Lean Into Excellence

In this thought-provoking episode, futurist and innovation expert Daniel Burrus explores how leaders and organizations can create certainty in an increasingly unpredictable world. Drawing from decades of experience helping businesses anticipate disruption and drive transformation, Daniel unpacks the power of predicting and pre-solving problems before they happen, distinguishing between hard trends...

This episode dives into the journey from the shop floor to the CEO chair, emphasizing how operational experience shapes effective leadership. Alan Brooke, CEO of Gill Group, shares insights on data-driven decision-making, leadership development, and maintaining quality and safety culture—offering valuable lessons for aspiring and current leaders alike.   00:00 From Operations to the C-Suite: Alan...

In this episode, Chris Hale, founder and CEO of Klear, explores the concept of capital intelligence and its critical role in managing business growth, liquidity, and supply chains across various sectors. Discover how understanding and orchestrating capital flow can transform your company's financial health and strategic planning.   00:00 Introduction to Capital Intelligence 03:11 Understanding Cap...

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of process control strategies with insights from industry veterans Doug Bruce and Ken Stocco. They break down the fundamental differences between discrete manufacturing—where components are assembled into final products—and continuous processing, which involves the constant flow of raw materials. Ken shares his 28 years of experience in mining and ho...

In this dynamic conversation, Marco and Doug dive into the powerful idea of  incremental improvement , showing how tiny, intentional changes can outperform big, flashy plans every time. They bring the  1% better philosophy  to life—revealing how focusing on small, daily upgrades can compound into massive progress over time. Packed with real‑world examples, the discussion covers practical strategie...

In this episode, we speak with Clark Lowe, CEO of O'Connor Company, about the application of Lean and Six Sigma principles in the construction industry. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing these methodologies in a traditionally slow-to-adapt sector, particularly in a fully remote work environment. Clark shares insights on overcoming resistance, the importance of mindset, an...

In this episode, we sit down with Duane Deason , a seasoned expert in cost management, to explore the challenges organizations face in managing costs without sacrificing value. Duane shares insights from his extensive career, discussing the inefficiencies that often arise as companies grow, the importance of cultural awareness in cost management, and the role of leadership in fostering a cost-effe...

Get ready for an energizing conversation with Eric Rogell, as we uncover the powerful connection between mentorship and bold leadership ! Discover how courage, authenticity, and a modern take on masculinity shape today's most impactful leaders. Eric also introduces the Lionheart Challenge — a thrilling 30-day journey designed to help you unleash your full leadership potential through timeless arch...

In this episode, Jim Mirochnik, CEO of HALOCK Security Labs , shares his journey from a challenging childhood as an immigrant to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cybersecurity field. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurship, and the critical role of teamwork and patience in achieving business success. Jim emphasizes that failure is a valua...

This week on Lean Into Excellence , we're joined by David Trier , an experienced leader in product management and AI operations, as well as the VP of Product at ModelOp . Together, we explore the evolving role of  AI in business —cutting through definitions and misconceptions to uncover how organizations can harness AI responsibly. David shares practical insights on balancing innovation with gover...

Join us as we chat with Kristen Hubler, best-selling author and change management specialist, as we explore her path from education into corporate training, the importance of preparing organizations for change, and the effects of the pandemic on digital transformation. Kristin shares how the ADKAR model can be used to manage change and overcome resistance, plus insights from her book, The Impossib...

In this episode, we sit down with Tania Will Jeppesen , founder of The Prepared Leader , to explore the pivotal role and challenges of frontline leadership. Tania shares her journey of equipping these leaders with the tools to thrive, from emotional intelligence and time management to effective communication strategies. Discussion highlights include: Why investing in mentorship , business acumen ,...

In this conversation, Ronald Graves, a seasoned leadership coach, discusses the intricacies of coaching, the importance of accountability, and the transformative power of self-discipline. He differentiates coaching from mentoring and training, emphasizing the role of a coach in drawing out potential from within individuals. Ronald shares insights on the coaching process, the significance of confid...

In this conversation, Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla are joined by guest Ken Stocco to explore common misconceptions around Six Sigma education and continuous improvement. Together, they emphasize that true success goes beyond certifications — it requires critical thinking, real-world application, and mentorship. While tools and methodologies are valuable, they should never replace a practitioner'...

In this episode, we sit down with Elisabeth White , CEO of Cornerstone Agility and author of People Do Change , for a powerful conversation on human-centric change management . Elisabeth reminds us that change isn't just a process—it's an emotional journey . She shares why empathy must be at the heart of leadership during transformation, and how a growth mindset, trust, and community are critical...

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence , we sit down with Dr. Lucas Chesla to explore his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a champion of Lean Six Sigma and organizational transformation. Drawing from his book Revolutionize Work: A Guide to Enterprise Transformation (co-authored with Kirk Nicholas) , Dr. Chesla shares powerful insights on leadership, culture, and the role of data in drivi...

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence , we're joined by Mark Reich, Senior Coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of the new book Managing on Purpose . Mark brings decades of experience in Lean leadership, including 23 years at Toyota, to a powerful conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement. We dive deep into the principles of Hoshin...

We're excited to welcome back Doug Bruce to Lean Into Excellence for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked value of White and Yellow Belt training in the Lean Six Sigma journey. In this episode, we break down why these entry-level certifications aren't just for beginners—they're essential for building a strong foundation of continuous improvement across any organization. We discuss:...

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence , we're shaking things up! Chuck Gillis steps in for Marco Bonilla as we welcome special guest Mike Daley to the conversation. Together, we dive into the evolution of Corrective Action Request (CAR) and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)—exploring how these essential processes have transformed over time to drive lasting improvements. If you're in quality, p...

Dr. W. Edwards Deming is often called the father of modern quality management, but his impact extends far beyond statistical process control. In this episode of Lean Into Excellence , we explore how Deming's philosophy reshaped industries, from post-war Japan's manufacturing boom to today's Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. We'll break down his 14 Points for Management, the System of Profound Know...

For years, "government efficiency" has sounded like an oxymoron—but with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the conversation is shifting. In this episode of Lean Into Excellence , we explore: ✅ Can government agencies truly embrace efficiency? ✅ Who's already doing it right?  ✅ What's the best way to support and sustain change in the public sector? We break down the...

In this milestone 20th episode of Lean Into Excellence , we're diving into the critical role of supplier relations and how Lean Six Sigma can transform the way companies collaborate with their suppliers. From fostering continuous improvement to aligning goals for mutual success, we explore strategies to enhance quality, reduce inefficiencies, and build stronger partnerships. Join us as we celebrat...

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence , we're joined by Joe Ficalora, a seasoned expert in Lean Six Sigma and process improvement. Together, we dive into the art of identifying and navigating successful continuous improvement projects. From mastering value stream mapping to understanding top-down versus bottom-up approaches, Joe shares practical insights and real-world examples to help you drive...

In this episode of Lean Into Excellence , we dive into the challenge of overcoming resistance to Lean Six Sigma initiatives within organizations. We discuss common reasons why teams may push back on these changes, explore the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture open to improvement, and share practical strategies for effective communication and change management. Tune in to gain insi...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Natalie Woof, a powerhouse in the world of Lean Six Sigma. Natalie shares her incredible journey of career transformation, emphasizing the power of taking that crucial first step. From her initial doubts to becoming a sought-after expert, she embodies the spirit of "just start" and see what happens. Join us as Natalie dives into her personal experiences,...