Chain of Learning: Leadership Strategies for Continuous Improvement and Transformational Change

Keeley Hurley, a practical continuous improvement leader, and Dr. Melisa Buie, a laser physicist turned problem solver, share short, candid stories about setbacks and resilience. They unpack emotional reactions, the FREE recovery steps (Focus, Reflect, Explore, Engage), premortems, the Conspirator Matrix of fear-driven responses, and how leaders can normalize experimentation to learn forward after a faceplant.

Nathen Harvey, leader of the DORA research team at Google Cloud and co-author of DORA reports, explores how AI can amplify learning or magnify friction in team workflows. He discusses DORA’s seven team archetypes, value stream mapping to spot waste, seven AI capabilities that boost impact, the importance of data and version control, and the jidoka idea of automation with a human touch.

This discussion dives into the importance of prioritizing people in leadership and organizational growth. It highlights Toyota’s philosophy that effective learning turns people into capable contributors. The concept of a people-process-results pyramid flips traditional Western business thinking upside down. By prioritizing employee engagement, companies can see sustained success, as shown by INA Foods. Listeners gain insights on creating a culture of learning and the real impact of leaders who genuinely care for their team.

What does it really take to become lean—not just do lean?This is the secret to transformational lean leadership that Larry Culp, CEO of GE and GE Aerospace shared with me on stage three years ago. In this special bonus episode, I want to share his insights and wisdom about leadership and lean culture with you.This bonus episode marks two milestones in my own Chain of Learning® journey: 🎙 The two-year anniversary of the launch of this podcast! 🎉 The three-year anniversary of my interview with Larry CulpThese two moments are deeply connected and they tell a powerful story about learning, leadership, and continuous improvement in action.To celebrate, I’m bringing you my “fireside chat” with Larry Culp—recorded live on stage at the AME Conference in Dallas in 2022. It’s a rare, candid look at how one of today’s most respected global executives leads with a lean mindset to practice intentional leadership, humility, and continuous learning to reshape culture, improve decision-making, and lead sustainable organizational transformation at scale, You’ll also hear how this conversation became a defining moment for me—ultimately inspiring the launch of the Chain of Learning® podcast—and why Larry Culp’s insights on lean leadership are just as relevant today.YOU’LL LEARN:Why even senior leaders and CEOs need a coach or teacher—and how having a trusted mentor helps accelerate learning and growthThe importance of shifting from answers to questions—and why Breaking the Telling Habit® mattersWhy embracing mistakes and “bad news” builds psychological safety, and a stronger foundation for continuous improvementThe power of going to see—going to gemba (the place work happens)—and how its essential for lean transformationHow embracing the awkwardness of learning—going slow to go fast—helps leaders model humility and build trust through transparencyABOUT MY GUEST:Larry Culp joined the GE Board of Directors in April 2018, and was appointed CEO of GE in October 2018. In June 2022, he assumed additional duty as CEO of GE Aerospace and became Chairman & CEO of GE Aerospace when it launched as a public company in April 2024. He also serves as the non-executive Chairman of GE HealthCare. Larry spent 25 years at Danaher Corporation, serving as President and CEO, where he helped increase both revenue and market capitalization fivefold. Recognized as one of the world’s top CEOs by Harvard Business Review and Barron’s, Larry has served as a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, teaching leadership and strategy. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/57 Watch the full interview with Larry Culp on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=U3hFsuLOaPUCheck out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow Larry Culp on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larry-culpConnect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonRead “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” – the leadership book Larry Culp recommended to all GE employees : LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:51 Larry Culp’s view on lean as a lever to embrace cultural disruption at GE04:14 The importance of having a coach and a teacher to help guide you as a senior leader05:34 Larry’s shifts in his leadership approach as he was learning how to lead07:47 How to really listen and hear what others meant to say07:28 How to become a better listener and ask better questions08:20 The difference of implementing lean versus becoming lean10:12 What lean means to you as a leader12:25 The importance of doing the work even though you have a coach13:49 How to build failure and mistakes into your leadership practice and culture15:06 Fostering an environment where sharing mistakes and challenges are acceptable17:55 Larry’s key takeaway from Katie’s Shingo award winning book, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”21:16 What to assess when going to Gemba24:13 What Larry has learned from his sensei and going to Japan that has helped him be a more impactful leader28:11 How hoshin kanri is connected to your approach leadership approach 29:24 The impact of cross-functional collaboration31:22 Managing awkwardness as a leader while learning new leadership skills32:49 Making the shift in being okay with not having all the answers34:56 Future improvements of GE36:33 The purpose of daruma dolls in setting intentional goals37:46 The real heart of lean leadership in using learning as a lever for results that matter Submit your questions to John Shook here:https://kbjanderson.com/ask/

How often do you find yourself racing from meeting to meeting, rushing through tasks, or filling every silence with your own voice? In our doing-oriented culture, pausing feels uncomfortable—even counterproductive. Yet left unchecked, our instinct for action and answers can limit learning, development, and innovation.In this episode, I explore the power of the pause and why mastering it may be one of the most transformative leadership habits you can develop. Pausing with purpose—slowing down to create space for silence, reflection, and intentional action—actually accelerates your impact. It’s in the pause—the space between our “doing”—that learning deepens, decisions improve, and people grow. Whether you’re leading a team, coaching others, or developing your own learning mindset, this episode will help you discover the power of the pause to drive performance, engagement, and lasting change.YOU’LL LEARN:Why silence feels uncomfortable—and how our instinct to fill the space with our thinking limits growth, reflection, and learningHow embracing ma (間), the Japanese concept of “ meaningful space between”, creates the conditions for learning, understanding, and transformation The importance of intentional reflection (hansei) to cultivate a  learning culture rooted in continuous improvementWhy mastering the pause creates ripple effects across your team, transforms your leadership, and leads to better resultsThree ways to develop the power of the pause as a transformational leadership habit to create clarity, ownership, and insightIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/56 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:50 The benefits of mastering the pause 02:12 Why silence is uncomfortable making us want to keep things moving05:05 Katie’s aha moment of the telling habit08:58 How to pause to create space for others to think10:16 How the pause is used in Japanese culture13:18 The meaning of ma (間) and how to apply this concept15:41 How reflection (hansei) is deeply rooted in Toyota’s culture16:17 An example of how Agustín created pauses in the busyness of the usual work routines to give space for conversations17:47 Why the power of the pause is three-fold17:51 [ONE] Restore the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Adjust) cycle18:20 [TWO] Pausing gives others space to think18:46 [THREE] The pause shifts you from being reactive to proactive19:40 Three ways to practice the power of the pause19:44 [FIRST] Count silently to 10 after you ask an open question20:01 [SECOND] Schedule reflection and thinking time for yourself and for your team20:22 [THIRD] Practice the Intention Pause21:32 The benefits of holding back before sharing your idea Submit your questions to John Shook here:https://kbjanderson.com/ask/

David Yeager, psychology professor and author of 10 to 25 who studies adolescent motivation, explores the mentor mindset. He discusses balancing very high standards with very high support. Short, practical stories show how asking before telling, labeling intent, and flexible processes build respect and move young people from compliance to true engagement.

Betsy Jordyn, a brand positioning strategist who helps consultants and coaches become sought-after experts, joins to reframe how lean and continuous improvement are presented. They talk about why positioning fails, the people-and-learning core behind lean, framing outcomes in business language, linking behavior change to ROI, and practical rules for getting influence and buy-in.

Nicolas Kemp, a Japanologist and coach-trainer, dives deep into the real essence of ikigai—far beyond the trendy Venn diagram. He reveals that ikigai is about creating meaning and authentic connections in life rather than just chasing single purposes. Nicolas discusses his journey learning about this concept in Japan, introduces 'ibasho' as vital for thriving workplaces, and emphasizes the importance of psychological safety. He also shares practical habits to cultivate a fulfilling life and workplace, making a compelling case for joy and humanity in leadership.

A deep dive into why lean and continuous improvement practitioners love solving meaningful, moment-of-truth problems and developing people. Listeners hear why tangible, measurable impact keeps them going. The conversation highlights the top frustration: getting senior leaders to truly own transformation. Practical steps to speak the business language and build influence are explored.

In this discussion, Elisabeth Swan, a leadership coach and co-founder of the Just-in-Time Café, joins Tracy O'Rourke, co-author of 'The Problem-Solver’s Toolkit.' They emphasize that traditional training often fails to drive meaningful change. Practical strategies for engaging teams, fostering psychological safety, and cultivating curiosity are explored. The duo also highlights the importance of storytelling and creative collaboration in problem-solving. Their insights encourage listeners to bridge the gap between knowledge and action for real organizational impact.