E127: Applying Kaizen in Developing Countries with Sammy Obara
Update: 2025-08-27
Description
In this episode, I share an interview with Sammy Obara, Founder and Senior Partner at Honsha, a consulting firm made up of former Toyota employees. He recently presented a topic called “Kaizen without Borders” at the 2025 UCSD ProcessPalooza, and I invited him on the podcast.
We discuss applying these powerful concepts to NGOs and not-for-profits. From medical supply distribution in East Timor to coconut oil production in Kenya, Sammy shares inspiring stories of sustainable change and how simple and low-cost improvements can have a big impact.
00:00 Introduction to Lean Six Sigma for Good00:18 Meet Sammy Obara: Background and Experience01:05 Journey with Toyota: From Brazil to Japan03:40 Transition to the US and Academic Career04:52 Setting Up Honsha and Work with the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI)06:43 Cultural Differences: Brazil vs. Japan12:14 Lean Principles in Action: NGO Projects15:06 Case Studies: East Timor and Kenya23:05 Lean for Hope: Global Impact41:26 Conclusion and Contact Information
Listen to the podcast on this page, download it on your favorite podcast player (search “Lean Six Sigma for Good”) or watch the entire interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm1dX_Me3mc
Links
* Sammy Obara – LinkedIn
* Email: s.obara@honsha.org
* Honsha.org
* Lean for Hope – Social Responsibility Projects
* Toyota by Toyota by Sammy Obara and Darril Wilburn
* Reducing mosquitos in Thailand
* Brion’s work in Micronesia with Banana Tree Paper
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Promotions
* Online course: “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”
* Lean Six Sigma Ecosys...
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