The Lean Solutions Podcast

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Andy Olrich and Catherine McDonald break down one of the biggest reasons Lean fails in organizations, and how it has nothing to do with the tools.Most companies try to “sell Lean” as a program or initiative, which immediately creates resistance. Employees see it as something being done to them instead of for them. But the real key to success is much simpler: stop selling Lean and start solving real problems that people face every day.The conversation dives into how leadership behaviors shape culture, why small wins matter more than big projects, and how building trust through employee involvement can transform an organization. You’ll also learn why traditional reward systems often backfire, and how to create a continuous improvement system that actually sticks.If your Lean efforts feel stuck—or your team isn’t buying in—this episode will completely change how you approach transformation.Key Takeaways:1. Stop selling Lean—start solving real problems2. Leadership behavior—not tools—determines success3. Small wins build trust faster than big initiatives4. Lean must be a system, not an eventLinks:Lean Solutions 2026 SummitLean Solutions Website

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Patrick Adams and Shayne Daughenbaugh sit down with Lean expert Darren Walsh to uncover why most Lean transformations stall, and what leaders must do to accelerate real business transformation.With more than 25 years of experience working with world-class organizations, Darren explains why many companies struggle with continuous improvement despite investing heavily in Lean tools like Kaizen and value stream mapping. The problem isn’t the tools; it’s the leadership mindset, flawed improvement strategies, and a focus on efficiency instead of value flow.The conversation explores how daily management systems, visual management, leadership routines, and better problem-solving can dramatically accelerate Lean results. Darren also shares practical strategies leaders can use to ensure teams work on the right problems, remove organizational blockers, and build sustainable continuous improvement habits.If your Lean initiative feels stuck, this episode reveals the leadership shifts needed to unlock faster transformation and lasting operational excellence.Key Takeaways:1. Most Lean transformations fail because leaders focus on efficiency instead of value flow2. Delegating improvement kills continuous improvement3. Daily management is the foundation of Lean success4. Most teams are solving the wrong problemsLinks:Lean Solutions 2026 SummitLean Solutions WebsiteClick Here for Darren Walsh's LinkedInhttps://www.makingleanwork.org/

Marco Dannerhill, a 35-year operational leader in the plastics industry focused on continuous quality and strategic lean thinking. He discusses how lean must shift from local fixes to strategic impact. Conversation covers adapting to uncertainty and AI, why technology should support people, and the need for coaching, trust, and clear strategy translation for frontline teams.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, hosts Patrick Adams, Andy Olrich, and guest Steve Riley discuss the importance of leadership behaviors in maintaining Lean initiatives. They highlight how unintentional actions, such as not picking up trash or not following standard work, can undermine Lean efforts. Steve Riley, a manufacturing operations leader with over 30 years of experience, emphasizes the need for consistent leadership presence, protecting standards under pressure, and fostering team-led improvements. They also explore the significance of measuring both leading and lagging indicators to ensure continuous improvement. Additionally, Riley introduces his company's digital shadow board service, which simplifies the creation of tool organization systems.Key Takeaways:Leadership behavior matters more than Lean toolsWhat leaders do in the moment defines credibilityLean breaks when standards are optionalImprovement must be part of daily workLinks:Lean Solutions 2026 SummitLean Solutions WebsiteClick Here for Steve Riley's LinkedInbespoketooltrays@gmail.comTool Box Foam, 5S Lean, 5 S Lean | BespokeToolTrays.com

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:In this second part episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Patrick Adams and Shane Daughenbaugh discuss the initial steps for a new leader implementing Lean principles. They emphasize understanding the current state through one-on-one interviews and Jeff Liker's leadership development model, which includes personal development, coaching others, daily Kaizen, and establishing a vision. Patrick advises starting with a model area to experiment with Lean concepts on a smaller scale. Shayne shares his experience of finding a champion and creating a safe space for experimentation. They both stress the importance of learning from failures, building team capability, and gradually introducing Lean practices to achieve organizational goals.Key Takeaways:Start Lean by Understanding the Current State—Not by Teaching ToolsYour First 90 Days Should Focus on Leadership Development, Not ControlCreate a “Sandbox” or Model Area to Learn Fast and SafelyFailure Is a Win When Learning Is the GoalLinks:Lean Solutions 2026 SummitLean Solutions Website⁠⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠⁠

They discuss what the first 90 days should look like when introducing Lean in a new role. They compare strategies for executives, managers, and individual contributors. They emphasize listening, working the frontline, and one-on-ones to build trust. They talk about turning emotions into data and using AI to spot themes.

They dig into how teams move from planning to actual action after strategy work. The conversation covers why too many priorities stall progress and how to pick where to begin. Practical frameworks like value–effort, time‑boxed quick wins, and structured prioritization are explored. They also discuss visual management, clear measures, ownership, and keeping work realistically sized.

What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeIn this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald and Shayne Daughenbaugh discuss what coaching in the workplace really means. Why it’s far more than a buzzword. The conversation breaks down the difference between coaching, training, and mentoring, and explains how coaching serves as a powerful leadership approach for developing people, building trust, and sustaining continuous improvement.They emphasize how coaching shows up in day-to-day work through huddles, Gemba walks, and one-on-ones, and how lean tools like PDCA naturally support a coaching mindset. Key TakeawaysCoaching is a leadership approach, not an event.Coaching is different from training and mentoring.Every day work creates coaching opportunities.LinksLean Solutions 2026 SummitLean Solutions Website⁠⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn⁠⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠⁠

What You’ll Learn: The second half dives deeper into the people side of continuous improvement. Dave explains how Nemawashi and intentional conversations help build alignment, trust, and momentum. Listeners learn why asking thoughtful questions—like “who else should we talk to?”—can naturally expand buy-in and lead to better decisions. The episode wraps with reflections on leadership, learning, and staying connected within the Lean community.Key Takeaways:How Nemawashi helps build buy-in naturallyWhy asking “who else should we talk to?” strengthens decisions and alignmentHuman, Pet, and Animal Nutrition Company: WebsiteClick Here for Dave Kippen's LinkedInLean Solutions Website

In this conversation, Dave Kippen, a performance excellence lead at ADM and a devoted volunteer with the Michigan Lean Consortium, dives into the essentials of effective change management. He emphasizes the critical role of executive support and the need for clear problem definitions in project success. Dave also discusses the common pitfalls that lead to stalled improvement efforts and how early stakeholder engagement can create clarity. His insights on aligning project charters with strategic goals provide a roadmap for leaders striving to implement meaningful change.