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Ricky Banks

Ricky Banks is a Senior Lean and Six Sigma Coach at Gemba Academy with over 20 years of experience driving operational excellence and empowering teams. He has successfully deployed Lean and Six Sigma methodologies across manufacturing and distribution operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. With a deep passion for mentoring, training, and coaching, Ricky engages individuals and teams in the pursuit of excellence. Before joining Gemba Academy, he held key leadership roles, including Senior Continuous Improvement Manager, Senior MBB-Lean Deployment Manager, Process Improvement Manager – Corporate Excellence, and Quality/Environmental Coordinator. Prior to his career in Operational Excellence, Ricky spent 17 years in the manufacturing industry. Ricky is dedicated to coaching, mentoring, and teaching, striving to make a positive impact both professionally and personally.

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5 Articles

Old Habits Die Hard, When Leadership Behavior Doesn’t Match Leadership Intent  

By Ricky Banks - June 30th, 2026

Old Habits Die Hard, When Leadership Behavior Doesn’t Match Leadership Intent   A tale as old as time, a company launches a new initiative.  There’s energy, excitement, a townhall meeting and possibly a slide deck.  If you’re

The Dull Saw: A Leadership Lesson

By Ricky Banks - June 29th, 2026

Years ago, I watched a maintenance technician struggle with what should have been a simple task. He was cutting through a piece of metal with a handheld saw. What should have taken only a few minutes stretched into nearly half an hour.

Why Lean Leaders Should Stop Solving Problems for Their Teams

By Ricky Banks - June 12th, 2026

The Lean Leader Trap Many leaders earn promotions because they are excellent problem-solvers. They understand the process, know the business, and can quickly find solutions when challenges arise. When a customer issue surfaces, equipme

Adaptive Leadership in an Ever-Changing World

By Ricky Banks - October 21st, 2025

There is a Chinese proverb that says, “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, others build windmills.” As leaders, we can resist and maintain a singular leadership style, or we can adapt to meet the changing ne

Continuous Improvement Eliminates Excess Overtime

By Ricky Banks - October 21st, 2025

For decades, overtime has been treated in many organizations as a “badge of honor.” It signals a sign of dedication and sacrifice to “get the job done.” Leaders often view it as a necessary tool to meet deadlines and maintain b

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