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The Rest is Lean

Author: Alan Lothian, John Dee, Russell Watkins

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The Rest is Lean Channel is a light-hearted and educational look at how to make businesses better through Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence. 

Suited for all levels of understanding and from any industry or geographical region.

John, Alan & Russell are time-served lean professionals with over 30 years each in this field. Leading and coaching some of the best businesses from SMEs to multi-nationals.

Trained by some of the highest calibre Japanese masters from Toyota(one step from Ohno himself), Honda and Nissan , we want to share our experiences with you, allowing some of these 'pearls of wisdom' to help make your business processes, people, and profitability that little bit better each day.

We welcome your comments, questions, and guidance on future discussion topics so feel free to drop us a line via the comments section or via email. 

therestislean@gmail.com

Oh, and don't forget to subscribe!!

36 Episodes
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Send a text In this episode, Alan welcomes his friend and work colleague from days gone by, Astrid Mozes. With decades of leadership experience within global manufacturing organisations such as Eaton and Danfoss, having held positions as CTO, VP, SVP and President, Astrid is now Chair of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota As she takes us through her background and passion for manufacturing and technology, Astrid shares why she enjoys her work, the people she has learned fro...
Send a text Another down to earth episode of #TheRestIsLean Podcast with Team TRIL (Russell, John and Alan). In this episode, find out: - How John's 'Soul Searching' went - The end result of Russell's recent training in Alchemy! - Tips on how to get the best out of your plant tours and visits - What examples the trio can share in terms of how lean principles have helped them personally, outside of the workplace. (some fascinating personal examples of 5S, Visual Management, TPM and Problem S...
Send a text The 'Leaders of Lean' in the form of John, Russell, and Alan embark on another ramble of lean proportions In this jam-packed episode, Team #TRIL discuss topics such as: - Russell's start-up escapades - John's Coat of Arms and Alchemy links - Alan's appearance in the 'Hot Seat' of a well known TV show #wwtbam - Artificial Intelligence; is one better than the others? What should we be wary of? - Practical Problem Solving; real life examples and the importance of effective pr...
Send a text The Rest is Lean (#TRIL) Podcast brings you powerful conversations with professionals from across the globe, sharing real-world experiences in lean manufacturing and leadership Each episode dives into the principles, challenges, and successes that shape modern organisations—told by those who live them every day In this episode, Alan welcomes Rob Marchant, Chairman & Founder of The MarchantCain Group. (www.marchantcain.com) Specialist designers, makers and builders of c...
Send a text Another exciting episode from the guys at TRIL In addition to the usual banter from the three lean musketeers, and the usual 'Quote of the Week' segment, find out why: - Russell enjoyed his books and recent Taphouse visits - John is getting so excited about his electric tricycle - Alan is talking about his exploits in Silicon Spa! They also take some of subscriber questions and offer their thoughts. If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest epis...
Send a text The #TRIL Team get together once again to share their experiences through their decades in Lean Transformation, Leadership and Continuous Improvement endeavours. In this episode learn about: - Traits of a good leader such as active listening - The Importance of Gemba - Football Mascots - Spying in changing rooms (not!) - Clarity & Conciseness - Why are John's jacket pockets so big?! If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then do...
Send a text A continuation from our previous Tact is Takt episode, due to the deluge of questions asked by our subscribers. Options to deal with variations in your Takt calculation, visualising the opportunity for further improvement, skills, flexibility, 8 Wastes, and the impact of WIP are all touched upon in this jam-packed episode. If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, a...
Send a text The #TRIL Team are back with another episode sharing their latest exploits and experiences, revolving around lean leadership, continuous improvement and OpEx. In this episode Russ gives us an insight into his recent trip to Japan, and John rambles on around the adventures of the great John Adair. We also discuss the question ' What is the smallest hill you would die on?' which conjures up some interesting topics such as OEE and Takt Time. If you're enjoying what we do and...
Send a text The Rest is Lean (#TRIL) Podcast brings you powerful conversations with professionals from across the globe, sharing real-world experiences in lean manufacturing and leadership. Each episode dives into the principles, challenges, and successes that shape modern organizations—told by those who live them every day. From industry veterans to innovative thinkers, our guests reveal practical insights, cultural shifts, and leadership strategies that drive transformation. W...
Send a text Another episode for Team #tril to get their teeth into and they get underway with some subsciber questions, one of which with a 'divine' theme which leads them to exploring the statement that Lean can be applied anywhere and everywhere. Alan brings a recent experience of 5S/6S and even 7S, and asks if this is necessary or just over-complication. Find out also what is meant by the phrase "Join those that know how to join the canoe." If you're enjoying what we do and want t...
Send a text John returns to the fold from his hiatus. Team #tril revisit a previous episode with some real world examples of where potentially doing too much lean has had some 'interesting' consequences! They also challenge their values and beliefs when it comes work. Find out what work the boys have declined and why, plus what are the red flags that make them think again! There's also our Saying of the week and what is meant by 'A Frog in A Well', plus also find out why John is so afraid o...
Send a text The Dynamic Duo of Russell & Alan bring in Series 3 with a bang! With John missing (don't worry he'll be back!) the guys get stuck in to topics and comments from our audience. In this episode we focus on Voice of the Customer and the 'pull' this can provide businesses to learn about what adds value for customers. Knowing the difference between 'needs' and 'wants' is vital. We also manage to cram in assessment pitfalls, the view of Quality in an organisation's structure, and ...
Send a text This episode looks at a question many of our subscribers are asking: Can you do too much lean? Team #TRIL try their best to share their views on this very interesting topic by covering certain points such as: - "Rationing" Kaizen - Driving the right behaviours for Lean. - Dangers associated with building a CI Culture - Managing Opportunity - Insights into Tesla and Toyota's approach In addition we cover our "Quote of the Week" If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up...
Send a text Continuing on from our previous episode on world class team leader competencies, the #TRIL Team talk about their experiences on courses they've led or experienced by others, to help create these competencies and instil in future team leaders. You'll find some of those experiences quite extreme to say the least! They also cover: - Bootcamps - Scenario Learning - Sheep Dipping - Knowledge v Skill - The importance of planning and preparation to your training strategy If you're en...
Send a text This episode is going places! Russell shares with the team the reach that the podcast is extending to. You'll be surprised (but not as much as we were!) Team #TRIL delve into the world of the team leader to understand the competencies that make truly world class TLs, as well as discuss some of the pitfalls companies should be aware of when selecting them. Is there a secret sauce? Topics include: Strategic approaches to Organisational Capability.Safe Scenario SettingManaging upwa...
Send a text Following on from the last episode on SQCDP, the #tril Team use this as an opportunity to answer some of the great questions we've had from our listeners. Topics include: - Visual Management in general - The 1-3-10 rule & 1-3-3 rule for visual management boards - Rules of escalation - Scenario based training - The benefits of going to Gemba for a leader and how to make time if you're struggling - What is an Autonomic System? Let's not forget the Japanese word o...
Send a text Following the aftermath of #subcon2025, Team #TRIL discuss the dangers of measuring the wrong things in your business. and how to ensure you have balance to drive the right behaviours and enable your business to thrive! Other topics include: - Russell interviewing the wife (will ours be next!) and the sacrifices we sometimes have to make. - Being a pigeon and Floor Space Utilisation. - The Parenting Problem - John and his measures of unintended consequence. - Alan an...
Send a text Sustainability and keeping it simple!! Continuing our conversations around lean transformation and sustaining it in your business, John, Russell & Alan (Team#tril) have finally recovered from their trip to #subcon2025. As well as our regular 'Japanese Word' slot the guys continue with their tips and thoughts which can simply be put into practice to aid you on your improvement journey. John brings 'The FOG Index' and 'The Stirling Engine' to the table (which blows Alan...
Send a text For the first time ever, The Rest is Lean Podcast goes on the road! This time to Subcon2025 at the NEC in Birmingham UK. #subcon2025 The #trilteam enjoy a jam-packed 2 days at the event, taking in some fantastic examples of manufacturing innovation from companies all over the globe. We continued our theme on sustainability of lean transformation projects. Offering insights into what has worked (and not worked) for us during our careers, plus some great questions fro...
Send a text Sustainability is the name of the game. Lean Transformations and how to make them stick! In preparation for our pending visit to #subcon2025, Team #tril discuss some of the key attributes that make a lean transformation a successful lean transformation. The 'need' of the organisation.Visibility of the 'Why' and of LeadershipLeader Standard WorkAlan shares some of his experiences on how he learned the hard way! Russell shares his recent visit to Bentley Motors and shares a very in...
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