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!

Subscribe Today

Use your favorite podcast app to keep up with all the newest episodes!

Past Episodes

November 12, 2020

GA 345 | Hearing for the First Time with Adam Alamade

This week’s guest is Adam Alamade. Adam works for a cochlear implant manufacturer and he described how they use continuous improvement. He and Ron also discussed dealing with resistance, owning problems, developing habits, and more. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode

November 5, 2020

GA 344 | Learning Lean Lessons From Powerful Stories with Steven Jackson

This week’s guest is Steven Jackson. Steven shared some incredible stories that have clear parallels to continuous improvement. This episode really demonstrates the effect this kind of thinking can have on human lives, past, present, and future. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In

October 29, 2020

GA 343 | The Role of Ops Leaders in Integrating Lean with Jamie Parker

This week’s guest is Jamie Parker. Ron and Jamie discussed the role and responsibilities of ops leaders, and the challenges they face. Jamie also explained why “implementing” lean might not be the best approach. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll

October 22, 2020

GA 342 | Lean, Law, and Automation with Andrew Shapiro-Zysk

This week’s guest is Andrew Shapiro-Zysk. Andrew explained how lean is being used in the legal profession, including dealing with pushback. He and Ron also discussed the power of automation and avoiding automating waste. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll

October 15, 2020

GA 341 | Exploring Quantum Lean with Sean Fields and Michael Sanders

This week’s guests are Sean Fields and Michael Sanders. Together with Ron they discussed the concept of quantum lean and how it can be used to streamline processes. They also explored how quantum lean compares to value stream mapping and other elements of lean. A MP3 audio version of this

October 8, 2020

GA 340 | Modernizing TWI with Ryan Weiss

This week’s guest is Ryan Weiss. Ryan, a lean consultant, shared his approach to optimizing performance. He and Ron also discussed the modernization of TWI, and how different learning styles play a role. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:

October 1, 2020

GA 339 | Applying Lean and Six Sigma to Human Resources with Michael Parent

This week’s guest is Michael Parent. Ron and Michael discussed the role of continuous improvement in HR and the challenges Michael faces. Michael also shared his take on applying these principles in untraditional contexts. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll

September 24, 2020

GA 338 | Gamifying Lean with Bruno Pesec

This week’s guest is Bruno Pesec. Ron and Bruno discussed innovation strategy, the intersection of respect for people and innovation, and how Bruno has been involved in gamifying lean. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn: The quote that inspires

September 17, 2020

GA 337 | Making the Best of Bad Circumstances with Skip Steward

This week’s guest is Skip Steward. Ron and Skip reflected on the year thus far and on some of the different challenges COVID-19 has created. Skip also shared his take on dealing with confirmation biases. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode

September 10, 2020

GA 336 | The Process of Process Improvement with Karen Friedenberg

This week’s guest is Karen Friedenberg. Karen, who has a diverse career background, broke down all the different ways she approaches process improvement. From DMAIC to change management, this episode is full of practical knowledge. A MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll