Business Excellence for Managers

Juan Eduardo Steigerwald
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Introducing a podcast for leaders and managers seeking excellence in their business ventures. Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices, with new episodes every 2 weeks featuring prominent guests. Learn from experts and my own experiences in business excellence since 2000, as a consultant and C-Level executive. Get practical tips to improve business performance, employee and customer satisfaction. Tune in to solve everyday management challenges and elevate your business.

  1. Seven Benefits of Kaizen Workshop for Your Team with Juan Steigerwald

    12/08/2025

    Seven Benefits of Kaizen Workshop for Your Team with Juan Steigerwald

    Welcome to the “Business Excellence for Managers” podcast!In today’s episode, I dive into why Kaizen is making a real comeback in modern management. Continuous improvement isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practical way to create fast, tangible change. And Kaizen workshops are one of the most effective tools to make that happen. I break down how these workshops compress months of problem-solving into just a few days, driven entirely by the people who know the process best: the subject-matter experts. When ideas come from the front line, not consultants or management, you get solutions that actually stick. We’ll look at the structure of a Kaizen workshop, the benefits it brings to teams, and how it breaks down silos, boosts engagement, and strengthens workplace culture. And I’ll share why the real power of Kaizen lies in managers stepping back, empowering their teams, and ensuring the ideas generated get implemented in a meaningful way. If you’re leading people, improving operations, or simply curious about how to unlock better performance through empowerment, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap. Time stamps: 01:10 Introduction to Kaizen and Its Relevance Today. 06:05 Understanding the Kaizen Mindset. 07:20 Kaizen Workshops: Structure and Benefits. 11:00 The Seven Key Benefits of Kaizen Workshops.    Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.com Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planet LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTubeWAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.   Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

    28 min
  2. Simplifying Success: AI, Culture, and Process Improvement with Vitezslav Vanek

    09/22/2025

    Simplifying Success: AI, Culture, and Process Improvement with Vitezslav Vanek

    Can a simple mindset of ‘a little better every day’ be the real key to business excellence?Welcome to the “Business Excellence for Managers” podcast! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Vitezslav Vanek, the founder and CEO of value companion, a business consulting company. I first met Vitja in 2008 at BNP Paribas in Germany, where he worked as an expert in Process Management, and I was serving as Chief Quality Officer, rolling out the Lean Six Sigma program at this large international corporation of 200,000 employees. It was a privilege to have such a motivated and talented individual like Vitja as part of the Lean Six Sigma program in Nuremberg, Germany. From the beginning, I could tell he was destined for an outstanding career—and he certainly provedme right. After earning his Lean Six Sigma Certification under my guidance, Vitja went on to work with the Institute for Lean Six Sigma (IFSS) in Vienna. There, he served in roles ranging from Principal Consultant to Country Director for Germany South, Executive Board Member, and ultimately, Associate Management Consultant. Nearly 13 years later, he founded his own company, value companion, where he continues to make a significant impact. I am incredibly proud to welcome Vitja to the podcast today to discuss the top questions leaders often ask about business excellence. Time stamps: 03:00 Introduction and Background. 04:40 Journey Through Business Excellence. 09:15 The Role of AI in Process Improvement. 13:05 Defining Business Excellence. 15:45 Measuring Maturity in Business Excellence. 20:25 Integrating Continuous Improvement into Culture. 23:55 Challenges in Implementing Business Excellence.   Where to find Vitezslav Vanek: Website: https://value-companion.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/value-companion/posts/?feedView=all https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitezslav-vanek-mba-1a503b43/ Xing: https://www.xing.com/profile/Vitezslav_Vanek Email: v.vanek@value-companion.com   Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.com Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planet LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.comunder the 'Podcasts' category. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

    30 min
  3. The Leadership Playbook: Insights for Managers with John Rossman

    06/11/2025

    The Leadership Playbook: Insights for Managers with John Rossman

    Welcome to Business Excellence for Managers Podcast, where we explore ideas, strategies, and leaders shaping the future of business. Today’s guest is John Rossman — a powerhouse in digital transformation, leadership, and operational strategy. John is best known for his pivotal role at Amazon, where he was instrumental in launching and scaling the Amazon Marketplace, one of the company’s most game-changing platforms. He’s also served as a trusted advisor to global organizations like T-Mobile, helping leaders tackle complex challenges in an increasingly digital world. Beyond consulting, John is a keynote speaker, delivering insights on innovation and transformation to audiences worldwide. He’s the bestselling author of four books, including The Amazon Way,Think Like Amazon, and his latest, Big Bet Leadership, where he lays out a practical playbook for making bold, high-impact decisions in times of change. In our conversation, John unpacks what it means to lead in today’s hyper digital era—discussing the balance between innovation and operational excellence, the dangers of mediocrity in successful companies, and the mindset future leaders must adopt to thrive. Get ready for a deep, stimulating dive with one of the sharpest minds in modern business, John Rossman. Time stamps: 03:10 Introduction to John Rossman. 06:15 John's Journey and Amazon Experience. 09:00 Big Bet Leadership and Transformation Playbook. 12:00 Motivating Teams for Transformation. 13:25 The Importance of Clear Communication. 17:55 John’s Free E-book. 16:01 Operational Excellence and Lean Six Sigma. 22:00 Strengths and Weaknesses of Amazon. 24:25 The Role of Builders vs. Bureaucrats. 29:15 Raising the Leaders of Tomorrow. 35:00 Services Offered by John Rossman. 36:15 Defining Business Excellence.   John’s Books: “The Amazon Way on IoT: 10 Principles for Every Leader from the World's Leading Internet of Things Strategies“ “Think Like Amazon: 50 1/2 Ideas to Become a Digital Leader“ “Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era“ “The Amazon Way: Amazon's 14 Leadership Principles“   Free E-book: “The Pig, the Lipstick and the Playbook of Champions; How to Reclaim Your Business and Win” available on John’s website.   Where to find John Rossman: Website: www.rossmanpartners.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rossman/ Twitter: https://x.com/johnerossman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rossmanpartners YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%2F%40johnrossman4914 Email: john@rossmanpartners.com   Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.com Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planet LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.comunder the 'Podcasts' category. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

    39 min
  4. 5 Elements to Lead Change (new version) by Juan Steigerwald

    02/17/2025

    5 Elements to Lead Change (new version) by Juan Steigerwald

    Are you struggling to get your team on board with change? With constant change, we must manage transitions effectively while minimizing employee resistance. Whether implementing new standards, restructuring teams, or launching initiatives, change management techniques make the process smoother. In this episode, I’ll walk you through five key elements of successful change management. You’ll also get a chance to self-evaluate and understand the risks of neglecting these principles. This is a modified version of a previous discussion—let’s dive in! Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Wave Business Excellence Footprint - website Juan Eduardo Steigerwald - LinkedIn WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - LinkedIn WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - YouTube WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - Instagram ⁠Courses For Employees⁠ ⁠Courses For Managers⁠ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

    16 min
  5. Burnout Prevention: Strategies for Managers with Juergen Moormann and Yevgen Bogodistov - Part 2

    12/13/2024

    Burnout Prevention: Strategies for Managers with Juergen Moormann and Yevgen Bogodistov - Part 2

    Welcome back to the second part of our engaging conversation with Professors Yevgen Bogodistov and Juergen Moormann. In Part 1, we discussed the genesis of their inspiring book on burnout prevention. We explored burnout in the workplace, the book's target audience, and the key findings from their research. The conversation highlighted the need to integrate human and psychological elements into process management, leverage technology for employee well-being, and rethink recruitment and assessment processes to enhance employee fit. Finally, we delved into the importance of redefining efficiency and effectiveness in modern workplaces. In Part 2, we take the discussion further, exploring how organizations can actively promote well-being and address the challenges of burnout. We dive into strategies for balancing job resources and demands, the importance of employee recharge, and unique concepts for mental wellness. Our guests also share how incorporating psychological indicators into KPIs can create more human-centered management practices. We also discuss the importance of recognizing early signs of burnout to prevent mental health issues. You'll also hear about tools for continuous improvement in employee well-being, the role of happiness in the workplace, and how music can spark creativity and improve work outcomes. This episode is packed with practical insights and innovative ideas for promoting healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces. So, let’s jump back into the conversation with Professors Yevgen Bogodistov and Juergen Moormann as we continue this inspiring dialogue. Timestamps: 03:10 Balancing Job Resources and Demands. 04:50 The Importance of Employee Recharge. 07:40 Shirin-Yoku Example. 09:25 Incorporating Psychological Indicators in KPIs. 11:40 Promoting Well-Being to Top Management. 15:50 Quantifying the Cost of Employee Well-Being. 17:40 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout. 21:35 Preventing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace. 25:50 Tools for Continuous Improvement in Employee Well-Being. 27:10 The Role of Happiness in the Workplace. 31:20 The Influence of Music on Creativity and Work. 35:00 Where to Find Our Guests and Their Book.   Books mentioned in the conversation: Process Management and Burnout Prevention: A Human-Centered Approach to Reducing Work-Related Stress-Yevgen Bogodistov & Jürgen Moormann   Where to find Prof. Bogodistov: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-yevgen-bogodistov-85a8806/ Website: https://www.mci.edu/en/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eugene+bogodistov Email: eugenleo@gmail.com   Where to find Prof. Moormann: Website : https://www.frankfurt-school.de/en/home/research/centres/processlab/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juergen-moormann-52427a10/ Email: j.moormann@fs.de   Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.com Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planet LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

    38 min
  6. Burnout Prevention: Strategies for Managers with Juergen Moormann and Yevgen Bogodistov - Part 1

    11/29/2024

    Burnout Prevention: Strategies for Managers with Juergen Moormann and Yevgen Bogodistov - Part 1

    What if burnout is more than just a personal struggle? What if it’s a sign that our workplaces need to fundamentally change? Welcome to Business Excellence for Managers, where we dive into the strategies and insights that empower leaders to create high-performing, resilient teams. Today, we’re exploring one of the greatest challenges facing modern managers: burnout. I’m joined by two distinguished experts who bring a wealth of research and practical knowledge on this topic: Professor Yevgen Bogodistov from MCI - The Entrepreneurial School in Innsbruck, Austria, and Professor Jürgen Moormann from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management in Germany. Professor Bogodistov is a Full Professor of Strategic Management and Organizational Behavior whose research focuses on burnout, resilience, and how management decisions impact employee well-being. With a PhD in Business Administration from European-University Viadrina in Frankfurt, he has spent years studying the psychological dimensions of workplace stress and burnout prevention. Professor Moormann, who has nearly three decades of experience at the Frankfurt School, is a specialist in process management and its impact on organizational culture. As the head of the “ProcessLab” research team, he has published extensively on digital transformation and the balance between efficiency and employee satisfaction, particularly in the high-stakes world of finance. In today’s episode, Yevgen and Jürgen help us unpack the causes of burnout from a management perspective. We’ll discuss how leaders can identify burnout risks early, balance job demands with resources and create a workplace culture that promotes both productivity and employee health. Join us as we explore actionable steps to prevent burnout and cultivate a healthier work environment. Timestamps: 00:30 Introduction to the Guests of the Podcast. 04:10 The Genesis of the Book on Burnout Prevention. 07:05 Understanding Burnout in the Workplace. 11:05 Target Audience for the Book. 13:00 Key Findings from Research. 14:55 Understanding Job Demands and Resources. 21:20 The Role of Individual Traits in Burnout. 23:30 The Limitations of Process Management. 30:30 Integrating Human Aspects into Process Management. 32:10 Psychological Elements in Process Management. 36:40 Leveraging Technology for Employee Well-Being. 42:10 Redesigning Recruitment Processes. 42:30 Assessing Employee Fit Through Testing.  46:00 Rethinking Efficiency and Effectiveness.   Books mentioned in the conversation: Process Management and Burnout Prevention: A Human-Centered Approach to Reducing Work-Related Stress-Yevgen Bogodistov & Jürgen Moormann   Where to find Prof. Bogodistov: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-yevgen-bogodistov-85a8806/ Website: https://www.mci.edu/en/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eugene+bogodistov Email: eugenleo@gmail.com   Where to find Prof. Moormann: Website : https://www.frankfurt-school.de/en/home/research/centres/processlab/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juergen-moormann-52427a10/ Email: j.moormann@fs.de   Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.com Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planet LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

    51 min
  7. Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations with Jack Skeels

    03/27/2024

    Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations with Jack Skeels

    Have you ever wondered how to master the magic of creating empowered and happy organizations? In today's episode I speak with Jack Skeels, a former RAND senior analyst, and currently CEO of AgencyAgile, an Agile transformation and coaching firm that helps agencies, consultancies, and other complex service organizations go better, faster, and happier. His career includes leading Sapient’s 105-person Los Angeles office and founding and executive roles in multiple startups.  He is a coach to executives, a thought-leader, and wakes every day driven to create a revolution in leadership and management practices, optimal organization design, and delivery excellence. Jack shares his personal journey, underscoring the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of effective management practices. Highlighting the importance of supporting weaker employees, Jack stresses the significance of promoting a positive work environment to drive organizational growth and employee satisfaction. He discusses the substantial impact of employee happiness on overall organizational performance, shedding light on its often underestimated significance. Concluding the conversation, Jack shares insights into the skills and traits essential for effective management, touching upon the concept of situational leadership. Join us as we share the secrets to creating empowered and happy organizations with Jack Skeels, a thought leader and advocate for revolutionizing leadership and management practices.   Timestamps: [03:10] Jack Skeels' Journey and Passion. [09:53] “Unmanaged – Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations.” Summary of the Book. [12:35] The Importance of Developing Weaker Employees. [16:05] Measuring Employee Happiness. [20:52] Root Causes of Ineffective Managers. [27:05] The Hidden Cost of Project Contagion. [30:03] The Importance of Celebrating Project Endings. [32:30] The Concept of Productive Flow. [34:45] Addressing the Meeting Culture. [41:33] Key Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Leaders Today. [43:10] The Layer Cake Organization. [48:05] What Makes a Good Manager. [50:53] Managing by Method. [53:30] Actionable Advice for Managers. [55:18] Situational Leadership. [58:00] Services Offered by Jack and Where to Find Him.   Books mentioned in the podcast: Henry Mintzberg “Managers Not MBAs”. Edgar Schein “Humble Inquiry”.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category.   Where to find Jack Skeels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/ Website: https://agencyagile.com/ Book: Jack Skeels “Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations” Where to find WAVE-Business Excellence Footprint: Website: www.wave-bef.com LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoo 1034 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wave.bef/ Check out the Lean Six Sigma for Managers (LSSfM) Course in this 1.5 minute video   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.   Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: ------------------------------------------------------ For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-manage

    1h 2m
  8. How Environmental Sustainability Initiatives Boost Overall Business Excellence with Kumar Vijayendra

    02/26/2024

    How Environmental Sustainability Initiatives Boost Overall Business Excellence with Kumar Vijayendra

    Have you ever wondered about the profound connection between achieving business excellence and ensuring environmental sustainability? Well, today's episode is all about that connection. We speak about the importance of sustainability in business, particularly for small businesses, sharing a success story of a local coffee shop. Joining us is a prominent guest, Kumar Vijayendra, an accomplished author and speaker recognized for his expertise in Sustainable Operations Management. With an international perspective and nearly two decades of experience in driving operational excellence, Kumar is on a mission to guide businesses towards strategies grounded in the 4Ps of Sustainability - People, Planet, Profit, and Purpose. Kumar's thought-provoking articles have been featured in leading trade journals and respected research publications. His newly released book, "The Sustainable Entrepreneur", provides invaluable insights on leveraging sustainability for enhanced environmental impact and profitability. As President of Footsteps and serving on various boards, Kumar's expertise is recognized across industries. He has been invited as a member of the Forbes Business Council in recognition of his thought leadership and contribution to small business sustainability. Kumar holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh with a certification in Sustainability. He is a certified Six Sigma Green belt, a Certified Scrum Master, and a certified executive coach. I am thrilled to introduce you to my amazing guest, Kumar :-)   Timestamps: [03:50] Kumar’s Journey Highlights and Discovering and Nurturing His Passion. [08:45] A dive Into Kumar’s Recently Published Book, "The Sustainable Entrepreneur." [15:20] The Four Ps: People, Planet, Profit, and Purpose. [22:15] Attracting People Resonating with Your Purpose and Objectives. [24:40] Small Business Challenges. [27:45] Inspiring Success Story from a Community Oriented Local Coffee Shop. [34:103] Kumar's Services and Contact Information.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category. Where to find Kumar Vijayendra: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Kumar-Vijayendra/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkumar_v/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090709182026 Website: https://iamkumarv.com/ Book: Amazon.com: The Sustainable Entrepreneur: How to Build a Profitable Business and Save the Planet eBook : Vijayendra, Kumar : Kindle Store   Where to find WAVE-Business Excellence Footprint: Website: www.wave-bef.com LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wave.bef/   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category.   Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: -------------------------------------------------------------------- For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

    37 min
See All (26)

Trailer

About

Introducing a podcast for leaders and managers seeking excellence in their business ventures. Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices, with new episodes every 2 weeks featuring prominent guests. Learn from experts and my own experiences in business excellence since 2000, as a consultant and C-Level executive. Get practical tips to improve business performance, employee and customer satisfaction. Tune in to solve everyday management challenges and elevate your business.

Information