My guest for Episode #506 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Tim Hobbs, the founder and president of Hobbs Technical Consulting. He is an author and an in-demand international keynote speaker, trainer and business consultant. He is currently working in the semiconductor industry as a director of digital transformation. 

Episode page with video, transcript, and more

Tim served nine years in the U.S. Navy, managing and maintaining advanced electronic navigational, alarm, combat, telecommunication and power systems. After his military service, he worked for Intel Corporation for 14 years. 

He received a B.S. in business information systems and an M.B.A. in technology management and earned his Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt Certification.

Tim authored the book The Anatomy of Problem-Solving.

He'll also be one of the featured keynote speakers at the 40th anniversary of the AME International Conference (the Association for Manufacturing Excellence), being held in Atlanta, Georgia, from October 28 – October 31, 2024.

Enter a contest to win a free book and online course from Tim!

In this episode, Tim shares insights from his extensive career in the semiconductor industry, his journey through the US Navy, and his expertise in problem-solving. We discuss Tim's background, including his roles in digital transformation and Lean Six Sigma, and delve into his philosophy on critical thinking and structured problem-solving methods. Tim also previews his upcoming keynote at the conference, highlighting the importance of leveraging problem-solving for career success and organizational improvement. The conversation touches on his book, “The Anatomy of Problem Solving,” and an exciting book giveaway contest for our listeners. Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective problem-solving and strategic career advancement from an industry expert.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

• Tell us about the start of your lean journey?



• Preview of your keynote talk?



• How do you combine frameworks and methodologies with critical thinking in problem-solving?



• Can you elaborate on organizational and political problem solving?



• Tell us about your online training program?



• What method are you using for problem-solving, and how did you develop it?



• What is the story behind your book, “The Anatomy of Problem Solving”?



• What approach do you recommend for dealing with team dynamics in problem solving?



• How do you position problem solving for upward mobility in a career?



• Can you explain the PIE (Performance, Image, Exposure) framework and its importance in career advancement?



• What strategies do you suggest for engaging with potential sponsors?



• How do you handle the human element in problem-solving, especially when dealing with different personalities?



• Tim's online training program

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