The Operations Science Podcast

Most operations teams spend too much time arguing about lead times. Customers want products faster. Sales wants shorter lead times. Operations pushes back. But what if the real goal isn't lead time at all? Kim Shelby shares how her team shifted from fixed lead times to due-date quoting. The result was better customer communication, stronger operational performance, and more reliable delivery commi...

Construction projects rarely fail because of one big mistake. More often, they collapse under misalignment, unrealistic schedules, procurement delays, poor sequencing, and operational variability that no one planned for. Construction manager and mechanical engineer Milton Griffiths shares lessons from greenfield and brownfield infrastructure projects, discussing how contractors, procurement teams,...

When you’re managing operations where a single mistake can cost millions—or put lives at risk—process discipline stops being theoretical. Josh “Tree” Dittmar shares lessons from two worlds where operational excellence is non-negotiable: semiconductor manufacturing and U.S. Navy flight operations. From planning multi-million-dollar semiconductor capacity years in advance to coordinating aircraft la...

Global supply chains don’t fail all at once. They fail slowly—through fragile systems, poor data discipline, supplier consolidation, regulatory bottlenecks, and operational decisions that look efficient until disruption exposes the cracks. Kate Kowalczuk has spent her career operating inside that reality. From pharmaceuticals and medical devices to chemicals and consumer products, she’s worked acr...

What does it take to scale continuous improvement across multiple plants, cultures, and operating realities—without turning standardization into bureaucracy? Andre Scarance shares what global manufacturing leaders often learn the hard way: improvement doesn’t scale through tools alone. It scales through alignment, clear mental models, disciplined business systems, and leadership that makes improve...

Most organizations don’t struggle because they lack talent. They struggle because they move too slowly, operate in silos, and avoid the hard changes everyone already sees coming. This conversation goes deep into what happens when you bring FMCG-level execution discipline into a pharmaceutical environment—and why most teams resist it at first. Adil Belrhzal shares how he built a fast-growing pharma...

Chris Morehouse leads operations across seven manufacturing plants where labor is tight, margins are real, and leadership consistency directly shapes performance. What makes this conversation especially valuable is Chris’s grounded perspective: Lean transformation does not begin with tools—it begins with standards, leadership routines, and a shared understanding of what good looks like. From susta...

Big transformation programs rarely fail because of technology alone. They fail when teams optimize systems instead of outcomes. Marta Moreira Rodriguez shares what nearly 25 years in transformation leadership has taught her about turning complexity into measurable business value—across ERP modernization, CRM workflows, ServiceNow, AI agents, process redesign, and enterprise-scale change. What stan...

Electric vehicles are accelerating faster than ever. But there’s a massive operational challenge most people aren’t talking about. What happens to the batteries when they reach end-of-life? This conversation explores the systems, strategy, and leadership required to build large-scale battery recycling operations, from the ground up. From navigating uncertainty in a brand-new industry to balancing...

What does operational excellence look like when the product you manufacture directly impacts a person’s dignity and quality of life? In this conversation, Mindaugas Valkavicius shares what it takes to lead 200+ frontline operators in a high-sensitivity environment—where safety, quality, and service aren’t abstract metrics, but daily commitments. From ramping up capacity during the pandemic to cons...

Global supply chains don’t fail all at once. They bend, stretch, and quietly test every assumption you’ve made about planning, inventory, and timing. In this conversation on the Operation Science Podcast, Vitoria Vellani shares what it actually looks like to manage demand planning and import operations in Brazil—where long lead times, currency swings, port congestion, and seasonal demand collide....

When a deeply entrenched operating habit jeopardizes $14–15B in revenue, you don’t get a second chance to get it right. This conversation with former Intel manufacturing leader Zane Rakes reveals how a shift in perspective—powered by Operation Science—transformed one of the most complex production environments on earth: semiconductor manufacturing. From “bear traps” of runaway WIP to a trim, predi...

Managing global medical device projects is no small feat—especially when teams span multiple time zones and cultures. In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound interviews Diana Dimitrova, Senior Project Manager, who shares her proven strategies for leading complex programs that bring life-changing drug delivery devices to market. Discover how Diana: ✅ Coordinates cross-func...

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound speaks with Ricardo Monge, a seasoned program manager specializing in medical device manufacturing. Ricardo shares his experiences orchestrating complex, multimillion-dollar project transfers across borders—merging technical rigor with human influence. You’ll learn: ✔ How to balance strategic timelines with tactical operations ✔ Best...

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with Oscar Sroor, a global operations leader based in Bordeaux, France, to explore what it really takes to achieve sustainable operational excellence. With experience spanning manufacturing, medical devices, FMCG, and global supply chains, Oscar shares his journey from classic lean initiatives to leading large-scale bus...

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound sits down with Stefano Relli, an international leader in continuous improvement at a global precision optical lens manufacturer. Together, they break down the real-world challenges of running a make-to-order, high-variability production system and how balancing a push-pull system can transform flow, efficiency, and customer responsiv...

In this episode of The Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with Santiago Camacho, a global supply chain leader with over two decades of experience in manufacturing and operations. Currently spearheading the setup of a new Greenfield site in Portugal for Coloplast, Santiago shares a candid look at the realities of modern supply chain leadership. From balancing demand forecasts a...

In this episode of Operation Science, host Ed Pound sits down with Silindile Sitole, a leader in supply chain and operations who ensures millions of lenses travel seamlessly from Asia to Africa. From navigating time zone gaps and language barriers to optimizing freight methods and managing over 50,000 SKUs, Silindile shares her journey of resilience, precision, and leadership in one of Africa’s mo...

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with logistics veteran Juan Maldonado from Karl Storz, a global leader in medical device manufacturing. With over 25 years in the field, Juan takes us through the evolution of logistics, from paper-based processes to data-driven operations powered by technology and automation. They dive into the challenges of balancing...

Welcome to the Operations Science Podcast! In this episode, host Ed Pound welcomes Lisa Elles, a trailblazer in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. With over 30 years of experience, Lisa discusses the challenges and triumphs of the maritime sector, shedding light on the Lean Shipbuilding model and its transformative impact. From the historical significance of Liberty ships to the potential...

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound interviews Sanjay Huprikar, Chief Global Officer of the Global Electronics Association. They delve into the complexities of global trade policies, tariffs, and their impact on electronics manufacturers. Sanjay shares insights into the evolution of the association, its expanded focus on advocacy, training, and industry standards, and...

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound interviews Mark Gray, a thought leader in continuous improvement and lean thinking. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience across industries, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of psychological safety. Learn about the integration of lean principles with statistical...

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound engages in a deep conversation with Brian Kendig, a seasoned leader in manufacturing transformations currently at Ford Motor Company. Brian shares insights from his extensive career in various industries, including manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, and more. They discuss pivotal topics such as key lessons in driving transfor...

In this insightful episode of the Operations Science Podcast, we’re joined by Blaine Alderks, Head of Product Development at Windings, to explore the evolving world of high-performance electromechanical systems. Blaine shares lessons from over a decade in aerospace and defense, highlighting how agile product development, effective capacity planning, and cross-functional collaboration have transfor...

Join Ed Pound as he sits down with Frankie Swindell, Operations Manager at Flexon (Ingersoll Rand), for an in-depth conversation about managing operations in the critical medical device manufacturing sector. Discover how a seasoned operations leader navigates global supply chains, tariff challenges, and the transition from private equity to public company ownership. Tune in inside: Tariff impact s...