Zen and the Art of Manufacturing

Bryan Sapot
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY
Zen and the Art of Manufacturing

How do you create calm in manufacturing? Until now, there hasn’t been anything focused on putting the pieces of the puzzle together – people, culture, lean, continuous improvement, theory of constraints, manufacturing, and tech. How do all of these pieces come together to create the optimal manufacturer? This podcast focuses on the intersection of these topics so commonly talked about in manufacturing, but rarely explaining how to get it done.

  1. Mastering Lean Management

    JUL 2

    Mastering Lean Management

    In this episode of the Zen and the Art of Manufacturing podcast, Bryan Sapot and Jesse DePriest discuss the principles of Lean Management and the OpEx management strategy. They explore the importance of leadership, daily management systems, and the role of data in improving processes. Jesse shares insights on the continuous improvement kata problem-solving method and emphasizes the need for clear expectations and standards in leadership development. Lean principles can be applied across various industries to foster continuous improvement and effective management. Follow Jessie DePriest on LinkedIn Follow ⁠Bryan Sapot on LinkedIn⁠ 5L Performance Group Website Originally recorded June 2025. Learn more about Nulogy Smart Factory (formerly Mingo Smart Factory) at ⁠https://nulogy.com/smart⁠ #LeanManagement #OPEX #LeadershipDevelopment #ProcessImprovement #Manufacturing #ContinuousImprovement

    50 min
  2. Navigating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

    JUN 4

    Navigating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

    Bryan Sapot and John Broadbent discuss the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector, particularly focusing on digital transformation, the impact of aging equipment, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. They explore the resistance to adopting new technologies, the necessity of continuous improvement, and how a strong manufacturing culture can lead to significant operational efficiencies. Organizations need to invest wisely in equipment and to leverage data for better decision-making and process optimization. Follow John Broadbent on LinkedIn Follow Bryan Sapot on LinkedIn Originally recorded August 2024. Learn more about Nulogy Smart Factory (formerly Mingo Smart Factory) at https://nulogy.com/smart #manufacturing #digitaltransformation #industry40 #operationalefficiency #continuousimprovement #datadriveninsights #iot #smartfactory

    46 min
  3. Building Trust in Technology Adoption w/ Tony Kaczmarek

    MAY 7

    Building Trust in Technology Adoption w/ Tony Kaczmarek

    In this episode, Bryan Sapot and Tony Kaczmarek discuss the current state of manufacturing technology, focusing on the challenges of data collection, automation, and the importance of building trust within the industry. They explore the role of government programs in facilitating technology adoption, the need for visibility and communication on the factory floor, and strategies for engaging operators to foster a culture of continuous improvement. The discussion emphasizes the urgency for manufacturers to embrace technology to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. A proactive approach is required for technology integration, focusing on small wins to build momentum and drive transformation in the manufacturing sector.

    44 min
  4. Navigating Tariffs with Lean Principles w/ JT Badiani

    APR 23

    Navigating Tariffs with Lean Principles w/ JT Badiani

    In this episode, Bryan Sapot interviews JT Badiani, President of Focused Improvement, discussing the impact of tariffs on manufacturing and the importance of lean principles and data-driven strategies to enhance efficiency. They explore how AI can be leveraged in manufacturing processes, particularly in order management and production optimization. The conversation emphasizes the significance of identifying bottlenecks, implementing visual management, and the evolving role of consulting in the age of AI. Practical steps for continuous improvement and the value of value stream mapping are also highlighted, along with methods for tracking and measuring improvements in manufacturing operations.Follow JT Badiani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbadiani/Follow Bryan Sapot on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryansapot/Originally recorded April 2025. Learn more about Nulogy Smart Factory (formerly Mingo Smart Factory) at https://nulogy.com/smart#manufacturing, #ai #costreduction #datadriveninsights #tariffs #processimprovement #leanmanufacturing #continuousimprovement #manufacturingefficiency

    43 min
  5. Technology Adoption w/ Jason Guss

    06/22/2021

    Technology Adoption w/ Jason Guss

    On this episode of Zen and the Art of Manufacturing, we take a deep dive into embracing and adopting new technologies in manufacturing. Bryan is joined by Jason Guss, CEO and Co-founder of Iterate Labs, a wearable tech and computer vision company designed to increase safety and production in the factory in real-time. As many of us know, the adoption of new technologies is difficult in any industry, let alone manufacturing. Jason gives us insight into getting employees to buy in, reducing turnover, developing people, and increasing safety. He explains how technology can not only digitize the factory but help to engage employees. “A lot of these jobs, they’re really manual, repetitive, sometimes boring processes so having a piece of technology that can really digitize their actions and provide scores and feedback to them actually has had a really positive impact. They become more excited, more engaged.” At the end of the day, the goal is to keep the worker safe and healthy, and technology can do this while helping employees achieve productivity goals along the way. This helps to create a better culture, Jason explains. When culture is improved, other key metrics start to fall in line like employee retention. The second half of the episode focuses on the next steps once a new technology has been adopted. Where do you go from there? Jason talks about communicating value, tying metrics to specific dollar amounts, and integrating with other platforms. Join us as we talk about all things technology and adoption with Jason Guss. In today’s episode, Jason mentioned a few books that have helped me learn about running and growing a business: Sell More Faster: The Ultimate Sales Playbook for Startups by Amos Schwartzfarb Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnies About Iterate Labs Iterate Labs maximizes lean operations and safety via digitized motion, AI, and real-time visibility. Through wearable sensors and computer vision we connect your workforce’s movement and actions to drive industrial KPI’s and operational performance. If you would like to connect with Jason, you can reach him by emailing Jason.guss@iteratelabs.co, via the Iterate Labs website, or through his LinkedIn.

    30 min
  6. Hiring and Retaining in Manufacturing w/ David Klotz

    06/15/2021

    Hiring and Retaining in Manufacturing w/ David Klotz

    Hiring is a hot topic right now. There are many, many manufacturing jobs available, but manufacturers have are having difficulty filling the openings. David Klotz, President of Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) joins us this week to discuss hiring and retaining skilled employees. With over 850 members in the PMA, David is in a unique position, close to the action. His experience provides a point of view unlike any other. “Finding talent is very hard. It’s an interesting market, and you have to find creative ways to find talent. We’ve seen customers offering signing bonuses, referral bonuses, partnering with recruiting firms, even advertising on TV and billboards.” Join us as we discuss Creative initiatives to hire new talent Retaining skilled employees, cultivated by a great culture Partnering with organizations like the military or correctional facilities to train individuals in manufacturing jobs Promoting the trades in the younger generation through vocational training What to do to combat product shortages What is your company doing to fill these positions or retain top talent? Let us know! If you would like to connect with David, he can be contacted via LinkedIn. You can also learn more about PMA and the upcoming conference through the links below: Precision Metalforming Association Internet of Things Experience for Manufacturers Enjoy this podcast? Hit the share button, subscribe for free if you're not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us create calm and improve flow in manufacturing!

    39 min
  7. Building a Competitive Advantage w/ Allison Greco

    05/25/2021

    Building a Competitive Advantage w/ Allison Greco

    Too many companies focus on the wrong metrics. Instead, if they were focusing on increasing engagement and reducing turnover, other results like cost savings and increased profits would follow. Allison Greco joins us once more for a discussion on continuous improvement, the importance of soft skills, and how that helps build a competitive advantage.  It’s all about picking the right metric to drive results she explains. So, why isn’t everyone doing this? Well, according to Allison, there are 3 very important factors: A leader focused on improvement needs to exist The willingness to venture outside of your comfort zone and try something new The knowledge that you can’t be “too busy to improve” When you have these 3 things, you have a competitive advantage above everyone else. You can iterate and change things faster. You’re 10 steps ahead of the competition. All of which drive continuous improvement and increases company engagement. But, she makes one very important point, too. Tools give you a structure around the improvement conversations, but the way you approach the soft skills often ends up being more important in accomplishing your goals. So, if you’re going to do just one thing to start, she suggests looking in your company for a thought leader This person is a progressive thinker and naturally inclined to improve. You’ll “work with the person to find an improvement and communicate the heck out of that… tell the story, and it will grow.” About Continuous Improvement International Continuous Improvement International is a member-driven organization focused on offerings around networking and developing soft skills rather than hard skills. They have “meetings of the minds” meetings helping members develop and learn together. Of course, there is an online library of resources such as courses and templates that help members work on hard skills, but the overarching goal is to bring people together to work on soft skills. In today’s episode, Allison mentions her favorite book and the organization she founded to foster skill-building and networking, both of which can be found below. Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by John Krakauer  Continuous Improvement International If you would like to connect with Allison, she can be contacted via LinkedIn. Enjoy this podcast? Hit the share button, subscribe for free if you're not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us create calm and improve flow in manufacturing!

    27 min
  8. Planning for Continuous Improvement w/ Allison Greco

    05/18/2021

    Planning for Continuous Improvement w/ Allison Greco

    Join us as we dive into the world of continuous improvement. But, instead of a focus on tools, we focus on the why. “We have to be very good at persuading people so we focus a lot on the why.” Why are we making a change? Why now? What’s in it for me? Allison Greco is a continuous improvement guru, having worked for the railroad, various government roles, oil and gas, and now has founded and leads a continuous improvement organization, Continuous Improvement International. “It starts with building a relationship with them before you actually want to go and improve processes… You listen for small things. You listen for things you could help them with today or tomorrow, and you bring them a resource and help them find an answer and build the trust.” Join Bryan Sapot, CEO of SensrTrx, and Allison as they talk about: How to get everyone on board with continuous improvement Understanding the behaviors and habits that drive efforts Finding and engaging a key stakeholder that will help your project succeed Planning for continuous improvement projects Acknowledging the problems that need to be solved Improving rather than simply cutting costs Selecting metrics to drive the behaviors needed to succeed If you would like to connect with Allison, she can be contacted via LinkedIn or through Continuous Improvement International. Enjoy this podcast? Hit the share button, subscribe for free if you're not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us create calm and improve flow in manufacturing!

    25 min
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5
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7 Ratings

About

How do you create calm in manufacturing? Until now, there hasn’t been anything focused on putting the pieces of the puzzle together – people, culture, lean, continuous improvement, theory of constraints, manufacturing, and tech. How do all of these pieces come together to create the optimal manufacturer? This podcast focuses on the intersection of these topics so commonly talked about in manufacturing, but rarely explaining how to get it done.

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