Sometimes the biggest risks in your business aren’t obvious. They’re hidden in the gaps between teams. Work gets done, but critical information gets lost, compliance slips, and frustration builds. In this episode, Damion Albinson and Susannah Clarke reveal how understanding the internal voice of the customer transforms how teams collaborate. Using real examples from a complex logistics environment, Damion shows how moving from “I didn’t know you needed that” to consciously understanding your ...
Even the best-designed processes can drift over time, but Process Confirmation stops small deviations from becoming major gaps. In this episode, PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson explains why Process Confirmation isn’t about auditing but understanding how work really happens. He explores how this approach helps leaders stay connected to operational reality, using the insights to strengthen performance and build capability at every level. From frontline operators to leaders managing impr...
You’ve delivered the project. The results are in. But six months later… the old ways of working have crept back in. So how do you stop progress from slipping away? Join PMI Senior Consultant Damion Albinson as he shares how to close the Improvement Cycle with confidence, turning delivery into lasting impact. Learn how thoughtful implementation, genuine stakeholder engagement, and building team capability can help change take root and grow. If sustaining improvement feels like the toug...
What exactly is the problem? And what isn’t? It sounds simple, but getting clarity here can be the difference between chasing assumptions and finding the real root cause. Join PMI Director Consultant Stuart Gibson in the studio with Susannah Clarke as they discuss Is/Is Not, a beautifully simple tool often underused in problem solving. With a practical example involving soggy pizzas, Stuart shows how moving beyond scoping questions can generate powerful clues, test theories, and steer y...
Different approaches, same goal: better performance. That’s why Agile and Lean Six Sigma work together; aligning people, roles, and responsibilities to get the best out of every team. Join Anthony Richardson in conversation with Susannah Clarke as they reveal how Lean Six Sigma roles like Green Belts, Black Belts, and Sponsors align with Agile roles such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers. Learn when and how these roles intersect, why it matters for delivering improvements, and ho...
It’s a classic tool. But its reach is far wider than you might think. Join PMI Consultant Des Kelly as he explains what Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) really is, how the 2019 global standard changed the game, and why Process FMEA now belongs in hospitals, call centres, control rooms and corporate functions as much as on the shop floor. If you run, design, or depend on any process (yes, that means you!), you’ll see how FMEA can strengthen performance where it matters most, and sta...
It’s a bold claim, but one worth exploring. Join PMI Consultant Niall Coney as he challenges one of the most persistent misconceptions in improvement: that Lean is about efficiency. Through real-world examples and a return to the purpose behind Lean tools, Niall reframes Lean as a way to see abnormality at a glance. Not as a shortcut to efficiency, but as a foundation for problem solving. From 5S to standardised work, Andon to process confirmation, he explores how these tools expose ...
AI is reshaping problem solving. But can it follow the methods you trust? Join PMI Director Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh as he shares an improvement-in-action story where conventional thinking reached its limit, and a custom AI agent opened new possibilities. He explains the difference between generic AI tools and tailored agents, how prompt engineering is shaping the future of work, and why this isn’t about replacing expertise, but amplifying it. If you’ve ever wond...
8D has a reputation for being thorough, rigorous, and methodical. But is it always the best choice? Join PMI Director Consultant Stuart Gibson as he takes us though three digestible scenarios to highlight the difference between everyday fixes, improvement work, and when 8D is exactly the right tool. Cutting through the confusion, he unpacks the method step-by-step and explains how to use it with discipline, not by default. If you’ve ever asked, “Should we just fix it or dig deeper...
“If I change this… what happens over there?” It’s a familiar question in improvement, and one that correlation helps us explore with rigour and insight. Join PMI Consultant Niall Coney as he breaks down the concept of correlation and its role in uncovering meaningful relationships. Using practical examples, from machine settings to wellbeing initiatives, he explains how correlation and regression support evidence-based decisions, help avoid blind spots and focus improvement where it matters.&...
On the surface, everything seems aligned. But improvement just won’t stick. Why? Join PMI Director Consultant Warren Knight as he unpacks five leadership behaviours that quietly derail progress. From staying too far from the frontline to clinging to outdated thinking, these pitfalls are easy to miss but hard to work around. If you’ve ever struggled to get traction, build momentum or gain support for your improvement work, this conversation will help you see what might really be go...
It’s a deceptively simple question: What is the purpose of this process? An unclear process purpose is one of the most overlooked causes of waste, misaligned priorities, poor decisions, and missed improvement opportunities. Yet too often, teams dive into complex redesign without first agreeing on why the process exists at all. Join PMI Director Consultant Stuart Gibson as he shows how stepping back to define process purpose clearly and collaboratively can uncover hidden value, pre...
It’s simple: identify what’s valuable and do more of it. But in practice, defining what truly adds value and what doesn’t, can be far from straightforward. PMI Consultant Damion Albinson explores why defining “value add” is one of the trickiest yet most essential concepts in improvement. From legislative red tape to emotional resistance, he shares how well-intentioned tasks can cloud our view of what's really worth doing. Hear how to distinguish truly necessary work from dis...
The core principle of DoE is elegantly simple: “how does this thing affect that thing?” PMI Consultant Niall Coney explores the value of experimental design and regression analysis: clear thinking, informed decisions, and measurable impact. Whether you’re working on improvement in manufacturing or marketing, operations or organisational change, don’t let the fear of complex statistical calculations hold you back. It’s about asking better questions and digesting the answers. More...
We’re on the same page… Or are we? In improvement work, misaligned understanding around simple terms like ‘on time’ or ‘complete’ can derail progress before it begins. But PMI Consultant Damion Albinson explains how you can cut through the noise with clear operational definitions. Discover how to turn vague expectations into measurable clarity, avoid costly misunderstandings, and build trust with both customers and colleagues. The difference between rework and results starts with shared...
Does data collection feel like a tedious, time-consuming hurdle in your improvement projects? It doesn’t have to be. Join Niall Coney, Consultant at PMI, for a 15-minute masterclass in smarter data collection that delivers reliable insights without wasting time or resources. Learn how to choose the right sampling strategy, ensure accuracy with the right measurement systems, and leverage data simulation effectively. More resources: On Demand Webinar: Data Collection TechniquesPodcast: The Va...
Your improvement team is assembled, the project is underway, but something’s off. Misalignment keeps surfacing, engagement is lacking, and stalled progress feels inevitable. Join PMI Consultant and improvement project expert Mark Allison, as he shares the essential steps for setting your team up for success, with practical techniques to build clarity, confidence, and collaboration from day one. Take the time to consider your onboarding process and ensure that your next project kicks off with ...
When you spot a difference in your data, is it because something has genuinely changed, or is it just chance? Join Niall Coney, Consultant at PMI, as he demystifies hypothesis testing: one of the most misunderstood tools in improvement. From p-values to t-tests, Niall breaks it down in practical terms, showing how the right statistical ‘screwdriver’ can give you the confidence to act on your data. Plus, a relatable lesson in learning to trust the numbers, even when they don’t tell you w...
If you’re making decisions based on assumptions, this episode could change everything. Join PMI Consultant Dennis Crommentuijn-Marsh for a real-world case study where Capability Analysis exposed a costly blind spot for an unsuspecting organisation. As he shares valuable lessons learned from the experience, discover why process stability is just the beginning, how to avoid misleading conclusions, and the crucial role of strong supplier relationships for success. More resources: Understanding...
Struggling with team dynamics? When it comes to building a successful improvement team, skills matter, but the right people are everything. Join PMI Consultant and improvement project expert Mark Allison as he shares his proven approach to assembling a team that delivers. He explains why passion and intrinsic motivation are more important than expertise, and why at least half your team should consist of process operators. This episode could be the game-changer you need for success in your nex...