Lean Six Sigma Bursts
Brion Hurley
Brion Hurley from Business Performance Improvement shares his takes and thoughts on a variety of topics related to process improvement (specifically Lean and Six Sigma methods), Bursts are rapid improvement activities, so this sounded like a good word to use for these short audio clips. We'll try to keep them under 10 minutes each. Have a question? Use the Spotify app to leave us a voice message, and we might pick your question for our next episode!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 18, 2025 • 6min
E126: Intro to Nonparametric Statistics (Part 2 of 2)
In this podcast, I share the second section of a course I'm creating for Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem called "Nonparametric Statistics"Nonparametrics are an alternative way of analyzing data, but instead of using means and standard deviations traditionally taught in Green Belt and Black Belt classes, it uses median and quartiles or percentiles. The calculations are simpler, and there are often less assumptions required (like requiring data to fit a normal distribution).If you sign up for a free account on Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem, you'll be notified when the full course is ready.Learn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Aug 9, 2025 • 7min
E125: Intro to Nonparametric Statistics (Part 1 of 2)
In this podcast, I share the first two sections of a course I'm creating for Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem called "Nonparametric Statistics"Nonparametrics are an alternative way of analyzing data, but instead of using means and standard deviations traditionally taught in Green Belt and Black Belt classes, it uses median and quartiles or percentiles. The calculations are simpler, and there are often less assumptions required (like requiring data to fit a normal distribution).If you sign up for a free account on Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem, you'll be notified when the full course is ready.Learn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Jul 16, 2025 • 14min
E124: Using Lean Six Sigma to Reduce Patient Medication Complications (Audio by AI)
In this podcast, I share the summary of a project I worked on almost 20 years, but is still relevant today. A grant was awarded to the Cedar Rapids (IA) community to study anticoagulation management using Lean and Six Sigma. One of the key analysis performed in the project was a Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) study. We wanted to determine if blood samples taken from a patient on warfarin have the same International Normalized Ratio (INR) results when analyzed in different labs (reproducibility) and when analyzed multiple times in the same lab (repeatability). Results showed a statistically significant difference among labs. The therapeutic range for INR is typically 2.0 to 3.0, yet the data showed a difference in INR of 0.5 among labs on a small sample of 10 warfarin patients, almost 50 percent of the range. By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs. Links for this episode:AHRQ Grant Summary: https://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/advances2/vol3/Advances-Hurley_55.pdfEleven Labs (affiliate link): https://try.elevenlabs.io/lp5v7zzfm8mzLearn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Jul 1, 2025 • 5min
E123: Applying Net Promoter Score (NPS) to a Zero Waste Conference (Audio by AI)
In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used net promoter score (NPS) to assess the attendee feedback of a fundraising conference I helped organize.By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs. Links for this episode:Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1): https://www.leansixsigmaforgood.com/lean-six-sigma-for-good-lessons-from-the-gemba-volume-1-real-life-stories-and-experiences-written-by-lean-and-six-sigma-volunteers-working-with-not-for-profit-organizations/Eleven Labs (affiliate link): https://try.elevenlabs.io/lp5v7zzfm8mzLearn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Jun 23, 2025 • 9min
E122: Applying Risk Management to Conference Planning (Audio by AI)
In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used risk management methods to reduce the chance of problems when planning my first fundraising conference.By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs. Links for this episode:Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1): https://www.leansixsigmaforgood.com/lean-six-sigma-for-good-lessons-from-the-gemba-volume-1-real-life-stories-and-experiences-written-by-lean-and-six-sigma-volunteers-working-with-not-for-profit-organizations/Eleven Labs (affiliate link): https://try.elevenlabs.io/lp5v7zzfm8mzTips and tricks for more efficient and effective PFMEAs: https://www.biz-pi.com/tips-and-tricks-for-more-efficient-and-effective-pfmeas/Learn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Jun 15, 2025 • 10min
E121: I can help you become a Lean Six Sigma "rockstar"!
In this podcast, I explain a virtual coaching and mentoring program that will be starting next week.Whether you’re rolling out a new project, stuck on data analysis, or facing resistance to change, you need specific help for your unique situation that aligns within your company culture. You’re already solving problems. Now I'd like to help you solve them faster, with less frustration, and more impact.Here are the highlights of getting coaching from a Lean Six Sigma Master Black BeltTwo group coaching sessions (90 minutes each on Zoom, every other week, recorded if cannot attend) – $450 valueOne 30-min private coaching call per month (if group call isn’t enough) – $75 valueWill group you with others based on skills, experience and needs (see details below)Learning modules, templates and guides to refresh you on improvement concepts and methods – $2500 valueOnly $50/week – cancel anytime (no contracts) Go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-virtual-coaching-calls/ to learn more about the program.Learn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
May 7, 2025 • 12min
E120: Lean at Home - Reducing External Storage Space Costs
In this podcast, I share the results of a "Lean at Home" project I performed within the last year as part of a training and certification program I piloted with my friends and family. The project successfully reduced our storage costs per month by over 50%, and then 100% within the past few weeks!You can download the project summary here: http://www.leansixsigmahomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lean-at-Home-Project-Storage-Unit-2024.pdfIf you have an example, please share it with me on LinkedIn.Go to LeanSixSigmaHomes.com to find many more examples of improvements at home using Lean and Six Sigma methods. You will also see the link to access the training and certification program for $49.Learn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Apr 11, 2025 • 11min
E119: Why DOGE should utilize Lean Six Sigma like Pete Ricketts did in Nebraska
In this podcast, I share the audio from a video of a speech given by former Nebraska governor and current US Senator, Pete Ricketts. He discusses how Nebraska used Lean Six Sigma to improve their services to residents, reduced costs, building space and time. He encourages the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to utilize a similar approach.You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JwDhbZBXCILearn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Mar 5, 2025 • 7min
E118: Real-life Examples of Hypothesis Testing
The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss how hypothesis testing can help you draw more statistically valid conclusions from data, and avoid misleading or incorrect conclusions.I share two examples. The first was a data set from the Denver Sheriff's Department, where they graphed and analyzed intake use of force incidents, but their conclusions don't seem to match the graphic. The 2nd example was data I pulled for a nonprofit I ran that showed the day of the week and time of day had no impact on click through rates on our monthly email newsletter.Learn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Feb 20, 2025 • 6min
E117: The Importance of Data and the 1948 Presidential Election
The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss the importance of data in improvement (seems obvious, yet not always present). I also share the unique situation that happened in the 1948 Presidential Election when polling data was biased towards the candidate that lost. As I dug deeper into this story, I don't see where they specifically mention the phone, but there was a problem with the accuracy of the polling. It also mentions that Truman was gaining momentum late in the election, and that wasn't reflected in the polls. Nonetheless, the Chicago Tribune ran their infamous headline that Dewey had won the election, when Truman actually won.You can learn more about that strange election at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_United_States_presidential_electionLearn more about BPI 7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnel Need help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation?Let's talk! Schedule a free support call Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5S BIZ-PI.com LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com Have a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
