All Things Quality: An ASQ Podcast

If AI helped write the CAPA, summarize the audit evidence, or suggest a root cause… what should the auditor ask next? In this AI-assisted episode of All Things Quality , we explore how AI is showing up in quality management systems — and how auditors can respond without losing sight of the fundamentals. From data and risk to evidence, controls, and human oversight, this episode walks through pract...

In this episode of All Things Quality , we talk with Darshi Bassi, quality improvement advisor at Mayo Clinic, about her quality journey, digital transformation, and the role of Quality 4.0 in healthcare. Darshi shares lessons from her “My Quality Story” article and discusses how systems thinking, process improvement, AI, automation, and classic quality tools can help organizations improve — when...

Recorded live at WCQI, Doug Wood and W. Frazier Pruitt — coauthors of Principles of Quality Costs, Fifth Edition — join All Things Quality to discuss the hidden costs organizations often miss, and why the future of quality depends on fundamentals, communication, business fluency, and people. More resources: What is Cost of Quality? — ASQ 2025 ASQE Insights on Excellence Cost of Quality Report Targ...

Before WCQI 2026, I spoke with Seetharam “Ram” Kandarpa, Founder and Director of Shaarkview Consultancy, ASQ ConnEx Expert, and ASQ volunteer leader, about where quality is headed next. We discuss his journey into quality, current challenges in the field, what Quality 5.0 means in practical terms, balancing technology with human judgment, and advice for quality professionals looking to grow in a c...

In this episode of All Things Quality , we talk with Neha Chowrasia about AI in healthcare and why the future is not human vs. machine, but both working together. We explore where AI is improving quality, safety, and efficiency, and why empathy, judgment, and human-centered care still matter most. Based on Neha’s Quality Progress article, “ Hand in Hand .” More resources: Connect with Neha on Link...

What happens when the procedure looks right on paper, but real work tells a different story? In this episode of All Things Quality , I’m joined by Andrea Baker, The HOP Mentor , for a practical conversation on Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) and what quality leaders can learn from the human side of work. We get into how Andrea found her way into HOP, why safety and quality are more conn...

What does the next era of quality look like? In this episode of All Things Quality , Danny Even Chen joins us to explore how AI, digitization, and changing expectations are reshaping the future of quality. He also shares the framework he proposes for this next era: a five-dimensional view of quality that expands beyond product and service to include solution, knowledge, and experience. Read his Qu...

In this episode, we introduce the basics of root cause analysis and walk through several essential RCA tools used to uncover the real causes behind problems. A practical overview for quality professionals looking to strengthen problem solving and continuous improvement. Plus, we share a few ASQ updates to keep you in the loop. ASQ Updates - ASQ Certifications (Apply by April 13): https://asq.org/c...

In this episode, experienced auditor, trainer, and active ASQ leader, Susan Gorveatte reframes auditing as a journey —one that requires preparation, objectivity, communication skills, and a commitment to comparing evidence to criteria without opinion. She explains the importance of balancing interviews, observation, and records review, building strong rapport from the start, and recognizing positi...

In this AI-generated episode of All Things Quality , we revisit PDCA’s origins, explore why it remains one of the most powerful tools in quality management, and examine how emerging technologies — including AI, automation, and real-time analytics — are strengthening rather than replacing this disciplined approach. You’ll also hear practical insights, historical context, and a few “Did you know?” f...

Audits don’t have to feel like emergencies. In this quick tips episode titled Making Audit Readiness Just Another Tuesday , we explore how organizations move beyond last-minute audit prep by building audit readiness into everyday work. Drawing from Quality Progress expert insights, we look at practical ways to strengthen internal audit programs, engage leadership, empower supervisors, and use cont...

You don’t need a seven-figure budget to unlock digital transformation. In this episode, Thomas Jones explains how organizations can build a practical, scalable approach to Quality 4.0 using the tools they already have. We discuss the three pillars (People–Process–Technology), why a data strategy matters more than dashboards, and how teams can move from reactive firefighting to predictive decisions...

Go behind the scenes of ASQ’s two major 2026 conferences — the Lean and Six Sigma Conference (LSSC) and the World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI) . In this episode, ASQ Events Director Mary Koloski talks with April Thomas (LSSC Technical Program Chair) and Patrice Griffith (WCQI Technical Program Chair) about how conference themes are chosen, how the Technical Program Committees shape...

In this episode, we explore one of the most practical—and underused—tools for preventing failure before it happens: the premortem . Inspired by Govind Ramu’s January 2025 Quality Progress article, “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?” , this overview breaks down how project teams can use prospective hindsight to uncover risks early, improve decision-making, and build stronger cross-functional alig...

Quality salaries are up 5.2% — but expectations are rising even faster. The 2025 ASQ Salary Survey shows that leadership and strategic “power skills” now drive career growth as much as technical expertise. Max Hansen and Jenny Chu unpack the L-Mix, confidence gaps, communication trends, certification ROI, and what quality pros need next to advance. ASQ Resources Mentioned 2025 ASQ Salary Survey (Q...

ISO leadership mentor and podcast host Jackie Stapleton joins the All Things Quality Podcast to share how her 25-year auditing journey has shaped her perspective on making quality systems more practical, inclusive, and impactful. Jackie discusses what ISO really means for organizations today, how it builds trust beyond compliance, and why events like ASQ’s Women in Quality Symposium are helping pr...

In this episode of All Things Quality , Pablo Baez talks with Pam Carvell and Shawn Armstrong, hosts of ASQ’s CSD Coffee Talk podcast. They discuss how the series was launched to boost member engagement, trending topics impacting quality professionals today, and how other ASQ divisions can use podcasting to build stronger communities and conversations. More resources - ASQ Customer-Supplier Divisi...

In this All Things Quality episode, we talk with Stephen Hacker , ASQ Fellow, past ASQ Chair, and leadership consultant, about how quality professionals can develop the courage, influence, and self-leadership needed to truly stand up for quality . Drawing from his Quality Progress article, “Are You Hiding Your Leadership?” , Stephen explores the mindset shifts that turn quality practitioners into...

This episode spotlights the latest ASQ news, member resources, learning opportunities, and upcoming events. 📰 Quality Progress Highlights – AI-ready culture, Quality 5.0 transformation, and modern RCA tools. Read at qualityprogress.com 📜 Certification Update – How to add your ASQ certifications to your Career Center profile. 💬 myASQ Hot Topics – Join 2025’s top discussions on QMS, SOPs, Lean Si...

Driven by AI, automation, and digitalization, the rules of quality are being entirely reshaped. The data is clear: professionals who rely solely on traditional methods risk disruption. This era demands collaboration between humans and intelligent systems and a focus on ethical, human-centered outcomes. In this episode, we show you how to become the "upskilled AI/ML quality professional." We cover...

In this episode, Jenny Chu unpacks highlights from ASQ’s 2025 Pulse Survey—revealing why personal growth tops pay as the main driver for upskilling, the skills quality pros say they need most, and how AI is beginning to reshape quality roles. Hear what’s motivating professionals, what’s holding them back, and what’s ahead in the full ASQ Salary Survey. Resources & Links Mentioned 📖 Evolving W...

This episode explores how AI is transforming quality, highlighting current impacts like AI-powered test automation, computer vision for manufacturing defect detection, and AI-driven document quality control that boost efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. It forecasts near-term advances including autonomous testing, NLP-generated test scripts, self-healing tests, and edge AI integrated with roboti...

How is the modern workplace reshaping leadership and teamwork? In this episode of All Things Quality , we explore insights from the article Three Transformative Workplace Trends Reshaping Leadership and Teamwork , featured in Quality Progress . Our guest speaker, Natalia Brattan, unpacks the three key trends every quality professional should be watching: the shift from time management to energy an...

In this AI-assisted episode, listen into a lively discussion … exploring seven technological innovations that can radically enhance transparency and veracity, helping to overcome challenges like "audit fatigue" and rising costs. For more on this topic, check out the Quality Progress article - " 7 Technological Innovations That Can Change the Way You Audit ." If you found this episode valuable, ple...

In this episode, we'll explore the 8D Problem-Solving Approach. You will learn how to form an effective problem-solving team, use tools like Ishikawa diagrams and the Five Whys for root cause analysis, and ultimately, how to implement permanent corrective actions, ensuring quality and efficiency in your processes. To learn more about this process, check out the Quality Progress article " It's All...