All Things Quality: An ASQ Podcast

This episode explores how AI is transforming quality, highlighting current impacts like AI-powered test automation, computer vision for manufacturing defect detection, and AI-driven document quality control that boost efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. It forecasts near-term advances including autonomous testing, NLP-generated test scripts, self-healing tests, and edge AI integrated with robotics for real-time inspection and correction on factory floors. The discussion concludes that AI is shifting QA from manual, repetitive work to higher-value, strategic roles focused on reliability, user experience, and continuous delivery.

In this episode, we introduce the basics of root cause analysis and walk through several essential RCA tools used to uncover the real causes behind problems. A practical overview for quality professionals looking to strengthen problem solving and continuous improvement. Plus, we share a few ASQ updates to keep you in the loop.ASQ Updates - ASQ Certifications (Apply by April 13): https://asq.org/certFree Webinar - Discover the Value of ASQ (April 23)ASQ World Conference on Quality & Improvement (Orlando): https://asq.org/wcqi (May 17)April Member Gift – Lean Six Sigma in the Digital Age: https://asq.org/membership/member-giftQuality Progress Articles (including “Hand in Hand”): https://asq.org/quality-progressASQ Mobile App (Join today): https://asq.org/membership/mobile-appProvide Feedback / Ideas: mailto:pbaez@asq.org

In this episode, experienced auditor, trainer, and active ASQ leader, Susan Gorveatte reframes auditing as a journey—one that requires preparation, objectivity, communication skills, and a commitment to comparing evidence to criteria without opinion. She explains the importance of balancing interviews, observation, and records review, building strong rapport from the start, and recognizing positive findings—not just nonconformities.📘 Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Management System Auditing – Article by Susan Gorveatte📖 ISO 19011: Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems📘 ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems Requirements🌎 ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI)👩‍💼 Learn More About Susan Gorveatte via LinkedIn

In this AI-generated episode of All Things Quality, we revisit PDCA’s origins, explore why it remains one of the most powerful tools in quality management, and examine how emerging technologies — including AI, automation, and real-time analytics — are strengthening rather than replacing this disciplined approach.You’ll also hear practical insights, historical context, and a few “Did you know?” facts that may change how you think about this deceptively simple cycle.Whether you're leading Lean initiatives, applying Six Sigma methods, or navigating digital transformation, PDCA remains the backbone of meaningful improvement.More resources:PDCA Cycle – Learn About Quality (LAQ)Back to Basics: The Benefits of PDCA – Quality ProgressQuality 101: Back to Basics – Virtual Course

Audits don’t have to feel like emergencies. In this quick tips episode titled Making Audit Readiness Just Another Tuesday, we explore how organizations move beyond last-minute audit prep by building audit readiness into everyday work.Drawing from Quality Progress expert insights, we look at practical ways to strengthen internal audit programs, engage leadership, empower supervisors, and use continual improvement to make compliance routine rather than reactive.If you want audits to feel predictable, manageable, and part of normal operations, this episode is for you.Resources to learn more:Quality Progress Article: Expert Answers: Audit ReadinessAI Risks and RewardsASQ Training: Auditing Fundamentals & Internal Auditing BasicsQuality Press Book: Advanced Quality Auditing by Lance B. Coleman

You don’t need a seven-figure budget to unlock digital transformation.In this episode, Thomas Jones explains how organizations can build a practical, scalable approach to Quality 4.0 using the tools they already have. We discuss the three pillars (People–Process–Technology), why a data strategy matters more than dashboards, and how teams can move from reactive firefighting to predictive decisions powered by real-time insight.To learn more:📘 Total Digital Transformation – Book🌐 Quality 4.0 Resource Hub📰 Quality Progress – Articles & Insights: 📚 ASQ Learning & Resource Library: ⭐ Join ASQ (Member Discounts & Access): https://asq.org/membership

Go behind the scenes of ASQ’s two major 2026 conferences — the Lean and Six Sigma Conference (LSSC) and the World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI).In this episode, ASQ Events Director Mary Koloski talks with April Thomas (LSSC Technical Program Chair) and Patrice Griffith (WCQI Technical Program Chair) about how conference themes are chosen, how the Technical Program Committees shape the learning experience, and what quality professionals can expect in 2026.Learn more about the upcoming events here:🔗 ASQ Events Page: https://asq.org/events🔗 Lean and Six Sigma Conference (LSSC): https://asq.org/conferences/six-sigma 🔗 World Conference on Quality & Improvement (WCQI): https://asq.org/conferences/wcqiFollow All Things Quality for more conversations that highlight the people, ideas, and programs shaping the future of the profession.

Quality salaries are up 5.2% — but expectations are rising even faster. The 2025 ASQ Salary Survey shows that leadership and strategic “power skills” now drive career growth as much as technical expertise. Max Hansen and Jenny Chu unpack the L-Mix, confidence gaps, communication trends, certification ROI, and what quality pros need next to advance.ASQ Resources Mentioned2025 ASQ Salary Survey (Quality Progress)https://asq.org/quality-progress/salary-surveyQuality Progress Magazinehttps://qualityprogress.comASQ Certification Portfoliohttps://asq.org/certASQ Learning & Traininghttps://asq.org/trainingASQ Career Centerhttps://careers.asq.org/

ISO leadership mentor and podcast host Jackie Stapleton joins the All Things Quality Podcast to share how her 25-year auditing journey has shaped her perspective on making quality systems more practical, inclusive, and impactful. Jackie discusses what ISO really means for organizations today, how it builds trust beyond compliance, and why events like ASQ’s Women in Quality Symposium are helping professionals connect, collaborate, and lead the next generation of quality excellence.About Jackie Stapleton:🎧 Lead the Standard Podcast: https://jackiestapleton.com/podcast💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiestapletonASQ Resources:👩‍🔬 ASQ Women in Quality Symposium (WiQS): https://asq.org/conferences/women-in-quality🤝 Join the ASQ WiQS Community: https://my.asq.org📘 ISO Standards Overview (ASQ Learn About Quality): https://asq.org/quality-resources/iso-9001

In this All Things Quality episode, we talk with Stephen Hacker, ASQ Fellow, past ASQ Chair, and leadership consultant, about how quality professionals can develop the courage, influence, and self-leadership needed to truly stand up for quality.Drawing from his Quality Progress article, “Are You Hiding Your Leadership?”, Stephen explores the mindset shifts that turn quality practitioners into trusted organizational influencers — from mastering persuasion and credibility to speaking the language of business.Tune in to learn practical steps for building moral courage, trust, and impact as a quality leader.Links & Resources:Read Stephen Hacker’s article “Are You Hiding Your Leadership?” → qualityprogress.comExplore ASQ Leadership & Management Resources → asq.org/leadershipLearn more about Stephen’s work and Transformation Systems International Join ASQ for access to Quality Progress archives, toolkits, and exclusive leadership content → asq.org/membership

This episode spotlights the latest ASQ news, member resources, learning opportunities, and upcoming events.📰 Quality Progress Highlights – AI-ready culture, Quality 5.0 transformation, and modern RCA tools. Read at qualityprogress.com📜 Certification Update – How to add your ASQ certifications to your Career Center profile.💬 myASQ Hot Topics – Join 2025’s top discussions on QMS, SOPs, Lean Six Sigma, and DEI at my.asq.org.🎁 Member Gift – Upskilling for Quality 4.0 & 5.0 bundle for AI, leadership, and digital skills.📚 Learning Library – Explore 20+ on-demand courses at asq.org/learning.💡 Renew or Join – Keep your benefits active at asq.org/join.🗳️ Member Satisfaction Survey – Share feedback by Nov 14 → members.asq.org.👩‍💻 Women in Quality Symposium (Dec 4) – Register at asq.org/events.🎧 Like, Share, and Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Driven by AI, automation, and digitalization, the rules of quality are being entirely reshaped. The data is clear: professionals who rely solely on traditional methods risk disruption.This era demands collaboration between humans and intelligent systems and a focus on ethical, human-centered outcomes.In this episode, we show you how to become the "upskilled AI/ML quality professional." We cover the technical fluency needed—from Prompt Engineering and Digital Twins—and the vital human skills like Analytical Thinking and Agility.

In this episode, Jenny Chu unpacks highlights from ASQ’s 2025 Pulse Survey—revealing why personal growth tops pay as the main driver for upskilling, the skills quality pros say they need most, and how AI is beginning to reshape quality roles. Hear what’s motivating professionals, what’s holding them back, and what’s ahead in the full ASQ Salary Survey.Resources & Links Mentioned📖 Evolving With Intention: ASQ Pulse Survey results show what quality professionals are doing to untangle career challenges — Read the article in Quality Progress (July 2025 issue)👤 Connect with Jenny Chu on LinkedIn 💼 Explore opportunities in the ASQ Career Center🌐 Not a member yet? Join ASQ today to access career resources, surveys, and a global network of quality professionals.🎁 Related Member Gift — Upskilling for Quality 4.0 and 5.0 Resource BundleAre you ready to build the skills that will define the next generation of quality professionals?This Member Gift is designed as a skill-building roadmap for both new and seasoned professionals. Inside, you’ll find curated ASQ articles, case studies, webcasts, and podcasts that explore the competencies needed to thrive in the era of Quality 4.0 and beyond—from AI literacy and prompt engineering to leadership agility and digital transformation strategies.👉 Access the Member Gift here

How is the modern workplace reshaping leadership and teamwork? In this episode of All Things Quality, we explore insights from the article Three Transformative Workplace Trends Reshaping Leadership and Teamwork, featured in Quality Progress.Our guest speaker, Natalia Brattan, unpacks the three key trends every quality professional should be watching: the shift from time management to energy and attention management, the growing role of artificial intelligence in productivity, and ...the new demands these changes place on leaders and teams. We look at what this means for collaboration, innovation, and long-term success—and how you can prepare your organization to thrive in a fast-changing environment.Whether you lead a team or are part of one, this conversation will give you practical strategies and fresh perspective on navigating today’s workplace transformations.Links:Read the full Quality Progress article: "Layers of Change: Three transformative workplace trends reshaping leadership and teamwork."Join ASQ for access to 50,000 resources and a network of 30,000 likeminded professionals from around the world - ASQ Professional MembershipAccess over ⁠1,000 ASQ resources⁠ on ProductivityConnect with Natalia on LinkedinLearn more about Natalia's work, publications and free tools

Discover a powerful revamp of the traditional fishbone diagram for digital transformation. Originally a tool for root cause analysis, this diagram has been adapted to assess an organization's current state and drive digital change by replacing traditional categories with those essential for the digital age. Tune in to learn how this customized tool pinpoints digital strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and provides a structured roadmap for digital maturity.This episode is based on the article "Land big returns with a revamped fishbone diagram customized for Quality 4.0 and the digital age" by Darshi Bassi and Marissa Gentling in Quality Progress magazine.

In this episode, we're looking at Artificial Intelligence and its application in quality management. We're joined by Jayet Moon, author of ASQ's new book, "Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals," a straightforward guide designed for quality professionals.We'll discuss how AI fits into quality work, including how tools like ChatGPT can be part of a quality professional's toolkit. Jayet addresses common questions like how to handle data overload and compliance pressures with AI. He also shares practical examples, such as using AI to help create FMEAs and audit reports, and explains how AI can act as a "digital assistant that speaks quality language," making expertise more efficient. To learn much more about this topic and stay ahead of the curve, get your copy of his recently published book through ASQ!

In this episode listen into a lively discussion exploring the benefits of ASQ membership, including access to a vast library of quality resources and a global community for networking and problem-solving. You’ll also learn a bit about ASQ's rich history, from its beginnings in 1946, to its evolution into a global leader empowering excellence across industries today.

In this episode, we explore one of the most practical—and underused—tools for preventing failure before it happens: the premortem. Inspired by Govind Ramu’s January 2025 Quality Progress article, “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”, this overview breaks down how project teams can use prospective hindsight to uncover risks early, improve decision-making, and build stronger cross-functional alignment.Whether you're leading major initiatives, coaching teams, or strengthening your organization’s risk-based thinking, this episode will give you practical steps you can put into action right away.Read the full article on ASQ.org →“What’s the Worst That Could Happen?” by Govind Ramu, Quality ProgressConnect with Govind Ramu on LinkedIn →https://www.linkedin.com/in/govindramu/Find more ASQ resources on Premortems, Risk Management & ISO 9001 → Use ASQ’s Global Search: https://asq.org/search

In this AI-assisted episode, listen into a lively discussion … exploring seven technological innovations that can radically enhance transparency and veracity, helping to overcome challenges like "audit fatigue" and rising costs. For more on this topic, check out the Quality Progress article - "7 Technological Innovations That Can Change the Way You Audit." If you found this episode valuable, please like, share, and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes!

In this episode, we'll explore the 8D Problem-Solving Approach. You will learn how to form an effective problem-solving team, use tools like Ishikawa diagrams and the Five Whys for root cause analysis, and ultimately, how to implement permanent corrective actions, ensuring quality and efficiency in your processes.To learn more about this process, check out the Quality Progress article "It's All in the Approach: An 8D-Based Process for Problem Solving."