The Fix, with Derrick Mains

Derrick Mains
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Hosted by Emmy Award-winning content creator, four-time author, and optimization consultant renowned for his pioneering work in process engineering, optimization, and transformation, Derrick Mains' work spans over 20 years and includes experience with more than 150 companies across nearly every industry, from early-stage companies to the Fortune 10. Mains' approach blends essentialism with a keen focus on human-centric system design, emphasizing the need for regular audits, reflection, and reinvestment to achieve optimal results. The show shares his methods and approach to optimizing your company and generating more profits.

  1. Optimizing Company Vibe: The Link Between Process, People, and Profit, with Bill Green

    5D AGO

    Optimizing Company Vibe: The Link Between Process, People, and Profit, with Bill Green

    Is your company's energy being sapped by chaos and unpredictability? This episode of The Fix features Bill Green, a expert in aligning business strategy with organizational culture. We explore how intentional system design directly impacts company vibe, employee retention, and ultimately, your bottom line. Discover why optimizing for employee experience is the most powerful lever for customer satisfaction and business yield. Learn practical frameworks for building trust, reducing operational friction, and creating a destination workplace that attracts and retains top talent. Key Topics Discussed: - The direct correlation between predictable systems, employee energy, and productivity. -Moving beyond profit-first ideology to a people-first and customer-second model. -How to diagnose and repair broken trust between leadership and frontline employees. -Designing operational clarity to reduce variability and create a high-trust culture. -Preparing your business for due diligence, investment, or acquisition by systematizing operations. -The critical role of leadership in creating psychological safety and fostering honest feedback. -Applying the "What do you want to optimize?" framework to drive meaningful change. Learn how to: -Transform company vibe by intentionally designing people-centric systems. -Unlock hidden capacity by eliminating non-value-added work and busywork. -Build a resilient organization that can withstand market variability and stress. -Create a compelling due diligence package that increases business valuation. -Foster an environment where employees feel safe to report problems and innovate. Featured Expert: Bill Green of VibeOptimizer.com specializes in integrating strategic execution with cultural health to help leadership teams build scalable, high-performing organizations. Relevant Keywords: company culture, organizational health, business vibe, employee experience, leadership development, operational efficiency, due diligence preparation, business valuation, scaling a business, trust building, psychological safety, change management, strategic planning, process optimization, people operations, talent retention, destination employer, leadership team alignment, business systems, operational excellence. Subscribe to The Fix for more insights on building businesses that people love.

    41 min
  2. AI Integration for Business: Beyond the Hype to Real ROI, with Lucas Petty

    SEP 16

    AI Integration for Business: Beyond the Hype to Real ROI, with Lucas Petty

    Why do 95% of AI initiatives fail? This episode of The Fix features AI expert Lucas Petty. We move beyond the hype to deliver a practical framework for integrating artificial intelligence into your business operations, unlocking scalable growth and significant ROI. Discover why most leaders chase the wrong AI tools and how to instead align technology with your people and processes. Learn how to identify automation opportunities, overcome implementation barriers, and build a culture ready for technological transformation. Key Topics Discussed: - The pilot, co-pilot, autopilot framework for effective AI task delegation. - Overcoming the nine-month average delay in AI project launches for SMBs. - Shifting from productivity tools to fully automated workflow systems. - The critical role of change management and addressing employee fears about AI. - Identifying high-ROI AI opportunities within existing business processes. - The "one-minute rule" for building AI habits and driving adoption. - Future implications of AI on business valuation, taxation, and the nature of work. Learn how to: - Apply a proven framework to integrate AI into your daily operations. - Identify and automate repetitive tasks and workflows for maximum efficiency. - Build a strategic AI roadmap that prioritizes people and processes over tools. - Calculate the true ROI of AI implementation beyond simple productivity gains. - Prepare your organization for the seismic shifts in the future of work. Featured Expert: Lucas Petty, known as The AI Daddy, helps businesses discover and implement over six figures in AI ROI opportunities. Connect with him at AIDaddy.com. Relevant Keywords: AI integration, artificial intelligence, business automation, AI ROI, workflow automation, change management, digital transformation, process optimization, scaling a business, future of work, AI strategy, small business AI, mid market AI, operational efficiency, technology adoption, AI implementation, business processes, entrepreneurial leadership, profit margins, competitive advantage. Subscribe to The Fix for more content on leveraging technology and strategy for business growth.

    35 min
  3. The Fix: Unlocking Hidden Capacity: A Systems Thinking Approach for Leaders with Luigi Cusano

    SEP 10

    The Fix: Unlocking Hidden Capacity: A Systems Thinking Approach for Leaders with Luigi Cusano

    How much hidden capacity is trapped in your operational inefficiencies? This episode of The Fix features manufacturing and operational turnaround expert Luigi Cusano. We explore systemic business improvement, moving beyond vanity metrics to focus on true yield and sustainable growth. Discover why frontline employees hold the key to unlocking productivity and how to create a culture where process improvement thrives. We break down practical methodologies for leaders to identify and eliminate friction, reduce costly variation, and empower their teams to drive meaningful change. Key Topics Discussed: - Shifting from revenue focus to yield optimization for real profitability. - The critical importance of Gemba walks and frontline employee engagement. - Implementing action result mapping for unparalleled operational clarity. - Integrating Deming's System of Profound Knowledge into modern management. - Strategies for error proofing and creating a culture of psychological safety. - Unlocking latent capacity without increasing headcount or capital expenditure. The real world application of lean manufacturing principles in office and service environments. Learn how to: - Identify and eliminate hidden bottlenecks in your process. - Translate small, fractional gains into significant financial results. - Build a recursive cycle of continuous improvement within your organization. - Apply systems thinking to manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. Featured Expert: Luigi Cusano of Agilitas LLC brings over 25 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, plant management, and business turnaround. Connect with Luigi on LinkedIn. Relevant Keywords: business process improvement, operational efficiency, systems thinking, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, scaling a business, entrepreneurial leadership, yield optimization, process mapping, value stream, frontline empowerment, W Edwards Deming, operational turnaround, capacity planning, productivity tips, business consulting, leadership development, management strategy, operational excellence, fractional gains, error proofing, psychological safety, Gemba, action result mapping. Subscribe to The Fix for more content on mastering business operations and leadership strategy.

    31 min
  4. ERP for the 21st Century

    JUL 15

    ERP for the 21st Century

    n this episode of The Process Fixer, host Derrick Mains sits down with Teddie Reyes, an ERP implementation expert and certified process fixer, to dissect why so many ERP systems fail—and how to turn them around. From post-implementation nightmares to AI-driven efficiencies, Teddie reveals: 🔹 Why 70% of ERP projects underdeliver (and how to avoid common pitfalls) 🔹 The "Stanford Duck" of business processes—why teams hide inefficiencies 🔹 How AI is reshaping workflows (e.g., replacing manual data entry with real-time insights) 🔹 Process triage techniques to align executives, frontline staff, and tech for smoother rollouts Plus: Real-world examples of cutting 27-step processes down to 3 and why "those who write the plan don’t fight the plan." 👉 For more on fixing broken systems, visit https://theprocessfixer.com . 👉 Coming soon: A new podcast with Aaron Baer—stay tuned! #ERP #ProcessImprovement #AI #ChangeManagement #BusinessTransformation

    26 min
  5. How to Get the Best People

    FEB 17

    How to Get the Best People

    In this lecture, we critically examine the flawed notion that businesses can consistently hire the "best" talent in an increasingly competitive market. The speaker begins by challenging the common belief that a company can attract the top 5% or 10% of workforce candidates without adequately paying what others are investing. They reference statistical studies, including Gallup's research, which reveals that a mere 15% of employees truly excel in their roles. This sets the stage for a discussion on the financial implications of hiring practices, highlighting the reality that organizations often engage in a cyclical pattern of hiring and firing rather than effectively managing talent. The speaker elucidates on the costs associated with high turnover rates, suggesting that while organizations funnel resources into sophisticated psychological assessments and repeated interviews, they often fail to yield the desired outcomes. By illustrating the common experience where hired employees do not meet performance expectations, the lecture prompts listeners to question who truly benefits from this cycle—mainly recruiters and profiling firms, not the companies themselves. This exploration of wasteful practices leads to a call for introspection regarding hiring trends and the need for a fundamental shift in strategy within organizations. Further on, the discussion shifts to the underlying motives that drive employee behavior at work: fear, money, or genuine desire to contribute. The speaker emphasizes the importance of attracting individuals who are motivated by passion for the work rather than mere financial gain. This consideration leads to an exploration of the systemic issues companies face, especially regarding the inefficiencies that cause employees to experience frustration in their roles. By using the analogy of a person limping from pain while seeking a quick fix instead of addressing the root problem, the lecturer advocates for focusing on improving processes rather than simply increasing headcount. The concept of identifying and relieving systemic pain is essential to enhancing organizational effectiveness. The speaker argues that when employees work in an environment that eliminates obstacles and empowers them, they perform at a higher cognitive capacity. Drawing parallels to historical practices in management, the lecture advocates for a shift towards a focus on refining systems within the workplace. The speaker recalls significant past management practices, such as the Quality Circles used during World War II, and contrasts these with contemporary approaches that merely enforce compliance without fostering creativity or efficiency. Additionally, the speaker challenges conventional training methodologies that simply prepare employees for processes rather than adapting processes to support employee needs. They highlight the importance of understanding and mapping processes, noting how disjointed systems lead to confusion and decreased productivity within organizations. By sharing anecdotes from workshop experiences, the speaker demonstrates the revelations employees can have when they finally see their organization’s processes mapped out visually, revealing inefficiencies they were not previously aware of. The lecture culminates in a call to action for businesses to rethink their focus on growth in favor of enhancing efficiency and improving work processes. The speaker argues that a focus on efficiency can yield greater profit margins than an unrelenting pursuit of growth statistics. By encouraging organizations to invest in training that empowers employees to analyze and improve their respective processes, the speaker challenges traditional notions of accountability in the workplace, advocating for a more inclusive model that engages all levels of employees in continuous improvement.

    19 min
  6. Plan for Growth in 2025

    JAN 23

    Plan for Growth in 2025

    In this episode, I delve deep into the concept of growth in business for 2025, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of structure over sheer ambition. Drawing from my previous episode about Henry Kaiser’s revolutionary methods that dramatically reduced shipbuilding times, I stress the necessity of focusing on continuous improvement rather than merely setting incremental goals. By moving from a traditional goal-oriented approach to an aim-focused mindset, we open ourselves to truly transformative growth. Using the metaphor of gardening, I encourage business leaders to visualize their organizations as a garden requiring careful cultivation. The seeds represent potential employees, and it is essential to understand that potential remains dormant until the right conditions are met. Unlike the typical Western management approach—which often involves superficial motivators like pizza parties and pep talks—I propose an action-oriented strategy that prioritizes nurturing and supporting employees. It is not enough to plant seeds; we must actively tend to them. This involves ensuring a conducive environment with the right resources, protecting our plants from pests and obstacles, and continuously evaluating their growth. I underscore the idea that a significant percentage of business failure is attributable to how we manage our processes rather than the capabilities of our team members. Citing W. Edwards Deming, I reflect on how an overwhelming 94% of issues identified in the past stemmed from poor systems rather than human error. I challenge listeners to consider whether their organization’s struggles arise from the seeds—i.e., the employees—or if they stem from the management—the farmers. Often, the answer lies with the latter, necessitating a re-examination of management philosophies that prioritize outdated metrics and KPIs. Transitioning into the practical implications of these ideas, I introduce concepts of resilience and organic growth within organizations. As we face imminent economic challenges predicted for the next few years, it’s crucial for businesses to prepare not just for survival but for thriving amid adversity. I advocate for adopting a mindset of resilience, where businesses equipped with robust systems will be ready to seize opportunities even as others falter. I also introduce my upcoming book, "The System," in which I challenge traditional Western management ideologies. By advocating for a shift in focus from managing individuals to refining processes, I aim to provide a framework that aligns contemporary business practices with those that drove significant economic advancements in the past. As we navigate through changing economic landscapes, prioritizing systematic organization and cultivating a supportive environment will be essential for achieving sustainable success. This episode serves as a call to action for business leaders to get their hands dirty, to engage proactively with their teams, and to invest in creating fertile ground for growth. By fostering a mindset oriented towards nurturing and support, we can transform our organizations from mere survivors into thriving ecosystems poised for exceptional performance. Join me on this journey as The Process Fixer. Let's reimagine business growth and resilience together.

    17 min
  7. Build Your Boat - The Kaiser Way

    12/19/2024

    Build Your Boat - The Kaiser Way

    This episode offers an in-depth update on Derrick Mains’ recent journey and the evolution of The Process Fixer. After nearly five months away from podcasting, Derrick returns to share the incredible growth and response to his speaking engagements, which have now surpassed 100 events scheduled by the end of the year. His message has gained significant traction, with numerous appearances on leadership and operations podcasts where he explores the principles of operational excellence. A key highlight of Derrick’s recent work is the launch of a new, comprehensive website, TheProcessFixer.com. This platform introduces his proprietary M4 methodology: Map, Measure, Manage, and Mobilize. The initiative aims to certify individuals as process fixers, building upon existing process triage training. This program focuses on addressing structural and systemic challenges within organizations while fostering a systems-thinking mindset—essential for operational success. Central to Derrick’s discussions is the impact of events, behaviors, and structure on organizational performance. He emphasizes that while managing events and behaviors is necessary, it often distracts from addressing the root cause of inefficiencies: the design and structure of the system itself. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Deming, Derrick highlights that 94% of performance issues stem from structural inefficiencies, with only 6% attributable to individual shortcomings. Derrick also shares insights into the innovative management practices of Henry Kaiser during World War II. Kaiser’s human-centric approach to shipbuilding illustrates how prioritizing structural design and addressing worker needs led to unprecedented results, such as constructing ships in days instead of months. This example underscores the transformative potential of optimizing systems over focusing solely on behaviors or events. Looking ahead, Derrick is planning a series of training workshops and discovery days, offering businesses opportunities to engage with his systemic improvement strategies. He is particularly excited about his upcoming book, The System, which will encapsulate his ideologies and practical strategies for driving systemic change. For those interested in delving deeper into Derrick’s methodologies, his new Substack community provides ongoing content, including exclusive webinars and discussions. Whether certified members or new to the Process Fixer community, participants will find valuable resources for their growth.

    35 min
  8. Finding the Right Fit - Recruiting in the AI Age ft. Max Hansen

    06/20/2024

    Finding the Right Fit - Recruiting in the AI Age ft. Max Hansen

    On this episode of The Process Fixer Podcast, we're joined by Max Hansen from Y Scouts. They specialize in streamlining and fixing the recruiting process, using new understandings of psychology and the hiring process, to prevent candidates from 'gamifying' the recruitment experience. Derrick and Max's conversation ranges from employee retention, to the value of shoulder-to-shoulder interactions, bringing new perspectives to the way we view the employee-employer relationship. Don't miss this episode of The Process Fixer Podcast!  Show Notes: 0:00 - 3:35 - Introduction to Max Hansen and Y Scouts 3:35 - 10:18 - Knowing a Candidate 10:18 - 17:23 - Being Shoulder to Shoulder 17:23 - 26:26 - The Process Triage Experience 26:26 - 36:50 - Improving the Process Through AI 36:50 - 46:31 - Perspective Seekers and Believables 46:31 - 49:13 - Investing in Your Frontline Employees 49:13 - 51:20 - Outro

    51 min
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5
out of 5
242 Ratings

About

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning content creator, four-time author, and optimization consultant renowned for his pioneering work in process engineering, optimization, and transformation, Derrick Mains' work spans over 20 years and includes experience with more than 150 companies across nearly every industry, from early-stage companies to the Fortune 10. Mains' approach blends essentialism with a keen focus on human-centric system design, emphasizing the need for regular audits, reflection, and reinvestment to achieve optimal results. The show shares his methods and approach to optimizing your company and generating more profits.

Information

  • Creator
    Derrick Mains
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Derrick Mains
  • Show Website
    The Fix, with Derrick Mains