The Rest is Lean

Alan Lothian, John Dee, Russell Watkins
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The Rest is Lean Channel is a light-hearted and educational look at how to make businesses better through Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence. Suited for all levels of understanding and from any industry or geographical region.John, Alan & Russell are time-served lean professionals with over 30 years each in this field. Leading and coaching some of the best businesses from SMEs to multi-nationals.Trained by some of the highest calibre Japanese masters from Toyota(one step from Ohno himself), Honda and Nissan , we want to share our experiences with you, allowing some of these 'pearls of wisdom' to help make your business processes, people, and profitability that little bit better each day.We welcome your comments, questions, and guidance on future discussion topics so feel free to drop us a line via the comments section or via email. therestislean@gmail.comOh, and don't forget to subscribe!!

  1. JAN 25

    The TRIL Leadership Interview Series - Rob Marchant

    Send us a text The Rest is Lean (#TRIL) Podcast brings you powerful conversations with professionals from across the globe, sharing real-world experiences in lean manufacturing and leadership Each episode dives into the principles, challenges, and successes that shape modern organisations—told by those who live them every day  In this episode, Alan welcomes Rob Marchant, Chairman & Founder of The MarchantCain Group. (www.marchantcain.com) Specialist designers, makers and builders of complex mechatronic components that enhance the aesthetic form and function of our customers’ vehicles in a multitude of industries. From industry veterans to innovative thinkers, our guests reveal practical insights, cultural shifts, and leadership strategies that drive transformation.  Whether you’re a business leader, lean practitioner, or simply curious about what makes organisations thrive, #TRIL delivers stories and lessons that inspire action.  Tune in and discover why, when it comes to leadership and lean, the rest is just noise. If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested. Remember that we are also available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms! You can even email us at therestislean@gmail.com The #TRIL Team are: John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd.  www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd.  www.sempai.co.uk

    42 min

  2. JAN 11

    I'll Stop When You Squeak! aka What Happens if We Don't Improve?

    Send us a text Another exciting episode from the guys at TRIL In addition to the usual banter from the three lean musketeers, and the usual 'Quote of the Week' segment, find out why: - Russell enjoyed his books and recent Taphouse visits - John is getting so excited about his electric tricycle - Alan is talking about his exploits in Silicon Spa! They also take some of subscriber questions and offer their thoughts. If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms! The #TRIL Team are: John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd.  www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd.  www.sempai.co.uk

    32 min

  3. 12/28/2025

    Leadership, Listening and Gemba aka Looking Through a Different Lens

    Send us a text The #TRIL Team get together once again to share their experiences through their decades in Lean Transformation, Leadership and Continuous Improvement endeavours. In this episode learn about: - Traits of a good leader such as active listening - The Importance of Gemba - Football Mascots - Spying in changing rooms (not!) - Clarity & Conciseness - Why are John's jacket pockets so big?! If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested. Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms! The #TRIL Team are: John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd.  www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd.  www.sempai.co.uk

    35 min

  4. 12/14/2025

    The Tact of Takt II aka You Can't Be a Little Bit Pregnant!

    Send us a text A continuation from our previous Tact is Takt episode, due to the deluge of questions asked by our subscribers.  Options to deal with variations in your Takt calculation, visualising the opportunity for further improvement, skills, flexibility, 8 Wastes, and the impact of WIP are all touched upon in this jam-packed episode. If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested. Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms! The #TRIL Team are: John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd.  www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd.  www.sempai.co.uk

    32 min

  5. 11/30/2025

    The Tact of Takt aka A Trip to Japan

    Send us a text The #TRIL Team are back with another episode sharing their latest exploits and experiences, revolving around lean leadership, continuous improvement and OpEx. In this episode Russ gives us an insight into his recent trip to Japan, and John rambles on around the adventures of the great John Adair.  We also discuss the question ' What is the smallest hill you would die on?' which conjures up some interesting topics such as OEE and Takt Time. If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested. Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms! The #TRIL Team are: John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd.  www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd.  www.sempai.co.uk

    32 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    The TRIL Leadership Interview Series - Glyn Holman

    Send us a text The Rest is Lean (#TRIL) Podcast brings you powerful conversations with professionals from across the globe, sharing real-world experiences in lean manufacturing and leadership.  Each episode dives into the principles, challenges, and successes that shape modern organizations—told by those who live them every day. From industry veterans to innovative thinkers, our guests reveal practical insights, cultural shifts, and leadership strategies that drive transformation.  Whether you’re a business leader, lean practitioner, or simply curious about what makes organizations thrive, #TRIL delivers stories and lessons that inspire action. Tune in and discover why, when it comes to leadership and lean, the rest is just noise. If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested. Remember that we are also available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms! You can even email us at therestislean@gmail.com The #TRIL Team are: John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd.  www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd.  www.sempai.co.uk

    36 min

  7. 11/02/2025

    PDCA or CAPDo aka In-SPIRE-ing Lean

    Send us a text Another episode for Team #tril to get their teeth into and they get underway with some subsciber questions, one of which with a 'divine' theme which leads them to exploring the statement that Lean can be applied anywhere and everywhere. Alan brings a recent experience of 5S/6S and even 7S, and asks if this is necessary or just over-complication.  Find out also what is meant by the phrase "Join those that know how to join the canoe." If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested. Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms! The #TRIL Team are: John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd.  www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd.  www.sempai.co.uk

    32 min

  8. 10/19/2025

    Lean You Wouldn't Do? aka Red Flags & Frogs in Wells

    Send us a text John returns to the fold from his hiatus. Team #tril revisit a previous episode with some real world examples of where potentially doing too much lean has had some 'interesting' consequences! They also challenge their values and beliefs when it comes work. Find out what work the boys have declined and why, plus what are the red flags that make them think again! There's also our Saying of the week and what is meant by 'A Frog in A Well', plus also find out why John is so afraid of Hamble! If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested. Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms! The #TRIL Team are: John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd.  www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd.  www.sempai.co.uk

    31 min
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About

The Rest is Lean Channel is a light-hearted and educational look at how to make businesses better through Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence. Suited for all levels of understanding and from any industry or geographical region.John, Alan & Russell are time-served lean professionals with over 30 years each in this field. Leading and coaching some of the best businesses from SMEs to multi-nationals.Trained by some of the highest calibre Japanese masters from Toyota(one step from Ohno himself), Honda and Nissan , we want to share our experiences with you, allowing some of these 'pearls of wisdom' to help make your business processes, people, and profitability that little bit better each day.We welcome your comments, questions, and guidance on future discussion topics so feel free to drop us a line via the comments section or via email. therestislean@gmail.comOh, and don't forget to subscribe!!

Information

  • Creator
    Alan Lothian, John Dee, Russell Watkins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Rest is Lean
  • Show Website
    The Rest is Lean