Lean Made Simple: Transform Your Business & Life One Step At A Time!

Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) delves deep into Ireland's BIGGEST ever Lean summit, Gemba Summit at Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland on 20th-21st October 2025.Find out more about Gemba Summit and:- Whit can be your next lean TURNING POINT- Why people are travelling from all over the world to EXPERIENCE lean- HOW you can join some of the world top lean leaders➡️ Book your GEMBA SUMMIT tickets today: https://gembasummit.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour➡️ Subscribe to the Lean Made Simple podcast.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lean-made-simple-transform-your-business-life-one-step/id1693831884Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bUJ0QwamrZjjvfpUkQrCq

Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) sits down with podcast host Matthew Thompson to get deep into why he has made the boldest move of his life and made a high stake move that will be the ultimate test of lean.🟢 Ryan Tierney leaves his successful business to take on his biggest Lean challenge yet.🟢 Why Sperrin Metal needs more than just tools — it needed a complete culture reset.🟢 Discover the real-world pressures behind buying a struggling factory and leading from the front.🟢 This episode explores what it means to truly believe in Lean — when the stakes are high and nothing is guaranteed.🟢 A personal story of purpose, risk, Draperstown pride, and building something that lasts.➡️ Find out more about Sperrin Metal at www.sperrin-metal.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

In this episode of Lets Talk Lean, Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with Aiden Rogers from Rolls Royce, one of the world's most prestigious brands to dig deep into how they do lean.✅ Aiden Rogers shares how Rolls-Royce shifted from tool-driven fixes to culture-led continuous improvement.✅ Learn how a 100-year family legacy at Rolls-Royce shaped Aiden’s leadership vision.✅ Discover the power of “fix what bugs you” as a culture-builder, not just a process tool.✅ Real-world Lean examples — from silicon cases to digital tracking — making massive impact on the shop floor.✅ A behind-the-scenes look at how Toyota’s influence and humility are driving meaningful change inside one of the world’s most prestigious brands.⸻➡️ Work with TOYOTA LEAN MANAGEMENT CENTRE: https://tlmc.toyotauk.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

In this episode of Lets Talk Lean, Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with lean officials Phil Catherwood (Welsh Government), Robert Hernan (Enterprise Ireland) and John McClune (Invest Northern Ireland) to talk what it takes to bring lean to the nations.🌍 Three national leaders share how Ireland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are driving lean transformation at scale.🌍 Why site visits, clusters, and exemplars are more powerful than PowerPoints — and how they’re used to spread Lean thinking.🌍 A behind-the-scenes look at how national Lean programs are structured for SMEs, not just large corporations.🌍 The real challenge? It’s not tools, it’s leadership — and helping everyday managers become confident Lean leaders.🌍 A rare cross-border conversation on collaboration, culture, and how Lean is shaping the future of work.⸻➡️ Work with TOYOTA LEAN MANAGEMENT CENTRE: https://tlmc.toyotauk.com➡️ Welsh Government LEAN ASSISTANCE: https://www.gov.wales/huge-productivity-gains-toyota-assistance-programme➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

In this episode of Lets Talk Lean, Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with Make UK mentor Mike Dimmack and lean apprentice Ruby Handley to discuss the future of lean in the UK and beyond.✅ Meet Ruby, a passionate Lean apprentice reshaping how we think about manufacturing at just 20 years old.✅ Discover how Make UK trains the next generation of engineers through hands-on Lean learning.✅ Why common sense, not complexity, is the key to great Lean thinking.✅ Hear why apprenticeship routes are gaining serious momentum — and why they’re more relevant than ever.✅ Insightful reflections on legacy, motivation, and empowering young talent from an award-winning Make UK mentor.➡️ Work with TOYOTA LEAN MANAGEMENT CENTRE: https://tlmc.toyotauk.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

In this episode of Lets Talk Lean, Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with Toyota HR General Manager Liam Holmes to talk all things culture and people at the world's best manufacturer.🔴 Discover how Toyota develops not just cars, but careers – from the production line to leadership.🔴 Liam shares a 30-year journey of people-first principles and Lean culture.🔴 Learn the structured training system that gets results and builds loyalty.🔴 See why emotional intelligence matters just as much as engineering skill.🔴 Find out how Toyota prepares for the future through apprenticeships and continuous improvement.➡️ Work with TOYOTA LEAN MANAGEMENT CENTRE: https://tlmc.toyotauk.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

In this episode of Lets Talk Lean, Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with former Premier League footballer Thomas Robson Kanu about his journey as an international soccer star turned SME owner and lean practitioner.Premier League to Entrepreneur – Thomas shares how a career-threatening injury became the unlikely spark for a functional wellness brand.Snapped Knee to Secret Weapon – Hear the story behind the homemade turmeric blend that changed his life and career.Scaling from Kitchen to 15,000 Shots a Week – The journey of building a lean beverage business from scratch, without a blueprint.Lean Thinking Meets Elite Mindset – How Thomas applies high-performance principles from football into continuous improvement and culture.Taking on Industry Giants – Competing with global brands through purpose-driven products and smart processes.➡️ Work with TOYOTA LEAN MANAGEMENT CENTRE: https://tlmc.toyotauk.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

In this episode of Lets Talk Lean, Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with lean PhD Alisha Gibbons.Find out:- What its like being a woman in manufacturing- How can Toyota and others make lean cool- Attracting young people into lean for the future- Is lean really mean?➡️ Work with TOYOTA LEAN MANAGEMENT CENTRE: https://tlmc.toyotauk.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

In this episode of Lets Talk Lean, Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with Totota senior manager Simon Rowley.Find out:- the three behaviors that all Toyota employees much do- how many times do they stop the line each week?- what its like living lean beyond the workplace- how Toyota finds their next senior employees➡️ Work with TOYOTA LEAN MANAGEMENT CENTRE: https://tlmc.toyotauk.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

In this episode Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with Oliver Conger from British Rototherm.Find out:- What its like working with Toyota to teansform an SME- How to be auccess in apllied AI to lean manufacturing- What is the best investment Oliver ever made?➡️ Work with TOYOTA LEAN MANAGEMENT CENTRE: https://tlmc.toyotauk.com➡️ Order the book, LEAN MADE SIMPLE: 12 PROVEN STEPS FOR CREATING A VIBRANT LEAN CULTURE: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store➡️ Book a Lean Made Simple tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour

Welcome to Lean Made Simple, a podcast about transforming your business — and life — one step at a time.   In this very special episode, Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters announces his final podcast.     Along the way, he and Producer Matt talk about: -             What lean principle inspired him to take a step back from podcasting. -             What Ryan’s new focus will be. -             How you can continue to follow Ryan. -             How you can support Lean Made Simple in the future   Check it out!   Links: - Order Ryan’s new book, Lean Made Simple: 12 Proven Principles for Creating a Vibrant Lean Culture - https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store   - Book a Lean Made Simple Tour - https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour   - Send a voice message/question to the show - https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple

Welcome to Lean Made Simple, a podcast about transforming your business — and life — one step at a time.   In this very special episode, Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters officially launches his new book Lean Made Simple: 12 Proven Principles for Creating a Vibrant Lean Culture.     Along the way, he and Producer Matt talk about: -             What inspired Ryan decide to write this one of a kind book? -             Why is a vibrant Lean culture so important? -             Can Lean succeed without a vibrant Lean culture? -             How a vibrant Lean culture can apply to ANY business.   Check it out!   Links: - Order Ryan’s new book, Lean Made Simple: 12 Proven Principles for Creating a Vibrant Lean Culture - https://www.leanmadesimple.com/store   - Book a Lean Made Simple Tour - https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour   - Send a voice message/question to the show - https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple

Welcome to Lean Made Simple, a podcast about transforming your business — and life — one step at a time. In this episode, Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters speaks about the simple concept that changed his life and business and become the building blocks of a vibrant lean culture - thinking of the next person. Along the way, he and Producer Matt talk about: - What does it mean to think of the next person in an organisation? - Who is the 'next person' or customer in a process? - Why this is the foundation of a vibrant lean culture - The impact this simple change can have on your business Check it out! Links: - Book a Lean Made Simple Tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour - Send a voice message/question to the show: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple

Matt Sims is founder of the Ever-So-Lean podcast and a world renowned leadership and lean coach & consultant. He dropped in to the Lean Made Simple studio and shared incredible takeaways from his lean journey. In this episode, Ryan and Matt caught up with him to talk about: • His time as the "Lean Postman" • How he helped Amazon transform its warehouses • How he is teaching kids as young as 8 years old about lean • The one this he wants for young people Check it out! Links: • Matt's website: https://eversolean.com/ • Matt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-sims-38173427 • Book a Lean Made Simple Tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour • Send a voice message/question to the show: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple

Welcome to Lean Made Simple, a podcast about transforming your business — and life — one step at a time.In this episode, Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters continues to answer your standard work and lean manufacturing questions. Along the way, he and Producer Matt talk about: - Why manufacturers and businesses should be more like McDonald's. - What is the word tithing you can do with a Standard Work. - Should a Standard Work be detailed or high level? - What place should the Standard Work be set at? - Where is the best place to create Standard Works?- Should the standard be followed EVER SINGLE TIME? - What is leadership's role in Standard Works? - Who is Standard Work REALLY about? - Where to make your first standard work? - What is the best Standard Work software? Check it out! Links: - Book a Lean Made Simple Tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a... - Send a voice message/question to the show: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple - Check out GEMBADOCS: https://gembadocs.com/signup

Welcome to Lean Made Simple, a podcast about transforming your business — and life — one step at a time. In this episode, Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters delves into standard work and how he is in the process of revolutionising his factory by documenting every single process. Along the way, he and Producer Matt talk about:- What is standard work?- The key piece of advice given to him by world class lean leaders. - What Toyota said about the standard work in his factory. - How to take your first step in creating standards- The simple tool Ryan and his team use to create standard works. Check it out! Links: - Book a Lean Made Simple Tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a... - Send a voice message/question to the show: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple- - GEMBADOCS: https://gembadocs.com/signup

Welcome to Lean Made Simple, a podcast about transforming your business — and life — one step at a time.In this episode, Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters continues to answer your lean manufacturing questions. Along the way, he and Producer Matt talk about: - Is Ryan's factory as good as it looks on YouTube? - Being open to criticism and feedback. - How leaders should let their people find the answers. - Should the owner work ON the business or IN the business? - Serving internal and external customers. - How Ryan recruits into his world class lean business. - Should lean companies incentivise improvements? - "This is the worst it will ever be" - The one thing Ryan would do differently from his lean journey.Check it out! Links: - Book a Lean Made Simple Tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour- Send a voice message/question to the show: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple

Welcome to Lean Made Simple, a podcast about transforming your business — and life — one step at a time. In this episode, Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters answers your lean manufacturing questions. Along the way, he and Producer Matt talk about: - How much work goes into being a lean company - How to get your people to buy into lean - Ryan's lean recruitment process - How to coach people to follow a standard - Developing a morning meeting that works for your business Check it out! Links: - Book a Lean Made Simple Tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour - Send a voice message/question to the show: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple

Welcome to Lean Made Simple, a podcast about transforming your business — and life — one step at a time. In this episode, Ryan Tierney from Seating Matters unpacks what it means to “be the customer.” Along the way, he and Producer Matt talk about: Why Elon Musk drives a Tesla The powerful alternative to customer surveys A method for generating unlimited improvement ideas for your product How becoming an undercover boss revealed his selfishness as a leader And one action you can take right now to start eliminating blind spots from your business today Check it out! Links: Book a Lean Made Simple Tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour Send a voice message/question to the show: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple

Russell Watkins is a highly regarded manufacturing expert who has helped transform factories around the world. In this episode, we talk about: His brutally honest advice after touring Ryan’s factory The 3-step process to eliminating motion waste How he developed his supernatural ability to spot burden in others Problems manufacturing businesses face as they scale And the TWO things Ryan HAS TO change about the way his factory is run Check it out! Links: Russell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellwatkinssempai/ Book a Lean Made Simple Tour: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/book-a-tour Send a voice message/question to the show: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeanMadeSimple