The Improvement Nerds Podcast

🎙️ Understanding Over Memorization | Scott Payne on PMP & Real-World Project Management What does it really take to pass the PMP—and more importantly, actually lead projects effectively? In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, Mark sits down with Scott Payne, founder of All In PM Prep, to break down the gap between memorizing concepts and truly understanding how project management works in the real world. Scott shares his journey from Lean Six Sigma to PMP, why traditional PMP prep often falls short, and how improvement professionals can rethink the way they approach both the exam and project leadership. If you’ve ever struggled with scenario-based questions, felt frustrated studying for the PMP, or want to become a stronger project leader—this one’s for you. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & welcome 02:10 – Scott’s journey into Lean, Six Sigma, and PMP 06:45 – Why traditional PMP prep doesn’t work for many people 10:30 – Understanding vs. memorization (and why it matters) 15:20 – Why improvement professionals struggle with PMP scenarios 20:10 – Learning styles and how to study smarter 25:40 – Real-world application of project management tools 31:15 – How to think through PMP exam questions 36:50 – Common mistakes people make on the PMP exam 42:30 – Building confidence and managing test anxiety 48:10 – The evolution of PMP and PMBOK (value over process) 53:45 – Lean Six Sigma vs. PMP: where they connect 59:20 – Should improvement professionals get PMP certified? 1:04:10 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Scott 💡 Key Takeaways PMP isn’t about memorization—it’s about how you think Scenario-based questions test judgment, not recall Lean Six Sigma and PMP are more aligned than you think Real understanding builds confidence—in the exam and in practice You don’t need perfection to pass—you need perspective 🔗 Connect with Scott Payne Website: https://www.allinpmprep.com Email: [email protected] 🚀 Enjoyed the Episode? If you got value from this conversation: 👍 Like the video 🔔 Subscribe for more Improvement Nerd content 📤 Share this with someone pursuing PMP or leading projects ⭐ Leave us a review—it helps others find the show 🎯 About Improvement Nerds We’re waging war on bad processes—one conversation at a time. Whether you're into Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or just making work better, this podcast is for people who care about improving how things get done. Keywords: PMP, PMP exam, PMP certification, project management, project manager, PMBOK, project management training, PMP prep, PMP study tips, PMP exam tips, project management fundamentals, project leadership, real world project management, understanding vs memorization, learning strategies, study smarter, critical thinking, scenario based learning, problem solving skills, decision making, test taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, confidence building, Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, process improvement, operational excellence, Lean thinking, Six Sigma, improvement culture, daily improvement, business transformation, improvement professionals, project managers career, aspiring project managers, PMP for beginners, professionals studying PMP, leadership development, business professionals, Improvement Nerds Podcast, improvement nerds, Scott Payne PMP, All In PM Prep, project management podcast, business podcast, leadership podcast, how to pass the PMP exam, PMP exam study strategy, why PMP is hard, PMP scenario questions explained, Lean Six Sigma vs PMP, best PMP prep approach, how to think like a project manager, real world vs textbook project management

In this Part 2 conversation, we go deeper into how Disney applies Lean thinking across the park — often in ways guests never consciously notice. We unpack: How Disney designs queues to create flow and reduce the feeling of waiting Mistake proofing and layered safety systems beyond the obvious ride checks How vertical space, theming, and atmosphere shape the “experience before the experience” Cast member empowerment, service recovery, and magical moments How the Disney app quietly load-levels guests, reduces friction, and reshapes park flow What healthcare, manufacturing, and service organizations can learn from Disney’s approach If you enjoy spotting Lean in the Wild, this episode is packed with real-world examples you can apply well beyond the parks. 🎢 Buckle up, check the yellow strap, and let’s keep waging war on bad process. 00:00 – Intro & Why Part 2 Why the Disney conversation deserved another round 02:30 – Queue Design & “The Experience Before the Experience” How Disney makes waiting feel like part of the attraction 07:45 – Vertical Queues & Using Space Differently What other industries can learn from Disney’s use of vertical space 13:40 – Healthcare & Waiting Room Design Applying queue thinking beyond theme parks 18:45 – Mistake Proofing 101 (Jidoka & Poka-Yoke) Soft vs. hard error proofing explained 24:30 – Ride Safety & Layered Error Proofing Why Disney builds redundancy into safety systems 31:10 – Food Allergies & Operational Safeguards Error proofing that protects guests without slowing flow 37:45 – Trash Cans, Cleanliness & Hidden Safety Systems Why cleanliness is also a safety strategy 43:50 – Load Leveling & Cast Member Flexibility How Disney staffs dynamically as crowds change 50:20 – Standard Work & Shift Handoffs What those quiet paper handoffs might really represent 55:40 – Empowerment & Service Recovery Magical moments, autonomy, and long-term loyalty 1:03:10 – The Disney App & Flow Through Technology Wait times, mobile ordering, photos, and guest self-service 1:12:30 – Continuous Improvement in the Parks How Disney keeps evolving without losing its core experience 1:18:30 – Lightning Round & Closing Thoughts Lean sensei Walt Disney, transformation, and what’s next   #ImprovementNerdsPodcast #LeanInTheWild #ContinuousImprovement #ProcessImprovement #LeanThinking #DisneyOperations #QueueDesign #MistakeProofing #CustomerExperience #ServiceDesign #OperationalExcellence #LeanLeadership #Flow #DisneyNerds #WagingWarOnBadProcess #BehindTheMagic

S2 E16 - Tom West & Mark Ryan - Visual Management That Actually Works - Our Disney Experience 🎙️ Episode Description:  Visual Management - From Strategy Development to Ride Lines at Disney  In this episode of The Improvement Nerds Podcast, Tom and Mark go full nerd on one of their favorite Lean topics: visual management — and then take that lens all the way to Disneyland. We start by unpacking why effective visual management is more than hanging a board on the wall. At its best, visual management creates a true line of sight between strategy and the work, making goals, problems, and progress visible and actionable for frontline teams, leaders, and executives alike. From there, we take Lean out into the wild. While walking the park at Disneyland, we observe visual management in action — from wait-time boards and queue design to ticketing, security flow, parade setup, and even pin trading. Along the way, we uncover real-world examples of PDCA, Little’s Law, flow, and customer experience design hiding in plain sight. If you’ve ever looked at a wall of charts and post-its and wondered “Is this actually helping anyone?” Or stood in a theme park line thinking “This flow could be so much better,” this episode is for you. So pull up a chair, eavesdrop on the conversation already in progress, and join us as we wage war on bad process. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro Why visual management is more than a board on the wall 02:10 – What Visual Management Is Really For Creating true line of sight between strategy and frontline work 06:15 – When Visual Boards Fail How boards turn into clutter, noise, and decoration 10:45 – Designing Visuals That Get Used Clarity, flow, and information people can act on 15:30 – Taking Lean Thinking to Disneyland Why a theme park reveals powerful process lessons 18:40 – Wait Time Boards vs. Queue Distractions Separating critical information from entertainment 22:55 – Arrival, Ticketing, and Security Flow Where visual management could reduce confusion and anxiety 27:30 – Movement, Flow, and Perceived Wait Time Why moving makes waits feel shorter 31:20 – Little’s Law in the Wild Estimating wait times through flow and capacity 35:45 – Could AI Improve Wait Time Accuracy? Exploring real-time data and flow visibility 39:50 – Pin Trading as PDCA How a cardboard box became a strategy experiment 46:10 – Strategy Through Small Steps Why iteration beats big-bang execution 51:30 – Visual Management During the Parade Tape, signals, standard work, and crowd flow 56:45 – Learning to See Everywhere Why Lean makes you more curious — even on vacation 1:00:30 – What Disney Really Sells Experience, escapism, and customer value 1:04:45 – Measuring Happiness Active vs. passive voice of the customer 1:08:20 – Final Reflections How visuals shape behavior, flow, and experience 1:10:15 – Outro Key takeaways and closing thoughts   If you enjoyed this episode: 👍 Like and subscribe for more Improvement Nerd content ⭐ Leave us a review to help other nerds find the show 🔄 Share this episode with a colleague who loves Lean or process improvement 💬 Drop us a note with examples of visual management you’ve spotted out in the wild And as always — remember to leave your processes better than you found them.   #LeanThinking #VisualManagement #ContinuousImprovement #ProcessImprovement #OperationalExcellence #CustomerExperience #Disneyland #GuestExperience

📖 Description In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, host Mark Ryan welcomes back Jim Benson, creator of Personal Kanban and co-author of The Collaboration Equation. If you caught their first conversation, you know it was a deep dive into how visualizing work and limiting WIP can transform not just productivity—but how we think and feel about our work. In this follow-up, Jim and Mark go beyond the board, exploring what it truly means to make work more human. Together they discuss how to connect strategy to action, align teams across levels, and navigate change through respect, visualization, and collaboration. From Kanban to Obeya, from X-Matrices to leadership maturity, this is an episode for every improvement nerd who believes that better processes start with better people. So grab your notebook and join us as we wage war on bad process—and remember to leave your processes better than you found them. 🕒 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro Mark welcomes Jim Benson back to the show and recaps their first conversation on Personal Kanban. 02:15 – What Is Personal Kanban? Jim breaks down the two rules—visualize your work and limit WIP—and how they lead to focus and flow. 07:30 – Cognitive Overload & the Zeigarnik Effect How unfinished work clutters the mind—and why managing flow frees creative energy. 10:40 – Visualizing the Work Ahead Why real-time visual systems like A3s, heat maps, and obeyas matter in a rapidly changing world. 15:50 – Obeya Explained The “war room” concept that connects strategy to frontline work—and brings teams together in real time. 22:10 – From Goals to Tactics Mark and Jim explore how GOST frameworks and X-Matrices help leaders see alignment across all levels. 29:45 – Flattening Power Distance How transparency builds trust and shifts executive conversations from reporting to real collaboration. 35:20 – Coaching Through Complexity Why maturity isn’t linear—and how great teams rebound, learn, and grow together. 47:00 – Lessons from Turner Construction A real-world case of leadership buy-in, respect for people, and small experiments that scale big change. 55:20 – Respect for People as the Foundation of Lean Why empathy and continuous improvement must coexist for real results. 59:45 – The Future of Lean and Agile What’s next for improvement as organizations shift, regress, and evolve. 1:06:10 – The Recipe Book Metaphor How blending frameworks—Lean, Agile, Six Sigma—creates better outcomes than rigid adherence. 1:10:25 – Navigating Power and ROI Jim’s advice to CI professionals on communicating value and protecting the craft. 1:17:15 – Staying Connected and Waging War on Bad Process Why the improvement community must stay united, adaptive, and people-focused. 1:21:00 – Outro Mark closes the conversation with a reminder: Keep improving, keep learning, keep nerding out, and remember to leave your processes better than you found them. 💡 Key Takeaways Visualization turns chaos into clarity. The best systems evolve around people, not the other way around. Maturity isn’t a destination—it’s the ability to adapt. Respect and curiosity drive sustainable improvement. True value is shown through engagement, not just metrics. 🔗 Connect with Jim Benson 🌐 modusinstitute.com 💼 Jim Benson on LinkedIn 📰 humaneWork.substack.com   Tags: PersonalKanban, Kanban, Lean, LeanSixSigma, Obeya, VisualManagement, ContinuousImprovement, OperationalExcellence, Agile, StrategyDeployment, HoshinKanri, XMATRIX, Flow, WIPLimits, SystemsThinking, PsychologicalSafety, ChangeManagement, ProjectManagement, WorkDesign, MakeWorkMoreHuman

Title: S2 E14 - Jim Benson - Make Work Visible, Make Work Better Subtitle: Kanban and Lean Coffee to replace chaos with clarity Description: Jim Benson—co-creator of Personal Kanban, Shingo Prize winner, and co-founder of Lean Coffee—joins Mark to unpack how visual management and WIP limits reduce overload and create humane, effective teamwork. We trace the origins of Kanban for knowledge work, why “Done” should become “Learn,” and how a Seattle café experiment turned into a global pattern for better conversations and decisions. Chapters 00:00 Intro — why “make work visible” matters 01:05 Meet Jim Benson (Personal Kanban, Shingo Prize, Lean Coffee) 03:10 Punk rock → systems thinking → urban planning 05:25 Early real-time traffic/ITS and proto-Agile roots 07:40 When iterations weren’t fast enough: Kanban emerges 10:30 The pub napkin story & early knowledge-work Kanban 13:50 Personal Kanban: visibility for humans (not just tools) 16:45 Options → Doing → Done (and why “Done” should become “Learn”) 20:20 Columns, states, collaboration rules, and where work gets stuck 22:55 Why we limit WIP: flow vs. flood & cognitive load 26:20 Social debt, decision latency, and finishing with quality 30:00 PDCA on the board: Plan / Do / Study / Adjust in practice 33:15 Trello/Asana analogies and practical board setups 35:40 WIP slots/lanes and right-sized work 38:30 Human-centered Kanban and healthier team dynamics 41:10 The Lean Coffee origin story (Seattle café → worldwide) 45:00 Mechanics that matter: voting, timeboxes, continue/stop 48:05 Leveling power distance and creating equitable meetings 52:10 Using Lean Coffee for better leadership/team meetings 55:45 Kaizen Camp & Riot Games: from stuck to momentum 01:00:30 Community impact stories; what to try on Monday 01:04:30 Closing & how to stay connected Episode Highlights Visual management changes conversations—not just throughput WIP limits as guardrails against overload, rework, and hidden social costs Turning “Done” → “Learn” to make continuous improvement continuous Lean Coffee: simple rules that create equitable, productive discussions Guest Jim Benson — Co-creator of Personal Kanban; co-founder of Lean Coffee; co-founder, Modus Institute; Shingo Prize winner. #PersonalKanban #LeanCoffee #Lean #ContinuousImprovement #VisualManagement #WIP #Flow #Agile #ImprovementNerds

Mark Graban - A Wide-Ranging Nerd Out with Mark Graban Welcome back to the Improvement Nerds Podcast! In this episode, we nerd out with Mark Graban—award-winning author, consultant, speaker, and senior advisor to KaiNexus. Mark has dedicated his career to showing the world that Lean isn’t confined to factory walls. He’s the author of Lean Hospitals, Healthcare Kaizen, Measures of Success, and most recently The Mistakes That Make Us. Mark also hosts two long-running podcasts: Lean Blog Interviews (now in its 20th year!) and My Favorite Mistake, a storytelling favorite exploring how learning from failure drives growth. In our conversation, we cover: How Lean thinking found its way from factories to hospitals Why reacting less can actually make leaders more effective How psychological safety transforms improvement cultures The mistakes that truly make us stronger Why site visits, Japan study trips, and continuous curiosity fuel lasting improvement Whether you’re in healthcare, manufacturing, or just looking to sharpen your improvement mindset, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and practical takeaways. 👉 If you’ve ever heard “that won’t work here,” this conversation is your counter-example. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & catching up with Mark Graban 3:45 – Mark’s early career in manufacturing (GM, Dell, Honeywell) 9:20 – Transitioning Lean principles into healthcare 15:05 – The early days of Lean Hospitals & publishing Lean Hospitals 23:30 – The role of laboratories in Lean healthcare adoption 30:55 – Resistance to Lean in healthcare: “Patients aren’t cars” 37:10 – From Healthcare Kaizen to engaging frontline staff 44:40 – Measures of Success and Process Behavior Charts 54:15 – Why reacting less helps leaders lead better 1:02:20 – The “poop emoji” story and why dashboards mislead 1:11:05 – The power of psychological safety in improvement 1:20:15 – The Mistakes That Make Us and learning from failure 1:32:40 – Lessons from Toyota and Japan study trips 1:41:15 – What’s next for Mark Graban 1:44:30 – Where to find Mark online 1:46:00 – Wrap-up and key takeaways   #LeanThinking #LeanSixSigma #ContinuousImprovement #Kaizen #LeanHealthcare #MarkGraban #ImprovementNerdsPodcast #TheMistakesThatMakeUs #MeasuresOfSuccess #LeanHospitals #HealthcareKaizen #PsychologicalSafety #Deming #ProcessBehaviorCharts #LeanCulture #MyFavoriteMistake #LeanBlogInterviews #KaiNexus #ToyotaProductionSystem #LeanJapanTrip

Title: S2 E12 - Rebecca Ellis - Putting the FUN in Fungibility, Beyond Cross-Training: The Nerdy Truth About Fungibility 🎧 Description: What if your org chart wasn't a cage, but a launchpad? In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, host Mark Ryan sits down with Dr. Rebecca Ellis—organizational design expert and Principal at AlignOrg Solutions—to unpack the concept of fungibility in modern workforce strategy. Dr. Ellis brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare, manufacturing, and finance to this deep dive on how flexible, compatibility-driven teams can boost employee engagement, agility, and innovation. From breaking down silos to creating systems that empower individuals to grow and pivot, this episode is packed with insight for leaders, HR pros, and CI nerds alike. If you're rethinking job roles, exploring agile org structures, or just tired of talent being trapped in fixed boxes, this one's for you. As always, we’re waging war on bad processes—so buckle up and get ready to nerd out. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Waging War on Bad Process 01:20 – What is fungibility, really? 04:32 – Job descriptions vs. capability-based hiring 08:45 – Beyond cross-training: true talent portability 11:40 – Why fungibility matters in today’s workforce 14:20 – Generational shifts and the gig mindset 17:15 – Case study: Engineers & R&D silos 22:00 – The mindset and traits behind fungible talent 26:30 – Leadership challenges: resource hoarding vs. talent sharing 30:00 – Cultural blockers and breaking rigid role identities 34:10 – Fungibility’s impact on continuous improvement and burnout 38:00 – CI teams: tips for building fungible bench strength 41:55 – Piloting fungibility: All-in or all-out? 45:10 – Governance and avoiding chaos in flexible teams 48:40 – Strategic alignment: fungibility in agile & digital transformations 52:30 – Fractional work, rotations, and breeding future execs 56:50 – HRIS, AI, and internal talent marketplaces 1:01:30 – Big org vs. small org: Is fungibility scalable? 1:03:40 – Final advice: Shift the mindset, not just the model 1:05:00 – Where to find Dr. Ellis & closing remarks 🔗 Guest Info: Dr. Rebecca Ellis 📍 Website: https://alignorg.com 📍 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ellis-phd-ccmp/   #Fungibility #OrganizationalDesign #TalentMobility #ContinuousImprovement #AgileWorkforce #LeadershipDevelopment #HRStrategy #EmployeeEngagement #ImprovementNerds #LeanThinking #InternalMobility #ChangeLeadership #PodcastForLeaders #ProcessImprovement #FutureOfWork #HR 

In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, host Mark Ryan sits down with leadership coach and founder of Ground Rules Coaching, Laura Hayes, to unpack what real accountability looks like—and why it’s often misunderstood. From toxic blame culture to practical tools that drive responsibility, Laura helps us reframe accountability as a path to empowerment, not punishment. With certifications in Gallup StrengthsFinders, DiSC, Enneagram, The Five Behaviors, and Empathy Training, Laura brings a wealth of insight and heart to the conversation. Whether you’re a team leader, executive, or just trying to show up better at work, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. 🔗 Laura’s Website: https://groundrulescoaching.com ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions 02:24 – What accountability isn’t (and why people resist it) 06:55 – How to create a psychologically safe environment for real accountability 11:33 – The difference between expectations and agreements 16:50 – Addressing underperformance without shame 21:12 – The “Accountability Ladder” framework 27:45 – Tools to coach your team into ownership 34:10 – How empathy plays a key role in leadership 39:20 – Laura’s favorite client stories and breakthroughs 44:02 – Leadership self-awareness: where it starts 47:18 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Laura 🧠 Key Themes: Redefining accountability Tools for effective coaching conversations Creating agreements over assigning blame Why self-awareness is leadership’s secret weapon #ImprovementNerds #LeadershipDevelopment #Accountability #TeamCulture #ContinuousImprovement #LeanThinking #ProfessionalGrowth #GroundRulesCoaching #LauraHayes #ManagementTips #LeadershipPodcast #EmpathyInLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #PersonalGrowth #WorkplaceWellness

🎧 Podcast Title: Wired for Excellence: The Neuroscience of Change with Chris Hayes 🎙️ Guest: Chris Hayes, Author of Wired for Excellence 🔍 Episode Description: Don’t miss this fascinating deep dive into the brain science behind organizational change. In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, host Mark Ryan sits down with Chris Hayes, leadership expert and author of the upcoming book Wired for Excellence, to explore how neuroscience can help us lead better, think clearer, and build cultures that thrive. Chris explains how our brain’s threat and reward systems, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, influence everything from team performance to psychological safety. You’ll learn how leaders can use this knowledge to create environments that reduce resistance, increase engagement, and foster excellence at every level. Whether you're in Lean, Agile, Six Sigma, HR, healthcare, or education, this conversation will equip you with powerful new ways to lead through complexity and connect with your people. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why Neuroscience Matters in Change Work 02:45 – Meet Chris Hayes and Wired for Excellence 06:18 – What Happens in the Brain During Change 10:32 – The Role of the Amygdala and Threat Response 14:50 – Prefrontal Cortex: The Seat of Executive Function 19:43 – Psychological Safety and Cognitive Overload 24:17 – Brain-Smart Strategies for Leading Change 30:10 – Applications in Healthcare, Business, and Beyond 36:22 – How to Design with the Brain in Mind 42:40 – Final Reflections and a Preview of Chris’s Book 45:15 – Outro and Resources 📚 Resources & Links: Connect with Chris Hayes: [email protected] Hosted by Mark Ryan of The Green Dot Group 📢 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Share If this episode sparked ideas or gave you an “aha” moment, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your team or fellow improvement nerds. 🔖 Hashtags  #WiredForExcellence #NeuroscienceOfChange #OrganizationalExcellence #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeLeadership #BrainBasedLeadership #ImprovementNerds #ChrisHayes #ProcessImprovement #LeanLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #ContinuousImprovement #ChangeManagement #NeuroscienceAndLeadership

S2  E9 - Leadership, Bandwidth, and the Brutal Truth About Strategy Execution - featuring: Karen Martin 🎙️ Episode Description: In this episode of Improvement Nerds, we’re joined by renowned improvement expert Karen Martin to dive deep into what really makes strategy deployment work. Forget the pretty posters and endless dashboards—Karen shares hard-earned lessons about how real strategy gets deployed: through leadership habits, managing bandwidth, and building momentum with early wins. Whether you're new to strategic planning or looking to sharpen your deployment approach, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, real talk, and the kind of "tough love" coaching that leaders need to succeed. Tune in if you’re ready to stop drowning in projects, fix what’s painful first, and finally make your improvement plans stick. 👉 Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoy the show! 📍 Topics and Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Strategy Deployment 02:30 - Why Starting with "Fix the Pain" Builds Early Momentum 06:45 - Connecting Improvement Efforts to Organizational Strategy Over Time 11:20 - How to Tell if Strategy Deployment is Actually Sticking 15:00 - The Discipline of Managing the Strategy Deployment Plan 21:10 - Why Most Organizations Need Bi-Weekly Check-Ins 26:00 - The Game-Changing Power of an "Extra Effort Inventory" 32:30 - Facing the Brutal Truth About Bandwidth and Capacity 38:00 - Leadership Habits That Make or Break Deployment Success 44:20 - Final Thoughts: Being Honest About Priorities and Change Capacity #StrategyDeployment #StrategicPlanning #ImprovementCulture #LeanThinking #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalChange #KarenMartin #ImprovementNerds #DeployStrategy #OrganizationalBandwidth #ContinuousImprovement #BusinessStrategy #ProcessImprovement #ChangeManagement #LeanSixSigma #LeadershipTips

📈In this episode of Improvement Nerds, Mark Ryan sits down with Justin Fischgrund—Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, engineer, professor, and patent-holding innovator—to explore where Lean thinking and artificial intelligence collide. They dig into how AI can complement, not replace, Lean Six Sigma; the importance of data strategy; and how improvement professionals can stay relevant in a tech-driven world. From SIPOC and DMAIC to ChatGPT and predictive analytics, this episode is packed with practical insights, cautionary tales, and some laughs along the way. Whether you're an AI rookie or a process pro, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about how people, process, and technology can thrive together. 🎙️ #LeanSixSigma #ProcessImprovement #ArtificialIntelligence #LeanAI #DMAIC #ContinuousImprovement #ImprovementNerds

Chick-fil-A’s Secret to Efficiency: How They Master Process Improvement | Featuring David Reid 🚀 Ever wondered how Chick-fil-A moves so fast while delivering top-tier customer service? In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, we sit down with David Reid, Director of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Chick-fil-A, to uncover the process improvement, Lean strategies, and customer-first culture that make Chick-fil-A an industry leader. 🎧 Listen in as we cover: ✅ How Chick-fil-A trains 200,000+ employees for service excellence ✅ The secret behind their lightning-fast drive-thru operations ✅ Why process improvement is embedded in their culture ✅ Behind-the-scenes at Chick-fil-A’s Hatch Innovation Lab ✅ Lessons in Lean Six Sigma & continuous improvement 📌 Timestamps for Easy Navigation: 00:00 – Welcome to the Improvement Nerds Podcast! 01:12 – Chick-fil-A’s approach to customer service & empathy training 05:38 – How drive-thru efficiency is optimized for speed & accuracy 10:15 – The Second Mile Service philosophy—what sets Chick-fil-A apart 15:30 – How Chick-fil-A trains young employees in process improvement 20:45 – Lean Six Sigma at Chick-fil-A: Is it really Lean? 25:18 – The Hatch Innovation Lab: Where new ideas come to life 30:50 – Real-world process improvement success stories from the team 35:22 – Why Chick-fil-A turned down a $30M cost-saving idea 40:10 – The future of data, automation, and IoT at Chick-fil-A 45:33 – David’s favorite Chick-fil-A order 🍗 🔥 Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how Chick-fil-A blends process excellence with customer satisfaction! 📢 Like, subscribe, and comment if you love learning about Lean Six Sigma, process improvement, and business innovation! 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & More: https://linktr.ee/improvementnerdspodcast 📩 Stay Updated: Subscribe for more insights on continuous improvement & Lean thinking #ChickFilA #ProcessImprovement #LeanSixSigma #ContinuousImprovement #BusinessInnovation #CustomerExperience #LeanThinking #Efficiency #HatchInnovationLab #ImprovementNerdsPodcast #FastFoodIndustry

In this episode of Improvement Nerds, we’re joined by Katie Anderson, lean leadership expert and author of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. Fresh from her latest study trip to Japan, Katie shares powerful insights on people-centered leadership, continuous improvement, and how strategy deployment connects leaders and frontline teams. Discover the secrets behind Toyota-inspired practices, the importance of psychological safety, and how to balance technical expertise with transformational leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned Lean Six Sigma practitioner or just starting your improvement journey, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways!   💡 Key Topics Covered: Lessons from Katie’s Japan study trips Connecting strategy deployment (Hoshin Kanri) from leaders to the frontline The critical role of Nemawashi (tilling the soil) in decision-making Creating psychological safety in high-performing organizations Developing leadership skills with the Katalyst model   📍 Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Lean leadership and Katie Anderson’s Japan study trips 4:00 - People-centered processes: Lessons from Japan and Toyota 8:30 - Hoshin Kanri: How strategy deployment connects leaders to the frontline 14:20 - Nemawashi: Building alignment and support for lasting change 20:10 - Psychological safety: Building trust while achieving results 25:45 - Moving from technical expert to transformational leader 32:10 - Developing influence skills: The Katalyst model 38:00 - Advice for new Lean leaders and practitioners 42:00 - Where to find Katie’s resources: Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn and Chain of Learning podcast   🌟 Connect with Katie Anderson: Website: kbjanderson.com Book: Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn Podcast: Chain of Learning   🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!

The People Factor: Leveraging Job Relations for Sustainable Change   In this episode of the Improvement Nerd Podcast, we dive into Job Relations (JR)—a cornerstone of Training Within Industry (TWI). April Thomas Schmidt, a TWI expert, shares how JR helps leaders build trust, strengthen relationships, and drive sustainable change within organizations.   Learn how Job Relations transforms workplace culture by focusing on people-centered leadership and practical problem-solving techniques. Whether you're tackling resistance to change, improving employee engagement, or looking to create a culture of continuous improvement, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What is Training Within Industry (TWI)? ✔️ The Four Foundations of Good Job Relations ✔️ The Four-Step Problem-Solving Method for Leaders ✔️ How JR Supports Change Management and Continuous Improvement ✔️ Real-world examples of transformation through Job Relations   🎙️ About Our Guest: April Thomas Schmidt is a passionate advocate for unlocking human potential and leveraging relationships to achieve organizational success. With deep expertise in TWI, she helps leaders create thriving, people-focused workplaces.   📌 Chapters: 0:00 – Intro to Job Relations and TWI 3:15 – The History of TWI 7:30 – The Foundations of Good Job Relations 12:45 – Overcoming Resistance to Change with JR 18:20 – Real-Life Success Stories from the Workplace 25:40 – Building Trust as a Leadership Skill   💡 Subscribe for more insights on leadership, Lean methodologies, and continuous improvement. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on today’s episode!   📣 Keywords for this episode: Training Within Industry, Job Relations, TWI Explained, Leadership Skills, Continuous Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, Change Management, Employee Engagement, Building Trust in Teams

S2 E4 - Training Within Industry: From World War II to Modern Excellence The Timeless Power of TWI: Building High-Performing Teams Through Training Within Industry In the world of process improvement, few methodologies have stood the test of time like Training Within Industry (TWI). Born out of necessity during World War II, TWI helped the U.S. ramp up production, train a new workforce, and ultimately achieve success in wartime manufacturing. But what makes TWI even more fascinating is its continued relevance in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. In our latest Improvement Nerds podcast episode, we had the privilege of diving into the world of TWI with Mark Warren, a Lean and process improvement expert with decades of experience. Mark not only unpacks the history and structure of TWI but also shows how this methodology can transform organizations by putting people at the heart of improvement. Here’s a glimpse of what we explored. What Is TWI and Why Does It Matter Today? At its core, TWI is a training methodology designed to help organizations standardize work, improve processes, and build strong relationships between employees and leaders. Originally developed during World War II, TWI equipped an untrained workforce—many of them women stepping into manufacturing for the first time—to perform highly technical tasks efficiently and safely. While TWI’s roots are in manufacturing, its principles are universal. Any organization looking to improve its operations, from healthcare to tech, can benefit from adopting TWI. The Three Pillars of TWI: JI, JM, and JR TWI consists of three main components, each addressing a specific need in the workplace: Job Instruction (JI): JI focuses on standardizing work processes and training employees effectively. By breaking down tasks into clear steps, identifying key points, and explaining the reasons behind them, JI ensures employees understand not just what to do, but why they’re doing it. This approach dramatically shortens training times and reduces quality issues. Job Methods (JM): JM is all about improving processes. It teaches leaders to evaluate workflows and identify ways to eliminate waste, reduce cycle times, and boost efficiency. Think of it as industrial engineering simplified, making it accessible to anyone tasked with process improvement. Job Relations (JR): Often overlooked, JR addresses the people side of work. It helps leaders resolve conflicts, build trust, and foster positive relationships with their teams. By focusing on clear communication and proactive problem-solving, JR creates a foundation for a healthy, high-performing workplace culture. Why TWI Still Works in the Modern World Despite being over 80 years old, TWI’s principles are more relevant than ever. As Mark Warren shared, TWI laid the foundation for Toyota’s production system, which is still celebrated as a gold standard in Lean manufacturing. Today, companies across industries are rediscovering TWI as a way to build leadership, improve training outcomes, and engage their workforce. One of TWI’s greatest strengths is its human-centered approach. In a world increasingly dominated by automation and AI, TWI reminds us that people remain the heart of any organization. By focusing on clear communication, effective training, and strong relationships, TWI ensures employees feel empowered and equipped to succeed. Real-World Impact: TWI in Action Mark shared compelling examples of how TWI has transformed organizations: Faster Training: Companies using JI have cut training times from weeks to days, enabling new employees to hit the ground running with confidence. Improved Retention: By providing clear instructions and meaningful training, organizations have reduced turnover and created a more engaged workforce. Enhanced Productivity: One aerospace company Mark worked with doubled productivity over five years without expanding its physical footprint, simply by integrating TWI principles into its operations. These results highlight why TWI isn’t just a training program—it’s a leadership and strategy tool that drives sustainable improvement. How to Get Started with TWI If you’re intrigued by TWI and want to bring its benefits to your organization, here’s where to start: Understand Your Needs: Identify the specific challenges you want to address—whether it’s improving training, reducing turnover, or streamlining processes. Involve Leadership: Successful TWI implementation requires buy-in from top management. Leaders should participate in training and model the behaviors they want to see. Start with Job Instruction: JI is often the best entry point, as it lays the groundwork for standardizing work and building effective training programs. Commit to Practice: TWI isn’t a one-and-done initiative. It requires consistent practice and reinforcement to become part of your organizational culture. There are also excellent resources available, including training guides and historical materials that detail how to implement TWI effectively. Mark Warren has authored several books and guides that can help organizations navigate this journey. The Takeaway: A Leadership Development Program Disguised as Training As Mark Warren pointed out, TWI might look like a simple training program, but it’s much more than that. It’s a leadership development program that empowers organizations to improve processes, engage employees, and achieve lasting success. So whether you’re managing a factory floor, leading a service team, or driving strategic initiatives, TWI has something to offer. By putting people at the center of improvement, it delivers results that stand the test of time.

Key Topics Discussed: The Art of Political Savvy Office politics is often viewed in a negative light, but as Betsy explains, it’s all about balance and perspective. Politics doesn’t have to be toxic—it can actually foster collaboration and drive initiatives forward. She shares how understanding the balance of power and aligning different departments can fuel positive change. Betsy offers a deep dive into her work at Disney, showing how she balanced the needs of various departments to create the successful “Basics” initiative that’s now taught globally. This case study highlights how political savvy can lead to innovative results when handled ethically. Good vs. Bad Politics In the podcast, we break down the difference between good and bad politics. While good politics aligns teams toward common goals, bad politics leads to dysfunction, competition, and, in some cases, toxic environments. Betsy helps us understand the key indicators of both and how to encourage a positive culture that thrives on collaboration. Dealing with Toxic Work Environments We also tackle the tough subject of workplace toxicity. What happens when politics turn toxic? Betsy shares stories of working in toxic environments and how she maintained her integrity while guiding organizations through tough transitions. Whether you’re leading a team or consulting with a client, this part of the conversation is packed with insights into managing toxicity and staying true to your values. Strategic Framing and Listening Another key takeaway from the episode is the importance of deep listening and strategic framing. Betsy explains how truly understanding what different stakeholders need—and framing projects accordingly—can be a game-changer. By asking the right questions and listening closely, you can uncover the true goals behind a project and set it up for success. Tools for Success In the episode, Betsy also introduces her Consulting Toolbox, designed for internal and external consultants to improve their political savvy, manage stakeholder relationships, and navigate challenging environments with confidence. She’s made these tools available to help consultants and leaders thrive in any organizational setting. Why You Should Listen: This episode is perfect for anyone working in leadership, consulting, or continuous improvement roles. Whether you’re trying to break down silos, manage complex stakeholder relationships, or handle toxic environments, Betsy Jordan provides practical advice and real-world examples that will help you succeed. You’ll walk away with: Strategies for managing office politics ethically and effectively Insights into balancing different perspectives for organizational success Tips on dealing with toxicity and maintaining your professional integrity Real-life stories from transformative projects, including Betsy’s work at Disney

🔍 S2 E2 - From Pooh Bear to Process Mapping: Authenticity in Branding and Improvement | Betsy Jordyn Interview 🎙️ In this insightful episode, branding expert and organizational development (OD) strategist Betsy Jordyn joins us to explore the powerful connection between branding and continuous improvement. Betsy shares her passion for helping individuals and teams express their authentic selves, offering practical tips for branding professionals in process improvement roles. Discover how empathy, political savvy, and relationship-building skills can transform your approach to continuous improvement and drive lasting, impactful change within your organization. 💡 This conversation is packed with actionable advice on how continuous improvement professionals can better position themselves by understanding departmental dynamics, adapting their communication for different audiences, and navigating organizational politics. Whether you're a change agent, consultant, or anyone passionate about improvement, this episode is a must-watch for those looking to boost their influence and effectiveness. 🌟   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Nerding Out with Betsy Jordyn  00:23 Betsy’s Journey & Passion for Authentic Branding  01:16 Authenticity Meets Continuous Improvement  02:30 Aligning Improvement with Organizational Goals  03:43 How to Brand & Position Your CI Team  08:56 Tailoring Language for Various Audiences  13:14 Tips for Personal & Team Branding Success  18:21 Navigating Organizational Politics Effectively  24:55 Conclusion & Contact Info for Betsy Jordyn   Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest episodes from the Improvement Nerds Podcast!    👉 Contact Betsy Jordyn: Betsy Jordyn | Consulting & Coaching Business Mentor   🎧 Listen to more episodes: Improvement Nerds Podcast - Hosted by The Green Dot Group   Keywords: Branding, Continuous Improvement, Organizational Development, Empathy, Political Savvy, Change Management, Process Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, Authentic Branding, Betsy Jordyn, Improvement Nerds Podcast

Get ready for an exciting comeback as Tom West, the mastermind behind the Improvement Nerds podcast, returns from a well-deserved hiatus to introduce a brand-new co-host, Mark Ryan! In this episode, Tom reflects on the heart and soul of the podcast—bringing together passionate guests to geek out over the tools, techniques, and experiences that drive real improvement. But that's not all! Tom’s buzzing with excitement about the fresh direction the podcast is taking and the addition of a stellar new team member. Tune in as Tom and Mark share their epic journey of friendship, from Lean Coffee events to their mutual obsession with all things Disney. Mark dives into his roots in Lean Six Sigma, revealing his transformation from automotive mechanic to improvement science aficionado. He’s thrilled to join the podcast and can’t wait to explore some human-centered improvement topics with you in future episodes. And here’s the big moment: Tom officially passes the hosting torch to Mark, who’s ready to bring you the same nerdy goodness you love—plus some fresh, exciting content to keep you hooked. This episode is packed with energy, nostalgia, and a promise of great things to come. Don’t miss it!

If you listened to Episode 40, in which Mary Andrawis and I explore the topic, and nerd out a bit about Leadership Speech Acts, you probably sensed that we had a lot more that we wanted to talk about. And you'd be right.   In this bonus episode Mary and I revisit Leadership Speech Acts and dive a bit deeper sprinkling in a few complimentary topics such as "Yes, and...", "Loose/Tight", "Power of Choice", and "Assuming Positive Intent".   As Mary puts it, "our words can help shape the future if we use them intentionally."   To connect with Mary, please refer to the preferred communication channels listed below: Website - www.serafinahealth.com Email - [email protected] LinkedIn Personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-andrawis-416a68/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/MaryAndrawis Keywords - leadership, leadership speech acts, share a vision, speech act theory

In Episode 40, Mary Andrawis and I explore the topic, and nerd out a bit about Leadership Speech Acts. As Mary puts it, "our words can help shape the future if we use them intentionally." In this Episode we explore the four common speech acts of... declarations attestations and assessments requests and offers acknowledgments This is an episode you will want to listen to again in again. Mary A. Andrawis, Pharm.D., M.P.H. is Founder and President of Serafina Health Strategy. She has more than 20 years of experience in quality improvement and patient safety, complex program planning, management, and leadership with expertise in medication safety, data analysis, strategic thinking, and regulation interpretation. She founded Serafina Health Strategy in 2020.  Dr. Andrawis brings unique perspective and a wealth of experience from her training at and leadership of various organizations including CMS; HSAG, the nation's then-largest Quality Improvement Organization (QIO); HRET HIIN, the nation's then-largest Hospital Improvement and Innovation Network (HIIN); the American Hospital Association; the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.  She received the Pinnacle Award in 2016, the highest award in Pharmacy, for her work with the Partnership for Patients, which resulted in an estimated 87,000 lives saved, 2.1 million fewer patient harms, and $19.8 billion in cost savings.  Dr. Andrawis has nationally recognized communication skills (both written and verbal) and has several publications on quality measures related to medication-related outcomes. She has also led government negotiations which resulted in more than $100 million in savings to taxpayers.  Her leadership of a team of nearly 55 individuals achieved substantial results in reductions in patient harm in 1,600 hospitals nationwide. Her collaboration with one hospital system to track and trend rates of adverse drug events and implement interventions resulted in 65.5% reduction in harm over a ten-month period across 35 hospitals. Dr. Andrawis is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and proficient in teaching and applying quality improvement tools (including LEAN, Six Sigma, and High Reliability), coaching techniques, facilitation, capturing quality measure data, and creating compelling visual displays to drive sustainable improvements in quality. She is a nationally recognized leader in the field of pharmacy and adverse drug event quality measurement. She trained in patient safety through Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Pharmacy Administration residency in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a graduate of South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She was born and raised in Brookings, South Dakota.  To connect with Mary, please refer to the preferred communication channels listed below: Website - www.serafinahealth.com Email - [email protected] LinkedIn Personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-andrawis-416a68/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/MaryAndrawis Keywords - leadership, leadership speech acts, share a vision, speech act theory

In Episode 39, I have the great privilege of nerding out with the bestselling author, Jodi Brandstetter as we discuss how the improvement method, Design Thinking can be applied to HR -  helping to identify, recruit, onboard, and retain top talent. Jodi Brandstetter, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is passionate about being an entrepreneur that focuses on providing talent acquisition strategies to businesses, career guidance, and training and development.  With 20 years of Human Resources, Recruiting, and Talent experience, Jodi provides expertise in recruitment and sourcing strategies including online and passive sourcing, social media, grassroots, and high-volume recruiting. Jodi uses design thinking methodology to create an innovative selection and hiring processes focused on business and people.  She is passionate about finding the best recruitment solution and tools for fast-growing businesses in the Greater Cincinnati area. Jodi is the CEO and founder of Lean Effective Talent Strategies which includes The Hiring Blueprint, talent acquisition consulting firm, and Talent Acquisition Evolution, a community for recruiting professionals to connect, learn, and work together. September 2020, Jodi published her first book, Hire By Design, A Hiring Blueprint with Design Thinking.  Hire By Design hit bestseller in 7 Amazon Categories on its launched date. Jodi lives outside of Cincinnati, OH with her husband, Ron, and daughter, Lena.   To connect with Jodi and to buy her book Hire By Design, please use the following links: Hire By Design Book - Get the Book on Amazon Website - www.letscincy.com LinkedIn (personal) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodibrandstetter/ LinkedIn (business) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaneffectivetalentstrategiesllc/ Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/Jodi_Recruiter      

In Episode 38, AJ Hobbs and I discuss the multiple ways an belt can add value to an organization. During our conversation we discuss the advantages of becoming a generalist when it comes to improvement. We can appreciate that there are two sides to this coin, generalizing vs. specializing. We do tip our hats to the specialists, but we don't necessarily nerd out about that. Instead we dive deep on becoming an Improvement Nerd Generalist, while discussing what it is like to go to grad school during a crisis. We also take a walk down memory lane, as we reflect on attending the Health Systems Process Improvement (HSPI) Conference we attended in February 2020. Be sure to check out HSPI's many professional development services, and consider attending the HSPI 2021 Conference occurring this February (https://www.iise.org/HSPI) AJ Hobbs is an industrial engineer (B.S. Clemson University, M.S. Purdue University) and current MBA student at Goizueta Business School. AJ has worked in operational improvement consulting with healthcare and airline clients. She enjoys college football, Vinyasa yoga, true crime podcasts, and a good dinner party. AJ lives in Atlanta, GA with her goldendoodle puppy, John Prine, and will remain in Atlanta after graduation to join Bain & Company as a strategy consultant.   To connect with AJ Hobbs, please reach out to her by LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/amandajanehobbs.    

In Episode 37, I nerd out with Craig Willis of Skore (www.getskore.com) about the importance of process mapping. Per Craig, organization's need to make mapping processes as simple as having a conversation. In fact, that is Craig's personal mission, to help organizations map at the speed of conversation.   Craig's goal is to make process mapping and analysis easy and accessible so that anyone can do it. Providing insights and process maps to your process improvement team so they can focus on fixing the gnarly problems. Creating a common language and simple taxonomy for the organization that doesn't require extensive training.   Craig Willis is the CEO of Skore, a cloud based process mapping, analysis and management software that's designed to be used by anyone. Skore's vision is to make these advanced tools accessible so anyone, anywhere, can grow their business without fear or pain. I've been working in technology led change and transformation for over 20 years and the biggest challenge has been getting people to engage with change and come along on the journey. This is about deciphering the complexity that surrounds us and creating a common language for everyone in the business.   To connect with Craig and his team check out Skore's company website at www.getskore.com.   Other channels to connect with Craig include: LinkedIn (Craig Willis) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjwillis/ LinkedIn (Skore Business page) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/skore-labs/ Email - [email protected] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SkoreDigitalDiscovery Twitter - https://twitter.com/SkoreApp Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/skoredigitaldiscovery/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClTfRQXKLoL-iC-Gux5A-sg

In Episode 36, guest Minid Epstein gives the Improvement Nerds audience permission to be their authentic selves. To embrace their imperfections and to go forward even when you don't have it all figured out. By practicing Wabi Sabi, you learn to see the beauty in imperfection, no longer allowing perfection to get in your way of becoming who you were meant to be. Through her work as a successful business owner, nonprofit leader and passionate archeologist, Mindi Epstein has inspired women around the globe to live life on their own terms. She is the creator of the Journey-to-Joy (J2J) framework, a tool she developed to help women honor their path and amplify their voice. As the founder and former owner of Peace through Yoga, a full service yoga studio with multiple locations in the greater Indianapolis area, Mindi coaches entrepreneurs on how to identify, implement and operate the business of their dreams.  She successfully built communities around each of her studio locations, which became the catalyst for starting Top Floor Women, a networking group to inspire personal achievement through connection. Top Floor Women’s success in bringing women together in the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration ultimately was the driving force for the launch of Wabi Sabi. Mindi identifies Wabi Sabi as the culmination of her life experiences and teachings. Previously, Mindi has enjoyed a career as a Sr. Vice President of Communications at a large not-for-profit, a top saleswoman in advertising, a freelance writer and graphic designer and most notably, a published archaeologist working overseas in multiple locations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honors from the University of Michigan and post-graduate studies from the University of Chicago and Tel Aviv University. At her core, Mindi is deeply committed to inspiring women to celebrate their uniqueness and give themselves permission to live the life of their dreams. As a lover of travel, animals, Nature and yoga, Mindi will tell you unequivocally that she loves her life.   To connect with Mindi, please reach out through the following channels: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindi-epstein/ https://www.facebook.com/wabisabi4women https://wabisabi4women.com/   You can also connect with Mindi and collaborate with her by joining the Achievers Circle: A Private Facebook Community for Women Who Aspire & Inspire. Achievers Circle is a virtual gathering space where women come together in fellowship, mentorship, collaboration and friendship to achieve unimaginable possibilities. Weekly Facebook Live sessions — join me and surprise guests for coaching, inspiration and tactics to keep you moving forward Monthly training content Access to Top Floor Women monthly programming VIP Q&A with Top Floor Women guest experts: Information you need! to thrive! Discounts on upcoming courses, programs, retreats and personal styling Monthly membership available as a holiday special - buy 3 months (discounted) for yourself and get 3 months to gift to a friend

Have you found yourself at a career crossroads and not known what to do? In Episode 35, Marla Holdread shares that the best thing to do when at a career crossroad, is to think like a designer. Her advice is to stay curious, to be willing to experiment, to reframe the problem, and to collaborate. Marla Holdread is an executive coach, career strategist, and founder of Shift Leadership. Her passion is to help senior leaders and professionals shift into the next level of career success.  Marla created her unique methodology and coaching program, The Career Revisionist, as a framework for clients to go from waking up exhausted, frustrated, and dreading work, to feeling confident, energized, and leaping out of bed each day.   She whole heartedly believes that we deserve to feel alive and aligned with our work, and she is on a mission to reinvent career experiences for professionals around the globe. You can connect with Marla through the following channels: www.linkedin.com/in/executivecoachrecruitercareercoach [email protected]

In Episode 34 I have the chance to nerd out with Angie Redmon about some of the strategies that an organization can employ to help improve their work culture, while embarking on a journey to become one of the Best Places to Work. Angie works with companies who aspire to have an award-winning workplace distinction. You’ve heard of these, I’m sure—Best Workplaces, Top Workplaces, Best Banks, etc. She has 15 best workplaces awards under her belt, and now she guides companies through the process of pursuing their own. Angie also provides 1:1 HR mentoring and runs an HR mastermind roundtable, using her 25+ years of experience in her field to train and prepare others to master the transformation of improving workplace culture. In short, she’s an HR powerhouse. According to Angie, "People strategy is half art, half science". Through her company, striveHR (https://strivehr.net/), Angie works with businesses who want to attract and retain top-notch talent. She is focused on guiding companies through the process to achieve an award-winning workplace status, while providing strategy and execution services to business leaders who want to earn this distinction. To learn more about embarking on the journey to become a Best Places to Work check out Angie's website at www.strivehr.net. While there, be sure to download a copy of Angie's tremendous resource - 6 Mindsets of High Performing HR Leaders.            

Episode 33 is timely for two reasons. One is that the episode is about servant leadership, an important topic considering the current amount of uncertainty in our world. And the other reason is that the episode airs shortly after Veterans Day. Our guest Tom Crea, joins us and nerds out with us about his years of service and the lessons he learned about serving others.   A key concept from this episode is that serving others through love and purpose leads to superb outcomes. On Tom's website he shares... “Companies that did business from a foundation of love and purpose and practiced servant leadership produced a 1026% return to shareholders over a 10-year period, 8 times more than ‘Good to Great’ companies.” (Coetzer, 2019)   Tom Crea is a leadership expert, decorated career Army Officer, and Blackhawk Helicopter pilot.  Because of his proven skills, he was hand selected to run the Army’s leadership development program at two Boston colleges, where he and his team transformed college students into combat leaders. (Discover how — 3-step process)   Today, he is a Servant Leadership ambassador: An author, keynote speaker, and leadership development coach. He is also a  radio show host. Tom has a B.S. & M.C.S. in Computer Science and a M.A. in Political Science and loves coaching basketball and spending time with his wife and two boys. Tom’s proudest leadership moment came when his unit was called to war in Iraq after he had rotated out. His replacement was not able to perform, so members he developed stepped up to lead; they attribute their success to the leadership Tom instilled in each of them. Today, the Blackhawk leadership way.

Episode 32 is so streaking awesome. Join me, Jami Downs, and Jeffrey Downs as we nerd out about streaking - not the streaking you're thinking.    This streaking includes creating a "be statement", setting a goal, and then streaking your way toward improvement.   This episode celebrates the idea of becoming who you want to be through consistent conscious actions done daily, weekly, or monthly or through Streaking.   Jami Downs is a mother, leader, teacher, and passionate volunteer. Her love of teenagers and desire to empower girls with confidence has inspired her organization of many retreats, conferences, workshops, and community service opportunities. She has a B.A. in advertising and a love of graphic and interior design.   Jeffery J. Downs is a consultant to individuals and executive teams, translating strategy into record-breaking, consistent revenue growth. As a FranklinCovey Business Results Practice Leader, he has worked with CISCO, Boston Scientific, Comcast, CNRL, Staples, Siemens and many more. Prior to FranklinCovey, he was a founder and chief revenue officer at Best Practice Systems, Inc., a SaaS eBill business, where he led the sales team to multi-million-dollar contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Graybar Electric, GlaxoSmithKline, Davey Tree, State of Colorado, and many others. To integrate Streaking into your life buy the Streaking book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indie books, or at https://www.streakingmastery.com. Also, download the Streaking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. To follow Jami and Jeff's journey check them out through the following channels: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-downs-4117631/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jami-downs-8099451ab/ LinkedIn Business Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/69790248/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/streakingmasteryofficial/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/streakingmastery YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNzPzjt6E43w9A8ySJTVxEg Podcast - https://www.streakingmastery.com/podcast Website - https://www.streakingmastery.com

How many creative types do you know that can nerd out about Design Thinking and Agile Project Management? Yeah, not many.  My guest for Episode 31, Sheena Birt, does that and opens the door for how combining the best of left-braining thinking and right-brain thinking can lead to awesome design in an organized, repeatable way. Sheena Birt is the owner of Color Story Studio. She partners with businesses to improve their in-person guest experience through visual displays, custom lighting, and installations. Sheena is passionate about helping business owners grow their reach and revenue by creating inspiring spaces people can't stop talking about. Having over a decade of experience designing retail spaces, Sheena uses her hands-on ability plus design sense to create work for some of Indianapolis’ most recognizable retailers and event spaces.  Sheena received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Fashion Design with a minor in Fiber Arts. There, she discovered a love of repetitive processes that continues to influence her work today. Sheena lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Ezra, and their cat, Maddie. When she isn’t working she enjoys reading, running, meal planning and cooking. Be sure to connect with Sheena and follow her journey as she takes design to a whole new level with her company the Color Story Studio. Website - https://colorstory.studio/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-birt-18ab897/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Colorstorystudio Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/colorstorystudio/

How many creative types do you know that can nerd out about Design Thinking and Agile Project Management? Yeah, not many.  My guest for Episode 31, Sheena Birt, does that and opens the door for how combining the best of left-braining thinking and right-brain thinking can lead to awesome design in an organized, repeatable way.

In Episode 30, Mike Bensi and I nerd out about the importance of culture in the workplace. As we dive deep on the topic we talk about the importance of routinely assessing culture and studying what the key drivers of culture might be. In Mike's experience there are many things that impact culture, but the big ones are: trust in leadership communication clarity of goal opportunity to contribute and make an impact having the resources you need to do your job opportunities for growth and development   Mike helps organizations build strategies that transform their culture and employees, as well as the leaders who support them.   Fueled by his dedication to help develop stronger relationships between leaders and their employees, Mike trains leaders on the importance of culture, putting employees first and the role leaders play in accomplishing both.    Mike’s favorite question for clients is, “How can I help you?” and he uses the answer to help leaders develop people-centered strategies they can implement right away.   Mike brings a diverse background to his work, including past roles with small companies, global organizations and government.  These experiences have given him the platform to personally understand the needs of clients and how to best meet them.   Mike is the author of The Success of Failure (2017), and is a sought-after keynote speaker on employee engagement, HR, and leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, and an MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He is also currently a MBA leadership coach at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN.    Mike serves his community at HEAR Indiana and lives near Indianapolis, IN with his wife and three children.   To connect with Mike please reach out by the following channels: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebensi/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/mjbensi Website - httpswww.mikebensi.com    

In this Bonus Episode with Laura Pullen McMichael we nerd out about journey of becoming a Certified Black Belt through ASQ. As we reflect on our individual journeys to certify we talk about study strategy, preparing for the exam, passing the exam, and applying our new knowledge to help drive improvement.   If you have ever asked yourself, any of these questions... "What is a Black Belt?" "Should I get my Black Belt?" "What type of value does a Black Belt bring?"   Then this episode is for you.

In Episode 29, I nerd out with Amy Woodall about the idea of Extreme Ownership. In Amy's words, "Extreme Ownership is about owning your 50. It is about accepting that in any situation you are 50% of the problem and 50% of the solution."   In this episode we dive deep on Extreme Ownership, but we also nerd out about The Dreaded Drama Triangle, leadership, parenting, and self-awareness.   Amy has spent the last 15 years in the world of customer service and sales. She works with companies globally to improve their performance in sales, service and leadership. In Amy's experience, if their are problems that exist between the internal customers, then the end customer is going to experience problems as well. The solution, is to create a sense of ownership for each individuals work and to have curiosity about what happens upstream and downstream of your own work.   To connect with Amy, please reach out to here through any of the following channels: Linked -- www.linkedin.com/in/amywoodall Website -- www.thetrustpointe.com Email -- [email protected]      

In this episode, Sarah brings her global health experience, travel nursing experience, and passion for caring for the caregiver to the table as we envision how much better healthcare could be if we provided healthcare professionals the space they need to practice self-care.   I struggle to summarize this episode because we touch on so much. We talk a bit about the struggles and excitement of starting a business. The heartache of watching people wrestle with burnout. The importance of morning routines. And the hope of the good things that can happen when people show up more whole.   Sarah first realized her love for health care as a teenager on her first medical mission trip with her father in Haiti. She has traveled extensively as a cardiac nurse. It was while she was on the road that she first realized her passion for helping service based workers. While working at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, she was inspired by the extensive processes in place that enabled healthcare providers to function at their highest levels.    After her first child was born, she returned to the heart of the Midwest where she continued to work as a cardiac nurse at one of the first fully integrated cardiovascular systems in the country. Most recently she worked in the corporate health care environment for one of the nation’s leading insurance providers where she embraced the high standards of client care processes that sparked her own standard of excellence.  She now trains leaders in healthcare to maximize their impact by facing the emotional weight of caregiving head on. If you are tired of going through the motions and are ready to feel alive in your career, You will love this episode!   Be sure to check out Sarah's new website and follow her journey on social media. Website - https://www.healinghealthcareproject.com/ LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/sarah-harker-3178123b Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/HealingHealthcareproject Email - [email protected]    

In Episode 27 I nerd out with Lindsay Tjepkema about the importance of making authentic connections as a leader, as a business, and as a brand. In this episode Lindsay shares strategies on how leaders and organization's can establish trust while building a strong relationships that will drive engagement and loyalty. Lindsay Tjepkema is the CEO and co-founder of Casted, the first and only marketing platform built around branded podcasts. With more than 15 years of experience in B2B marketing, including running her own consulting agency, she’s a dynamic leader who’s had tremendous success building and growing marketing teams on a local and global level. After launching a branded podcast for a global marketing company, Lindsay realized her passion for authentic conversations. This led her to founding Casted to help marketers unlock the full potential of their content by harnessing the power of podcasting.   The company has since gained rapid traction among brands that wish to create greater connection with their audiences through authentic conversation.    Today, with Casted, marketers can manage, activate, and measure podcasts from end-to-end while engaging their audience, increasing sales alignment, and quantifying podcast value with metrics that matter. Learn more at casted.us and engage with Lindsay through on Twitter and other social media channels: Twitter: @CastedLindsay  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaytjepkema/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocasted/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castedlindsay/      

Episode 26 dives deep on the concept that you have to be well before you can have the energy to enact lasting change in your career, your family, your health, in others, etc. In Erica's words, for a person to have whole wellness they need to focus on 6 key things: what they eat, how much they sleep, how they move, what is their purpose, what is their community, and spirituality.   Erica is the founder of Erica Ballard Health – a wellness company that optimizes individuals’ energy through food. Erica started her company after realizing health looks way different than what she thought, bought into, and sold for decades. Now, an evangelical about helping people do better, Erica teaches working professions how to truly take care of themselves despite their busy schedules.   Erica has her MS from Tufts University School of Medicine, got her CHC through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, is a regular contributor to WTHR 13, and has been featured by Women’s Health, Lululemon, and the Young President’s Organization. Most recently Erica launched her own podcast, the Lies We Have Been Fed to help encourage others to pursue happiness and wellness as a packaged deal.   To connect with Erica and to follow her journey please reach out through the following channels: Podcast - www.thelieswevebeenfed.com -OR- https://the-lies-weve-been-fed.simplecast.com/episodes/0-the-lies-weve-been-fed-trailer-qGkzQ_5c LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericaballard/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elballard Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ericaballardhealth Website - www.ericaballardhealth.com    

In Episode 25 Jeff Veyera and I nerd out about the importance of addressing culture as part of any change or improvement initiative. In this episode we dive deep on culture, engagement, process improvement, and Quality 4.0.   Jeff Veyera is a 25 year quality professional, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Senior Member of the American Society for Quality with multi-industry experience.  Air Force Academy graduate and former Air Force logistics officer.  Author of "Culture Is Everything".   To learn more about Jeff and to follow his journey please connect with him through social media.   Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffveyera/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CultureIsEverythingBook/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC61G4eygGF19ij6zRqtxfkQ/ Podcast - https://cultureiseverything.podbean.com/   Be sure to check out Culture is Everything through Amazon.    

In Episode 24 I nerd out with Lori Lovens about people's natural instincts to innovate or to stay the same.   Lori is a dynamic innovator who delivered hundreds of millions of dollars of product innovation growth for Gatorade and other global brands. Her deep understanding of innovation, from ideation through commercialization, was developed over the past 25 years via immersion in hundreds of cross-functional projects as team member, project leader, marketing director, innovation coach, consultant, and VP Culture of Innovation.   At Innovation Savvy, Lori is leading the emerging field of The Human Dynamics of Innovation™.  Lori brings unique data-driven insights…a strengths-based analysis of how people and teams take action in response to risk, uncertainty  and ambiguity…to predict and improve how leaders and organizations navigate chaos and order as well as collaboration and innovation.   Lori earned her MBA from The University of Michigan and serves clients from the Global 100 to startups and nonprofits.  She is a Mentor at 1871, Chicago’s globally recognized Technology & Entrepreneurship community and  an active member of Conscious Capitalism and The Art of Hosting Community of Practice.     Be sure to connect with Lori through her website and other social media channels: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorilovens/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/InnovationSavvy Website - http://innovationsavvy.com      

In Episode 23, Stephanie Norling and I connect to discuss the ins and outs of the Communities of Excellence program sponsored by Baldrige. The Communities of Excellence program is a framework that is used by self-defined communities to help them define their approach to leadership, establish a strategy for their community, and implement their plan while tracking results.   Stephanie Norling has been Director of Communities of Excellence 2026 since 2014. In her roles as Director, Stephanie participated in the development of the Communities of Excellence Criteria, adapted from the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and launched a National Learning Collaborative of communities to support their use of the framework.   Stephanie serves as a Learning Collaborative faculty and mentors several of the 18 communities participating.   After graduating with a BA in Anthropology from Tufts University in 1999, Stephanie joined the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Boston as a Project Coordinator. After moving to San Diego in 2001, she worked for 12 years at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, first in the Operations Department and later taking a lead role in the Elephant Department at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In 2012 Stephanie graduated from the University of San Diego with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Stephanie also participated as a National Baldrige Examiner for three years.   The COE 2026 National Learning Collaborative 4th Cohort begins October 2020. To learn more visit https://communitiesofexcellence2026.org/.     To learn more about Communities of Excellence, be sure to check them out at https://www.linkedin.com/company/communities-of-excellence-2026      

In Episode 22, Gerald Bush, and I get down and dirty about Emotional Intelligence. Specifically, what is it, why its important, and how individuals can strengthen their EQ.Per Gerald, Emotional Intelligence in leaders, and environments that are psychologically safe to take risks go hand in hand. We hope you enjoy the episode. As Chief EQ Officer and founder of GBKB Consulting, Gerald provides HR support, leadership development and coaching to diverse organizations. Gerald is an influential and highly successful Emotional Intelligent (EQ) and Human Resource Consultant with over 15 years of experience. Gerald delivers consultative HR approaches, leads critical evaluations, communicates effectively across all levels of the organization, and manages innovative HR initiatives. He understands what it takes to conduct critical evaluations, develop consultative business solutions, and recommends programs that align with the mission and vision of a corporation. For more resources on Emotional Intelligence and to stay connected with Gerald, please refer to the following: www.gbkbconsulting.com https://events.6seconds.org/ www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-bush-shrm-scp-baa0986 www.twitter.com/BushGerald14    

In episode 21, Jeanette Renshaw, from Smart Scale Consulting, and I nerd out hard core about the importance of standardizing first, then scaling second. Some of the other things we nerd out about include systems thinking, the Goal, pizza trackers, and inspection. Jeanette is true improvement nerd, she is a problem solver with a passion to help companies achieve repeatable, predictable, and profitable results in order to scale revenue and optimize their business - specifically focusing on the sales function. Rooted in the belief that there is no neutral in business, Jeanette helps companies translate their innovation into forward progress no matter if they're bringing their first product to market or commercializing corporate innovation.  Jeanette has a background with B2B and B2C companies of various sizes and across many industries. She specializes in early-stage, rapid-growth technology/SaaS companies seeking to create, correct, and/or standardize their sales everything. Jeanette's Core Philosophies include: -- Learning never ends -- Doing what's right > Being right -- People First -- Communication and Emotional Intelligence promote true empathy -- Happy to admit when I'm wrong; am skeptical of those who never are -- Time & Energy are my currencies If you'd like to learn more about Jeanette's background please connect with her through any of the following channels:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetterenshaw/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/35688929 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEzjm54WMQAXXc1uJn1qBMA    

In Episode 20, Jason Barnaby and I nerd out hardcore about helping people to address self-doubt and to take the first steps toward doing what they are passionate about. As Jason puts it, he wants to "Torch Fear and Ignite Hope." Which is the mission of the company he founded, Fire Starters, Inc. These days, achieving his mission of #IgniteHope and #TorchFear means working with executive teams to accelerate THRU the firestorm of the New Now and navigate TO the New Normal. To create a better and more meaningful life on the other side of change. Jason accomplishes this through a combination of individual executive coaching and facilitating a 5-week, interactive, virtual development experience for leadership teams called 30 Days to Blaze. For individuals, Jason provides group sessions through his new program called Tribe of Five. The author of two books with a corporate and facilitating career spanning 20+ years and 2 continents, Jason’s passion is sparking A-Ha moments that result in lasting change. Be sure to check out the great things Jason is up to and I strongly urge you to join his Tribe. You can connect with Jason in a variety ways, including: Purchasing and reading his books: 30 Days to Blaze and Igniting the Fire Starter Within Check out the Tribe of 5 Demo site Enroll in the Tribe of 5 program Joining Jason's newsletter Following him on Social Media, Jason is extremely active on LinkedIn Email Jason directly at [email protected]  

In this episode Ryan Sullivan and I nerd out about creating and building community that empowers each of us to explore and to be our whole, authentic selves. Especially as parents. Ryan shares his passion about being a father (loving his wife and daughter and soon to arrive newborn with a whole heart), growing his Christian faith, creating a fulfilling career, and staying athletically competitive. Ryan is the founder of Fatherhood On Fire, an organization that Celebrates, Elevates, and Encourages men embracing their role as fathers. Ryan studied Social Studies Education at Indiana State University (Go Trees!!!) which led him to work at The Painted Turtle Camp in Southern California in the summers of 2009 and 2010. After graduating from ISU in 2011 Ryan worked at the sister camp in Ireland, Barretstown. And then went on to Camp Boggy Creek in Central Florida. During his time at camp Ryan met some of the most amazing parents leading their families through life's biggest challenge. According to Ryan, "These were the parents I wanted to be like. I wanted to lead my family with courage, grace, and humility." Ryan fell in love with the challenge and diversity of triathlon. He has completed over 50 triathlons since 2008 culminating with a brutal performance at Ironman Louisville in 2018, a race that had a combined 30% DNS and DNF. Ryan currently serves as a Business Development Specialist for C2IT Consulting helping clients leverage technology to achieve more than they ever thought possible. To connect with Ryan, please following him on social media and check out his awesome podcast, Fatherhood on Fire. Links are provided below: Website - http://fatherhoodonfire.com/ Podcast - https://anchor.fm/fatherhoodonfire LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-sullivan-indy/ Twitter - @FireFatherhood Instagram -@fire_fatherhood  

In episode 18, I nerd out with KJ McGlinn about the importance of having a servant's heart and giving. Per KJ, "those that give, get". Regardless of the size of the gift. As a representative of the Make A Wish organization, KJ helps to bring dreams to life for patients and families facing medical complications. KJ does this by building a community of people who are passionate about granting wishes and providing patients and families with hope. In this episode KJ shares some of her best practices for building a community, for celebrating success, and leading a purposeful life. KJ is a well-known part of the Indianapolis community & beyond. She can be seen on the nationally syndicated show, Pet Pals TV and is the President of the KJ Media Company. She spent 13 years as the co-host for the award winning Smiley Morning Show and founded the popular podcast, Kinda Nerdy Girls. KJ has a loyal social media following of over 35,000 and continues to support local businesses and causes across her platform. In addition to her media career, KJ is also a member of the Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana team. KJ and her husband Patrick are proud pet parents to their 4 rescue cats who have a following of their own on Instagram at @kjscats. KJ is a fangirl at heart known for her love of Marvel movies, Harry Potter, Doctor Who and Star Wars. KJ was the first recipient of the Luke Butler Spirit Award from Make-A-Wish for granting over 300 wishes and raising over $2 million. She has raised over $175,000 through the annual KJ’s Cancer Sucks Party. She is also a passionate advocate for animals. Be sure to connect with KJ through social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedIn.com/IN/kjonair Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kjonair Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/kjonair Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kjonair1

In Episode 17, I nerd out with Karen Valencic about managing conflict and creating flow through her leadership approach called Spiral Impact. Karen Valencic is founder Spiral impact, a Performance Improvement Company specializing in leadership and team development. As a degreed-tenured engineer, effectiveness and practicality informs her work; 30 years of aikido training brings the artistic flare and power to her content. Karen works with leaders and teams through speaking, coaching and consulting. In times of accelerated change and disruption, peoples’ lagging ability to adapt opens Pandora’s Box for destructive conflict, burnout, and division. In her recent Black Belt Edition release of Spiral Impact: The Power to Get It Done with Grace, Karen Valencic shares how to bring forth your True Power and master the art of conflict to help you foster collaboration, innovation, and civility, greatly impacting your individual sense of freedom and engagement in your life. Karen’s Spiral Impact® Method is grounded in the martial art, aikido, and in physics, which she blends with three decades of experience working deeply with leaders and teams. To connect with Karen, please reach out to her through her website or through social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spiralimpact/ Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/spiralimpact Twitter - https://twitter.com/spiralimpact Email - [email protected] Website - www.spiralimpact.com  

In Episode 16, Jeremiah and I nerd out about his upcoming book Mental Wealth. Mental Wealth is Jeremiah's approach for helping others achieve financial well-being and freedom. Jeremiah, who grew up a region kid, has overcome the circumstances of a poor school system, having a kid at an early age, and $210,711 worth of debt. Now, Jeremiah has dedicated himself to changing the mindset of others and to help them defeat their financial issues and much more. Jeremiah's Mental Wealth Academy teaches a 5-Step Process to help individuals change their relationship with money. Purpose Plan People Persistence Prayer According to Jeremiah, "When you are clear on your why, you can do any how." Mental Wealth is currently available for pre-order through Jeremiah's website (https://jeremiahreed.com/). Be sure to check Jeremiah out on social media: - LinkedIn - Mental Wealth Academy YouTube Channel - Instagram    

Why not have two episodes with Katie Rasoul? In a follow up to Katie's full episode, I wanted to create a bonus episode were all we do is get nerdy about her amazing book Hidden Brilliance: A High-Achieving Introvert's Guide to Self-Discovery, Leadership, and Playing Big. In this bonus episode Katie and I try our best to provide a brief recap of her book. We talk about what it feels like to carry the weight of being a high-achiever. We also talk about imposter syndrome and having an internal Board of Directors. Lastly, we discuss a few tactics for increasing your "Hell Yes!" quota.   As always, thanks for nerding out with us.    

Episode 15 is a must listen to episode about the importance of creating psychological safety at work. My guest, Katie Rasoul shares a masterful story about how organization’s need to strive to give people more than a job. That they need to give them a purpose. Katie is a leadership coach, keynote speaker and team culture expert helping leaders change the world through her company, Team Awesome. She has led leadership, organizational development and HR best practices for more than a decade, including serving as Vice President of Human Resources for a nearly $4 billion publicly traded company. Katie is a TEDx and Disrupt speaker alumna and author of the best-selling book, Hidden Brilliance: A High-Achieving Introvert’s Guide to Self-Discovery, Leadership and Playing Big. She also co-hosts The Life and Leadership Podcast as a platform of conversations for powerful people to level up. Katie is a mom of two tiny humans, a proud advocate for her awesome hometown of Milwaukee and macaroni & cheese aficionado. Find her full body of work at www.katierasoul.com and www.teamawesomecoaching.com. You can find Katie on a variety of social media channels: - YouTube - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - LinkedIn

Join Andrea Butcher and I for Episode 14 as we nerd out about The Leadership Challenge. Highlighting the specific behaviors that help to create an effective leader. Andrea is a visionary—she knows how to lead organizations from big picture to execution. She is a dynamic speaker, coach, and facilitator. As the President of HRD, she leads the organization’s growth strategy and focuses on executive leadership development. Andrea’s work spans organizations of all sizes and industries all over the world; she has experience in global HR positions, consulting, and executive roles for private and public organizations. Andrea is also the co-leader of Next Gen Talent, a program specifically designed to equip early career HR leaders for success. In addition to this, Andrea also hosts a weekly podcast, Being [at Work].  For those that are not familiar with The Leadership Challenge, it is a model that consists of 5 leadership behaviors that can be evaluated, role modeled, and learned. Model the Way Inspire a Shared Vision Challenge the Process Enable Others to Act Encourage the Heart The Leadership Challenge is a true passion for Andrea. Per Andrea, it gets results, but beyond that it helps leaders to be better people. And to help the people they are responsible for leading, to be better too. To connect with Andrea, please check out her podcast and follow her on social media. Andrea's LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abutcher0201/ HRD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrdadvisorygroup/ Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/abudantempower HRD Website - https://www.hrdavisorygroup.com Being [at Work] Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-at-work/    

In Episode 13, Shelley Brown and I nerd out about mindfulness, among other topics - empathy, leadership, self-awareness, compassion, and meditation. Shelley Brown is a Baltimore based mindfulness speaker, webinar, in-person workshop facilitator and the founder of ROI Mindfulness. She facilitates workshops around the United States with leaders from Executive Committee to front-line managers from a variety of industries. As a corporate veteran, Shelley’s mission is to make the invitation to the practice as accessible and inclusive as possible. Her practical approach appeals to seasoned practitioners, those who may be exploring the practice as well as skeptics. Shelley engages in a disciplined personal mindfulness practice and marries the foundations of mindfulness with essential leadership training to help everyone cultivate the skills needed now that are most needed both personally and professionally including self- awareness and emotional intelligence. Shelley believes when we cultivate mindfulness not just for ourselves but also to show up better for others. Per Shelley, mindfulness helps foster a more focused, productive, and connected workplace where employees feel fulfilled and valued. To connect with Shelley please visit her website, reach out on social media, or send her an email. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleybbrown Website - www.roimindfulness.com Email - [email protected]