KPI Fireside: A Continuous Improvement Podcast

What actually makes projects succeed — and why do so many fail before they even begin?In this episode, Keith sits down with Adriana Girdler, President & Chief Efficiency Officer at CornerStone Dynamics, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, PMP, productivity expert, and one of the top project management voices in North America. With over 260K YouTube subscribers and 20+ years leading organizational transformation, Adriana breaks down what organizations get wrong about project work and why clarity, alignment, and methodology matter more than any tool.🔻 Adriana’s unexpected start in productivity and PM (thanks, Franklin Planner)🔻 Why “accidental project managers” are everywhere — and why they struggle🔻 The real definition of a project: start date, end date, deliverable🔻 Why technology is just a tool — not the solution to productivity🔻 What every charter must include (and why it’s your navigation system)🔻 The three levels of project roles: sponsors, steering committees & SMEs🔻 How project managers must shift into strategic leadership roles🔻 The danger of siloed work and why PMs must be the connective tissue🔻 Why organizations unintentionally set teams up for failure🔻 Project management in the age of AI — what changes, what doesn’t🔗 Connect with Adriana Girdler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianagirdler/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🔗 Visit CornerStone Dynamics:https://www.cornerstonedynamics.com/🔗 Explore the SLAY Project Management Course:https://adrianagirdler.thinkific.com/pages/slaypm🔗 Learn about the SLAY Corporate Program:https://www.cornerstonedynamics.com/project-management-corporate-program/🔗 Watch Adriana’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianaGirdler🔗 Follow CornerStone Dynamics on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstone-dynamics-inc/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What does it really take to build a culture of excellence? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Tina Agustiady, award-winning continuous improvement leader, author, and Vice President at J.P. Morgan Chase. With decades of experience leading Lean and Six Sigma transformations across major organizations, Tina shares what it means to create lasting improvement by putting people first.🔻 Why culture, not tools, is the true foundation of Lean and Six Sigma success🔻 How to make training programs hands-on, relevant, and results-driven🔻 The role of emotional intelligence and humility in effective leadership🔻 What companies get wrong about continuous improvement and how to fix it🔻 How change management and empowerment fuel the next generation of leaders🔻 Why continuous improvement is like breathing, if you stop, you will not last🔗 Connect with Tina Agustiady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-agustiady/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

How can sustainability become more than a buzzword and drive real improvement? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Lorenzo Long, Sustainability Coordinator for Ogden City, to explore how cities can turn environmental goals into practical, measurable change. From energy efficiency to policy design, Lorenzo shares how small wins and smart framing create lasting impact.🔻 How Ogden City is embedding sustainability into its long-term planning and daily operations🔻 Why "framing" matters and how changing the language from sustainability to resilience builds buy-in🔻 How to measure what matters with the KPIs behind Ogden’s Energy Wise Strategic Plan🔻 Lessons from Weber State’s revolving sustainability fund that pays for itself🔻 How small-scale tests like an electric vehicle pilot program can spark large-scale change🔻 Why every organization, big or small, should start with one sustainability champion🔗 Connect with Lorenzo Long on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzolong/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What does it take to build a culture where improvement sticks? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Pete Gough, retired transformation leader and former head of Business Improvement at major mining organizations including Rio Tinto, Newcrest, and Goldfields. Over his decades-long career, Pete helped shape hundreds of improvement projects, mentored future leaders, and proved that true transformation starts with people, not tools.🔻 Turning Lean, Six Sigma, and change leadership into one practical “MMA-style” approach to improvement🔻 Why executive visibility and genuine engagement are the foundation for lasting cultural change🔻 How to design training programs that grow future leaders, not just project managers🔻 The role of business improvement teams in connecting strategy, operations, and people🔻 How to quantify hard versus soft savings and set realistic, stretch targets for improvement🔻 Lessons from leading CI across global mining sites and cultures🔗 Connect with Pete Gough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gough-86b03617/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What makes improvement efforts succeed or fail? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Steve Burkle, Global Director of Operational Excellence, to explore the real factors that determine whether continuous improvement takes root or fades away. With more than 30 years leading OpEx transformations, Steve shares lessons learned from the front lines, what it takes to sustain change, develop problem solvers, and create a culture where improvement never stops.🔺 Why listening, not lecturing, is the most underrated leadership skill in continuous improvement🔺 How to turn daily management systems and tiered huddles into the backbone of a thriving CI culture🔺 The difference between doing improvement to people and doing it with them🔺 What separates quick-win projects from true operational excellence🔺 How to measure what really matters, so data drives behavior, not just dashboards🔗 Connect with Steve Burkle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-burkle-lssbb-11a08a78/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What separates companies that try Lean from those that live it? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Darren Dolcemascolo, co-founder and managing partner of EMS Consulting Group, to talk about what it really takes to create sustainable improvement. From his early career in operations to helping hundreds of organizations transform through Lean, Darren shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, engagement, and how to keep the momentum going when improvement fatigue sets in.🔺 Why culture—not tools—determines the success of Lean initiatives🔺 How to teach problem-solving as a daily practice, not a one-time project 🔺 Why humility and curiosity are the real superpowers of Lean leadership 🔺 How to balance structure and flexibility in CI programs 🔺 What to look for when assessing whether your organization is ready for Lean transformation🔗 Connect with Darren Dolcemascolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrendolcemascolo/ 🔗 Explore EMS Consulting Group: https://emsstrategies.com/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this special 30th episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris looks back on the most powerful lessons shared across thirty conversations with leaders, thinkers, and change-makers in the world of continuous improvement.From the shop floor to the boardroom, these stories reveal a simple truth — improvement isn’t about tools or projects, but about people, culture, leadership, and daily habits that make progress sustainable.🔻 Improvement starts with people 🔻 Culture is the real competitive advantage 🔻 Improvement is a team sport — and leaders create the conditions for change 🔻 Improvement is a habit, not a projectWhether you’re a CI professional, a people leader, or someone looking to reignite their own improvement journey, this episode is a reflection on what makes continuous improvement stick — and why it always begins with the human side of change.🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire – https://www.kpifire.com/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Jared Thatcher, Lean Business Consultant, founder of the Global Lean Summit, and author of Parenting the Lean Way, to explore how companies can drive continuous cost improvement without draining their people.🔺 Why Lean should never stand for "less employees are needed" 🔺 How to use Lean to build morale, not fear 🔺 The role of leadership in protecting improvement culture 🔺 Practical examples of cost savings that boost engagement 🔺 How to apply Lean thinking to every part of life, from the office to parentingJared shares real-world stories from his time at Daimler Trucks, Alaska Airlines, and more, showing how respect for people and smart systems thinking lead to sustainable results.🔗 Connect with Jared Thatcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredthatcher/ 🔗 Explore the Global Lean Summit: https://globalleansummit.com 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Luca Giovanni Guadagnuolo, a seasoned consultant and Lean transformation leader with decades of experience driving operational excellence across Europe. Luca shares how his journey began at Whirlpool, why he was drawn to Lean from the start, and what it takes to align people across cultures, industries, and leadership levels.🔻 How to engage frontline teams with A3 thinking and problem-solving🔻 Why leadership’s role is to support, not control🔻 Lessons from rolling out Lean across nine European plants🔻 How to sustain cultural change long after the consultant leaves🔻 Why continuous improvement is as natural as drinking waterWhether you’re leading a factory, managing a team, or guiding strategy at the executive level, Luca’s insights will help you see Lean as more than tools—it’s about respect, delegation, and unlocking human potential.🔗 Connect with Luca Guadagnuolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaguadagnuolo/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Bruce Hamilton, the legendary “Toast Kaizen” teacher, to explore how storytelling can unlock a culture of continuous improvement. Bruce shares lessons from decades of Lean leadership, why respect for people is the true foundation of TPS, and how even small, inch wide and mile deep improvements can transform an organization. From poka yoke to AI, he shows why the future of Lean is still rooted in everyday learning and respect.🔻 The story behind Toast Kaizen and why it still resonates today 🔻 The four Lean philosophies that never change: customer first, people as the most valuable resource, go see, and kaizen every day 🔻 Why inch wide, mile deep is the smartest way to build momentum 🔻 How poka yoke turns mistakes into smarter systems 🔻 Where AI fits in and why it should be AI plus people👉 Listen now and take one small improvement idea from this episode to put into action today.🔗 Connect with Bruce Hamilton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-hamilton-a09a4616/🔗 Explore GBMP: https://www.gbmp.org/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Cindy Deekitwong, a global sales and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience across specialty chemicals, semiconductors, healthcare, and packaging. Cindy explains why Lean is more than cost cutting. It is a culture of problem solving and continuous improvement. She highlights the importance of asking the right questions, listening to understand, and motivating teams by starting with “why.” Along the way, she offers powerful examples from manufacturing, medical devices, and packaging that show how small changes can create outsized impact.🔻 Why value added vs. non value added thinking applies everywhere from gas stations to global supply chains🔻 How “small is the new big” when it comes to culture change and quick wins🔻 The leadership shift from telling to empowering and why listening is the first step🔻 Why continuous improvement must expand beyond the shop floor into sales, marketing, and innovationWhether you are an executive balancing growth and culture, a CI leader coaching teams, or simply curious about how to empower people for lasting improvement, Cindy’s insights will inspire you to look at your work through a new lens.🔗 Connect with Cindy Deekitwong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-deekitwong/🔗 Explore Aperia Corporation: https://aperia.com/🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Bob Luna, a leader who has scaled businesses from $3 million to $500 million across industries like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and even Amazon and Procter & Gamble. With over 30 years of experience, Bob shares why emotional intelligence (EQ) and extreme ownership are just as critical to improvement as value stream maps and throughput metrics.Bob breaks down how to cut through the noise of measuring “30 or 40 things” to focus on the few metrics that truly drive results, like cycle time, defects, and Net Promoter Score (NPS). He also explains how leaders can prepare their teams emotionally and culturally to actually embrace process improvement, not resist it.🔻 Why customer feedback through NPS can’t just be collected—it has to drive action 🔻 How EQ and ownership accelerate Lean and CI initiatives across every level of an organization 🔻 The hidden cost of poor processes (and why it often eats up 30% of revenue) 🔻 Practical ways leaders can simplify metrics, build capability, and avoid firefightingWhether you’re leading a team of 20 or a company of 20,000, Bob’s insights show how the right mix of people, process, and metrics can turn improvement into real, sustainable growth.🔗 Connect with Bob Luna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-luna-2b36b68/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Monika Mangla, Managing Director at Accenture and a global leader in finance and digital transformation, to explore how continuous improvement is evolving in the age of AI.From predictive maintenance in oil and gas to forward-looking financial planning, Monika outlines real-world examples of AI in action, while also addressing the foundations organizations must get right: strong data governance, people readiness, and a culture that empowers decision-making at every level.🔻 Why AI is accelerating the pace of continuous improvement 🔻 How finance and operations leaders can build stronger cross-functional alignment 🔻 The critical role of data and governance in making AI valuable 🔻 Why employees should see AI as an assistant, not a replacementWhether you’re a CI professional, a finance leader, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation will challenge how you think about improvement in the AI era.🔗 Connect with Monika Mangla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monika-mangla-cfa-320a52/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Christine Lavoie, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Operational Excellence leader, to explore how great leaders create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday work. Christine shares how curiosity, empowerment, and the right tools help organizations unlock the full potential of their people.Drawing from her journey across industries and her current role at Safelite AutoGlass, Christine highlights what it takes to move beyond process changes and truly build a mindset of improvement. She explains the role leaders play in asking better questions, removing roadblocks, and giving teams the space to solve problems that matter most.🔻 Why continuous improvement is a mindset, not just a methodology🔻 The project roles that make real change sustainable🔻 How leaders can size work between Kaizen and DMAIC effectively🔻 Practical strategies to sustain change for the long termWhether you are leading a frontline team or driving enterprise-wide transformation, this conversation shows how leaders at every level can build trust, alignment, and results through a culture of improvement.🔗 Connect with Christine Lavoie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-lavoie-lssbb-2878095b/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Heather Everton, Vice President of Product at Merrick Bank, to explore how daily standups can transform the way teams work. Heather shares why standups are not just another meeting, but a powerful ritual for building trust, creating alignment, and driving clarity without falling into the trap of micromanagement.From her experience in both small startups and large enterprises, Heather highlights the simplicity and discipline of a good standup, the questions every team should ask, and the psychological benefits of connection and accountability. She also discusses how tools like Standup Alice help make standups more effective across remote, hybrid, and global teams.🔻 Why a 10-minute standup can replace 10 meetings🔻 How standups build trust and autonomy inside teams🔻 The role of rituals in creating culture and alignment🔻 Practical tips for running effective standups in any industryWhether you are leading a software team, managing operations, or looking for ways to improve connection and performance, this conversation shows how standups can bring clarity and momentum to your organization.📚 Learn more about Standup Alice: https://www.standupalice.com/🔗 Connect with Heather Everton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-everton-a4205065/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Dr. Keith Clinkscales shares his remarkable journey from electrical engineer and Lean Six Sigma consultant to Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management at Palm Beach County. With insight shaped by decades of experience in both private industry and public service, Dr. Clinkscales unpacks the real driver of performance: how people feel, think, and show up to work.From building metrics that empower rather than punish, to reshaping toxic cultures and reviving employee engagement, this episode is a masterclass in managing the human side of performance.🔻 Why attitude might be the most underrated performance tool🔻 How toxic cultures get created, and how leaders c a n change them🔻 What public sector teams taught Dr. Clinkscales about legacy systems and lasting change🔻 How to create cross-department collaboration in siloed organizations🔻 How to tell if its time to stay and lead c h a n g e or time to move onThis one is packed with wisdom, energy, and real-world leadership lessons that will stick with you long after the final minute.📚 Read "Your Attitude Is Your Breakthrough" : https://a.co/d/4EoeW33🔗 Connect with Dr. Keith Clinkscales on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkeithclinkscales/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

What does it really take to build a culture of continuous improvement that lasts?In this episode, Keith sits down with Ken Snyder—Executive Director of the Shingo Institute—to unpack the leadership behaviors, cultural systems, and guiding principles that separate companies who talk about improvement from those who actually achieve it.From Toyota’s legacy to modern AI integration, Ken shares hard-earned lessons from five decades of experience in global manufacturing, higher education, and enterprise excellence.🔻 Why most CI efforts fail to sustain—and how to avoid idea killers 🔻 The three most important drivers of lasting results 🔻 What executives often overlook about culture, systems, and strategy 🔻 How to move from isolated success to enterprise-wide alignment 🔻 The surprising role of humility in high-performing organizationsWhether you're leading from the boardroom or the shop floor, this episode will challenge the way you think about improvement—and equip you to lead it better.📚 Learn more about the Shingo Institute: https://shingo.org/🔗 Connect with Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snyderken/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Tyson Heaton, Senior Director of Co-Learning and Business Strategy at Lean Enterprise Institute, to explore why the most powerful part of Lean isn't the tools, it's the people.Drawing from his experiences at OC Tanner and LEI, Tyson shares how his perspective shifted from technical solutions to human capability, and why that shift is essential for lasting transformation. From the value of flow to the role of daily management systems, he unpacks how true improvement happens when you build trust, expose problems, and empower teams to solve them.🔻 Why capability beats quick fixes 🔻 How “no problems” is the biggest problem of all 🔻 The link between lean systems, flow, and human well-being 🔻 How AI might become a third coach in Lean development 🔻 Why frustration should trigger curiosity, not blameWhether you're deep into Lean or just getting started, this episode will challenge how you think about improvement and why it has to start with people.📚 Learn more about the Lean Enterprise Institute: https://www.lean.org/🔗 Connect with Tyson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-heaton-94171138/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Is your belt more than just a piece of paper?In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Kevin Clay—Master Black Belt and founder of Six Sigma Development Solutions—to break down the real meaning behind Lean Six Sigma belt certifications.From white to black belt, Kevin shares why the value of a belt isn’t in the color or the test—but in the capability it represents. Whether you're an aspiring Green Belt, a hiring manager, or a CI leader designing your internal program, this conversation reveals what it really takes to build problem solvers—not just test takers.🎙️ In this episode:🔻 The difference between a belt and actual capability🔻 Why “testing out” isn’t enough—and what to do instead🔻 What white, yellow, green, and black belts really mean🔻 How to build training that creates real change agents🔻 What to look for when hiring certified practitioners👀 Thinking about certification—or hiring someone who is? Don’t miss this one.📚 Buy Kevin’s book Why They Fail: https://sixsigmadsi.com/why-they-fail/🔗 Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssdsi/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth—diving deeper into Obeya, visual leadership, and metrics that drive action. Missed Part 1? Check out Episode 16: The Visual Language That Transforms Work.In this second installment, Gwen and host Keith Norris explore one of the most misapplied tools in the Lean toolbox: the Obeya Room. Together, they unpack what makes it powerful, where most efforts go wrong, and why visual metrics should do more than just “monitor”—they should drive.🔻 The real purpose of Obeya (hint: it’s not about adding more dashboards)🔻 Why digital tools often fail to deliver behavior change🔻 The neuroscience of “touching” data—and how it drives accountability🔻 The difference between metrics that monitor vs. metrics that drive 🔻 Gwen’s “10 Doorways” framework for building a truly visual workplace 🔻 How visuality grows self-leaders and transforms organizational cultureWhether you’re an executive, CI leader, or team supervisor, this episode offers a blueprint for using visual thinking and Obeya leadership to make strategy visible—and results sustainable.🔗 Learn more about the Visual Workplace: https://visualworkplace.com/🔗 Connect with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyngalsworth/🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.