16:04 – EngineRoom and data integrity 17:43 – Karina's role as a product manager, software developer, and creator 24:17 - Ice cream! 26:52 - Some of the process improvement tools in EngineRoom 29:16 - EngineRoom training and support 30:19 - Machine learning and Root Cause Analysis 32:51 - Final thoughts   Additional Resources: EngineRoom Data Analysis Software EngineRoom Tutorials Karina's Webinar - The Future of RCA: Machine Learning-Driven Root Cause Discovery Karina on LinkedIn MoreSteam's 2024 Best Practices in  Operational Excellence Conference MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

"If you don't hate waste, why are you here?" That's how Omar Mora views continuous improvement. "You hate the waste," Omar said. "It has to be that kind of feeling." Omar Mora is an industrial engineer, a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and the founder of Blackberry & Cross. As the business development manager for Costa Rica-based Blackberry & Cross, Omar specializes in working with companies in Central America to build their operational excellence infrastructures. On this episode of Quality Time with Moresteam, Omar and Dan talk about some of Omar's first continuous improvement projects, building F1 pit crew efficiency, and the value of experimentation. Omar Mora hates waste. After this episode, you will, too. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:12 – Omar's first continuous improvement projects 2:52 – One of Omar's most memorable continuous improvement projects 5:37 – Continuous improvement and experimentation 9:10 – The fear of failure should not prevent you from experimenting 13:10 – The unstoppable desire to improve 16:34 – Continuous improvement is not maintenance 19:25 – How Omar uses continuous improvement principles in his own small business 24:19 – Using EngineRoom® data analysis software 30:11 – How EngineRoom eliminates waste 31:57 - Voice of the Customer   Additional Resources: Omar Mora on LinkedIn Blackberry & Cross MoreSteam's 2024 Best Practices in  Operational Excellence Conference MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel   Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Lean Six Sigma helps people solve problems. Lean Six Sigma makes things work better. But did you know that Lean Six Sigma can also inspire great art? Emmanuel Aouad makes fun, upbeat music about continuous improvement, with hit songs like 8 Wastes, 5 S, and Gemba Walk. (We play Gemba Walk during this episode!) In this episode, Emmanuel joins the podcast to talk about music, critical to quality characteristics and voice of the customer, and using AI for process improvement. Emmanuel will be speaking at MoreSteam's Best Practices in Operational Excellence Confernce, which takes place September 18-20, 2024. The week before that, Emmanuel will be inducted into the Wabash Athletics Hall of Fame!! And then later this year, Emmanuel will release the first-ever playable rap album!! Without question, Emmanuel has one of the coolest kanban boards in the world.   In this episode you will hear about: 1:09 - The Wabash Athletics Hall of Fame and the MoreSteam Best Practices in Operational Excellence Conference 2:31 - Emmanuel's music about Lean Six Sigma 6:27 - How Emmanuel uses continuous improvement principles while making music 8:52 - The Gemba Walk song 10:39 - How Emmanuel chooses topics for his songs 12:03 - Voice of the customer and critical to quality characteristics 15:31 - Using AI in continous improvement 19:10 - Level Up: the world's first playable rap album 23:00 - Emmanuel's inspiration for Level Up 24:43 - How Emmanuel designed the game 28:07 - How you can play Level Up   Additional Resources Emmanuel Aouad on LinkedIn Level Up: The Playable Rap Album MoreSteam's 2024 Best Practices in  Operational Excellence Conference Accelerating Process Improvement with AI Webinar MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel   Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Have you ever been to a tailgate party hosted by a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt? In this episode, Ken Robinette talks about the leanest tailgate party on the banks of the Olentangy. Ken is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a former high school quarterback, and the Vice President for Business Development at MoreSteam. It's not just tailgating in this episode. Ken and Dan also talk about leadership, coaching, and seeking out the influencers within an organization. Fire up the grill! Grab a drink! And enjoy some Quality Time with MoreSteam.   In this episode you will hear about: 0:41 - Ken's high school football career and lessons in leadership   4:09 - Aerospace engineering at Kent State University   5:53 - Ken's first exposure to the quality world   8:26 - When it all came together for Ken   13:21 - Informal leaders and influencers   15:06 - The certification process: combining Lean and Six Sigma   21:53 - Coaching and helping others succeed   24:24 - Ken's role as a coach at the Center For Operational Excellence   27:38 - Lean Six Sigma tailgate parties   Additional Resources Ken Robinette on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel   Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Once again, the timing is perfect for the latest Quality Time with MoreSteam. On this episode, Alan Goodman joins the podcast. Alan is the Instructional Chair for Quality Engineering & Technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a consultant and public speaker, and an award-winning baker. What makes Alan one of the most fascinating people in the Lean space? In this episode, Alan and Dan talk about Alan's introduction to Lean, using Lean in businesses of all sizes, including small businesses, and Alan's work teaching Lean principles to children. In this episode you will hear about: 0:54 - Using Lean principles in a small business   6:30 - The importance of good customer service   9:04 - Teaching Lean principles and concepts to children   11:57 - Introduction to Lean summer camp   13:42 - The operational definition of clean   19:19 - Identifying a pipeline of leaders   20:38 - Children as natural problem-solvers   24:24 - Experiences after the introduction to Lean camp   Additional Resources Alan Goodman on LinkedIn A Goodman's Desserts Developing the Next Generation of Lean Problem Solvers MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel   Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

The timing is perfect for the latest Quality Time with MoreSteam. On this episode, Alan Goodman joins the podcast. Alan is the Instructional Chair for Quality Engineering & Technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a consultant and public speaker, and an award-winning baker. What makes Alan one of the most fascinating people in the Lean space? In this episode, you will learn about Alan's connection to two of the most iconic movies of all time, Alan's role in a world championship season for the Milwaukee Bucks, and what started Alan on the path to lean. As Alan demonstrates, you can apply Lean principles to a business of any size. And sometimes, the results are delicious! In this episode you will hear about: 1:32 - Alan's participation in Rocky II 4:55 - Alan's educational background 9:35 - Working at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange 14:09 - Thinking about process improvement 16:17 - Starting A Goodman's Desserts 21:55 - Alan's association with the Milwauke Bucks 26:47 - The road to the championship 29:34 - Continuing to build A Goodman's Desserts   Additional Resources Alan Goodman on LinkedIn A Goodman's Desserts Developing the Next Generation of Lean Problem Solvers MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel   Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube