LeanpodcastToyota

GA 032 | Exploring Western Toyota Culture with David Meier

By Ron Pereira Updated on June 25th, 2021

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Today’s guest is David Meier. David has an impressive background as an author and former Toyota group leader. These days he runs his own consulting practice, helping other companies implement lean transformations.

An MP3 version is also available for download here.  

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • David’s background at Toyota (3:08)
  • What David’s consulting practice offers (4:06)
  • The quote that inspires David (5:22)
  • What David’s learning experience at Toyota was like (6:45)
  • The balance of philosophy and practical tools at Toyota (8:26)
  • David’s experience with the intensity of some Japanese Senseis (10:44)
  • What David noticed at other companies after leaving Toyota (13:13)
  • A common misconception people have about Toyota (15:09)
  • David’s take on Leader Standard Work (20:01)
  • How leaders can incorporate lean into the company’s strategic plan (23:27)
  • What “Respect for People” means to David (26:03)
  • The best advice David has ever heard (28:31)
  • David’s personal productivity habit (29:28)
  • David’s final words of wisdom (40:46)

Podcast Resources

What Do You Think?

What is the lean culture like at your organization? Is it more western or are the traditional Japanese values more apparent? How so?


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