Episodes

4d ago

How do you build a continuous improvement culture that actually sticks, especially across large, complex organizations? In this episode, Keith Norris talks with Dan Barata , Corporate Director of Continuous Improvement at East Penn Manufacturing. With decades of experience across manufacturing, healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, Dan shares why CI must start with people, not tools, and how leaders can create the space, safety, and opportunity for real improvement to happen. 🔻 How Dan’s early path in industrial engineering shaped his people-first approach to continuous improvement. 🔻 Why training alone does not equal empowerment and what leaders must do next. 🔻 The importance of building human connection before introducing process improvement. 🔻 How failing forward is different from simply failing and why not all failures are created equal. 🔻 Why standard work is the foundation for improvement and not the enemy of creativity. 🔻 How leaders can create psychological safety so people feel comfortable trying new ideas. 🔻 Why engagement and alignment matter as much as cost savings when measuring CI impact. 🔻 Dan’s guidance on utilization, capacity, and creating time for both improvement and people development. 🔻 Why coaching and mentoring matter more than running a few isolated improvement projects. 🔗 Connect with Dan Barata on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-j-barata-pe-mba/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Dec 8

How do you build resilience and continuous improvement into your life and work, no matter the challenge? In this episode, Keith Norris talks with Janine LeaBarrett , a governance and engineering leader whose career spans mining, construction, local government, and five seasons in Antarctica. From surviving a life-changing accident to leading teams in some of the harshest conditions on earth, Janine shares practical lessons on clarity, safety, and why continuous improvement matters everywhere. 🔻 How Janine became an electrician in a male-dominated field and developed a mindset for continuous improvement. 🔻 What five seasons in Antarctica taught her about teamwork, safety, and engineering in extreme conditions. 🔻 How surviving a major accident shaped her resilience and philosophy of “get on with it.” 🔻 Why she believes continuous improvement is essential in every industry. 🔻 Her leadership advice for new supervisors: seek input from everyone and ensure clarity. 🔻 Why the Five Whys remains her go-to problem-solving tool. 🔻 Why resilience matters: “If you can’t bounce back, you can’t get stronger.” 🔗 Connect with Janine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janineleabarrett0427244234/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 📘 Buy the book Impact : https://thatimpactbook.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Dec 1

What if the key to sustaining improvement has less to do with tools and more to do with the brain itself? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Chris Hayes , CEO of Impact Performance Solutions, Shingo Licensed Affiliate, ASQ Fellow, and author of Wired for Excellence: Harnessing Brain Science for Organizational Success . 🔻 Why improvement wins fade and how the Shingo Model strengthens sustainment 🔻 The brain science of change and how the amygdala triggers threat responses 🔻 Why logic alone never drives change and why people need safety and clarity 🔻 The five domains of the B.R.A.I.N. Model and how they shape culture 🔻 How leaders can reduce threat, spark reward responses, and boost engagement 🔻 How clarity, communication rhythms, and small wins support sustainment 🔗 Connect with Chris Hayes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiannahayes/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Visit Impact Performance Solutions: https://impactperformancesolutions.com/ 📘 Buy "Wired For Excellence: Harnessing Brain Science For Organizational Success" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4mslDn 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Nov 24

What actually makes projects succeed — and why do so many fail before they even begin? In this episode, Keith sits down with Adriana Girdler , President & Chief Efficiency Officer at CornerStone Dynamics, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, PMP, productivity expert, and one of the top project management voices in North America. With over 260K YouTube subscribers and 20+ years leading organizational transformation, Adriana breaks down what organizations get wrong about project work and why clarity, alignment, and methodology matter more than any tool. 🔻 Adriana’s unexpected start in productivity and PM (thanks, Franklin Planner) 🔻 Why “accidental project managers” are everywhere — and why they struggle 🔻 The real definition of a project: start date, end date, deliverable 🔻 Why technology is just a tool — not the solution to productivity 🔻 What every charter must include (and why it’s your navigation system) 🔻 The three levels of project roles: sponsors, steering committees & SMEs 🔻 How project managers must shift into strategic leadership roles 🔻 The danger of siloed work and why PMs must be the connective tissue 🔻 Why organizations unintentionally set teams up for failure 🔻 Project management in the age of AI — what changes, what doesn’t 🔗 Connect with Adriana Girdler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianagirdler/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Visit CornerStone Dynamics: https://www.cornerstonedynamics.com/ 🔗 Explore the SLAY Project Management Course: https://adrianagirdler.thinkific.com/pages/slaypm 🔗 Learn about the SLAY Corporate Program: https://www.cornerstonedynamics.com/project-management-corporate-program/ 🔗 Watch Adriana’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianaGirdler 🔗 Follow CornerStone Dynamics on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstone-dynamics-inc/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Nov 17

What does it really take to build a culture of excellence? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Tina Agustiady , award-winning continuous improvement leader, author, and Vice President at J.P. Morgan Chase . With decades of experience leading Lean and Six Sigma transformations across major organizations, Tina shares what it means to create lasting improvement by putting people first. 🔻 Why culture, not tools, is the true foundation of Lean and Six Sigma success 🔻 How to make training programs hands-on, relevant, and results-driven 🔻 The role of emotional intelligence and humility in effective leadership 🔻 What companies get wrong about continuous improvement and how to fix it 🔻 How change management and empowerment fuel the next generation of leaders 🔻 Why continuous improvement is like breathing, if you stop, you will not last 🔗 Connect with Tina Agustiady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-agustiady/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Nov 10

How can sustainability become more than a buzzword and drive real improvement? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Lorenzo Long , Sustainability Coordinator for Ogden City , to explore how cities can turn environmental goals into practical, measurable change. From energy efficiency to policy design, Lorenzo shares how small wins and smart framing create lasting impact. 🔻 How Ogden City is embedding sustainability into its long-term planning and daily operations 🔻 Why "framing" matters and how changing the language from sustainability to resilience builds buy-in 🔻 How to measure what matters with the KPIs behind Ogden’s Energy Wise Strategic Plan 🔻 Lessons from Weber State’s revolving sustainability fund that pays for itself 🔻 How small-scale tests like an electric vehicle pilot program can spark large-scale change 🔻 Why every organization, big or small, should start with one sustainability champion 🔗 Connect with Lorenzo Long on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzolong/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Nov 3

What does it take to build a culture where improvement sticks? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Pete Gough , retired transformation leader and former head of Business Improvement at major mining organizations including Rio Tinto, Newcrest, and Goldfields. Over his decades-long career, Pete helped shape hundreds of improvement projects, mentored future leaders, and proved that true transformation starts with people, not tools. 🔻 Turning Lean, Six Sigma, and change leadership into one practical “MMA-style” approach to improvement 🔻 Why executive visibility and genuine engagement are the foundation for lasting cultural change 🔻 How to design training programs that grow future leaders, not just project managers 🔻 The role of business improvement teams in connecting strategy, operations, and people 🔻 How to quantify hard versus soft savings and set realistic, stretch targets for improvement 🔻 Lessons from leading CI across global mining sites and cultures 🔗 Connect with Pete Gough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gough-86b03617/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Oct 27

What makes improvement efforts succeed or fail? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Steve Burkle , Global Director of Operational Excellence, to explore the real factors that determine whether continuous improvement takes root or fades away. With more than 30 years leading OpEx transformations, Steve shares lessons learned from the front lines, what it takes to sustain change, develop problem solvers, and create a culture where improvement never stops. 🔺 Why listening, not lecturing, is the most underrated leadership skill in continuous improvement 🔺 How to turn daily management systems and tiered huddles into the backbone of a thriving CI culture 🔺 The difference between doing improvement to people and doing it with them 🔺 What separates quick-win projects from true operational excellence 🔺 How to measure what really matters, so data drives behavior, not just dashboards 🔗 Connect with Steve Burkle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-burkle-lssbb-11a08a78/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Oct 20

What separates companies that try Lean from those that live it? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Darren Dolcemascolo , co-founder and managing partner of EMS Consulting Group, to talk about what it really takes to create sustainable improvement. From his early career in operations to helping hundreds of organizations transform through Lean, Darren shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, engagement, and how to keep the momentum going when improvement fatigue sets in. 🔺 Why culture—not tools—determines the success of Lean initiatives 🔺 How to teach problem-solving as a daily practice, not a one-time project 🔺 Why humility and curiosity are the real superpowers of Lean leadership 🔺 How to balance structure and flexibility in CI programs 🔺 What to look for when assessing whether your organization is ready for Lean transformation 🔗 Connect with Darren Dolcemascolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrendolcemascolo/ 🔗 Explore EMS Consulting Group: https://emsstrategies.com/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Oct 13

In this special 30th episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris looks back on the most powerful lessons shared across thirty conversations with leaders, thinkers, and change-makers in the world of continuous improvement. From the shop floor to the boardroom, these stories reveal a simple truth — improvement isn’t about tools or projects, but about people, culture, leadership, and daily habits that make progress sustainable. 🔻 Improvement starts with people 🔻 Culture is the real competitive advantage 🔻 Improvement is a team sport — and leaders create the conditions for change 🔻 Improvement is a habit, not a project Whether you’re a CI professional, a people leader, or someone looking to reignite their own improvement journey, this episode is a reflection on what makes continuous improvement stick — and why it always begins with the human side of change. 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire – https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Oct 6

In this episode of KPI Fireside, host Keith Norris sits down with Jared Thatcher , Lean Business Consultant, founder of the Global Lean Summit , and author of Parenting the Lean Way , to explore how companies can drive continuous cost improvement without draining their people. 🔺 Why Lean should never stand for "less employees are needed" 🔺 How to use Lean to build morale, not fear 🔺 The role of leadership in protecting improvement culture 🔺 Practical examples of cost savings that boost engagement 🔺 How to apply Lean thinking to every part of life, from the office to parenting Jared shares real-world stories from his time at Daimler Trucks , Alaska Airlines , and more, showing how respect for people and smart systems thinking lead to sustainable results. 🔗 Connect with Jared Thatcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredthatcher/ 🔗 Explore the Global Lean Summit: https://globalleansummit.com 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Sep 29

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Luca Giovanni Guadagnuolo, a seasoned consultant and Lean transformation leader with decades of experience driving operational excellence across Europe. Luca shares how his journey began at Whirlpool, why he was drawn to Lean from the start, and what it takes to align people across cultures, industries, and leadership levels. 🔻 How to engage frontline teams with A3 thinking and problem-solving 🔻 Why leadership’s role is to support, not control 🔻 Lessons from rolling out Lean across nine European plants 🔻 How to sustain cultural change long after the consultant leaves 🔻 Why continuous improvement is as natural as drinking water Whether you’re leading a factory, managing a team, or guiding strategy at the executive level, Luca’s insights will help you see Lean as more than tools—it’s about respect, delegation, and unlocking human potential. 🔗 Connect with Luca Guadagnuolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaguadagnuolo/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Sep 22

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Bruce Hamilton , the legendary “Toast Kaizen” teacher, to explore how storytelling can unlock a culture of continuous improvement. Bruce shares lessons from decades of Lean leadership, why respect for people is the true foundation of TPS, and how even small, inch wide and mile deep improvements can transform an organization. From poka yoke to AI, he shows why the future of Lean is still rooted in everyday learning and respect. 🔻 The story behind Toast Kaizen and why it still resonates today 🔻 The four Lean philosophies that never change: customer first, people as the most valuable resource, go see, and kaizen every day 🔻 Why inch wide, mile deep is the smartest way to build momentum 🔻 How poka yoke turns mistakes into smarter systems 🔻 Where AI fits in and why it should be AI plus people 👉 Listen now and take one small improvement idea from this episode to put into action today. 🔗 Connect with Bruce Hamilton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-hamilton-a09a4616/ 🔗 Explore GBMP: https://www.gbmp.org/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Sep 15

In this episode of KPI Fireside , host Keith Norris sits down with Cindy Deekitwong , a global sales and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience across specialty chemicals, semiconductors, healthcare, and packaging. Cindy explains why Lean is more than cost cutting. It is a culture of problem solving and continuous improvement. She highlights the importance of asking the right questions, listening to understand, and motivating teams by starting with “why.” Along the way, she offers powerful examples from manufacturing, medical devices, and packaging that show how small changes can create outsized impact. 🔻 Why value added vs. non value added thinking applies everywhere from gas stations to global supply chains 🔻 How “small is the new big” when it comes to culture change and quick wins 🔻 The leadership shift from telling to empowering and why listening is the first step 🔻 Why continuous improvement must expand beyond the shop floor into sales, marketing, and innovation Whether you are an executive balancing growth and culture, a CI leader coaching teams, or simply curious about how to empower people for lasting improvement, Cindy’s insights will inspire you to look at your work through a new lens. 🔗 Connect with Cindy Deekitwong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-deekitwong/ 🔗 Explore Aperia Corporation: https://aperia.com/ 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Sep 8

In this episode of KPI Fireside , Keith Norris sits down with Bob Luna , a leader who has scaled businesses from $3 million to $500 million across industries like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and even Amazon and Procter & Gamble. With over 30 years of experience, Bob shares why emotional intelligence (EQ) and extreme ownership are just as critical to improvement as value stream maps and throughput metrics. Bob breaks down how to cut through the noise of measuring “30 or 40 things” to focus on the few metrics that truly drive results, like cycle time, defects, and Net Promoter Score (NPS). He also explains how leaders can prepare their teams emotionally and culturally to actually embrace process improvement, not resist it. 🔻 Why customer feedback through NPS can’t just be collected—it has to drive action 🔻 How EQ and ownership accelerate Lean and CI initiatives across every level of an organization 🔻 The hidden cost of poor processes (and why it often eats up 30% of revenue) 🔻 Practical ways leaders can simplify metrics, build capability, and avoid firefighting Whether you’re leading a team of 20 or a company of 20,000, Bob’s insights show how the right mix of people, process, and metrics can turn improvement into real, sustainable growth. 🔗 Connect with Bob Luna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-luna-2b36b68/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Sep 1

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Monika Mangla , Managing Director at Accenture and a global leader in finance and digital transformation, to explore how continuous improvement is evolving in the age of AI. From predictive maintenance in oil and gas to forward-looking financial planning, Monika outlines real-world examples of AI in action, while also addressing the foundations organizations must get right: strong data governance, people readiness, and a culture that empowers decision-making at every level. 🔻 Why AI is accelerating the pace of continuous improvement 🔻 How finance and operations leaders can build stronger cross-functional alignment 🔻 The critical role of data and governance in making AI valuable 🔻 Why employees should see AI as an assistant, not a replacement Whether you’re a CI professional, a finance leader, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation will challenge how you think about improvement in the AI era. 🔗 Connect with Monika Mangla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monika-mangla-cfa-320a52/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Aug 25

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Christine Lavoie, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Operational Excellence leader, to explore how great leaders create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday work. Christine shares how curiosity, empowerment, and the right tools help organizations unlock the full potential of their people. Drawing from her journey across industries and her current role at Safelite AutoGlass, Christine highlights what it takes to move beyond process changes and truly build a mindset of improvement. She explains the role leaders play in asking better questions, removing roadblocks, and giving teams the space to solve problems that matter most. 🔻 Why continuous improvement is a mindset, not just a methodology 🔻 The project roles that make real change sustainable 🔻 How leaders can size work between Kaizen and DMAIC effectively 🔻 Practical strategies to sustain change for the long term Whether you are leading a frontline team or driving enterprise-wide transformation, this conversation shows how leaders at every level can build trust, alignment, and results through a culture of improvement. 🔗 Connect with Christine Lavoie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-lavoie-lssbb-2878095b/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Aug 18

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Heather Everton, Vice President of Product at Merrick Bank, to explore how daily standups can transform the way teams work. Heather shares why standups are not just another meeting, but a powerful ritual for building trust, creating alignment, and driving clarity without falling into the trap of micromanagement. From her experience in both small startups and large enterprises, Heather highlights the simplicity and discipline of a good standup, the questions every team should ask, and the psychological benefits of connection and accountability. She also discusses how tools like Standup Alice help make standups more effective across remote, hybrid, and global teams. 🔻 Why a 10-minute standup can replace 10 meetings 🔻 How standups build trust and autonomy inside teams 🔻 The role of rituals in creating culture and alignment 🔻 Practical tips for running effective standups in any industry Whether you are leading a software team, managing operations, or looking for ways to improve connection and performance, this conversation shows how standups can bring clarity and momentum to your organization. 📚 Learn more about Standup Alice: https://www.standupalice.com/ 🔗 Connect with Heather Everton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-everton-a4205065/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Aug 11

In this episode, Dr. Keith Clinkscales shares his remarkable journey from electrical engineer and Lean Six Sigma consultant to Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management at Palm Beach County. With insight shaped by decades of experience in both private industry and public service, Dr. Clinkscales unpacks the real driver of performance: how people feel, think, and show up to work. From building metrics that empower rather than punish, to reshaping toxic cultures and reviving employee engagement, this episode is a masterclass in managing the human side of performance. 🔻 Why attitude might be the most underrated performance tool 🔻 How toxic cultures get created, and how leaders c a n change them 🔻 What public sector teams taught Dr. Clinkscales about legacy systems and lasting change 🔻 How to create cross-department collaboration in siloed organizations 🔻 How to tell if its time to stay and lead c h a n g e or time to move on This one is packed with wisdom, energy, and real-world leadership lessons that will stick with you long after the final minute. 📚 Read "Your Attitude Is Your Breakthrough" : https://a.co/d/4EoeW33 🔗 Connect with Dr. Keith Clinkscales on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkeithclinkscales/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Aug 4

What does it really take to build a culture of continuous improvement that lasts? In this episode, Keith sits down with Ken Snyder—Executive Director of the Shingo Institute—to unpack the leadership behaviors, cultural systems, and guiding principles that separate companies who talk about improvement from those who actually achieve it. From Toyota’s legacy to modern AI integration, Ken shares hard-earned lessons from five decades of experience in global manufacturing, higher education, and enterprise excellence. 🔻 Why most CI efforts fail to sustain—and how to avoid idea killers 🔻 The three most important drivers of lasting results 🔻 What executives often overlook about culture, systems, and strategy 🔻 How to move from isolated success to enterprise-wide alignment 🔻 The surprising role of humility in high-performing organizations Whether you're leading from the boardroom or the shop floor, this episode will challenge the way you think about improvement—and equip you to lead it better. 📚 Learn more about the Shingo Institute: https://shingo.org/ 🔗 Connect with Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snyderken/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jul 28

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Tyson Heaton, Senior Director of Co-Learning and Business Strategy at Lean Enterprise Institute, to explore why the most powerful part of Lean isn't the tools, it's the people. Drawing from his experiences at OC Tanner and LEI, Tyson shares how his perspective shifted from technical solutions to human capability, and why that shift is essential for lasting transformation. From the value of flow to the role of daily management systems, he unpacks how true improvement happens when you build trust, expose problems, and empower teams to solve them. 🔻 Why capability beats quick fixes 🔻 How “no problems” is the biggest problem of all 🔻 The link between lean systems, flow, and human well-being 🔻 How AI might become a third coach in Lean development 🔻 Why frustration should trigger curiosity, not blame Whether you're deep into Lean or just getting started, this episode will challenge how you think about improvement and why it has to start with people. 📚 Learn more about the Lean Enterprise Institute: https://www.lean.org/ 🔗 Connect with Tyson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-heaton-94171138/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jul 21

Is your belt more than just a piece of paper? In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Kevin Clay—Master Black Belt and founder of Six Sigma Development Solutions—to break down the real meaning behind Lean Six Sigma belt certifications. From white to black belt, Kevin shares why the value of a belt isn’t in the color or the test—but in the capability it represents. Whether you're an aspiring Green Belt, a hiring manager, or a CI leader designing your internal program, this conversation reveals what it really takes to build problem solvers—not just test takers. 🎙️ In this episode: 🔻 The difference between a belt and actual capability 🔻 Why “testing out” isn’t enough—and what to do instead 🔻 What white, yellow, green, and black belts really mean 🔻 How to build training that creates real change agents 🔻 What to look for when hiring certified practitioners 👀 Thinking about certification—or hiring someone who is? Don’t miss this one. 📚 Buy Kevin’s book Why They Fail: https://sixsigmadsi.com/why-they-fail/ 🔗 Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssdsi/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jul 14

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth—diving deeper into Obeya, visual leadership, and metrics that drive action. Missed Part 1? Check out Episode 16: The Visual Language That Transforms Work . In this second installment, Gwen and host Keith Norris explore one of the most misapplied tools in the Lean toolbox: the Obeya Room. Together, they unpack what makes it powerful, where most efforts go wrong, and why visual metrics should do more than just “monitor”—they should drive . 🔻 The real purpose of Obeya (hint: it’s not about adding more dashboards) 🔻 Why digital tools often fail to deliver behavior change 🔻 The neuroscience of “touching” data—and how it drives accountability 🔻 The difference between metrics that monitor vs. metrics that drive 🔻 Gwen’s “10 Doorways” framework for building a truly visual workplace 🔻 How visuality grows self-leaders and transforms organizational culture Whether you’re an executive, CI leader, or team supervisor, this episode offers a blueprint for using visual thinking and Obeya leadership to make strategy visible—and results sustainable. 🔗 Learn more about the Visual Workplace: https://visualworkplace.com/ 🔗 Connect with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyngalsworth/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jul 7

This is Part 1 of a special two-part conversation with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on the power of visual thinking to transform work, culture, and leadership. Don’t miss Part 2 in Episode 17—check it out here when you're ready. In this episode, host Keith Norris welcomes back visual workplace pioneer Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth for a rich, wide-ranging conversation on the language of visual work—and how it transforms people, processes, and entire organizations. 🔻 What “I-driven” visuality really means—and why it matters 🔻 The two questions that drive every visual solution 🔻 Why so many 5S programs fail—and how to go deeper 🔻 The human side of improvement: how visuality reduces stress and unlocks growth 🔻 Why visual thinking is not just a tool—but a language Whether you're an operator, supervisor, or executive, this episode will change the way you see your workplace—and how it speaks back. 🔗 Learn more about the Visual Workplace: https://visualworkplace.com/ 🔗 Connect with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyngalsworth/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jun 30

In this episode, Keith Norris reconnects with Randy Kesterson —Lean strategist, consultant, and creator of the Lean Journey cartoon series—to explore how visual storytelling can simplify, clarify, and challenge the way we think about Lean. 🔻 A deep dive into The Lean Journey: A cartoon series inspired by the Star Wars Franchise 🔻 Closing the gap between Lean theory and everyday reality 🔻 The role of AI in Lean thinking and predictive problem-solving 🔻 How tiered meetings drive accountability 🔻 Making Hoshin Kanri work through simplified strategic alignment If you've ever struggled to get your team to “get it,” this episode offers a fresh take on how to communicate Lean with impact—and maybe even a little laughter. 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Randy Kesterson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randykesterson/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jun 23

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Spencer Maybee —Vice President at Western Pipe Fabrication and second-generation small business leader—to explore what Lean looks like when you’re just getting started. 🔻 Why Lean clicked the first time Spencer heard it explained through welding 🔻 What it takes to push change inside a multi-generational family business 🔻 How small changes like shared spreadsheets made a big impact 🔻 What respect for people looks like 🔻 The real-life tension between tradition, growth, and new ideas Whether you're building something from scratch or helping a small team get better every day, this episode is proof that Lean starts wherever you are—with the problems right in front of you. 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Spencer Maybee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-maybee/ 🔗 Explore Western Pipe Fabrication: https://www.wpfiut.com/ 🔗 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jun 16

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Andreas Mader —CEO of Aperia Corporation and longtime Lean transformation leader—to explore how real improvement happens: not through perfection, but through progress . From global manufacturing to executive coaching, Andreas shares stories and insights on building CI cultures that sustain , developing leaders who stay curious , and creating systems that don’t just improve processes—but people. 🔻 Why sustainment is the missing piece in most CI programs 🔻 The one mindset shift that makes improvement stick 🔻 How to create simplicity in the face of complexity 🔻 What it really means to lead through service 🔻 Why being better every day beats being perfect someday 🔻 The difference between solving a problem and owning it Whether you're on the shop floor or in the C-suite, this episode is a reminder that real change starts with a single question: how can we be better tomorrow than today? 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Andreas Mader on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akmader/ 🔗 Explore Aperia Corporation: https://aperia.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jun 9

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Jesse Rendon , CI leader and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, to unpack what it really takes to turn frontline employees into empowered agents of change. Jesse shares how he went from loading trucks to building enterprise-wide CI systems, and why believing in people’s potential is more powerful than any tool or certification. 🔻 How to turn operators into problem solvers 🔻 Why coaching beats training every time 🔻 What happens when leaders truly listen to their teams 🔻 The role of “Lean Squads” in scaling improvement 🔻 Why your frontline knows the solutions—but only if they’re invited 🔻 How to build belief, not just compliance Whether you’re leading from the boardroom or the shop floor, this episode is a blueprint for building cultures that improve from the inside out. 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Jesse Rendon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-rendon-lssbb/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Jun 2

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Catherine McDonald —leadership coach, lean consultant, and expert in organizational behavior—to explore why curiosity and reflection are the true building blocks of continuous improvement and effective leadership. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders across industries—from hospitality to healthcare—Catherine breaks down how small habits, intentional space, and respectful conversations drive real, lasting change. 🔻 Why most leaders misunderstand "respect"—and how to lead with the real thing 🔻 How to create space for improvement (without losing productivity) 🔻 The problem with performative leadership—and how to go deeper 🔻 Why one-on-ones are the most underused tool in leadership 🔻 What it means to be proactive, not just reactive, as a leader 🔻 How to lead people, not just manage results Whether you’re leading a team or developing yourself as a leader, this episode offers actionable insight on how to lead better by thinking differently. 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Catherine McDonald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mcdonald-b6157210a/ 🔗 Learn more about MCD Consulting: https://mcdconsulting.ie/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

May 26

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Ted Iverson , veteran transformation leader, Shingo Prize examiner, and former McKinsey expert, to unpack what it really takes to sustain results through leadership—not just tools or tactics. 🔻 Why cutting costs is the lowest form of consulting (and what to do instead) 🔻 How to build self-funding CI systems that actually last 🔻 The leadership behaviors that turn stars into star builders 🔻 How Leader Standard Work drives cultural change (not just compliance) 🔻 What horseback riding and leadership have in common 🔻 How to set goals so ambitious they force people to work differently—not harder Whether you're just starting your CI journey or leading transformation at scale, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to lead better. 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Ted Iverson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-iverson-47580311/ 🔗 Explore Iverson Consulting Group: https://www.iversonconsultinggroup.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

May 19

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Matt Kroll , Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and founder of Chalmers Street Consulting , to explore how structured problem solving can be scaled across teams, industries, and maturity levels—without overcomplicating it. 🔻 DMAIC vs. PDCA — and how to know which one fits 🔻 How to make Gemba walks work beyond the factory floor 🔻 Why waste walks are still one of the most underused CI tools 🔻 The real reason metrics fail (and how to make them stick) 🔻 What makes CI work in the mid-market—where resources are tight 🔻 How to lead improvement efforts without freaking people out Whether you're new to Lean or deep into your CI journey, this episode offers practical, real-world strategies to build momentum—and results—without burning out your team. 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Matt Kroll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrkroll/ 🔗 Explore Chalmers Street Consulting: https://www.chalmersst.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

May 12

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Dr. Will Miller , Associate VP for Continuous Improvement and Institutional Performance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, to explore what it really takes to lead meaningful change inside complex, high-stakes environments. 🔻 Why people don’t resist change—they resist being changed 🔻 How to lead innovation in a bureaucracy-heavy environment 🔻 What higher ed can teach us about tailoring CI to your audience 🔻 Why culture clashes derail change—and how to avoid them 🔻 Metrics that matter (and how to stop tracking the wrong stuff) 🔻 The secret to making compliance feel empowering, not draining Whether you’re coaching faculty, managing a team, or trying to modernize a legacy system, this episode will help you lead smarter and change better—without losing the people you need most. 🔗 Learn more about KPI Fire: https://www.kpifire.com/ 🔗 Connect with Will Miller, PhD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willmillerphd/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

May 5

In this episode, Keith Norris is joined by Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth —visual workplace pioneer, Shingo Institute faculty fellow, and author of Visual Workplace and Work That Makes Sense . Together, they dive deep into the world of “visuality,” the often misunderstood backbone of operational excellence that enables clarity, flow, and empowerment at every level of the organization. 🔻 Why visuality is not just a tool—but a strategic intervention 🔻 The real difference between visual management and visual performance 🔻 How organizations unintentionally rob people of purpose (and how to give it back) 🔻 The “I-driven” workplace and the two core questions behind meaningful work 🔻 How flow, critical thinking, and “teaching without answers” transform teams 🔻 Why metrics without leadership are just decoration—and what real leaders must do Dr. Galsworth shares practical wisdom and field-tested insights to help leaders, coaches, and operators unlock the power of visual thinking—and transform their workplaces into environments that communicate clearly and drive continuous improvement. 🔗 Learn more about the Visual Workplace: https://visualworkplace.com/ 🔗 Connect with Dr. Gwendolyn Galsworth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyngalsworth/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Apr 28

In this episode, Keith Norris sits down with Dr. Alan Barnard—decision scientist, CEO of Goldratt Research Labs, and one of the world’s leading experts on the Theory of Constraints—to explore how organizations can solve the right problems, not just the most obvious ones. Drawing on decades of research, consulting, and direct work with Dr. Eli Goldratt, Alan shares practical insights into how TOC helps companies focus their improvement efforts where it matters most. 🔻 Why most systems fail by solving the wrong problems first 🔻 How the Theory of Constraints reveals the real bottleneck blocking progress 🔻 The five types of constraints every system must manage 🔻 Why “focus” beats “fix everything” in continuous improvement 🔻 How to apply TOC principles to flow, decision-making, and strategy 🔻 Why finding the constraint is the first step to making better, faster decisions Whether you're leading improvement initiatives, scaling a business, or simply trying to move faster without chaos, this episode delivers a practical, thought-provoking framework for solving the right problems—and unlocking exponential impact. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Barnard: https://goldrattresearchlabs.com/ 🔗 Connect with Dr. Barnard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralanbarnard/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Apr 21

In this episode, Keith Norris is joined by Randy Kesterson, executive coach, transformation leader, and author of The Basics of Hoshin Kanri , to explore how companies can finally make their strategy stick—by linking it to execution, culture, and change management that works. 🔻 Why most strategic plans fail (and how to focus on what really matters) 🔻 The power of Hoshin Kanri to align teams and cut through initiative overload 🔻 What leaders miss when they treat Lean as a tool—not a business enabler 🔻 How to overcome resistance to change with ADKAR and real buy-in 🔻 Why cultural change needs structure, not slogans 🔻 How to deploy strategy across teams without another binder on the shelf Randy shares lessons from decades leading operations across aerospace, defense, and manufacturing—plus how change management and Hoshin Kanri helped him bridge the gap between strategy and execution in both corporate and consulting roles. 🔗 Learn more about Randy: https://www.kestersongroup.com 🔗 Connect with Randy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randykesterson/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Apr 14

In this episode, Keith Norris is joined by Jared Ragozzine, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, to explore how companies can turn everyday frontline ideas into real, measurable wins—and build a culture of continuous improvement that actually sticks. 🔻 Why suggestion boxes and Kaizen events aren’t enough to sustain improvement 🔻 How the A6 card helps teams capture, prioritize, and act on quick wins 🔻 The key to unlocking frontline engagement (without becoming the bottleneck) 🔻 What leaders must do to support CI—from approving time to doing a Gemba walk 🔻 Why visual management beats spreadsheets when it comes to momentum 🔻 How to build real CI habits with simple rituals, not massive rollouts Jared shares practical strategies and real-world stories from nearly a decade of coaching teams—from startups to multi-site manufacturers—and shows how a simple 4x6 card is helping frontline employees everywhere turn their ideas into lasting impact. 🔗 Learn more about Engage Forward: https://engage-forward.com 🔗 Connect with Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredragozzine 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Apr 7

In this episode, Keith Norris is joined by Kevin Clay, founder of Six Sigma Development Solutions and author of Why They Fail, to explore why most Lean and CI efforts fall short—and how to build a culture where they actually thrive. 🔻 Why most Lean initiatives fail (and how to avoid the common traps) 🔻 The mistake of training belts without building the right infrastructure 🔻 What executives must do to make CI stick—from KPIs to project prioritization 🔻 Why “Go find a project” is a sign of failure 🔻 The role of a “project hopper” and how to align improvement with business goals 🔻 How CI drives real career growth—and how to build programs that last Kevin shares hard-earned insights from decades of experience training thousands of professionals across industries—from the Army to aerospace—and helps us see how small changes in structure, mindset, and leadership can transform outcomes. 📚 Buy Kevin’s book Why They Fail: https://sixsigmadsi.com/why-they-fail/ 🔗 Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssdsi/ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Mar 31

Welcome to KPI Fireside , the podcast where we talk with leaders who make work better through continuous improvement and real problem-solving. In this episode, Keith Norris is joined by Andrei Anca , author of Lead From Any Seat , to unpack what actually makes CI work—and why most companies get it wrong. 🔻 Why you don’t need a title to lead improvement 🔻 How CI programs lose momentum and how to fix it 🔻 The difference between problem pointers, finders, and solvers 🔻 Why most metrics are misleading—and how to measure what matters 🔻 How AI and change management will shape the future of CI 🔻 The one root cause mistake nearly every team makes Andrei shares real-world stories and tactics you can use today—whether you're in finance, ops, manufacturing, or tech. 📚 Get the book + free templates: ⁠ www.leadfromanyseat.com ⁠ 🔗 Connect with Andrei on LinkedIn: ⁠ linkedin.com/in/andreianca⁠ 🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris – ⁠ linkedin.com/in/keithnorris⁠ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Mar 24

Guest: Nick Katko | Host: Keith Norris In this kickoff episode of KPI Fireside , host Keith Norris sits down with Lean Accounting expert Nick Katko —author, consultant, and pioneer in connecting finance with continuous improvement. 🔥 Key Takeaways & Moments : Nick’s Lean Origin Story – From CFO at Bullard to a champion of Lean transformations, Nick shares how one company's leap into Lean opened his eyes—and changed everything. Why Standard Costing Falls Short – Discover why traditional accounting systems often clash with Lean initiatives and how value stream income statements can transform decision-making. The Box Score Breakdown – Learn how Nick’s mentor, Brian Maskell, developed a powerful tool to align operational performance, capacity, and financials. Common Pitfalls in Lean Journeys – Nick reveals red flags to watch out for, including cherry-picking tools and losing sight of Lean as a learning culture. The ROI of Lean & Creating Capacity – Nick shares how to reframe “cost savings” and make a compelling case for Lean by showing how it improves flow, frees up time, and strengthens customer service. Advice for Finance Pros & CI Leaders – Whether you're in accounting or operations, find out how to build a career in Lean and make your role central to transformation. 💡 Whether you're new to Lean or deep in your CI journey, this episode will shift how you think about operations, accounting, and leadership. Tune in for a thoughtful and practical discussion packed with real-world insights and decades of experience. 🔗 Connect with Us 🌐 Learn more: ⁠ https://www.kpifire.com/⁠ 📱 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpi-fire 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kpifire/