The Lean Solutions Podcast

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Patrick Adams, and guest Tina Patel Gunaldo discuss interprofessional collaboration. They explain the importance of interprofessional education (IPE) in training future healthcare professionals to collaborate effectively. Tina highlights the challenges of traditional hierarchies and the need for asynchronous collaboration.About the Guest:Tina is an innovative and results-driven healthcare leader dedicated to advancing interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered care. She is known for transforming visionary ideas into lasting, evidence-based systems that improve access, quality, and performance across clinical, academic, and community settings. With a proven track record of developing scalable models, securing multimillion-dollar funding, and launching initiatives adopted statewide and nationally, Tina brings together clinicians, administrators, educators, and community partners around shared goals that elevate both patient care and organizational excellence. Her work includes pioneering Louisiana’s first hospital-based food pantry, establishing the state’s first Interprofessional Consortium, and developing vaccination training programs for dentists. Guided by the principles of empowering patients as leaders of their health teams, fostering interdependence, and embedding evidence-based teamwork into practice, Tina continues to inspire innovation and collaboration in healthcare.Links:Collaborate for Health WebsiteTina Patel Gunaldo LinkedIn

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Claire Quigley discuss the gap between technological capabilities and business outcomes. They emphasize an understanding of the purpose of transformation, aligning leadership and people, and ensuring clear communication and change management.About the Guest:Claire Quigley is the founder of Launchpad9, a boutique consultancy dedicated to inspiring and empowering meaningful innovation in established organizations. Claire brings a unique perspective shaped by her journey through high-tech startups, SMEs, and large corporations, where she has learned firsthand what truly works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to forming and executing innovation and growth strategies that make a real difference.Links:Click Here For Claire Quigley's LinkedInClick Here For 'Tech Team Whisperer' Website 

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald and guest Evan Powell discuss the critical importance of inventory management in businesses. They emphasize that inventory management is not a one-size-fits-all approach and requires dynamic, cross-functional collaboration. Evan highlights common misconceptions, such as viewing inventory as a set-and-forget system and relying solely on software or AI.About the Guest:Evan Powell is an operations and supply chain professional dedicated to optimizing processes, reducing waste, and improving performance. With a proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings, increased productivity, and enhanced customer satisfaction, he brings a practical, cross-functional problem-solving approach. Evan’s expertise spans end-to-end supply chain management, including process optimization, lean manufacturing, inventory management, demand planning, logistics, vendor management, and continuous improvement. All with a focus on achieving real-world impact.Links:Click Here For Evan Powell's LinkedInEvan Powell's Website

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Andy Olrich, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Nadia Golenkova discuss the importance of capability strategy in training programs. They emphasize the need for a strategic approach to learning, focusing on specific skills and measurable outcomes. Nadia highlights the pitfalls of reactionary training and the benefits of a long-term, embedded learning ecosystem.About the Guest:Nadia is a trusted executive partner with 18+ years of leading corporate people functions and teaching in top executive MBA programs. She helps organizations design impactful learning, capability, people, and OD strategies that drive measurable results. Known for guiding cultural transformations and developing leaders at all levels, Nadia is recognized nationally and internationally as an award-winning innovation champion. A certified coach, she brings creativity, curiosity, and accountability to every engagement, inspiring clarity and unlocking potential.Links:2025 Lean Solutions SummitClick Here For Nadia Golenkova's LinkedInClick Here For Clockwork Capability Website

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Andy Olrich and guest Colleen Soppelsa discuss the importance of group intelligence in practical problem-solving. Colleen also highlights the significance of integrating behavioral mapping with technical problem-solving frameworks like A3 and DMAIC to achieve sustainable improvements. The discussion underscores the critical role of behavioral alignment in driving organizational success.About the Guest:Colleen Soppelsa began her career abroad, working in educational services in Japan and in consumer luxury goods in Italy, where she met her husband. Her journey in lean continuous improvement started in Purchasing at Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America in Erlanger, KY, supporting electronics assemblies and steel structures. In 2011, she transitioned into the Aerospace and Defense industry, holding performance improvement roles at GE Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies.Over the course of her career, Colleen has facilitated teams in project management, kaizen, and strategy deployment. These experiences deepened her focus on organizational behavior and the transformative impact of trust, teamwork, and creativity in advanced engineering environments.Links:2025 Lean Solutions SummitClick Here For Colleen's LinkedInClick Here To Access Colleen's Website

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Brian Meyers discuss leadership principles and the importance of mentorship, active listening, and creating a safe environment for innovation. They highlight the significance of continuous improvement and adapting Lean practices to fit specific organizational needs. Brian discusses his rapid adoption of Lean principles, inspired by trips to Japan and Europe, and the transformative impact on his business culture.About the Guest:Brian Meyers is the President of JcrOffroad, Victory 4×4, and Fat American Mfg, where he’s spent over 20 years transforming a garage startup into a thriving company powered by a 50+ person team and a strong Lean culture. After realizing that leadership begins with personal accountability—not blame—Brian committed to becoming the leader his team deserved. Now, through his Lean by Doing podcast and speaking, he shares real stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical tools to help other leaders grow, improve, and build cultures their teams are proud to be part of.Links:2025 Lean Solutions SummitClick Here For Brian Meyers LinkedInClick Here For Brian Meyers YouTube 

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Tilo Schwarz discuss the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly changing world. They highlight the need for companies to adapt quickly, citing an example of a high-end electronics company facing competition that can deliver in weeks what their company takes months. They emphasize the importance of developing a learning organization, starting with individual learning and scientific thinking.About the Guest:Tilo Schwarz is an author, leadership coach, and co-founder of the Campus for Leaders at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences. He specializes in helping leaders cultivate team creativity and adaptability through scientific thinking and coaching practices. As a former plant manager, Tilo led a team that won the A.T. Kearney "Factory of the Year" award and placed second in the WHU/INSEAD "Best Factory" competition. He began practicing Toyota Kata in 2007, collaborating with Mike Rother during its foundational research. Tilo has authored several books and frequently speaks at international events, focusing on leadership that empowers teams to innovate and grow.Links:2025 Lean Solutions SummitClick Here For Tilo Schwarz LinkedInClick Here For Tilo Schwarz Website 

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams and guest Katie Anderson discuss strategic planning, emphasizing the importance of ongoing adjustments rather than annual reviews. Katie highlights the Japanese method Hoshin Kanri, which involves continuous reflection and adjustment. They stress the need for leaders to align strategic goals with customer needs and organizational capacity.About the Guest:Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership and learning coach, consultant, and professional speaker, best known for inspiring individuals and organizations to lead with intention and increase their personal and professional impact. Katie is passionate about helping people around the world learn to lead and lead to learn by connecting purpose, process, and practice to achieve higher levels of performance. Her book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning is an international #1 Amazon bestseller.Links:2025 Lean Solutions Summit"Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" LinkClick Here For Katie Anderson's LinkedIn

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Andy Olrich, and guest Billy Ray Taylor discuss the connected business model, emphasizing the importance of ownership and accountability in leadership. They highlight the significance of visual management systems, such as KPA and KPI boards, to drive continuous improvement and psychological safety. Check out the upcoming Lean Solution Summit, where Billy will lead an executive track focused on leadership and organizational transformation.About the Guest:Billy Ray Taylor is the CEO of LinkedXL, a global consulting and software company known for its Connected Business Model (CBM), which helps organizations align strategy, execution, and measurable outcomes. With over five years leading LinkedXL, Billy has focused on building systems that connect people, processes, and assets to drive collaboration and operational excellence.Before founding LinkedXL, Billy served as a global operations strategist at Goodyear, where he led major operational turnarounds. His experience laid the foundation for his mission to help organizations achieve sustainable value through strategic alignment and leadership development. He is also the author of The Winning Link and a respected speaker who shares practical insights on leadership, culture, and performance.Links:Click Here For Billy Ray Taylor's LinkedIn2025 Lean Solutions SummitThe Winning Link

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Matthew Rassi discuss the future of manufacturing. They explore the unique characteristics and misconceptions about Gen Z in the workforce. They emphasize the importance of providing purpose, ownership, and flexibility to engage Gen Z.About the Guest:Matthew is a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years of experience in production leadership and operations, including 10 years in medical device manufacturing. He holds a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and teaches Six Sigma courses at Governors State University. He serves on the Board of Advisors for FCS Manufacturing and is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineering. In 2021, he earned a patent for a laparoscopic instrument design. Through his consulting work, he helps small businesses implement Lean practices and develop self-directed teams. Matthew is also active in reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals through Lifehouse-Group. Outside of work, he enjoys family life with his 11 children and 3 grandchildren and restoring old homes.Links:Click Here For Matthew Rassi's LinkedInClick Here For Lean Manufacturing Expert Website 

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Daniel Walker discuss the importance of innovation, culture, and leadership in change management. The empathize the significance of middle management in organizational change and innovation. He shares his research on empowering middle managers and the need for a culture of continuous improvement.About the Guest:Dr. Walker has been developing his skills in problem-solving, innovation, and culture change for several decades. He is a certified Six Sigma black belt. He holds a BS in Plastics Engineering Technology, an MS in Management, Strategy, and Leadership, and a PhD in Business Management. His doctoral research focused on organizational change and innovation. He has a passion for facilitating the learning process, focusing on leadership development and cultural innovation.Links:Click Here For Daniel Walker's LinkedIn

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Andy Olrich and guest Hessam Vali discuss the importance of aligning leadership with personal and organizational values. Hessam shares his journey of self-reflection and the impact of a pivotal moment with a CEO. They discuss practical steps for embedding purpose, such as documenting values, integrating them into daily operations, and fostering a culture of vulnerability and trust. Hessam also highlights the significance of storytelling and recognition programs in reinforcing values and engaging employees. About the Guest:Hessam Vali is Co-Founder of Techam Solutions, an engineering and management consulting firm focused on operational excellence and business transformation. A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and ASQ Certified Quality Professional, Hessam has a strong track record of leading teams to streamline processes and deliver measurable results.With deep expertise in Lean tools like Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, SMED, and 5S—as well as methodologies like DMAIC and DMADV—he has led major product development projects in the automotive and construction sectors. Customer-focused and results-driven, Hessam combines technical precision with strategic insight to tackle complex challenges.Links:Click Here For Hessam Vali's LinkedInClick Here For Website 

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Jason Jackson discuss the concept of the Silicon Prairie and its growing tech innovation. Jason shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of agility, self-awareness, and continuous improvement. They highlight the success of Nebraska's Center of Operational Excellence (COE) in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, which helped the state navigate the pandemic effectively.About the Guest:Jason Jackson is a Marine Corps veteran and Chief Human Resources Officer for the State of Nebraska. Known for blending Midwestern grit, military discipline, and a passion for public service, Jason drives government transformation through Lean principles and servant leadership.With experience in both public and private sectors, he champions simplicity, hard work, and continuous improvement. From optimizing HR systems to streamlining services, Jason proves that innovation and compassion can thrive in the heartland.Links:Click Here For Jason Jackson's LinkedIn

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Lindsay Shababy discuss the importance of empathy in Lean transformation in healthcare. The emphasize the need to see the world through others' eyes, especially in healthcare where staff often face burnout and systemic challenges. They highlight the balance between empathy and accountability, using practical examples like improving patient flow from the ED to the floor by addressing communication gaps. About the Guest:Lindsay Shababy is the founder of Summit Performance Solutions, a consulting firm that helps healthcare leaders create sustainable improvement systems without overloading their teams. With over 10 years of healthcare operations experience and a military background, she takes a practical, disciplined approach to solving challenges in clinical settings. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with a Master of Health Administration, Lindsay has led initiatives delivering over $15 million in impact. She focuses on making continuous improvement simple and effective, specializing in operational stability, daily management systems, and leadership development.Links:Click Here For Lindsay Shababy's LinkedInClick Here For Summit Performance Solutions Website

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Randy Kesterson discuss the integration of AI with Lean thinking on the Lean Solutions Podcast. They emphasize the importance of maintaining human judgment and involvement in the process. They also discuss the need for accurate data collection and the potential for AI to transform workplaces, urging leaders to embrace AI to stay relevant.About the Guest:Today’s guest is Randy Kesterson, a seasoned operations executive, consultant, and thought leader with over three decades of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, and Lean transformation. Randy’s career includes executive roles at companies like Eastman Chemical and J.M. Huber Corporation, where he led significant enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives.As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a skilled coach, Randy helps organizations achieve operational excellence through practical strategies grounded in real-world experience. He currently serves as a trusted advisor and consultant, guiding leaders across industries in strategy deployment, leadership development, and continuous improvement.Links:Click Here For Randy Kesterson's LinkedInClick Here For Kesterson Group Website 

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, host Patrick Adams, Shane Daughenbaugh, and guest Scott Gauvin discuss how the principle of "respect for people" goes beyond individual actions to become an organizational-wide practice that fosters culture transformation, engagement, and continuous improvement. They explore strategies for leaders to cultivate a learning culture, emphasizing active listening, transparency, and coaching to develop human skills and create lasting change within organizations.About the Guest:Scott Gauvin is a management consultant and Lean specialist with 30 years of experience helping organizations transform the way they perceive and pursue performance. As CEO of Macresco and co-founder of the Respect for People Roadmap, he’s partnered with organizations worldwide and across industries to innovate their business and operating models and put people at the center of their corporate and operations strategies.Links:THE RESPECT FOR PEOPLE ROAD - WEBSITECLICK HERE FOR SCOTT GAUVIN LINKEDIN

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- MCD Consulting where she works as a Lean and Leadership Coach. She specializes in Lean deployment in non-manufacturing industries, including food, retail, education, non-profit, health care, event management, hospitality and media.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, creating consensus and enabling empowerment.Patrick has been delivering bottom-line results through specialized process improvement solutions for over 20 years. He’s worked with all types of businesses from private, non-profit, government, and manufacturing ranging from small business to billion-dollar corporations. Patrick is an Author of the best selling book, Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap.Links:Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Catherine McDonald, and  guest Cheryl Jekiel discuss the transition from using Lean as a collection of tools to embedding it into behavioral perspective. They emphasize the importance of behavioral change over tool implementation and highlight the need for clear vision, peer support, and top-down alignment to drive sustainable change.About the Guest:Cheryl Jekiel, Founder of the Lean Leadership Center, works with people-centric organizations that require the right people strategies and systems to achieve their business vision.  Ms. Jekiel has developed expertise in optimizing lean manufacturing cultures while working with various organizations on their transformational journeys. Before opening the Lean Leadership Center, Ms. Jekiel held numerous senior leadership roles, including leading operations, human resources, and chief operating officer. As the author of “Lean Human Resources: Redesigning HR Practices for a Culture of Continuous Improvement”, Ms. Jekiel illuminates the role of HR in how organizations optimize people’s talents. Ms. Jekiel also has a best seller, “Let Go to Lead: Six Habits for Happier, More Independent Teams (With Less Stress and More Time for Yourself)”.Links:Click Here For Cheryl Jekiel LinkedInClick Here For Lean Leadership Center Website

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Shayne Daughenbaugh, Andy Olrich, and guest Steve Spear discuss the evolution of industry, emphasizing the importance of cultural shifts driven by Lean thinking. They interview Steve Spears, a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, who highlights the role of innovation in organizational transformation.About the Guest:Steve Spear is a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, founder of the software firm See to Solve, and author of Wiring the Winning Organization (with Gene Kim) and The High-Velocity Edge. His work, featured in Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, and The New York Times, focuses on solving complex organizational challenges through innovation, systems thinking, and technology.Spear’s ideas have shaped product design at Pratt & Whitney, accelerated pharma development cycles, and optimized operations at firms like Intel, Alcoa, and DTE Energy. He has advised the U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force and the Navy’s Chief of Naval Research, aiding in tech deployment and operational innovation.Links:Click Here For Steve Spear's LinkedInClick Here For "See to Solve" Website

What You’ll Learn:In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Sam Yankelevitch discuss the importance of respectful delegation in leadership. They highlight the significance of clarity, accountability, and continuous coaching in delegation. Together, they elaborate on the "commitment conversation" framework, which includes defining tasks, acknowledging uncertainties, and regular follow-ups. They emphasize the need for leaders to shift from being intimidating task givers to supportive coaches.About the Guest:Sam Yankelevitch is the CEO of Xpress Lingo Solutions, a TEDx speaker, and corporate trainer focused on aligning people, processes, and communication to close performance gaps. An industrial engineer and former VP of global operations, he brings deep expertise in Lean, Quality, and problem-solving methodologies. Sam is a popular LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 750,000 learners and the author of several books, including Lean Potion #9, Walking the Invisible Gemba, and the fiction title An Interview with Failure. He lives in South Carolina with his wife and borrowed dog, and believes in lifelong learning and giving back.Links:Click Here For Sam Yankelevitch WebsiteClick Here For Sam Yankelevitch LinkedInClick Here For Sam Yankelevitch YouTube