Too often, Lean consultants and improvement practitioners have the skills and tools to create massive transformation but struggle to communicate their value in a way that resonates with executives and decision-makers.

In this bonus episode, I sit down with Katie Anderson, internationally recognized leadership and Lean consultant, to talk about why positioning and language matter just as much as technical expertise. Together, we unpack the challenges practitioners face when they rely on jargon and how reframing your message in terms of outcomes, people, and business value opens doors to greater influence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

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  Why Lean practitioners often undersell their impact by focusing on tools instead of transformation

  
  


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  How to drop jargon and speak in language executives immediately understand

  
  


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  The power of positioning yourself as a strategic partner, not just a process expert

  
  


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  Why “respect for people” is not just a Lean principle but a compelling value proposition

  
  


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  Practical tips to reframe your message so it connects to both business results and human impact

  
  

Why This Conversation Matters

If you have ever felt frustrated that leaders do not understand what you do, this episode is for you. Katie and I dig into the real reason. It is not that your work lacks value. It is that the way you describe it may not bridge the gap between process improvement and business outcomes.

This conversation will help you reimagine how you talk about your expertise so that you are seen not as a support function but as an indispensable partner in driving organizational success.

Where To Dive In

(00:10 ) Empowering Lean Consultants Through Positioning
(11:59 ) Developing Lean Culture for Employee Engagement
(16:48 ) Framing Value Transformation for Lean Implementation
(22:58 ) Aligning Consultants for Organizational Transformation
(32:57 ) Creating a Unified Vision for Change
(44:29 ) Articulating Value and Impact in Lean
(50:03 ) Measuring and Communicating Lean Value

Next Steps

• If this conversation with Katie Anderson resonated with you and you’re ready to level up your own positioning and influence as a consultant, I’ve created a free resource just for you. This FREE audio training and workbook,  From Playing Small to Playing True, has proven strategies to get you the clarity & confidence you need to go after the consulting or coaching clients, impact & income you’re ready for. When you know the value of what you do and convey it with clarity, building a highly profitable, purpose-driven consulting or coaching business isn’t just possible, but inevitable! (even in challenging economic times). Sign up here.


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  Check out my other episode where Katie and I dive into the ROI of her positioning and messaging transformation. AND you can see the full case study on Katie's brand positioning transformation here.

  
  


• If you’re ready to stop hiding behind jargon and start positioning your expertise in a way that leaders truly understand, let’s talk. Book a free discovery call with me and we’ll explore how you can elevate your message, expand your influence, and create the impact you’re meant to have. Book your Discovery Call and learn more about my services here.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

• The ROI of Elevating Your Strategic Positioning & Messaging with Katie Anderson (Ep126)


• How to Use Your Love for Learning to Take Bigger Risks with Katie Anderson (Ep35)


• Why Lean Is the Best Way to True Employee Engagement with Tom West and Mark Ryan (Ep125)


• What If We Got Employee Engagement All Wrong with Beverly Crowell (Ep124)


• Peter Block on Flawless Consulting, Relationship Power & the Common Good (Ep123)

About the guest:  Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership consultant, professional speaker, and learning enthusiast, who inspires and equips purpose-driven leaders create organizational learning cultures that foster innovation, engagement, and continuous improvement. A skilled change agent, Katie has empowered tens of thousands of global leaders across diverse industries to transform their cultures and accelerate individual and organizational impact. Katie is the author of the bestselling book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn, which has received multiple international awards, including the Shingo Publication Award, and has been translated into over eight languages. Katie is also the host of the transformational leadership podcast Chain of Learning®. Katie holds a BA with honors from Stanford University and was a Fulbright Scholar in Australia, where she received her Master’s degree in public health policy. A global citizen who has lived in seven countries, Katie regularly hosts an immersive Japan Leadership Experience for global leaders looking to deepen their knowledge of people-centered leadership and operational excellence.

About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.

Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services