The Gemba Academy Podcast

Weekly interviews with some of the best minds, leaders and innovators in continuous improvement. Learn, be inspired, and get expert advice from our incredible guests!

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Past Episodes

March 10, 2022

GA 414 | The Characteristics of a Good Leader with Richard Sheridan

This week’s guest is Richard Sheridan. Ron and Rich discussed Rich’s two books, Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer. Rich also shared what qualities he thinks make a good leader. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that

March 3, 2022

GA 413 | Understanding the Constraint with Hezi Korn

This week’s guest is Hezi Korn. Ron and Hezi discussed TOC and how to identify and evaluate your constraints before automating anything. They also touched on some other important lean tools. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote

February 24, 2022

GA 412 | Lean and Design with Andy Switky

This week’s guest is Andy Switky. Ron and Andy discussed lean thinking versus design thinking, and what the two worlds could learn from each other. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quotes Andy likes (1:47) Andy’s background and

February 17, 2022

GA 411 | Practicing Lean in High School with David Tuttle

This week’s guest is David Tuttle. David is the head of Precision Machining Technology at Platt Technical High School, and he explained how the program works and how it can be life-changing for students. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll

February 10, 2022

GA 410 | Are You Winning or Losing? with Max Krug and Pavel Kuviarzin

This week’s guests are Max Krug and Pavel Kuviarzin. Part Two of a recent episode, Max and Pavel discuss everything from root cause analysis and problem-solving, to sustaining success. They also stressed the importance of visual management. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In

February 3, 2022

GA 409 | Continuous Improvement at Douglas Dynamics with Shannan Vlieger

This week’s guest is Shannan Vlieger. Ron and Shannan talked all about Douglas Dynamics and their management system, DDMS. Shannan explained the five levers of DDMS and why they’re important. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: Shannan’s favorite quote

January 27, 2022

GA 408 | Lean and Life Coaches with Sarah Tilkens

This week’s guest is Sarah Tilkens. Sarah talked about her journey as a leader at GE and how she has embraced her true self in the process. Sarah also explained her interest in becoming a life coach. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In

January 20, 2022

GA 407 | Choosing an Approach to Lean and Six Sigma with John Knotts

This week’s guest is John Knotts, Senior Coach at Gemba Academy. Ron and John took a deep dive into process improvement versus project-based approaches, and why the two can and should coexist. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The

January 13, 2022

GA 406 | Reflecting on 2021 with Ron Pereira

This week’s guest is Gemba Academy Co-Founder Ron Pereira. As we kick off the new year, Ron decided to share some of the observations he’s made and the lessons he’s learned recently, and how he’s going to live and lead in 2022. An MP3 audio version of this episode is

January 6, 2022

GA 405 | Elevating Constraints with Max Krug and Pavel Kuviarzin

This week’s guests are Max Krug and Pavel Kuviarzin. Max and Pavel gave us their take on the relationship between lean, processes, and The Theory of Constraints. They also touched on the dangers of falling too far into one particular CI “camp.” An MP3 audio version of this episode is available