Lean Healthcare Archives

GA 611 | The Role of Games in Continuous Improvement with Alexandra Suchman

By Jessica Bush - December 18th, 2025

This week’s guest is Alexandra Suchman. Ron and Alexandra discussed the concept of relational waste, playing games in continuous improvement, the role of personality differences, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is

GA 607 | Improving Your Internal Operating System with Michelle Troseth and Tracy Christopherson

By Jessica Bush - November 20th, 2025

This week’s guests are Michelle Troseth and Tracy Christopherson. Ron, Michelle, and Tracy discussed the concept of an internal operating system, dealing with both burnout and boredom, the importance of personal alignment, and mo

GA 604 | Creating a Culture of Problem Solvers with Sarah Tilkens and Leah Roe

By Jessica Bush - October 30th, 2025

This week’s guests are Sarah Tilkens and Leah Roe. Ron, Sarah, and Leah discussed the problem solver revolution, building trust in yourself and others, working with younger generations, and more. An MP3 audio version of this epis

GA 593 | The Importance of Simplification with Dr. Lucas Chesla and Kirk Nicholas

By Jessica Bush - August 14th, 2025

This week’s guests are Dr. Lucas Chesla and Kirk Nicholas. Luke and Kirk shared how continuous improvement is used in the military, the book they wrote together, their thoughts on AI, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episod

GA 592 | The Aha! Moment with Dexter Chan

By Jessica Bush - August 7th, 2025

This week’s guest is Dexter Chan. Ron and Dexter discussed handling resistance, other challenges he’s faced, and why the “Aha!” moment makes all the effort worth it. An MP3 audio version of this episode is avail

GA 588 | When Lean Doesn’t Stick with Holly Plaga

By Jessica Bush - July 10th, 2025

This week’s guest is Holly Plaga. Ron and Holly discussed why lean doesn’t always take root, the mindset necessary for success, creating a sustainable lean culture, Holly’s “favorite mistake,” and more. An

GA 583 | Misconceptions About Lean with Alen Ganic

By Jessica Bush - June 5th, 2025

This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed how Alen simplifies complicated topics, the powers of lean beyond manufacturing, dealing with “CAVE” people, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is av

GA 580 | The Transformation of Operational Excellence with Dr. Adil Dalal

By Jessica Bush - May 15th, 2025

This week’s guest is Dr. Adil Dalal. Ron and Adil discussed the rapid evolution of AI and technology, how it affects lean and operational excellence, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

GA 578 | Navigating Panic Attacks and Burnout with Eric Recker

By Jessica Bush - May 1st, 2025

This week’s guest is Eric Recker. Ron and Eric discussed Eric’s mental health struggles, how he handled having panic attacks, “winning the now,” and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for do

GA 559 | Organizational Problem Solving with Matt White

By Jessica Bush - December 19th, 2024

This week’s guest is Matt White. Ron and Matt discussed problem solving, Matt’s backgrounds in both manufacturing and healthcare, the importance of using the “language” of a company, and more. An MP3 audio versi

GA 535 | Transforming Meetings with Evan Unger

By Jessica Bush - July 4th, 2024

This week’s guest is Evan Unger. Ron and Evan discussed what often goes wrong in meetings, especially high-stakes meetings, as well as practical tips for making meetings successful. An MP3 audio version of this episode is availab

GA 527 | The Five Functions of Business with Zack Estes

By Jessica Bush - May 9th, 2024

This week’s guest is Zack Estes. Ron and Zack discussed Zack’s coaching business, applying lean in non-manufacturing contexts, the five functions of business, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for

GA 525 | Crafting a Long-Term Vision with Jennifer Drago

By Jessica Bush - April 25th, 2024

This week’s guest is Jennifer Drago. Ron and Jennifer discussed having a long-term vision, data-driven strategies, overcoming resistance to change, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In

GA 523 | The Cleveland Clinic Improvement Model with Tim Pettry

By Jessica Bush - April 11th, 2024

This week’s guest is Tim Pettry. Ron and Tim discussed outside perceptions of Toyota, Cleveland Clinic’s journey with continuous improvement, and Tim’s unusual workshop at the upcoming Shingo Conference. An MP3

GA 511 | Winning the Now with Eric Recker

By Jessica Bush - January 18th, 2024

This week’s guest is Eric Recker. Ron and Eric discussed bullying, avoiding burnout, and what it means to “Win the Now.” An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’l

GA 501 | Reducing Chaos with Brandon Brown

By Jessica Bush - November 9th, 2023

This week’s guest is Brandon Brown. Ron and Brandon discussed TWI, and why reducing both personal and professional chaos is so important. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you

GA 500 | Celebrating 500 Episodes

By Jessica Bush - November 2nd, 2023

This week we’re celebrating our 500th episode by sharing some of our team’s favorite moments from over the years. Whether you’re new to the podcast or you’ve been here since the beginning, thank you for listenin

GA 496 | How to Handle Employee Suggestions with Kyle Brady

By Jessica Bush - October 5th, 2023

This week’s guest is Kyle Brady. Ron and Kyle discussed suggestion boxes, how to handle suggestions that aren’t accepted, and how to get started with your own suggestion program. An MP3 audio version of this episode is avai

GA 492 | Better Metrics for Better Management with Mark Graban

By Jessica Bush - September 7th, 2023

This week’s guest is Mark Graban. Ron and Mark discussed process behavior charts, the importance of good metrics, the Red Bead Experiment, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this epi

Conducting A Manual Process Assessment

By John Knotts - July 21st, 2023

A manual process is a task or procedure that is performed without the assistance of automation or technology. These tasks typically require human effort, physical actions, and direct input. Manual processes can range from simple tasks,

GA 480 | Learning From Our Mistakes with Mark Graban

By Jessica Bush - June 15th, 2023

This week’s guest is Mark Graban. Ron and Mark discussed making mistakes and the importance of psychological safety. Mark also shared a little about his podcast, “My Favorite Mistake,” and his new book, “The Mis

5S and Spring Cleaning

By John Knotts - April 21st, 2023

What better time than now to talk to you about spring cleaning and 5S? Now, you may be wondering what exactly 5S is, and how it relates to spring cleaning. Well, let me explain. 5S is a methodology used in manufacturing and other indus

GA 469 | Improving Lives with Lean with Steve Bell

By Jessica Bush - March 30th, 2023

This week’s guest is Steve Bell. Ron and Steve discussed Steve’s work applying lean to NGOs, how he approaches Change Management, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episod

Measuring The Pig In The Python

By John Knotts - January 20th, 2023

Data collection and analysis are critical in process improvement. Data shows progress in process improvement over time and serves as a barometer of process effectiveness and efficiency. Measuring a straightforward process that takes se

Quick Way To Time A Process

By John Knotts - December 16th, 2022

Understanding and measuring process time is one of the most important aspects of process improvement. Much of the waste (muda) in a process causes a process to take longer than it should. When a process takes longer, customers are wait

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