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GA 330 | The Power of 3P with Adam Lawrence

Avatar photo By Jessica Bush Updated on July 30th, 2020

This week’s guest is Adam Lawrence. Ron and Adam talked all about 3P, including the steps involved and how it can be used for product innovation. Adam also shared a very interesting anecdote involving cat litter, corn flakes, and ceiling tiles. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

  • The quotes that inspire Adam (3:11)
  • Adam’s background and what he’s up to these days (4:19)
  • What 3P is (5:05)
  • How Adam first learned about 3P (7:39)
  • The eleven steps of 3P (11:22)
  • Where the “moonshine” concept comes from (15:45)
  • Specific stories about 3P in action (21:49)
  • Why and how the classically trained engineers struggle (25:22)
  • Why 3P is so hard to facilitate (29:01)
  • Adam’s tips for anyone looking to hold a 3P event (30:39)

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What Do You Think?

What do you know about 3P? Have you used it? Describe your experience(s).


  1. K Hinz

    July 30, 2020 - 11:32 am
    Reply

    I loved this episode! So many golden nuggets -and I was engaged the whole way through!

  2. Sam Morgan

    July 30, 2020 - 12:30 pm
    Reply

    I’ve only heard of 3P in passing but never had it explained or really understood it…until now. I love the energy Adam brings and the stories….always the stories. My favorite today was seeing how Corn Flakes inspired a whole new product in a manufacturing environment.
    I love the idea of stretching ones imagination and using nature to inspire us along on continuous improvement. Keep up the great work Adam and look forward to hearing you on the Podcast again real soon!

  3. Felipe Vilhena

    July 31, 2020 - 6:40 am
    Reply

    Really nice episode… love the stories!!!

  4. Lee Arnsman

    July 31, 2020 - 6:09 pm
    Reply

    Excellent content, learned a lot and enjoyed Adam’s style of teaching through storytelling.

  5. Beverley Doody

    August 1, 2020 - 2:30 pm
    Reply

    Adam Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge about 3P – the results that can be achieved are truly significant. You have an ability to dissect a process, “get your hands dirty”, see what is actually happening and then identifying sustained improvements – love the quotation you shared too about “using your hands to think and your feet to see”!!

  6. Stephanie L Shirley

    August 3, 2020 - 12:35 pm
    Reply

    Having listened to all three of your podcasts now, I think this one really shines through. Product innovation is such an important topic that spans across many industries. I have to agree with the others that it’s the stories that drive your points home and make your lessons memorable. Thank you for continuing to share your wisdom!

  7. Quentin Moore

    August 3, 2020 - 1:28 pm
    Reply

    Very informative episode! Loved the stories, and the “lesson” about opening up our thinking to go beyond the obvious when seeking a better solution. Thanks Adam!

  8. Robbi Bishop

    August 4, 2020 - 1:11 pm
    Reply

    Excellent content and I loved Adam’s real-world examples and how he used 3P to make break through changes! I love the podcast, thank you for taking the time to put it together. Adam is a great resource and I would encourage future episodes with him!

  9. Tom Dardick

    August 5, 2020 - 2:27 pm
    Reply

    Never under-estimate the power of breakfast cereal! Great story, Adam. The creative process never fails to fascinate.

  10. Mike Schnebele

    August 6, 2020 - 12:38 pm
    Reply

    I really enjoyed this episode. Adam’s use of real world examples always brings the concepts to life for me. I am excited about giving Trystorming a go in the future.

    Looking forward to hearing from Adam again.

  11. Matt Landis

    August 7, 2020 - 10:24 am
    Reply

    Always enjoy Adam’s approach and of course, the stories – another great episode. Thanks Adam!

  12. WC

    August 14, 2020 - 11:44 am
    Reply

    Adam does a great job of explaining 3P, with great examples that makes it real, especially for those of us who had not been familiar with the method. Especially enjoyed the explanation of “moonshining”. Please keep bringing Adam back!

  13. Elliott Weiss

    August 18, 2020 - 10:06 am
    Reply

    It’s always great listening to Adam. Nothing can beat his real world experience and story telling. It’s like going to the GEMBA via a podcast!

  14. John Dotoli

    September 1, 2020 - 7:40 pm
    Reply

    Thrilled to tune in for another episode with Adam! His descriptive anecdotes and way he ties the lesson into the stories make for such a fantastic episode. I had the privilege of participating with Adam in a difficult Kaizen and couldn’t have been happier with the results! Please continue inviting Adam to join.

  15. Adam Lawrence

    September 4, 2020 - 8:27 am
    Reply

    Thanks to everyone for their kind and supportive comments. I hope to have another opportunity to participate on this wonderful podcast. Maybe the next time, I can talk about my new book!

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