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GA 055 | Being a Visible Leader with Philip Holt

By Ron Pereira Updated on July 19th, 2021

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Today’s guest is Philip Holt, head of Partnership Development and Accounting Operations at Philips. Philip and I explore what it means to be a “visible leader”, and how to become one. With his extensive lean background, he certainly has plenty of wisdom to share.

An MP3 version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • Philip’s background and what he’s up to these days (2:12)
  • How long Philips has been on a lean journey (3:58)
  • The quote that inspires Philip (5:05)
  • Philip’s definition of a “visible leader” (6:05)
  • What being a visible leader has to do with lean (7:56)
  • A time when Philip failed at being a visible leader (9:45)
  • A time when Philip succeeded at being a visible leader (12:36)
  • What failure has to do with becoming a visible leader (15:08)
  • How employee autonomy influences the visible leader dynamic (16:30)
  • What “Respect for People” means to Philip (18:55)
  • The best advice Philip has ever received (20:17)
  • Philip’s personal productivity habit (21:53)
  • All about the powerful Kanban software Philip uses (23:17)
  • Something that surprised Philip in his last year of lean practice (26:22)
  • What Philip does to recharge and refocus (28:12)
  • The skill Philip feels he needs to improve (29:25)
  • Philip’s final words of wisdom (31:01)

Podcast Resources

What Do You Think?

Are you a visible leader? Why or why not?


  1. Joshua Long

    April 28, 2015 - 4:08 pm
    Reply

    I stumbled upon your Podcast this week, I have had intensive training in Lean, worked in many established environments. But recently took a new position as a Plant Manager, and was struggling. The Plant has not seen many improvements in a very long time. In fact I was very frustrated, and this Podcast with Philip actually spoke to me today. It was a harsh realization that I have not been that leader I know I used to be, I had become part of the status quo. Looking forward and motivated to get back to the Gemba, get my hands dirty and lead by example. Thank you. Maybe we can talk about this sometime.

    • Ron Pereira

      April 28, 2015 - 7:24 pm

      Thanks so much for the comments, Joshua. And I’m happy this episode helped! Stay in touch and please let us know if there is anything we can do to help with your journey.

    • Philip Holt

      April 30, 2015 - 12:10 am

      Thanks Joshua, I’m really pleased that the Podcast helped and kudos on your willingness to reflect and admit where you’ve ‘gone native’. We all need a reminder every once in a while; I know that I do!

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