Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

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Brion Hurley: Lean Six Sigma for Good

25 episodes

1 month ago

A business podcast dedicated to teaching and sharing how the popular business improvement methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma can be applied to environmental impacts (water, air emissions, solid waste, trash, rubbish, hazardous waste, toxins, and energy) and societal issues (homelessness, government agencies, education, healthcare, gender equality, poverty, etc). These techniques and principles can help businesses, nonprofit organizations, NGO's, not-for-profit organizations and local communities save money, engage employees and residents, and become better stewards of the environment. Learn more at LeanSixSigmaForGood.com

Keywords: Lean, Six Sigma, Environment, Sustainability, Green, Energy Reduction, Energy Conservation, Carbon Footprint, Triple Bottom Line, Eco-friendly, Environmental Sustainability, Water Conservation, Lean Six Sigma, Business Improvement, Process Efficiency, Zero Waste, Waste Reduction, Efficiency, Poverty, Donations, Homelessness, Healthcare

All content for Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast is the property of Brion Hurley: Lean Six Sigma for Good and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Episodes (20/25)

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E126: Using Lean Six Sigma to Make Wishes Come True with Kristle Bulleman

In this episode, I share an uplifting interview with Kristle Bulleman, Process Manager at Make-A-Wish. She shares insights into her process improvement role at this well-respected nonprofit, outlining the impactful work done by Make-A-Wish to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. We dive into her experiences in using Lean and Six Sigma tools to enhance process efficiency across and between various departments and chapters. She also discusses her background in volunteering, her path to Make-A-Wish, and the importance of fostering a continuous improvement mindset within nonprofit organizations. Hear firsthand how she and her team are tackling process improvement projects, developing and expanding Lean Six Sigma training, and the rewarding journey of wish granting for children and their families.

00:32 Kristle’s Role at Make-A-Wish01:49 Process Improvement at Make-A-Wish04:34 Kristle’s Background and Journey09:13 Volunteer Experience and Wish Granting13:03 Current Projects and Process Management19:25 Training and Development Programs26:09 Empowering Champions and Collaborative Culture29:23 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://youtu.be/YlVucMtLTRk

Links

* Kristle Bulleman – LinkedIn

* Email: kbulleman@wish.org

* Make-A-Wish

If you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!

* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcast

Promotions

* Online course: “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem – Courses, templates, videos, coaching and networking all in one place!

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide

Have you ordered the book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba...

3 weeks ago

31 minutes 3 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E125: Using Lean Six Sigma to Change Lives with Luke Chesla

In this episode, I share an inspiring interview with Dr. Lucas Chesla, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with Value Added 616, and founder of the nonprofit, Full Armor Ranch.In a world where continuous improvement leads to transformative change, he stands out as a master in blending Lean Six Sigma methodologies with meaningful purpose. With a rich background as a Marine and a relentless commitment to applying structured problem-solving, he has dedicated his expertise to revolutionizing both personal lives and broader organizational goals with his for-profit and government clients. His journey went from establishing a Continuous Improvement Office within the Marine Corps to moving out on his own to create a nonprofit focused on rehabilitating veterans and first responders. By integrating the principles of Lean Six Sigma into his nonprofit, he provides holistic support to those transitioning from combat to civilian life, emphasizing the power of structure and purpose with tools such as 5S and standard work.His work is a testament to the expansive potential of Lean Six Sigma, advocating for transparency, communication, and efficient resource use across various sectors. Whether in nonprofits striving for greater societal impact or government organizations needing public trust and effective operations, he promotes the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology. This episode is full of wisdom, challenges, motivation and inspiration. Please take some time to watch and connect with Luke.* 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Luke Chesla

* 00:37 Journey into Lean Six Sigma

* 02:21 Establishing a Continuous Improvement Office

* 03:54 From Military to Nonprofit: A Personal Mission

* 06:40 The Sober Home Concept

* 07:21 Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation

* 12:59 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Challenges

* 16:33 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Support

* 19:10 Incorporating Lean and Six Sigma in Nonprofit Work

* 22:29 Building Confidence in Problem Solving

* 23:23 Defining and Analyzing Problems

* 24:03 Understanding DMAIC

* 25:45 Applying Lean Six Sigma in Nonprofits

* 30:55 The Importance of Transparency in Government

* 35:05 Revolutionizing Work: Key Concepts

* 41:03 Full Armor Ranch and Value Added 616

* 43:49 Conclusion and ResourcesListen 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=_K5iQ2I13tY

Links* Dr. Lucas Chesla – LinkedIn

* Value Added 616 – Consulting* Contact Sarah Chesla at sarah@valueadded616.com

* Contact Luke at Show more...

2 months ago

45 minutes 20 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E124: Applying Data to Food Quality and Safety with Eric Moore

In this episode, I share an interview with Eric Moore, Global Director of Food Safety & Industry Outreach at Testo Solutions, where we discuss Food Safety and Quality, Sustainability, and Innovative Data Monitoring.Eric delves into his extensive 25-year career in food safety, beginning with his education in hospitality at Penn State University and his early career experiences in higher education dining services. He discusses his transition to a full-time food safety professional, highlighting the importance of operational food safety and the various roles he has undertaken. He elaborates on the integration of sustainability efforts, such as composting and reducing food waste within the food industry. He also introduces advanced data monitoring tools, including remote temperature monitoring and rapid pathogen detection systems, that enhance food safety and efficiency.This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in food safety, food quality, sustainability, and data-driven process improvements.00:17 Introduction and Guest Background01:44 Eric Moore’s Career Journey10:01 Sustainability in Food Safety20:52 Data Collection and Monitoring Systems34:28 Innovations in Food Manufacturing37:33 Conclusion and Contact InformationListen to the podcast on this page, or watch the entire interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqlRetGCxhI

Links* Eric Moore – LinkedIn

* Email: emoore@testo.comIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* Online course: “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide Have you ordered the book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)?” The book is made up of 8 chapters written about experiences from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners, to give you tips and tricks to help you work with nonprofits in your area. All proceeds donated to charity. Now available in audiobook as of Feb 2024. You can also order Volume 1 released in 201...

3 months ago

38 minutes 41 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E123: Driving Lean Leadership into Government with Andrew Rowe

In this episode, I share an interview I had with Andrew Rowe, former CEO and Executive Chairman of AllMed Healthcare Management in Portland, Oregon. After 20 years of leading AllMed through a Lean transformation, he is now focusing his time on bringing Lean and quality principes into the Portland metro area as a community service leader and advocate into government and nonprofits to tackle difficult challenges like homelessness.He reflects back on his early career in international business, where he adopted lean principles from demanding customers in various global industries while living outside the US. He details his successful turnaround of a Portland ship repair operation by using strategy, process, and people-focused improvements. He transitioned to AllMed, where he applied similar methods to a healthcare services company, incorporating technology for digital workflow optimization. He emphasizes the importance of leadership engagement, employee empowerment, and integrating lean into the operational playbook to achieve lasting transformation. We also cover practical strategies for implementing lean in government and creating a culture of continuous improvement that can sustain itself over time.Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the entire interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc6VM13Gs4k

Links* Andrew Rowe – LinkedIn

* Email: arowe@purposeful-ventures.comIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* Online course: “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide Have you ordered the book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)?” The book is made up of 8 chapters written about experiences from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners, to give you tips and tricks to help you work with nonprofits in your area. All proceeds donated to charity. Now available in audiobook as of Feb 2024. You can also order Volume 1 released in 2019.TranscriptBrion Hurley: Hi, everyone. We’ve got Andrew Rowe here.

5 months ago

44 minutes 11 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen Ganic

In this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in government to standardize toll booths, consolidate warehouses and buildings, and reduce setup time for maintenance and repair requests.We also had a good discussion about the recent policital discussions around DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and the best way to approach it from his experience.Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the entire interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo1oMOfRNP0

Links* Alen Ganic – LinkedIn

* Gemba Academy Podcast with Alen and Ron Pereira

* City of Grand Rapids* City of Grand Rapids – Gemba Academy Live!

* Video: Alen teaching Forestry Department maintenance crew

* Videos: 1st Lean Government Forum in Michigan (2017)* Alex Melton – City of Grand Rapids

* Alen Ganic – City of Grand Rapids

* City of Detroit

* Michigan Lean Consortium

* Nonprofit: West Michigan Community ReliefIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* Online course: “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

6 months ago

44 minutes 11 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E121: Using Lean Principles for Non-Profits and NGOs – ASQ Lean Division

In this episode, I share a webinar I gave to the ASQ Lean Enterprise DivisionI share examples of how Lean tools like process mapping, 5S, and Kanban boards helped improve efficiency and effectiveness for nonprofit organizations focused on societal or environmental challenges. I also share my favorite real-world examples from the City of Denver, New York Food Bank, and my personal experience with Recycling Advocates, Free Geek and a few other nonprofits.I also discuss the role of Lean in addressing the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and share resources for organizations that are also promoting Lean for NGOs, or help connect volunteers with nonprofits looking for help.Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the entire presentation with slides below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH3_7E2me_Y

Links* ASQ Lean Enterprise Division YouTube Channel

* Lean and Sustainability Case Studies* City of Denver

* NY Food Bank

* AccraFab

* Project C.U.R.E.

* SBP USA

* Lean Six Sigma for Good Book Series

* Lean360

* Lean Agile NGOIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide Have you ordered the book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)?” The book is made up of 8 chapters written about experiences from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners, to give you tips and tricks to help you work with nonprofits in your area...

7 months ago

23 minutes 45 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E120: Tackling Green with Lean – Lean Global Connection 2024

In this episode, I share a presentation that the Lean Sustainability Global Network (an unofficial team that I’m involved with) gave at the Lean Global Connection virtual conference in Nov 2024.We share how Lean principles can be applied to tackle pressing environmental challenges and improve processes.For example, Lean and Green expands the traditional definition of waste to include:* Energy: Unnecessary use and reliance on polluting sources.

* Water: Unnecessary consumption and associated treatment costs.

* Materials: Losses due to cradle-to-grave design instead of a circular economy approach.

* Garbage: Costs of disposal and environmental impact.

* Transportation: Unnecessary movement and fossil fuel reliance.

* Emissions: Pollution and potential fines.

* Biodiversity: Direct destruction and overexploitation of resources.This can be accomplished by integrating Green into existing Lean Practices:* Workshops and Training: Educate employees on Lean and Green principles and conduct problem-solving workshops focused on sustainability.

* Applying a Green Lens to Existing Tools: Analyze processes like spaghetti diagrams and value stream mapping with a focus on environmental impact factors like carbon emissions, energy usage, and waste generation.

* Gemba Walks with a Green Focus: Conduct “energy treasure hunts” to identify energy-saving opportunities and engage employees in finding sustainable solutions.

* What is exciting is that implementing Lean and Green initiatives often leads to reduced energy consumption, waste reduction, and improved efficiency, translating into tangible cost savings. It also directly correlates process improvements with reduced carbon emissions, which is good for the planet, but also can attract environmentally conscious customers and investors.At the end, we conclude with a call to action for those interested in joining an upcoming webinar related to the quiz results: building a business case for sustainability and integrating green into value stream mapping.Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the entire presentation with slides below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ozlLpv_xg4

Links* Presenters* Marcelo Pinto Dabike

* Bruno Battaglia

* John Hamalian

* Brion Hurley

* Alister Lee

* Lean Sustainability Global Network

* Lean Global Connection (LGN) 2024* All presentations from LGN 2024

* Lean Global NetworkIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate...

7 months ago

24 minutes 45 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E119: Applying Lean within Municipal Electric and Water Utilities – Interview with Jennifer Peterson

In this episode, we interview Jennifer Peterson, the manager of Continuous Improvement at Muscatine Power and Water (MPW) in Muscatine, Iowa. She discusses how she got into continuous improvement (CI) and the impact it has had on MPW employees and customers.She highlights the importance of:* Creating a culture of continuous improvement: encourages employees to identify areas for improvement and provides them with the resources and support to make changes

* Using data to drive decision-making: using metrics to track progress and identify areas where further improvement is needed

* Engaging employees at all levels: involving employees in CI events and empowers them to make changes

* Learning from others: MPW is a member of the Iowa Lean Consortium and has learned from other organizations, including Mary Greeley Medical CenterJennifer also shares several examples of successful CI projects at MPW, including:* Improving the travel process: MPW implemented a new software application that streamlined the travel booking process and reduced frustration for employees.

* Eliminating a cumbersome process: MPW identified a process that was no longer needed and eliminated it, saving time and resources.

* 5S-ing a maintenance shop: MPW improved the organization and ergonomics of a maintenance shop, making it a better place to work.She also shares some examples of apply Lean at home for conducting youth softball tryouts, and how she has helped continuously improve it year over year. She also was excited when her husband wanted help organizing his garage after many years.Jennifer’s insights provide valuable lessons for any organization looking to implement or improve its CI program, especially if you work within a government or quasi-government agency like a utility company.Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the video below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq7FPM9nMYI

Links* Jennifer Peterson – LinkedIn

* Muscatine Power and Water (MPW)

* Iowa Lean Consortium

* Malcolm Baldrige AwardIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certi...

8 months ago

48 minutes 56 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E118: Supply Chains for Good – Interview with C.J. Nord

In this episode, we interview C.J. Nord, a passionate supply chain manager and consultant, who shares her journey towards driving societal change through supply chain. As the founder of Supply Chains for Good, C.J. discusses her extensive career in supply chain management, her recovery from cancer, and how that inspired her skills to launch impactful projects like eliminating ethnic shooting targets and the “There’s Cash in that Trash” initiative. She also delves deep into her legislative efforts to ban ethnic shooting targets used in training within the GSA, highlighting her collaboration on California Senate Bill 1020. This episode is a must-watch for those interested in leveraging supply chain methodologies to drive systemic and sustainable change for society! * 00:24 Her Journey in Supply Chain Management

* 00:55 The Power of Supply Chain in Driving Change

* 03:36 Challenges and Rewards in Supply Chain

* 09:47 Process Improvement and Supplier Development

* 18:25 Ethical Dilemmas in Supply Chain

* 19:49 The Fight Against Racially Biased Training Targets

* 34:04 Understanding Legislative Processes

* 35:03 Community Safety and Budget Challenges

* 41:28 The Power of Advocacy

* 44:21 Addressing Racial Bias in Law Enforcement

* 50:38 Introducing “There’s Cash in that Trash”

* 52:10 Circular Economy and Sustainable Solutions

* 01:05:02 Conclusion and Call to Action Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the video below, or go to https://youtu.be/wNik8_LR90s

Links* C.J. Nord – LinkedIn

* Supply Chains for GoodIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide Have you ordered the book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)?” The book is made up of 8 chapters written about experiences from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners, to give you tips and tricks to help you work with n...

9 months ago

1 hour 7 minutes 29 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E117: Transforming Healthcare with Lean Six Sigma – Interview with Sarah Cook

In this episode, I interviewed Sarah Cook, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt consultant from Pepper Foster Consulting in Portland, Oregon. She shares her journey from the VA medical center to becoming a performance engineer in healthcare. She discusses the application of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to healthcare, the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems, and the critical importance of data-driven decision-making. We also discussed practical strategies for process improvement in healthcare, building trust, and mitigating risks effectively. Learn about a project she worked on reducing surgical infection rates, implementing daily tiered huddles, and the significance of psychological safety in fostering a good improvement culture. We also talked about valuable insights on monitoring data fluctuations, creating effective visual charts, and using control charts to monitor processes. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to drive sustainable improvements in healthcare.* 00:20 Journey into Lean and Process Improvement

* 02:16 Impact of COVID on Healthcare Processes

* 05:19 Lean vs. Six Sigma in Quality Improvement

* 07:42 Challenges and Successes in Process Improvement

* 15:39 Building Trust and Managing Change

* 21:56 Building Trust in Conversations

* 22:36 Mistakes in the Clinical Laboratory

* 23:32 Addressing Shame and Fear in Healthcare

* 26:36 Proactive Risk Mitigation

* 32:33 The Importance of Small Improvements

* 36:31 Reacting to Data Fluctuations

* 38:49 Visualizing Process Improvements

* 39:48 Conclusion and Contact InformationListen to the podcast on this page, or watch the video below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya6gXyUcads

Links* Sarah Cook – LinkedIn* Email: sarah.cook@pepperfoster.com

* Pepper Foster

* Measures of Success by Mark GrabanIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide Have you ordered the book, “Show more...

9 months ago

41 minutes 20 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E116: Using Energy Treasure Hunts and Energy SWAPs to Engage Employees and Reduce Costs

In March of 2024, the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum (ISBF) and Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) were still separate organizations, and they agreed to host a joint webinar to promote Energy Efficiency and Lean. I was fortunate to connect up with Paul Lemar, Jr. from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), who has extensive experience conducting these events. He explains how the process works in great detail, and I wrap up with a video and explanation on the Energy SWAP process between organizations.The Treasure Hunt method combines Lean’s Gemba Walk approach with sustainability improvements, specifically around reducing energy usage and costs. This webinar will teach you how Energy Treasure Hunts and Energy Swap processes can help your organization find wasted energy in your operations, lead employees to embrace appropriate behavior changes and teach employees how to continue to look for future energy savings opportunities.Energy can be a large budget item for many organizations, and it can also be the biggest driver of carbon emissions at your facility. Most organizations invest significant money into reducing energy through efficient equipment upgrades and renewable energy, but what if money is limited and the capital projects are going to take too long? Using Lean methods, you can discover wasted energy that is being consumed on non-value-added activities, such as leaving equipment on during shifts and breaks, heating unused spaces, or letting your processes run longer than necessary. Many of these improvements are tied to employee behaviors or unclear documentation, so engaging them in the process of finding the energy reduction opportunities and explaining the business case is critical. Small process changes can often result in large benefits without the large capital investment. Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the video below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti7TolvBJc8

Links* Paul Lemar (ORNL)

* Brion Hurley – LinkedIn

* Iowa Sustainable Business Forum (ISBF) and Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS)

* Energy Treasure Hunts presentation from Paul (PDF)

* Energy SWAP presentation from Brion (PDF)

* Learn more about Treasure Hunts and Energy SWAPsIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Show more...

10 months ago

49 minutes 52 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E115: Using Lean to Minimize Waste Within ESG Initiatives

Continuing our discussion on Lean Six Sigma and ESG, I brought back last episode’s guest, Erin Bauer (Product Development Manager at ASQE) and added a new guest, Beth Cudney.She is a Professor of Data Analytics and the Program Coordinator for Data Analytics at Maryville University. She received her B.S. in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University, Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and MBA from the University of Hartford, and doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri-Rolla. She taught Quality Engineering and Lean Six Sigma at Missouri S&T after gaining manufacturing experience at Jacobs Vehicle Systems (Jake’s Brakes) and Dana Corporation.Beth and I provided commentary into ASQE’s most recent publication, “Utilizing Lean to Minimize Waste Within ESG Initiatives,” which can be download for free from their website.In this podcast, we learn more about Beth, review the key points from the survey results, and expand on some of our insights.We also wanted to let you know about an upcoming sustainability event on July 31st, called “Quality Impact Forum: Sustainability.” Beth and I will also be participating in this event, and will host a panel discussion at the end of the event. Use “IMPACT” to receive a discount on the 1-day event registration cost. Hope to see you there!Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the video below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDJXCAX9THo

Links* Erin Bauer, ASQE Product Development Manager

* Beth Cudney, Professor at Maryville University

* Utilizing Lean to Minimize Waste Within ESG Initiatives – Free download

* Quality Impact Forum: Sustainability – July 31st – Virtual Event

* ASQE: https://asq.org/about-asq/about-asqe* Insights on Excellence: https://asq.org/quality-resources/research/asqe-insights-on-excellence

* Includes all Benchmarking Tool information and published research* ASQE Organizational Membership: https://asq.org/membership/organization

* ASQ Technical Communities: https://asq.org/communities-networking/topic-industry

* ASQ: https://asq.org/about-asqIf you enjoy this podcast, please Show more...

1 year ago

1 hour 8 minutes 14 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E114: Sustainability Benchmarking Studies with Erin Bauer

I had a great interview with Erin Bauer, who is the Product Development Manager at ASQE, which is a trade association created by ASQ to provide benchmarking assistance to corporations within ASQ. One of their key products is the Insights on Excellence® (IoE) Benchmarking Tool. The benchmarking survey results are available to members and nonmembers of both ASQ and ASQE for free, but the survey participants are only organizational members of ASQE. Participants can see how their scores compared to many other organizations around the globe.Recent surveys have focused on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) inisights, which is why I thought Erin would be a great guest to share the results they obtained. They are also about to release a new report called “Utilizing Lean to Minimize Waste Within ESG Initiatives” which I was able to review and provide insights. We will have a 2nd podcast later in July with myself, Erin and Beth Cudney (another contributor).Listen to the podcast on this page, or watch the video below, or go to https://youtu.be/w1W3QAfMrY8

Links* ASQE: https://asq.org/about-asq/about-asqe* Insights on Excellence: https://asq.org/quality-resources/research/asqe-insights-on-excellence

* Includes all Benchmarking Tool information and published research* ASQE Organizational Membership: https://asq.org/membership/organization

* ASQ Technical Communities: https://asq.org/communities-networking/topic-industry

* ASQ: https://asq.org/about-asq

* Rothy’s: https://rothys.com/

* Nisolo: https://nisolo.com/

* Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (WSBC): https://www.wisconsinsustainability.com/

* B Local WI: https://www.blocalwisconsin.org/

* University of WI Sustainable Management programs: https://uwex.wisconsin.edu/sustainable-management/If you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called ...

1 year ago

1 hour 10 minutes 50 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E113: Applying Lean Six Sigma within Nonprofits and Life Coaching with Aleshia Jordan

I had a great interview with Aleshia Jordan a few weeks ago, to discuss how she transitioned from finance to Lean and Six Sigma consulting, and how she is now taking her Master Black Belt skills and over 20 years of experience into her firm Virtualocity, LLC to help organizations, nonprofits and individuals in their personal life. She discusses setting up a nonprofit in 2011 called Our Daughters, Inc. which is an all girls club, working to develop young ladies from ages 8-16 in St. Louis to help them write their own story, improve relationships and well-being using problem solving tools and skills.She also set up a foundation for her late husband, Victor Jordan Sr. who passed away in 2020. She shares her grief journey in her first book, “Lifting The Veil.”Tune in to this episode and discover: * Why she created a nonprofit organization and how Lean and Six Sigma tools were integrated into the work

* Why she created Virtualocity LLC and how she helps individuals in their personal life

* Her purpose for writing a book about the loss of her husband in 2020 and encouraging others to become authors

* Why change management is often overlooked, but such a critical part of improvement projects

* The challenge of companies seeing belts as external consultants rather than facilitators

* The importance of letting teams organically develop solutions rather than prescribing them

* Why it is critical to properly define scope on projects to mitigate risks

* Why soft skills (like relationship building) are key complements to the technical skills and methods

* Why influencing change is more important than just getting resultsListen to the podcast on this page, or watch the video below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpJkHopiqLg

Links* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleshia-jordan-a78561a/

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleshia.jordan.9

* Virtualocity LLC: https://www.virtualocityllc.com/* List of courses and services

* Our Daughters, Inc: https://www.facebook.com/OurDaughterInc/

* Victor Jordan Sr Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557977292103&mibextid=LQQJ4d

* Her published book:* Lifting The Veil: Seeing the Unseen – Power in Paradise – A Supernatural Journey Through Grief

* Famous Western Union videos (one of her Black Belt projects)* Before process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMZs0j2BZSw

* After process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgRRU_Ny4jY

* IASSC Technical Committee Member: https://iassc.org/about/committee/If you enjoy this podcast, please Show more...

1 year ago

1 hour 7 minutes 37 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E112: Applying Lean Six Sigma to Healthcare and Career Development with Sarah Tilkens

Making a real difference in your organization can be a struggle, but there is a way to leverage powerful tools and strategies to drive positive change, while also boosting your own career development. In this episode, I introduce you to Sarah Tilkens, a former biologist turned operational excellence leader, who cracked the code on impactful problem-solving. She shares her journey from the science lab to the world of Lean Six Sigma, revealing how she achieved her Black Belt certification independently and used it to spearhead significant improvements at GE Healthcare (ramping up production capacity by over 40% and conducted around 50 kaizans). She also has experience working at a nonprofit, The Blood Center, where she was first introduced to process improvement. From capacity enhancement to process optimization, she dives into practical applications of Lean Six Sigma methodologies like Kaizen events and receiving coaching from the famous Japanese consulting firm, Shingijutsu. Her experience spans nonprofits, healthcare, construction and now executive coaching. Inspired by her success, she founded The KPI Lab to empower leaders beyond the corporate walls. Now, she’s offering a chance to unlock your own problem-solving potential and become a catalyst for positive change. Tune in to this episode and discover: * How Lean Six Sigma can equip you with the skills to advance your career

* Practical strategies for implementing Lean concepts in your daily work

* The power of continuous learning and personal development for sustainable leadership success

* How to connect with Sarah and explore coaching opportunities through The KPI Lab Links* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-tilkens-acc-cpcc-ssbb-91987322

* The KPI Lab: https://www.thekpilab.com/

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_tilkens/If you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide Have you ordered the book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)...

1 year ago

48 minutes 43 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E111: Apply Lean to Nonprofit Boards with Sally Toister

Sally worked many years in the hospitality industry applying Lean Six Sigma, and she shares her experiences to improve the guest experience. She also shares an example of a project that determined the optimal reward points to get customers to agree to reduced or no housekeeping, which was good for the environment, resulting in less linen being washed and less ergonomic risk to housekeepers. She has recently retired, and is now involved in helping nonprofits apply Lean Six Sigma methods. She is Vice Chair and an active board member of Kitchens for Good (K4G) in San Diego.I first learned about K4G from Tracy O’Rourke, who Sally mentioned in the interview, explaining how she connected her to the organization as a volunteer during COVID. Tracy shared her experiences with K4G in our interview back in episode #91 from February 2022., and she wrote about it in more detail in the book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2).” K4G also received the IISE Sustainable Development award in 2023, which is an award that I have sponsored since its inception.You can watch the entire presentation below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzyZZQNsQ7s

Links* Kitchens for Good

* Sally Toister – LinkedIn

* Kitchens for Good awarded IISE Excellence in Sustainable Development Award for 2023

* Episode 91: Process Improvement in Not-for-Profit Sectors with Tracy O’Rourke

* Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)If you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* Show more...

1 year ago

48 minutes 35 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E110: Lean for Community Projects with Lean Portland – Lean Global Connection 2023

In this podcast, I share the presentation given by my peers who helped us create the Lean Portland group back in 2015. They gave this presentation at the Lean Global Connection on November 30, 2023. It is a free annual online event put on by the Lean Global Network (LGN). The event took place over a 24-hour period. All the presentations were recorded, and I encourage you to check out all the presentations on their YouTube channel.LGN is a “consortium of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to advancing Lean Thinking and Practice throughout the world to make things better.” They are currently comprised of 30 institutes and partners across the globe with an online community of over 300,000.In this presentation, Maria Grzanka, Dominic Stokes and Matt Horvat share their experiences setting up and participating within Lean Portland. They discuss project examples of teaching Lean to nonprofits in the Portland area, and what they learned and benefitted from those experiences. Nonprofit organizations mentioned include: Friends of the Children, The Rebuilding Center, Free Geek, DePave and Solve Oregon. You can watch the entire presentation (without edits) below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwoRBFyN8_8

There were numerous presentations provided during this event, so you can check out all of them in the links below.Links* ⁠Lean Portland

* Maria Grzanka – LinkedIn

* Matt Horvat – LinkedIn

* Dominic Stokes – LinkedIn

* Lean Global Connection 2023⁠

* Presentations from Lean Global Connection 2023If you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment...

1 year ago

27 minutes 41 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E109: Applying Lean Tools to Environmental and Social Challenges – Lean Global Connection 2023

In this podcast, I share the presentation I gave virtually at the Lean Global Connection on December 1, 2023. It is a free annual online event put on by the Lean Global Network (LGN). The event took place over a 24-hour period. All the presentations were recorded, and I encourage you to check out all the presentations on their YouTube channel.LGN is a “consortium of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to advancing Lean Thinking and Practice throughout the world to make things better.” They are currently comprised of 30 institutes and partners across the globe with an online community of over 300,000.In this presentation, I share my examples of how Lean tools can be applied or slightly modified to help organizations reduce their impact on the environment and help address challenges in their local community. This topic is ideal for those working at a for-profit company with sustainability goals, nonprofit organizations (NGOs), public services (education, fire, library) or in a government agency. I discuss the currest state of Lean improvements and how they differ greatly from the current problems in society. I share examples of Lean applied to better distribute food and medical supplies, and reduce water usage. I also give examples of value stream maps (VSM) focused on water usage, electricity usage and racial inequity. I share a swimlane map for providing aid to crime victims, gemba walks to reduce environmental issues and homelessness. I also show how lean has worked for deaf and Blind workers. I also share templates to help you green your 5s and kaizen events. Finally, I challenge the attendees to come up with their next experiment (modeled after Toyota Kata) to work towards a social or environmental challenge.You can watch the entire presentation (without edits) below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JJxU-n87g

Links* Lean Global Connection

* Presentations from Lean Global Connection 2023

* John Hamalian – LinkedIn

* Brion Hurley – LinkedIn

* Links mentioned in the presentation* NY Food Bank (Meals per Hour): https://www.tssc.com/projects/nfp-fbny-vid.php

* AccraFab Lean and Green project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDLkUmNkO4Y

* Project C.U.R.E.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIXDQAUSJD0

* VSM Example for Water Usage:

* VSM for anti-racism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68txs2m9hY0

* Swimlane Map for Crime Victims: Show more...

1 year ago

28 minutes 31 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E108: Interview with Maria Grzanka and Reed Harrison

In this podcast, I share an interview I had with Reed Harrison, Executive Director of Mind Matters Portland, and Maria Grzanka, a process improvement expert and prolific volunteer in Portland, Oregon.Reed worked in Supply Chain management and Operations with major companies like Adidas and Columbia Sportswear, but ended up as Executive Director at Mind Matters Portland. Maria also had a career in Supply Chain, Logistics and process improvement and is now running her consulting firm, Idea Maria. She has spent hours volunteering her time with local nonprofits near Portland, Oregon, including Mind Matters Portland in 2010. She is also leading a group called Lean Portland that offers pro-bono consulting to nonprofits, and is involved with her local neighborhood association.In this podcast, we discuss their backgrounds in process improvement, along with:* How Reed moved from corporate life to running a nonprofit

* How Mind Matters has had success with documentation using 1-page checklists instead of lengthy SOPs

* How Maria has applied Lean principles to her volunteer work with her local neighborhood association, including the importance of gemba walks

* How Maria has seen improvements at Mind Matters since she was a volunteer over 10 years ago

* How they avoid talking about the word “process” as it has a negative connotation

* Ways that people can get more involved with nonprofit volunteeringYou can watch the video below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LzzK6mvbIc

Links* Mind Matters Portland

* Reed Harrison – LinkedIn

* Maria Grzanka – LinkedInIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide Have you ordered the new book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)?” The book is made up of 8 chapters written about experiences from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners, to give you tips and tricks to help you work with nonprofits in ...

1 year ago

51 minutes 41 seconds

Lean Six Sigma for Good Podcast

E107: Lean Methods for Sustainable Businesses – ISBF Webinar Series

In this podcast, I share a presentation that was Part 1 of a 2-part sustainability webinar series sponsored by Iowa Sustainable Business Forum and Iowa Lean Consortium (part of CIRAS). It was geared towards introducing those in sustainability roles to Lean methods, which have become some of the most popular improvement methods used in high-performing organizations in manufacturing, healthcare, government and many other industries. Lean is a continuous improvement method that applies to many organizations – not just manufacturers. I share the basic pillars and principles of Lean along with case studies of how organizations like the St Bernard Project, City of Denver, Free Geek, and Province of Saskatchewan have applied Lean to reduce environmental and social issues. Through this video and podcast, you will learn:* The origins of Lean methods along with the basic principles

* About the eight types of waste, and how they impact the environment negatively

* How Lean has been applied to other organizations looking to improve their environmental or social impact

* About resources and websites to enhance your Lean knowledge You can watch the video below, or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aHHIap4-0k

Links* Iowa Sustainable Business Forum

* CIRAS Iowa Lean Consortium

* Adam Hammes – LinkedIn

* Lean StartupIf you enjoy this podcast, please follow us on your favorite podcast app. Any ratings you could give us, or shares across social media would be greatly appreciated!* Read full show notes | Subscribe or rate this podcastPromotions* FREE online course called “Lean Six Sigma and the Environment”

* OpEx Six Sigma Online Training and Certification

* Creative Safety Supply – Free 5S Guide Have you ordered the new book, “Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)?

1 year ago

59 minutes 52 seconds