Lean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership
Mark Graban
575 episodes
5 days ago
Since 2006, the Lean Blog Interviews podcast has featured in-depth, candid conversations with leaders, thinkers, and doers in the world of Lean and continuous improvement. Hosted by Mark Graban—author, consultant, and longtime Lean practitioner—the show explores how Lean principles are being applied across industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, startups, and more.
What sets this podcast apart? We go beyond tools and buzzwords. Our guests share real-world stories of success, struggle, learning, and leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned Lean veteran or just getting started, you’ll gain practical insights and fresh perspectives that you can take back to your own organization.
Topics include:
Lean as a management system and cultural transformation—not just a toolbox
Continuous improvement and problem-solving, at every level
Leadership behaviors that support real change
Psychological safety as a foundation for improvement
Lessons from the Toyota Production System, Lean Startup, and beyond
Candid stories about mistakes—and what we learn from them
We don’t talk much about “Lean Six Sigma” here. But if you believe improvement is about people first—this podcast is for you.
Many episodes feature a special focus on Lean in healthcare, reflecting Mark’s deep work in that field. Hear from leaders working to improve patient safety, reduce waste, and build cultures of respect and learning.
Find all episodes and show notes at www.LeanCast.org.
Learn more about Mark and his work at www.LeanBlog.org.
Questions or feedback? Email mark@leanblog.org
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Since 2006, the Lean Blog Interviews podcast has featured in-depth, candid conversations with leaders, thinkers, and doers in the world of Lean and continuous improvement. Hosted by Mark Graban—author, consultant, and longtime Lean practitioner—the show explores how Lean principles are being applied across industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, startups, and more.
What sets this podcast apart? We go beyond tools and buzzwords. Our guests share real-world stories of success, struggle, learning, and leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned Lean veteran or just getting started, you’ll gain practical insights and fresh perspectives that you can take back to your own organization.
Topics include:
Lean as a management system and cultural transformation—not just a toolbox
Continuous improvement and problem-solving, at every level
Leadership behaviors that support real change
Psychological safety as a foundation for improvement
Lessons from the Toyota Production System, Lean Startup, and beyond
Candid stories about mistakes—and what we learn from them
We don’t talk much about “Lean Six Sigma” here. But if you believe improvement is about people first—this podcast is for you.
Many episodes feature a special focus on Lean in healthcare, reflecting Mark’s deep work in that field. Hear from leaders working to improve patient safety, reduce waste, and build cultures of respect and learning.
Find all episodes and show notes at www.LeanCast.org.
Learn more about Mark and his work at www.LeanBlog.org.
Questions or feedback? Email mark@leanblog.org
Building Excellence Through Quality and Psychological Safety -- ASQ Cincinnati 2025 Preview
Lean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership
15 minutes
2 weeks ago
Building Excellence Through Quality and Psychological Safety -- ASQ Cincinnati 2025 Preview
In this special bonus episode of Lean Blog Interviews, Mark Graban is joined by C.J. Kaufman, Education Chair for the ASQ Cincinnati Section, to preview the ASQ Southwest Ohio 2025 Conference, themed “Excellence Through Quality.”
Episode page with transcript, video, and more
Taking place Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Mason, Ohio, the event brings together quality professionals from the Cincinnati and Dayton regions for a half-day of engaging speakers, practical insights, and networking — plus an optional afternoon workshop with Mark.
C.J. shares how the conference was designed collaboratively by the Cincinnati and Dayton ASQ Sections, what attendees can expect, and why psychological safety is a cornerstone topic for today’s quality and Lean leaders.
Highlights
Event Overview: ASQ Southwest Ohio 2025 — a collaboration between Cincinnati and Dayton sections.
Theme: Excellence Through Quality — exploring leadership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Keynote: Mark Graban on Psychological Safety, Quality, and Continuous Improvement.
Featured Speakers Include:
Deb Coviello — Leading Quality
Susan Marshall — FDA Perspectives on ROI in Quality Management
Colleen Soppelsa — Group Intelligence in Problem-Solving
Optional Workshop: Hands-on Lean learning with Mark Graban in the afternoon session.
Why It Matters: Quality and continuous improvement thrive when organizations foster safety, trust, and engagement.
Quotable Moments
“Psychological safety is essential for positive change — without it, continuous improvement can’t sustain.” — Mark Graban
“We want people to leave with practical things they can use Monday morning.” — C.J. Kaufman
“Excellence through quality isn’t just a theme — it’s how we build better systems and better workplaces.” — Mark Graban
Event Details
Location: Mason, Ohio
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Workshop to follow)
Includes: Breakfast + Lunch
More Info & Registration -- ASQ Cincinnati Section Website
Related Links
Mark Graban – Psychological Safety Resources
Lean Blog Interviews Archive
Lean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership
Since 2006, the Lean Blog Interviews podcast has featured in-depth, candid conversations with leaders, thinkers, and doers in the world of Lean and continuous improvement. Hosted by Mark Graban—author, consultant, and longtime Lean practitioner—the show explores how Lean principles are being applied across industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, startups, and more.
What sets this podcast apart? We go beyond tools and buzzwords. Our guests share real-world stories of success, struggle, learning, and leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned Lean veteran or just getting started, you’ll gain practical insights and fresh perspectives that you can take back to your own organization.
Topics include:
Lean as a management system and cultural transformation—not just a toolbox
Continuous improvement and problem-solving, at every level
Leadership behaviors that support real change
Psychological safety as a foundation for improvement
Lessons from the Toyota Production System, Lean Startup, and beyond
Candid stories about mistakes—and what we learn from them
We don’t talk much about “Lean Six Sigma” here. But if you believe improvement is about people first—this podcast is for you.
Many episodes feature a special focus on Lean in healthcare, reflecting Mark’s deep work in that field. Hear from leaders working to improve patient safety, reduce waste, and build cultures of respect and learning.
Find all episodes and show notes at www.LeanCast.org.
Learn more about Mark and his work at www.LeanBlog.org.
Questions or feedback? Email mark@leanblog.org
