The Edges of Lean

LeanForHumans
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The Edges of Lean explores topics in continuous improvement (lean thinking, creative problem solving, six sigma) that get overlooked. Meet the people practicing lean in odd places or with different twists, always with a focus on respect for people and continuous learning.

  1. 08/28/2025

    Ep 139 Michelle Formanczyk: Improving Communication with VoicePrint

    Michelle Formanczyk is the owner of Slingshot Designs and serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Lean Consortium as Director of Outreach. She’s a certified VoicePrint practitioner and seasoned consultant with deep expertise in continuous improvement, leadership development, and communication strategy. Today, she joins us to share how VoicePrint brings empathy back to leadership—transforming how teams connect, collaborate, and thrive.” Key Takeaways VoicePrint is a communication tool identifying 9 "voices" people use, grouped into exploring, positioning, and controlling clusters VoicePrint helps leaders understand their communication patterns and impact, improving team dynamics and leadership effectiveness Combining VoicePrint with lean practices like Kata could enhance leadership development and coaching Michelle advocates for connecting lean thinkers in Michigan through her work with the Michigan Lean Consortium Topics Michelle's Background and Career Path Grew up in northern Michigan, started career at Chrysler Tech Center Progressed through roles in industry to global consulting Now focused on connecting lean and scientific thinkers in Michigan Involved with Michigan Lean Consortium, recently joined board VoicePrint Overview Developed by psychologist Alan Robertson of TalkWise company Identifies 9 voices grouped into exploring, positioning, and controlling clusters Includes self-assessment and 360-degree feedback components Helps individuals understand how they communicate and are perceived by others Can be applied in various contexts - leadership, teams, personal development VoicePrint Application in Leadership and Teams Helps leaders understand their communication patterns under normal and pressure situations Identifies gaps between intended and actual communication styles Improves team dynamics by creating awareness of different communication styles Particularly useful for transitions (e.g. frontline to supervisor, supervisor to manager) Can be applied across industries and leadership styles Connecting VoicePrint to Lean Practices Potential to combine VoicePrint with Kata coaching for leadership development Could enhance leader's ability to ask effective questions and pivot conversations Aligns with lean focus on effective communication and continuous improvement Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) Initiatives Working to connect Michigan's lean community and resources better Exploring a stronger relationship with the University of Michigan Annual conference upcoming, open to attendees outside Michigan Next Steps Explore potential integration of VoicePrint with Kata and other lean practices Consider attending the Michigan Lean Consortium annual conference Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn for further discussion on VoicePrint and lean leadership

    43 min

  2. 08/13/2025

    Ep 138 Sabrina Malter: Continuously Learning

    Key Takeaways Sabrina's journey from the pharmaceutical industry to management consulting focused on learning and lean principles The importance of creating psychologically safe environments for learning and coaching Key insights on writing a book, including the value of accountability and developing one's writing voice Sabrina's book “Lernen leben” ("Learning and Living)" (available in the German language only) focuses on fostering a learning mindset and culture in organizations Sabrina's Career Journey 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, starting in quality testing Transitioned to people and culture, then back to production Gradually learned about lean, initially viewing it as just tools Gained a deeper understanding of lean as a learning and continuous improvement approach Introduction to Coaching Implemented peer coaching program for the leadership team Started with basics: open-ended questions, active listening Learned about Kata coaching, which became a powerful tool Created a "coaching community of practice" for ongoing learning Learning Mindset and Culture Emphasizes learning as a state of mind, not a fixed characteristic Discusses psychological safety, trust, and accountability in learning cultures Focuses on making change easier by applying learning principles Book Writing Process Worked with a book coach to improve writing style and process Learned the importance of writing for reader enjoyment Used accountability (telling others, publisher deadline) to stay motivated Developed a writing routine and personal mantras Book Content Aimed at people leaders and change agents Covers learning attitudes, culture, Kata coaching, and change management Includes case studies from companies promoting learning Sabrina Malter is passionate about creating a work environment where everyone can bring their full self to work and make the boldest impact for the organization and beyond. She loves to challenge, encourage, and support organizations that embark on their learning and growth journey. Sabrina brings her passion to life as a Leadership and learning coach and consultant at her own business, Unveil Business Consulting GmbH. She understands the power of Lean thinking in working towards her vision with a special expertise and skill in Kata Coaching, Leadership Development and Cultural Change. Sabrina’s 25 years of industry background brought her experience and expertise in Business Transformations, Organizational Development and Strategy Management. Her educational background includes a M.Sc. in Sustainability Management from The Open University, UK, as well as further study on Leading People Centered Change, Leadership Coaching, and Professional Resilience. Sabrina lives with her husband and two daughters in the south of Germany. Find Sabrina on LinkedIn or at https://www.unveil-businessconsulting.com

    1h 3m

  3. 07/29/2025

    Ep 137 Jared Thatcher (and the Global Lean Summit)

    Key Takeaways Jared Thatcher has 20+ years of lean experience across manufacturing, consulting, and government sectors The Global Lean Summit evolved from virtual events during COVID to an international in-person conference This year's summit (Sept 23-25, 2023) features speakers from global companies, a Toyota plant tour, and follow-up support The summit aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience on lean principles and implementation Topics Jared's Lean Journey Started in manufacturing, noticing inefficiencies and developing improvements MBA introduced formal lean concepts, aligning with his natural problem-solving approach Worked at Daimler Trucks NA, saving millions through continuous cost improvement Transitioned to office lean implementation, seeing dramatic efficiency gains Moved to consulting, then to Alaska Airlines, where he solved long-standing data issues Virtual Kaizen Events COVID-19 forced a transition to virtual events Discovered that virtual process mapping was more efficient than traditional methods Benefits: No rework, better collaboration, increased participation from introverts Hybrid approach: Using digital tools even in in-person settings Global Lean Summit Evolution Started as a virtual event during the COVID lockdowns to help small businesses Grew from 21 attendees in the first year to nearly 90 at the 2022 in-person event The 2025 event is partnered with Indiana University, attracting an international audience Features: Toyota plant tour, speakers from GE Aerospace, and City Furniture Focuses on five key elements: strategy deployment, people development, workflow optimization, problem-solving, and daily management Summit Structure and Benefits Day 1: Principles of successful lean organizations Day 2: Toyota plant tour and practical application workshop Day 3: Developing individual lean management roadmaps Post-summit: 30, 60, 90-day virtual follow-ups for accountability and support Additional offering: Japan Kaizen Learning Mission in November Next Steps Visit www.globalleansummit.com for more information and registration Connect with Jared Thatcher on LinkedIn for updates Consider attending the Global Lean Summit (Sept 23-25, 2023) or Japan Learning Mission (November 2023) Early bird pricing for the summit ends August 15, 2023 About Jared! With over 10 years of experience in lean process improvement, project management, change management, business analysis, leadership, and training, Jared is a passionate and results-oriented CPI Program Manager at Port of Seattle, where he engages in a lean transformation of the airport operations and other processes throughout the Port. He teaches, trains, and mentors others in continuous process improvement, and developed a lean network of other Port authorities and government agencies to share best practices, success stories, and group problem solving. He is also the host of the Virtual Lean Summit and the author of Parenting the Lean Way, a book that applies the proven business philosophy of lean to the family. Jared is a Lean Bronze Certified professional, a Project Management Professional, a Certified Scrum Master, and a PROSCI Certified Change Manager,

    56 min

  4. 01/31/2025

    Ep 136 Positive Intelligence with Corinna Freitag

    Do you consider yourself to be “good with people?"  Some of us are born with the skill of creating relationships and working well with others; some of us struggle, especially people whose strengths are in science and technology, and we all could learn to be better at it! Whether you are a natural "people person" or not, Corinna Freitag has essential advice for all of us about the trait of positive intelligence and how it can enhance our work and personal relationships.   Corinna Freitag   Corinna Freitag is an Executive Coach, Advisor, and Speaker with over 30 years of expertise in natural and human sciences, spanning academia, industry, and continuing education. She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and is a certified Executive Coach. She earned her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the gold standard in professional coaching. With a career that has taken her across multiple countries, Corinna spent over 18 years working globally in the automotive and chemical industries. She has held diverse roles, collaborating with colleagues at all levels—from the shop floor to Senior Vice Presidents. Her extensive experience ultimately led her to serve as the Global Operational Excellence Leader for over five years. KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:02:19 - Challenges for STEM Professionals in Management 00:05:01 - Client Struggles with Social Skills 00:06:03 - Neurodivergence and Technical Focus 00:07:02 - Rewiring the Brain and Changing Habits 00:10:05 - Coaching Approach: Assessments and Targets 00:15:09 - Coaching Style: Directive vs. Non-Directive 00:20:01 - Emotional Intelligence and Career Advancement 00:23:15 - Client Success Stories 00:29:48 - Positive Intelligence Explained 00:39:41 - Advice for Young Professionals   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Positive intelligence is approaching challenges with a positive mindset. Some STEM professionals struggle with social skills and building relationships. It is possible to change and improve social skills with practice and coaching. Assessments and goal-setting are vital tools in coaching to track progress and measure improvement. The concept of positive intelligence helps rewire the brain and change habits. Building empathy and understanding for others is crucial in improving relationships and resolving conflicts. Training mental toughness is a positive mindset that can help individuals overcome challenges and thrive in work and life. Memorable Quotes From Corinna Freitag   "Train your mental toughness... handle challenges with a positive rather than a negative mindset”   CONNECT WITH Corinna Freitag   Website: https://www.corinnafreitag.de/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcorinnafreitag/

    38 min

  5. 10/29/2024

    Ep 135 Time Optimization with David Buck

    What’s the only thing we all have the same amount of?  It’s the number of hours in our day.  We live in a culture that is focused on productivity, but David Buck, the author of The Time Optimized Life,  has a different perspective on time. He says we should be thinking about time optimization, not time management, and he bases his approach on lean thinking. I invited him to spend a little time with me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights.  Note: this conversation is especially important for people who are considering retirement or other major work transitions! David Buck David Buck is the author of The Time-Optimized Life and brings over 35 years of experience in organizational and time management to his work. Drawing from an affluent career in business development, where he worked with Fortune 500 companies and innovative small businesses, David developed a comprehensive understanding of business and began thinking about a life strategy that balances career with personal fulfillment.   Having led numerous teams, David understands the difference between productivity and mere busyness. He believes strongly that people in their late 40s and beyond should have the option to pursue fulfilling lives without compromising their career aspirations. As his first customer, David embodies his philosophy, showing his clients that they do not have to choose between a rewarding career and a satisfying personal life. Instead, he guides them in crafting a lifestyle that excites and sustains them, whether it involves full-time work, part-time engagement, or a purposeful retirement.     KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:04:45 The focus on retirement and life after work 00:08:40 The importance of human connections and meaningful activities in retirement 00:11:41 Defining one's purpose and guiding principles for using time 00:16:23 Negotiating unique employment structures for flexibility in retirement 00:19:54 Building relationship capital at work and personal life 00:23:20 Embracing diversity and continuous improvement in retirement planning 00:26:56 The challenge of transitioning to retirement and finding purpose 00:31:37 Sharing life stories and family histories as a productive activity KEY TAKEAWAYS: Time optimization emphasizes proactive planning for adaptable, effective scheduling. Optimizing time allows for prioritizing amid unexpected events. Defining life purpose is essential for a meaningful retirement transition. Planning diverse activities helps prevent monotony in retirement. Work-life flexibility, supported by relationship-building, allows responsiveness to personal needs. Relationship capital at work enables flexibility and smoother work-life transitions. Documenting life stories creates a lasting legacy for future generations. Lean principles applied to personal life improve time management with small changes.   Memorable Quotes From David Buck   "Practice patience, as meaningful things often take longer than expected; it allows you to learn, grow, and appreciate the journey." CONNECT WITH David Buck   Website: https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/tma/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infinitylifestyle/

    42 min

  6. 10/17/2024

    Ep 134 Continuous Improvement in a Time of Political Turmoil with Phyllis Leavitt

    It’s election season in the United States, and it affects us all, no matter how involved we are in politics. Deep fractures run through our families, neighborhoods, and workplaces, affecting our ability to live and work with each other. Phyllis Leavitt’s new book, America in Therapy, directly addresses this problem and what we can do about it. She joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about the intersections of political division and continuous improvement.    Phyllis Leavitt Phyllis Leavitt’s journey into psychology began long before her formal education. Growing up in a close-knit community, she was always drawn to helping others and understanding the complexities of human emotions. This passion led her to volunteer at local shelters and community centers during her teenage years, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of trauma and the power of compassionate support. Phyllis Leavitt graduated from Antioch University in 1989, earning a Master's in Psychology and Counseling. She co-directed Parents United, a sexual abuse treatment program in Santa Fe, New Mexico, until 1991, after which she dedicated herself to private practice full-time. Over the course of 34 years as a psychotherapist, Phyllis worked with children, families, couples, and individual adults, specializing in issues related to abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their consequences, and the essential components of healing. She is the author of two books, "A Light in the Darkness" and "Into the Fire." KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST: 00:01:44 Motivation for writing the book "America in Therapy" 00:06:00 The role of dysfunctional family dynamics in societal issues 00:11:48 Identifying and understanding symptoms of trauma and abuse 00:20:00 Bringing psychological principles to national conversations 00:26:10 Importance of seeing individuals, not labels 00:31:17 The need for deep listening and understanding of each other's stories 00:35:11 Introduction to Leavitt's book "America and Therapy" 00:39:04 Advice for young people: Find appropriate ways to contribute KEY TAKEAWAYS: Family dynamics and trauma influence behaviors across workplaces and society. Labeling people diminishes their humanity and escalates conflict. Sharing personal stories fosters empathy and bridges divides. Small acts of kindness can create a positive societal ripple effect. Dysfunctional family dynamics lead to symptomatic behaviors in individuals. Mass shootings may indicate broader societal dysfunction. Healing from abuse requires rebuilding bonds of compassion and care. Psychology provides tools for deep listening and conflict resolution. Safe spaces for dialogue are essential for sharing experiences. Individuals can promote positive change through kindness and advocacy.   Memorable Quotes From Phyllis Leavitt.   "Healing from trauma is not just about rebuilding oneself; it's about nurturing the bonds of compassion that connect us all." CONNECT WITH Phyllis Leavitt   Website:https://phyllisleavitt.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-leavitt-630179255  X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhyllisLeavitt2  IG:https://www.instagram.com/pel2347/

    43 min

  7. 10/10/2024

    Ep 133 Meetings that Don't Suck with Jonathan Vehar and Cathi Brese Doebler

    One of the things that frankly drives me crazy about how people think about continuous improvement is a focus on cost savings rather than increasing productivity and engagement so I was excited to chat with Jonathan Vehar and Cathi Brese Doebler about a brilliant method to increase productivity, drive engagement and save money. They joined me to talk about their new book. “How to Make Meetings Not Suck”  Listen in and consider how their approach might enhance every meeting, from your daily morning huddle to those three-day leadership retreats.   Jonathan Vehar Jonathan Vehar is on a mission to make meetings better. With years of experience as a leader, executive, and facilitator, he knows what works and what does not. Known as an "innovation thought leader" by Fast Company, Jonathan takes a fresh but productive approach to improving "how teams collaborate". He has worked with top companies like Disney, Intel, NASA, and Pfizer, and his insights have been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Jonathan is also the co-author of six books on leadership, and his latest book, How to Make Meetings Not Suck, comes out in August 2024. Cathi Brese Doebler Cathi Brese Doebler brings over 25 years of experience in meeting facilitation, training, and leadership development. Cathi is passionate about helping others learn and grow. Cathi has been a Senior Consultant and Leadership Solutions Facilitator at the Center for Creative Leadership since 2013 and has worked with organizations like Fiserv and McBride & Lucius. She has also collaborated with several colleges, including the University of Buffalo and Erie Community College, blending her expertise in leadership with education. . KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:02:43 The importance of having fun at work 00:10:55 The purpose of having agendas for meetings 00:15:29 The cost of unproductive meetings 00:19:50 Calculating the financial cost of meetings 00:22:28 Suggestions for running effective meetings 00:25:14 The CIDR framework for meeting purposes 00:27:14 Differences between in-person and virtual meetings 00:32:19 Managing hybrid meetings effectively 00:33:14 How to connect with Jonathan and Kathy 00:34:02 Advice for young professionals starting their careers     KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Thoughtful planning and structure are essential for effective meetings, requiring a clear purpose and well-organized processes. Ineffective meetings are costly, with an average financial impact of $336,000 in one year. Virtual, in-person, and hybrid meetings present unique challenges, but we can manage them effectively with the right tools and techniques. The elements for successful meetings include a Power Agenda, defined roles, clear purpose (using the CIDR framework), and strong follow-through. The "Power Agenda" focuses on unique components like meeting duration, role assignments (e.g., scribe), processes, and desired outcomes to make meetings more efficient. The 3 Ps (Purpose, Process, Product) framework helps guide meetings to stay on track, ensuring clarity and respect for the time. Respecting time by preparing agendas in advance and assigning clear roles is a simple way to improve meeting effectiveness, countering the excuse of not having time for preparation. The CIDR framework (clear purpose, intentional design, defined roles, and respectful interaction) is crucial for making meetings productive and meaningful.     Memorable Quotes:   “Effective meetings don’t just happen — they require thoughtful planning, clear purpose, and respect for everyone’s time.” CONNECT WITH Jonathan Vehar:   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-vehar/  Website: https://vehar.com/    CONNECT WITH Cathi Brese Doebler: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-brese-doebler-91884910/  Website: https://ditchthe.com/about/  Twitter: https://x.com/CathiDoebler

    37 min

  8. 09/24/2024

    Ep 132 The Hidden Side of Coaching with Kelly Mallery

    Who are you when you are coaching?  How are you presenting yourself to your learner? How might your inner emotional state affect your coaching effectiveness?  Kelly Mallery coaches using the Toyota Improvement Kata and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share some of her insights and what she has learned about the hidden side of coaching.     Kelly Mallery   Kelly Mallery serves as the Operational Excellence Manager for two Viant Medical sites while running her own coaching business, Kelly Mallery Coaching & Consulting LLC. She became part of Viant Medical in 2023, bringing her over 11 years of diverse manufacturing experience across industries such as solar, industrial consumer products, and aerospace. Throughout her career, Kelly has consistently focused on continuous improvement, and in the past five years, she has shifted her focus from practicing to coaching others. In 2020, she joined the Kata Girl Geeks, and by 2023, she founded Kata School Northeast, where she has established herself as a seasoned coach and 2nd coach. Kelly resides in the Upper Valley, situated between Vermont and New Hampshire, with her family. KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:01:06 Kelly's background and role in coaching 00:02:56 Integrating coaching practices into business operations 00:08:38 Developing self-awareness as a coach 00:11:08 Giving specific feedback to coaches 00:14:51 Bringing attention to a coach's emotional state 00:18:41 The impact of self-awareness on organizational culture 00:22:42 Creating trust and healthy conflict through self-awareness 00:28:22 Treating people as vehicles vs. human beings 00:29:27 Kelly's plans and coaching business 00:31:09 Advice for young professionals on self-awareness KEY TAKEAWAYS: Integrating coaching practices into business operations enhances organizational performance and effectiveness. Self-awareness is essential for coaches, allowing them to recognize their biases and emotional states, which can significantly influence the learner's experience. Developing emotional intelligence within organizations fosters trust and encourages healthy conflict, improving team dynamics and performance. Evolving from viewing individuals as mere tools for change to recognizing their humanity enriches the coaching approach. Integrating scientific thinking with emotional intelligence creates a holistic coaching practice that addresses both cognitive and emotional aspects of learning. Fostering self-awareness throughout an organization can lead to a more collaborative environment and enhance overall performance. Trust and healthy conflict are vital components of effective teamwork, and self-awareness is the key to cultivating these elements. Continuous personal and professional growth is crucial for coaches, emphasizing the need for ongoing development in self-awareness and coaching skills.   Memorable Quotes From Kelly Mallery.   "Trust and healthy conflict are vital components of effective teamwork, and self-awareness plays a key role in cultivating these elements." CONNECT WITH Kelly Mallery.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mallery-123b0628/

    33 min
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About

The Edges of Lean explores topics in continuous improvement (lean thinking, creative problem solving, six sigma) that get overlooked. Meet the people practicing lean in odd places or with different twists, always with a focus on respect for people and continuous learning.

Information

  • Creator
    LeanForHumans
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Edges of Lean