The Lean Solutions Podcast

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald and Shayne Daughenbaugh discuss reframing workplace failures as opportunities for growth. They emphasize the importance of viewing failures as experiments and learning experiences, rather than negative events. About the Hosts: Catherine McDonald is a Lean and Leadership Coach. Her work involves training and coaching executives and teams...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, host Patrick Adams and Catherine McDonald as they discuss the importance of reframing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a negative event. About the Hosts: Catherine McDonald is a Lean and Leadership Coach. Her work involves training and coaching executives and teams in organizations of all types and sizes. In 2018, Catherine started her own business-...

What You’ll Learn: Join the Lean Solutions host in this live podcast as the discuss the relevance of Lean in 2025, highlighting its continued importance despite rapid technological advancements. About the Hosts: Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Improvement and...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams and Andy Olrich discuss the importance of soft skills in leadership, emphasizing empathy, communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. About the Guest: Andy Olrich brings over 25 years of expertise in engineering trades, services, manufacturing, mining and logistics processes and support. With qualifications in Continuous Improvem...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and Andy Olrich, dive into the year’s most watched and liked episodes, reflecting on the impactful conversations and memorable moments that resonated with their audience. From industry insights and expert interviews, they look back at all the highlights that defined season 3. The hosts also look into w...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Greg Jacobson, CEO of KaiNexus, discusses the importance of habit science in leadership and continuous improvement. Greg emphasizes the role of identity, habit loops, and the basal ganglia in forming habits. About the Guest: Dr. Greg Jacobson is the CEO and Co-founder of KaiNexus. Passionate about addressing operational inefficiencie...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Catherine McDonald, and guest Craig Coyle discuss the relevance of lean and continuous improvement for future leaders. Coyle emphasizes the importance of leadership development, noting that 70% of workforce engagement is influenced by first-line supervisors. About the Guest: Craig Coyle is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and former U....

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Royden Johnson discuss the global adaptability of Lean principles, emphasizing its core values of customer focus and respect for people. About the Guest: Royden Johnson is a distinguished manufacturing leader with extensive experience spanning diverse industries, including automotive sectors. As a Six Sigma Blac...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, host Patrick Adams discusses the importance of continuous improvement using the analogy of climbing Mount Everest, emphasizing preparation, teamwork, and simplicity. About the Host: Patrick Adams is an internationally recognized leadership coach, consultant and professional speaker. He is best known for his unique human approach to sound team building practices,...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Catherine McDonald, and guest Ryan Weiss discuss Ryan's Optics System, which aligns people and processes for enhanced organizational performance. The system uses a five-step process: identifying the work stream, understanding its purpose, scope, and gaps, creating a SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) framework, defining qua...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Catherine McDonald, and guest Lesley Worthington discuss the importance of effective communication in Lean management and workplace communication. They highlight how clear, respectful communication can make or break Lean initiatives, using personal anecdotes and examples. About the Guest:  Lesley combines 20 years of quality and regulatory exp...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and guest Shane Silsby discuss the difficulties of managing limited resources in local government, such as budget constraints and public input, compared to the private sector's focus on profit. Silsby emphasized the importance of efficient procurement and leveraging technology to improve service delivery. About the...

In this episode, Patrick talks about the importance of good leadership and how you can do small things to create the right culture within your organization.    What You’ll Learn This Episode:   Why you need to keep things simple instead of complex The 3 points to keeping it simple  The importance of keeping a clear vision of where you are heading Why you need to keep it visual  The 3 main points t...

In this throwback episode, Patrick Adams dives into the topic of failure. He shares one of his favorite books, It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by former Navy Commander Michael Abrashoff, which tells a powerful story of organizational transformation and innovative leadership. He also explores the decision-making and calculated risks needed to build a cultur...

What You’ll Learn: In this throwback episode, Patrick talks about the ingredients necessary to spark and maintain a fire of continuous improvement in your organization. About the Patrick:  Patrick Adams is the author of the best selling and Shingo-award winning book “Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap” and the host of The Lean Solutions Podcast. He is an international speaker, coach, and cons...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, and David McRaney discuss the essential approach in guiding individuals through difficult topics without triggering defensive responses. About the Guest:   David McRaney is a science journalist with a deep fascination for brains, minds, and culture. He is best known for creating the blog, bestselling book, and podcast *You Are Not So Smart*,...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Andy Olrich, and guests Brad Jeavons and Chris Butterworth discuss the complexities of leadership.  The traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to leading organizations is no longer sufficient in an environment where agility, empathy, and adaptability are paramount.  About the Guest:  Chris Butterworth Chris is a multi-award-winning author,...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Patrick Adams, and guest Hessam Vali discuss The evolution of lean implementation in recent years, which has revolutionized process optimization and decision-making.  About the Guest:  Hessam Vali is the co-founder and managing partner of Optegrity Solutions and Techam Solutions, with extensive expertise in lean manufacturing, operational exce...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Catherine McDonald, and guest Dennis Sergent discuss the intersection of Lean practices and Deming's principles, delving into the essential lessons Lean practitioners can glean from Deming’s insights.  About the Guest:  Dennis Sergent, principal at Sergent Results Group, is a management coach, consultant, and facilitator of scientific improv...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Patrick Adams, and guest Beth Carrington discuss guiding individuals or teams in achieving desired outcomes through coaching kata.  Kata methodologies drive innovation, improve efficiency, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, leading to notable success in respective industries. About the Guest:  Beth Carrington , a seasoned consulta...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Andy Olrich, and guest Hugh Alley discuss how crucial it is to identify and develop effective leaders in today's dynamic business environment.  Training Within Industry (TWI) offers a systematic approach to building foundational skills that not only enhance operational performance but also cultivate leadership potential.  About the Gues...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Joyce Weiss discuss coaching leaders in a way that ensures their teams feel heard and respected. Strategies such as staying calm, practicing active listening, and expressing yourself clearly to feel comfortable during uncomfortable communication can be effective in any profession. About the Guest:  Our guest to...

What You’ll Learn: In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and guest Art Byrne discuss Lean strategy and its extension beyond manufacturing as well as its potential to transform any business by enhancing overall operations.  By eliminating waste, delivering consistent customer value, stimulating growth, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Lean principles enab...

As the midpoint of the year, we've carefully selected a few of our standout episodes from Season Three. These episodes stood out for their ability to captivate and engage our audience, making them the highlights of the season thus far. As always, the continued success of this podcast is made possible by your unwavering support, and for that, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. We're thrilled to rev...

As the midpoint of the year, we've carefully selected a few of our standout episodes from Season Three. These episodes stood out for their ability to captivate and engage our audience, making them the highlights of the season thus far. As always, the continued success of this podcast is made possible by your unwavering support, and for that, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. We're thrilled to rev...