Quality Time With MoreSteam

Chris Spranger's Lean Six Sigma journey began unexpectedly during a co-op at a firetruck manufacturer. Initially uninterested in quality work, he soon became fascinated by tracking production data and solving shop-floor problems. A mouse pad from his boss featuring 'ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt' and a Christmas gift request for Lean Six Sigma by Michael George sealed the deal—Chris was hooked. In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Chris chats with Dan about how he has applied Lean tools across industries like healthcare, aerospace, and public service. He shares insights on adapting methodologies to different organizational needs, engaging stakeholders effectively, and why soft skills are critical for success. Chris also explores Measurement System Analysis (MSA), explaining how it ensures reliable data collection and highlights inconsistencies in processes. It's all about making work easier and more effective! Tune in to hear why Chris believes improving processes isn't just about efficiency—it's about creating better days at work for everyone involved. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:45 - How a firetruck factory introduced Chris to Lean Six Sigma 3:45 - The role of a mouse pad and a book in shaping his career path 6:26 - Applying Lean tools across diverse industries 9:14 - Common misconceptions about Lean Six Sigma 13:11 - Why communication and people skills are key to success 19:22 - People skills: the art and the science of Lean Six Sigma 20:49 - How MSA ensures consistent and reliable measurements 24:11 - Detecting inconsistencies with MSA Additional Resources: Chris Spranger on LinkedIn Spranger Business Solutions Quality Time With MoreSteam on Facebook Quality Time With MoreSteam on Instagram Quality Time With MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Thomas Paider joins the show. Tom is the co-author of The Lean IT Field Guide: A Roadmap for Your Transformation. He is also the Vice President for Technology Infrastructure and Computing at Nationwide and a member of the Board of Directors of the Lean Enterprise Institute. This is a phenomenal conversation. According to our host Dan Swartwout, this episode contains some of the most profound thoughts on Lean in the history of the podcast. Tom makes complex ideas about Lean and Agile approachable and engaging. If you're interested in how Lean principles can reshape IT and create thriving workplace cultures, this episode is one you won't want to miss! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:33 - Tom's Background 4:50 - Working on Y2K 6:27 - Key Messages from the Lean It Field Guide 8:25 - The Operational Definition of IT 10:02 - The First Steps in a Lean IT Journey 13:56 - Misconceptions About Lean in the Technology Space 16:22 - Moving People to More Valuable Activities 18:55 - Agile in IT 22:25 - The Early Days of the Lean IT Transformation at Nationwide 24:29 - Advice for IT Teams Starting Their Lean Journeys 27:08 - Learning from Other Industries 29:41 - Overcoming Resistance 32:12 - Lean, Agile, and DevOps 36:35 - Tom's Proudest Moments at Nationwide 38:17 - Peyton Manning 39:19 - The Future of Lean Technology 42:36 - Tom's Experiences as a Runner Additional Resources: Thomas Paider on LinkedIn The Lean IT Field Guide: A Roadmap for Your Transformation MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Ryan C. Weiss joins the program. Ryan is an author, entrepreneur, and president of Effective Performance Strategies. He also tells one of the best stories about continuous improvement. That story involves tools, skills, mindset, and an orangutan. (Yes, an orangutan.) You won't want to miss it. In addition to that great story, Ryan and host Dan Swartwout talk about the power of the SIPOC, eliminating bad handoffs, and the importance of parallel paths. Maybe you already have the tools. You might already have the skills. But without a doubt, this conversation with Ryan C. Weiss will put you in the right mindset for operational excellence! In this episode, you will hear about: 0:48 - Ryan's Background 3:35 - Ryan's Experiences in College 11:12 - Ryan Path Changes From Medicine to Finance 16:05 - From the Corporate World to Entrepreneur 18:36 - The Fitbit Story 22:27 - The Orangutan Story 29:40 - Dale Carnegie and Continuous Improvement 31:49 - Building SIPOCs 33:49 - Broken Handoffs 37:05 - Getting People Involved in Processes 39:51 - SIPOC-Focused Software 42:31 - Ryan's Podcast Additional Resources: Ryan C. Weiss on LinkedIn Optics: Align People and Process to Accelerate Performance Optics in Action Podcast Effective Performance Strategies MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

This isn't your typical Quality Time with MoreSteam! To celebrate the season, we're bringing you a festive treat — a Lean Six Sigma-inspired version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Packed with value streams, Gemba walks, and continuous improvement cheer, this playful adaptation blends holiday magic with the principles of operational excellence. Pause for a moment to recharge, reflect, and enjoy a fun story that blends the holiday spirit with a touch of improvement inspiration. Here's to a new year filled with fresh ideas, smoother processes, and plenty of opportunities to grow. Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Meredith Brody from Constellation joins the show to discuss the successful implementation of a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt program. Constellation has a winning program called the Embedded Lean Practitioner Program. As a LSS Black Belt and Principal Project Manager at Constellation, Meredith shares firsthand experiences and practical advice on how to design and execute a successful program that aligns with organizational goals. Listeners will get a clear picture of what it takes to kickstart a Lean Six Sigma initiative – from setting clear goals and engaging stakeholders to tracking success. This episode is a must-listen for organizations aiming to boost efficiency, improve quality, and build a culture of continuous improvement. By hearing from someone who's helped successfully implement a process improvement training program, you'll walk away with practical insights to help drive real change in your own organization. Join Meredith and host Dan Swartwout for an engaging discussion that offers guidance on creating a big impact with an effective training program. Plus, there are a few laughs along the way. All organizations can benefit from continuous improvement. This podcast is perfect for leaders, managers, and professionals committed to operational excellence and innovation. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:28 - Meredith's background 6:34 - The inception of the Embedded Lean Practitioner program 9:12 - Piloting the program 10:34 - Changes in the program over time 13:50 - Responding to feedback about the program 17:29 - Using simulations to enhance learning 23:32 - Communicating ROI to senior leadership and other stakeholders 26:10 - Promoting the program within the organization 28:31 - Why people participate in the program 31:28 - How Meredith uses Lean Six Sigma outside of work 33:55 - Working with MoreSteam Additional Resources: Meredith Brody on LinkedIn Constellation on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, we are honored to have Peter Ward join the show. Peter is Chair of the Lean Enterprise Institute, Professor Emeritus of Operations Management at The Ohio State University, and a Shingo prize winner. During this episode, we explore Peter's incredible journey in Lean and Six Sigma. Peter shares how he helped bring Lean and Six Sigma into the business school, launched the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) program, and reflects on his Shingo Prize-winning research. We also discuss how Lean principles have evolved and their impact across industries today. It's a great conversation on operational excellence and continuous improvement! In this episode, you will hear about: 2:48 - Teaching Lean at Ohio State's Fisher College of Business 9:03 - How teaching Lean at Ohio State influenced other colleges and universities 12:02 - The significance of being "embedded" 15:46 - Teaching Six Sigma at Ohio State's Fisher College of Business 20:56 - The first Master's program in Operational Excellence 25:28 - The Center for Operational Excellence at The Ohio State University 28:20 - Peter's role as chair of the Lean Enterprise Institute 34:04 - Incremental improvements and disruptive change 40:04 - Winning the Shingo Prize 49:46 - Peter's proudest accomplishment Additional Resources: Peter Ward on LinkedIn Peter Ward's Ohio State University Profile Peter Ward at the Lean Enterprise Institute MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout strikes a chord with Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Kevin Keller. It's a dynamic deep dive into the world of process improvement! Kevin hits all the right notes as he shares insights from his corporate career and his encore as a consultant, teacher, and coach. As a frequent headliner at MoreSteam's monthly webinars, Kevin covers topics that will have you humming along to the tune of operational excellence. Together, Kevin and Dan explore topics such as: Statistical Hypothesis Testing: Making data-driven decisions that hit all the right beats to improve processes. Control Charts: Keeping quality in harmony and reducing variability. Response Surface Methodology: Orchestrating product performance through systematic experimentation. Understanding Variability: Why hitting the right tempo in reducing variability is key to operational success. With practical examples and real-world applications, this episode is music to the ears of anyone interested in process improvement, statistics, and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Tune in for an engaging conversation that makes complex statistical concepts accessible and actionable. And don't miss how Kevin's hall-of-fame career in barbershop music has shaped his approach to teamwork and continuous improvement – because when it comes to process excellence, it's all about finding the perfect harmony! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:24 - Meet Kevin 2:26 - How Kevin got involved in Lean Six Sigma 3:58 - How Kevin got involved with MoreSteam 5:30 - Consulting work as a Master Black Belt 7:00 - How Kevin uses continuous improvement principles in his personal life 8:26 - The MoreSteam webinars hosted by Kevin 10:23 - Improving operations by understanding variability in manufacturing processes 15:10 - What is CPK 16:20 - Statistical hypothesis testing and its role in process improvement 17:54 - Simplifying statistical concepts to make statistical insights more impactful 21:44 - The importance of valid statistical inferences in business decision making 24:13 - The skill of communicating as a Master Black Belt 25:32 - How control charts assist in maintaining process quality 31:30 - Response surface methodology 34:41 - Kevin's hall of fame career in Barbershop music Additional Resources: Kevin Keller on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Webinars Kevin Keller's November 20, 2024 Webinar Kevin Keller's December 18, 2024 Webinar MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Walt Disney once said, "We don't make movies to make money. We make money to make more movies." We think Dino Tripodis would agree with that. On this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, Dino joins the show to discuss the making of DOWN TO THE FELT, the largest independent film ever produced in Columbus, Ohio. Michael Weston, Michael Stahl-David, and Scottie Thompson have starring roles in DOWN TO THE FELT, and Dino is a writer and producer of the film. Dino is also a comedian, podcaster, and Columbus, Ohio radio legend. On this episode, you will discover how creativity meets efficiency as Dino and host Dan Swartwout explore the art of producing a high-quality film on a $1.5 million budget. That may sound like a lot of money, but the average Hollywood movie has a budget between $50-$100 million. Dino shares entertaining insights and anecdotes about balancing artistic vision with practical constraints. Whether you're a film enthusiast or passionate about optimizing processes, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to achieve excellence on a budget. Oh, did we mention that Dino and Dan have been friends for over 25 years? Yeah, this is a fun listen. In this episode, you will hear about: 2:18 - Dino's podcast, Whiskey Business 5:07 - Dino's history in show business 11:12 - Introduction to DOWN TO THE FELT 12:40 - Writing the movie 16:01 - Raising money to make the movie 19:44 - Other movies Dino has been involved with 24:38 - Ensuring quality without a Hollywood budget 29:44 - The American Film Market 32:36 - The filmmaker as an entrepreneur 39:08 - Improving efficiency while making a movie 43:14 - Getting better as a team 46:49 - Getting the team on the same page 48:57 - The importance of feedback 55:10 - Indicators of quality 62:06 - Saving money 64:22 - DOWN TO THE FELT on social media Additional Resources: Down To The Felt Movie Website Whiskey Business Podcast Dino Tripodis on LinkedIn Dino Tripodis on IMDB Down To The Felt on IMDB MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

On this episode of Quality Time With MoreSteam, we serve up a delightful blend of culinary creativity and cutting-edge efficiency! MoreSteam eLearning project manager Brian Bross joins the show. Brian is a software engineer with a flavorful past as an executive chef in some of the most notable restaurants and organizations. Brian and Dan will whisk you away on a journey through the bustling world of restaurant kitchens, where lean principles aren't just about trimming the fat but also about crafting the perfect recipe for success. Discover how Brian sliced through the challenges of waste reduction, stirred up customer satisfaction, and seasoned processes with efficiency – all while keeping the kitchen team engaged and inspired. Brian explains how lean methodologies can spice up supply chain management, maintain top-notch quality control, and foster innovation in menu development. And if you think lean is just for kitchens, think again! Our guest will share insights on how these savory strategies can be a recipe for success in any industry. Quality Time With MoreSteam sets the table with a hearty serving of laughs, lessons, and lean insights that are sure to leave you hungry for more! Oh, and dad jokes. In this episode, you will hear about: 3:00 - Brian's educational background 4:00 - How Brian got involved with cooking and the restaurant industry 8:49 - Brian's experiences with cooking and understanding Lean principles 9:44 - Challenges Brian faced in implementing Lean principles during his culinary career 11:49 - Reducing waste in the kitchen 14:06 - Process improvement and pizza 18:57 - Lean principles improving food quality (standard work) 20:44 - Supply chain management in a restaurant 22:39 - Lean principles supporting innovation 25:20 - Applying lessons from the restaurant industry to other industries 29:37 - Cooking at MoreSteam 32:07 - Dad jokes Additional Resources: MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Brian Bross on LinkedIn Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

MoreSteam recently presented its 22nd Best Practices For Operational Excellence Conference. Practitioners and thought leaders from various industries attended the conference to discuss the latest strategies and tools for enhancing operational excellence. MoreSteam Peg Pennington is one of those industry leaders. Although not an industry leader, Quality Time With MoreSteam host Dan Swartwout attended the conference, too. In this episode, Dan and Peg reflect on their time at the conference. They discuss the presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities that made the conference such a success. Plus, this episode answers the burning question: Are continuous improvement professionals better comedy writers than generative AI? In this episode, you will hear about: 0:11 - Introduction to the MoreSteam Best Practices For Operational Excellence Conference 1:15 - Josh Howell from the Lean Enterprise Institute and John Shook 3:16 - Our wonderful host, The Wendy's Company 6:23 - Thomas Jefferson University 7:32 - Professor Nate Craig and Artificial Intelligence 9:45 - Greif 12:53 - The American Society for Quality 14:15 - Bill Walton, CEO of Ardagh Glass Packaging North America 16:54 - Emmanuel Aouad from Episode 9! 19:34 - Baptist Health South Florida 22:15 - General Motors 22:38 - Continuous Improvement Comedy Writers 26:56 - Medtronic 28:00 - Reflections on the BP4OpX Conference 29:59 - How the conference has grown 31:23 - Interacting with MoreSteam at the conference Additional Resources: The American Society for Quality (ASQ) ASQ CEO Sid Bhatnagar (Sid B.) on LinkedIn Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) LEI President Josh Howell on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart